EuroWire September 2023

Technology News

Diamond die working machines

Mikrotek delivers technological tools for the wire sector, and has manufactured wire drawing dies of all types for a wide range of materials and applications for more than 30 years. A process of continuous improvement by self-learning, internal R&D and interaction with customers has helped the company to become a partner for the wire and cable industry. The company has developed special equipment for diamond die working operations, available for use seven days a week. Mikrotek states that its machines have been bought by more than 1,000 wire and cable companies for their own die shops. Mikrotek’s WPA2S diamond die working machine was designed and developed for resizing and re-polishing ND, polycrystalline (PCD) and SSCD dies. The machines are manufactured with high-precision engineering, with individual controls and wire tension adjustment. An oscillation of dies arrangement makes the machines versatile and user friendly. The machine is available with multiple spindle options – single spindle (WPA 1S), twin spindle (WPA 2S) and triple spindle (WPA 3S). The drawing die diameter range varies from 0.01 to 2.5mm. Mikrotek recommends installation and on-site training alongside its machines. Mikrotek www.mikrotek.in

Mikrotek twin-spindle wire polishing machine

Jelly die replaces jelly needle

Fibre optical cables for outdoor applications must be protected from water penetration. One way to achieve that is to fill the loose tubes with jelly. Until recently, Rosendahl Nextrom used a needle system in its jelly application head, but this is now being replaced by a new die system that offers benefits to both the production process and the quality of the final product. Extensive tests at Rosendahl’s laboratory plant have already shown an optimised jelly flow and better process stability with the new jelly die system. To prove its reliability in the field, the new jelly-filling die system has also been tested together with a customer under real production conditions. The results show fewer EFL variations, because within the jelly die, the fibre bundle experiences less turbulence due to the optimised design of the die system. The die is compact and cannot bend or wear out like a needle, which makes handling easier, and less maintenance is required.

Rosendahl Nextrom GmbH https://rosendahlnextrom.com

The new jelly die system fitted to a crosshead

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September 2023