EuroWire May 2023

Technology News

X-ray measuring for in-line quality control of microducts

Höhle uses the X-Ray 6000 Pro for dimension measurement during production

For measuring the inner and outer diameter, wall thickness and eccentricity of the microducts, the company has installed three X-Ray 6000 Pro devices from Sikora, to monitor microducts within diameter ranges between 3 and 20mm. “The advantage of the X-Ray systems is that you are confident about the measured values and you get correct product dimensions immediately with the start-up of the line with ‘one shot’”, said Toomas Koobas, CEO at Höhle. “For microduct production, continuous in-line monitoring is the key factor when talking about quality. This can be achieved with Sikora devices.” Höhle uses three separate Ecocontrol 6000 processor systems, connected to each X-ray device, allowing operators to have constant access to the current measuring values. Real-time visualisation enables accurate process control. X-ray technology provides consistent measuring values without being affected by temperature or material. There is no need for coupling media and there is no calibration required. 6 and 6A networks outdoors, simplifying deployment with a clean, gel-free design. Hirschmann GDME heavy-duty valve connectors are designed and built to perform in harsh environments, meeting UL’s industrial standards for flame resistance and vibration tolerance, as well as DNV’s performance standards for marine applications. Lumberg Automation M8 D-coded data connectors are designed for miniaturised components that support cyber-physical integration in the Industrial Internet of Things. The data connectors are com- pact, easy to install and ruggedised for harsh environments. Finally, Lumberg Automation M12 power splitters can distribute power through an M12 circular power connection. The power splitters are part of the M12 power series, which withstands harsh conditions and demanding applications with an operating temperature of up to 125°C. Belden Inc www.belden.com

Höhle is a manufacturer of microducts used for building fibre-optical networks to house optical fibre cables as a protective channel. Located in Estonia, the company uses Sikora X-ray measuring systems in its plant for quality control during the extrusion of microducts. With an emphasis on the quality of the microducts it produces, Höhle only uses pure raw material of the highest quality, and includes continuous on-line measuring and control systems in the manufacturing process. CEO Toomas Koobas (left) and production manager Marko Hoolma, at Höhle’s microduct production plant in Estonia

Höhle also uses Sikora lump detectors in its lines. These systems detect the smallest non-conformities on the microducts’ surface. The operator receives immediate information in case of a fault and can take the necessary action. The combination of X-ray measuring systems and lump detection during the manufacturing process ensures microduct quality for customer satisfaction. Sikora AG www.sikora.net

Network security, ruggedisation and simplified deployment

Network infrastructure solutions supplier Belden has announced six new products to enable simple and secure data trans mission, connection and management. Belden Horizon™ is a managed software platform that streamlines secure access to remote equipment, supporting safe and simple deployment, connection and management of OT devices and applications. The platform supports edge orchestration, secure remote access technology and always-on, carrier agnostic connectivity via a persistent data network that allows remote automation devices to connect with each other. Hirschmann Greyhound 105/106 switch hardware releases include the addition of MACsec technology to enable enhanced network security through Layer 2 encryption and authentication, as well as support for HiOS Layer 3 Advanced software with unicast routing (L3A-UR). In the area of data acquisition and trans- mission, Belden’s Dry Core I/O and OSP category cables extend indoor Category

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May 2023