EuroWire November 2022

RAYEX® D Dynamic X-Ray Measuring System

Benefits: Newest generation of measuring algorithm offers readiness for measurements within a few seconds Micro focused x-ray beam ensures highest precision Smart sensors with embedded processor available with the gauge New generation of long life x-ray sources available Parallel scanning of both measuring axes Easy maintenance due to modular system design

Zumbach Electronic AG | Hauptstrasse 93 | 2552 Orpund | Schweiz Telefon: +41 (0)32 356 04 00 | Fax: +41 (0)32 356 04 30 | sales@zumbach.ch | www.zumbach.com

Editor ....................................................................................... David Bell

‘Exciting time’ for British Steel ‘An incredibly exciting time for our business’ is how British Steel CEO Xifeng Han described his company’s £80mn investment in the future at its site in Scunthorpe, UK. £48mn of that will be for the installation of a new billet caster, while the Scunthorpe rod mill will undergo a £32mn upgrade. Additional money is being spent at FN Steel, British Steel’s sister company in the Netherlands. The announcement came shortly after the company said it was conducting a feasibility study into the use of green hydrogen as a fuel source. “While we’re still in the early stages of our transformation, these projects are a major step forward for British Steel and our customers. The new technology and manufacturing capabilities will significantly enhance our product range and deliver improved operational performance and efficiencies,” added Mr Han. Once the upgrade is complete, the company’s wire rod offering will have improved tolerances and surface quality, with an extended product range with diameters up to 28mm. The product range will also offer improved mechanical properties and enhanced options for supply condition, such as normalised rolled and low-temperature rolled wire rod. The reconfigured mill layout and new equipment are expected to be commissioned in 2023. The full story can be found on page 6. Another UK company in the spotlight is Cimteq Ltd, a design support and manufacturing software provider for wire and cable manufacturing. The company has been acquired by applied safety science organisation UL Solutions, therefore strengthening its software capabilities to serve its small and large wire and cable customers across the product life cycle. Cimteq’s enterprise-level software enables manufacturers to be more efficient through improved productivity and streamlining of product development and manufacturing processes.

Editorial Assistant .......................................... Christian Bradley

Design & Production ............................................... Lisa Wright

Advertising/Marketing ........................................ Jason Smith UK, Italy, ROW, USA & Canada Linda Li 中国 James Woodburn Worldwide

Advertisement Coordinator .............................. Liz Hughes

Accounts Manager ......................................... Louise Jennings

Subscriptions ......................................... Louise Jennings

Founder .......................................................................... John C Hogg

Europe

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US copies only : EuroWire (ISSN 1463-2483, USPS No: 022-738) is published six times a year, January, March, May, July, September and November by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA. Periodicals postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to EuroWire, Intras Ltd, C/O 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA 19032. This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. EuroWire reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. EuroWire expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this Disclaimer are governed by the laws of England. EuroWire is published six times per year and incorporates the title and publishing rights only of the former series of publications known as ‘ Transfil Europe ’. EuroWire is circulated to engineers, managers and personnel in the wire, cable, fibre optic and wire product industries upon receipt of a completed subscription form. An annual subscription is available from Intras Ltd, UK, at Euros 140.00, £120.00, US$195.00.

“Emerging technologies within smart cities, Industry 4.0, mobility and communications industries all rely on wire and cable to serve as the delivery backbone for new service offerings,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO, UL Solutions Inc. For full details, turn to page 8.

David Bell Editor

Front cover courtesy of Sikora AG showing their LUMP 2000 For more details please call: Tel: +49 421 48900 0 Fax: +49 42148900 90

sales@sikora.net www.sikora.net

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November 2022

Contents November 2022

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37

Corporate News

EuroFasteners

ISSN: 2633-9714 online

ISSN: 2633-9706 print

EF 3/39

Corporate News

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Technology News

EF 6/42

Products

CREATING THE FUTURE WNJ WITH YOU

12 AXES CNC SPRING COILING MACHINE

TK 7200

Separate motors for each wire-feeding pair. It can be operated synchronously or independently 3D analog programming & remote control. High precision with external cam for accurate OD. High speed with wire feeding speed up to 88m/min.

Controlled with 12 axes, 6 axes for wire-feeding, up-cut blade axis, down-cut blade axis, up variable diameter, down variable diameter, variable diameter and pitch axis.

12 AXES CNC SPRING CAMLESS MACHINE

www.read-eurofasteners.com

CNC 1260

Camless design, high speed, accuracy and good stability. Uses Taiwanese computer and Japanese servo motor. With rotary wire function and can be adjusted more easily. Lateral slide and slide modules Bends, loops, hooks, radii

34 wire India 2022

Photo by Fernando Reyes, Unsplash Photo by Michael Dziedzic, Unsplash

We specialize in spring coiling machines, spring forming machines, grinding machines and temper furnaces. We are committed to continuously developing and producing highly competitive spring machinery worldwide.

Tel: +86-575-83790399/+86-15657581166

WNJ Spring Machine Co.,Ltd Add: No.198 Zheduan Road, Pukou Street, Shengzhou, Zhejiang, China

Email: wnj@chinathjx.com Web: www.chinathjx.com

Technical Article 45

The autonomous trimming and sampling of wire rod coils By Jens Nylander, engineer at Automazioni Industriali Capitanio Srl

23-25 November 2022

48

Editorial Index

Photo: Renzo D’souza • Unsplash

48

36

Advertising Index

People

24

Diary dates

Next issue

■ Focus on China

23-25 November 2022 wire India Trade exhibition Mumbai, India Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.wire-india.com

■ Wire drawing machinery and equipment

■ wire India review

27-29 November 2022 China (Guangzhou) International Metal and Metallurgy Exhibition Trade exhibition Guangzhou, China Organisers: Guangzhou Julang Exhibition Design Co Ltd www.julang.com

■ Getting technical Copper and aluminium power cables: cost-benefits analysis

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6-8 March 2023 Cables (AMI event) Trade Exhibition Cologne, Germany Organisers: AMI www.ami-events.com

9-11 May 2023 Interwire Trade exhibition Atlanta, Georgia, USA Organisers: Wire Association International www.wirenet.org

9-11 May 2023 Made In Steel Trade exhibition Milan, Italy Organisers: Siderweb SpA www.madeinsteel.it

Subscribe today!

10-13 May 2023 Lamiera Trade exhibition Milan, Italy Organisers: CEU-Centro Esposizioni Ucimu SpA www.lamiera.net

Visit us online at: www.read-eurowire.com

As with all shows, and with the continuing coronavirus pandemic, please check to ensure the event is going ahead

Corporate News

British Steel’s former billet caster at its Scunthorpe site

£80mn investment programme underway at British Steel

announced in 2018, the scheme had been paused but is now being resumed under British Steel’s new ownership. Once the upgrade is complete, the company’s wire rod offering will have improved tolerances and surface quality, with an extended product range with diameters up to 28mm. The product range will also offer improved mechanical properties and enhanced options for supply condition, such as normalised rolled and low-temperature rolled wire rod. The reconfigured mill layout and new equipment are expected to be commissioned in 2023. Phil Knowles, British Steel’s commercial director for wire rod, said, “Our bespoke new facility will be a real game changer. We’ll be able to manufacture wire rod with tighter tolerance control, improved ovality and world-class surface quality – key factors in meeting current and future customer requirements.” British Steel Ltd https://britishsteel.co.uk

these projects are a major step forward for British Steel and our customers. The new technology and manufacturing capabilities will significantly enhance our product range and deliver improved operational performance and efficiencies.” The new billet caster, which will manufacture lengths of semi-finished steel, is being installed by Danieli and is expected to be commissioned at the end of the year. It will enable the company to both increase capacity and grow into new markets. Richard Longbottom, technical manager, steelmaking development, said, “The new caster will produce billets of an even higher standard, with much better internal and surface qualities. We’ll also have a broader product range, enabling us to become more competitive and expand our offering to customers.” Work is also underway to install new mill equipment to extend engineering capabilities at British Steel’s Scunthorpe rod mill. Part of a £50mn investment

British Steel has started work on £80mn of investments to enhance its product range and improve operational and environmental performance. The bulk of the investment – £48mn – is financing the installation of a new billet caster at the company’s site in Scunthorpe, UK. At the same time, its Scunthorpe rod mill is being given a £32mn upgrade, while further investments are being made at FN Steel, British Steel’s sister company in the Netherlands. The announcement came a short time after British Steel announced it was conducting a feasibility study into the use of green hydrogen as a fuel source. Xifeng Han, British Steel’s CEO, said, “This is an incredibly exciting time for our business with unprecedented levels of investment – fuelled by the drive of our employees – powering us towards a sustainable future. While we’re still in the early stages of our transformation,

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November 2022

Unlock the Potential of your Wire Production Double the outputs without changing the existing set-up with Lämneå Bruk's No Twist Coiler technology

Key Benefits for Wire Drawing

Increase your drawing line e ciency signi cantly and experience unlimited coiler speed due to the special yer design

Intuitive and operator-friendly cast and helix set-up

Produces always perfectly pattern laid coils up to 4.5 tons

Suitable from 0.3 mm wire diameter and up

Key Benefits for Wire Package Uncoiling

Unlimited payout speed

Continuous payout, running from coil to coil, by welding nish end to start end

Visit Lämneå Bruk at wire India, stand L102 B and bring your wire production to a new level!

Twist-free wire without the need for rotation of the wire carrier during uncoiling

sales@lamnea.se www.lamnea.se

Corporate News

UL Solutions acquires Cimteq Limited Applied safety science organisation UL Solutions has announced its acquisition of Cimteq Limited, a design support and manu- facturing software provider for the global wire and cable manufacturing industry based in the UK.

Weifang Zhou, executive vice president and president of testing, inspection and certification, UL Solutions, commented, “Process excellence throughout the research and development cycle is increasingly crucial to safe product deployment, especially as the complexity of design requirements increases. Cimteq will enable UL Solutions to help customers optimise operations while enhancing product safety and compliance.” Cimteq CEO Michael Braddock said, “Cimteq was founded to develop software solutions for the wire and cable industry and help manufacturers achieve their digital transformation ambitions while developing safe and compliant products. “We share UL Solutions’ mission-centric safety culture and are proud to join them to help advance innovations for the wire and cable industry.” Cimteq was co-founded in 1998 by software industry veterans Ali and Amanda Shehab, and is headquartered in Wrexham, Wales, approximately 35 miles south of Liverpool. In 2018, the company received an equity investment from listed private equity and infrastructure investment manager Foresight Group.

The acquisition will strengthen UL Solutions’ software capabilities to better serve small and large wire and cable customers across the product life cycle. Cimteq’s enterprise-level software enables manufacturers to be more efficient through improved productivity and streamlining of product development and manufacturing processes. “Emerging technologies within smart cities, Industry 4.0, mobility and communications industries all rely on wire and cable to serve as the delivery backbone for new service offerings,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO, UL Solutions Inc. “We are confident the acquisition of Cimteq allows us to help wire and cable customers continue to evolve and succeed as these technologies introduce new challenges and opportunities.” Cimteq’s technologyalsohelpssimplifythecomplexmanagement of cable design data, from the initial concept to delivering a full bill of materials directly to enterprise resource planning systems. With Cimteq software, UL Solutions is able to provide wire and cablemanufacturers tools to effectively plan, manage and control every aspect of the development and manufacturing process by utilising the latest industrial Internet of Things (IoT) technology to optimise cable manufacturing operations.

The transaction closed on 9 September 2022.

UL Solutions www.ul.com Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com

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November 2022

Corporate News

AWI posts European sales boost A UK manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire has seen a major increase in European sales. Orders at Alloy Wire International (AWI) have risen to nearly a third of its predicted £13mn annual turnover, with the firm’s commitment to short lead times and security of supply securing a number of new clients. nuclear sectors. The shipping department has established contingency plans with some of the world’s best transport carriers, ensuring its material can be anywhere in Europe within three weeks of the order being placed. Tom Mander, managing

speak for themselves with European sales up 20 per cent over the last twelve months, underlining the importance of supply chain resilience.” The company has seen similar growth outside Europe, with the buoyant oil and gas industry encouraging a surge in North American business. Round and profile wire –manufactured in corrosion-resistant and/or high-temperature resistant alloys such as Inconel X-750, Phynox, Inconel 718 and Hastelloy C-276 – is in demand from customers producing springs and fasteners used deep underground or under the ocean. The medical device sector continues to buy wire made in alloys like MP35N, Phynox and vacuum-melted grades of stainless steel for their metallographic purity. Mr Mander said, “Customers in these high-tech sectors stipulate raw material from selected approved sources and the wire being manufactured to specific AMS and ASTM specifications. We adopt these practices, making it easy for customers to select AWI as their programme partner. This is further strengthened by our quality and operational systems being accredited to AS 9100 (aerospace) and ISO 13485 (medical devices).” AlloyWire International www.alloywire.com

director designate, commented, “We’ve seen all the newspaper headlines around Brexit and the complications it is causing, but we’re bucking the national trend it seems. Yes, it hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had to spend a lot of time and money in getting the processes right. However, the results

The company has invested in a network of sales offices around the world, providing local knowledge in forty countries and enabling AWI to build relationships in the automotive, aerospace, high-value engineering, medical, oil and gas and

AWI’s European sales have increased 20 per cent in the last year

Lämneå Bruk AB Wire machinery manufacturer Lämneå Bruk will be participating for the second time at a wire industry trade show in India this year. After a successful Cable & Wire Fair in March, the company will be exhibiting at wire India in November. The Indian market has gained importance for the Swedish company over the years, and the feedback in March was positive, according to president Jonas Hagstedt. Lämneå Bruk’s machine portfolio ranges from drawing machines to (de-)spooling, rod preparation, coilers, take-ups, payoffs and pointing machines for different wire types, such as low- to high-carbon, stainless steel, welding and spring wire. The company has specialised industry knowledge, and says that its teams’ hands-on skills allow them to find the suitable and innovative solutions for the international customer base. All parts of its machines are produced on-site in Sweden, from the first drawing to the electrical design, manufacturing, control cabinet assembly and programming with a complete CNC set-up. Being in full control over the entire production chain ensures quality and gives flexibility to customise each machine to the customer’s requirements, to meet the changing demands of the industry. A thorough three-step risk analysis and conformity according to ISO standards certify the safety of all machines. Lämneå Bruk AB www.lamnea.se L 102 B

No Twist Coiler for spring wire

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November 2022

Supermac – Global Solution Provider in Extrusion and Process Technology along with IIOT applications r c l l l ti r i r i tr si r c ss c l l it II lic ti s

Supermac Industries established in the year 1974 is a leader in manufacturing of high end systems and process technology for the wire & cable in Power and telecom sector and related Industries. The ISO 9001 and CE certified company specializes in offering customized and tailor made solutions to fulfil specific needs of the variety of customers all across the globe. With a highly skilled design team, with the best of manufacturing and highly talented commissioning team, trained experts in cable processes and technology, we offer design to process expertise to bring in the best product for you. Supermac Industries established in the year 1974 is a leader in manufacturing of high end systems and process technology for the wire & cable in Power and telecom sector and related Industries. The ISO 9001 and CE certified company specializes in offering customized and tailor made solutions to fulfil specific needs of the variety of customers all across the globe. With a highly skilled design team, with the best of manufacturing and highly talented commissioning team, trained experts in cable processes and technology, we offer design to process expertise to bring in the best product for you. Supermac has expertise providing on line commissioning from remote. Post commissioning customer service support is provided Supermac has expertise providing on line commissioning from remote. Post commissioning customer service support is provided

IIOT screen IIOT screen

from both on site as well as from remote. In our endeavour to conform to industry 4.0 norms, Supermac has taken strong strides forward in implementing several digital initiatives and can provide IIOT enabled extrusion lines supported by Siemens Mind sphere software from both on site as well as from remote. In our endeavour to conform to industry 4.0 norms, Supermac has taken strong strides forward in implementing several digital initiatives and can provide IIOT enabled extrusion lines supported by Siemens Mind sphere software The company has three established and running units near New Delhi and are adding another unit under our expansion program. The company has three established and running units near New Delhi and are adding another unit under our expansion program. The state-of-the art facilities are equipped with international and indigenous machinery to carry out the process of manufacturing as per the customer’s requirements. Supermac has strategic partnership with German Companies – M/S Scholz to cover CCV Lines, M/S Rubicon to cover Rubber extrusion Lines and Simpack USA for Coiling machines and Solutions. The state-of-the art facilities are equipped with international and indigenous machinery to carry out the process of manufacturing as per the customer’s requirements. Supermac has strategic partnership with German Company – M/S Scholz to cover CCV Lines, and Simpack USA for Coiling machines and Solutions.

High speed building wire line High speed building wire line

Supermac specializes in the following areas: • State of the art CCV Line with Super ac specializes in the following areas: • State of the art CCV Line with

• Rubber extruders for Insulation and sheathing materials • Silicone extrusion lines with infrared vulcanization system • Cat 5.6 and 7 Lines • FTTH drop cable lines • Fluoropolymer – FEP, PTFE /ETFE Lines • Loose tube/Secondary coating lines for fibre optics • Extruders for variety of applications – up to 175 mm • Cross-Head Single/Dual/Triple • Haul-Off Caterpillar • Capstan • Take-up and pay-off of all types and sizes and as per requirement above 4.5 meters and 40 MT • Rubber extruders for Insulation and sheathing materials • Silicone extrusion lines with infrared vulcanization system • Cat 5.6 and 7 Lines • FTTH drop cable lines • Fluoropolymer – FEP, PTFE /ETFE Lines • Loose tube/Secondary coating lines for fibre optics • Extruders for variety of applications – up to 175 mm • Cross-Head Single/Dual/Triple • Haul-Off Caterpillar • Capstan • Take-up and pay-off of all types and sizes and as per requirement above 4.5 meters and 40 MT

Scholz Vulcanization system for Power Cables up to 132 KV XLPE and 33 KV for Rubber • Specialized Medical Tubing extrusion lines • Proven Triple Extrusion Line for SIOPLAS (XLPE) cables • High speed Insulation Line and Sheathing Line for House Wiring & Control Cables and medical equipment sector. • High output and best in class Insulation Line and Sheathing Line for Power and Optical fiber Cables. • HCV insulation and sheathing line • Hybrid and composite CCV lines for both XLPE and Rubber. Scholz Vulcanization system for Power Cables up to 132 KV XLPE and 33 KV for Rubber • Specialized Medical Tubing extrusion lines • Proven Triple Extrusion Line for SIOPLAS (XLPE) cables • High speed Insulation Line and Sheathing Line for House Wiring & Control Cables and medical equipment sector. • High output and best in class Insulation Line and Sheathing Line for Power and Optical fiber Cables. • HCV insulation and sheathing line • Hybrid and composite CCV lines for both XLPE and Rubber.

Supermac CCV Line Supermac CCV Line

www.supermacindia.com www.supermacindia.com

SUPERMAC INDUSTRIES (INDIA) LIMITED SUPERMAC INDUSTRIES (INDIA) LIMITED

UNIT-I : Plot No-2, Sector-6, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon Haryana, INDIA Ph.: +91-0124-4690500 | Fax: +91-0124-4690501 E-mail: jasvinder@supermacindia.com, vkohli@supermacindia.com UNIT-I : Plot No-2, Sector-6, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon Haryana, INDIA Ph.: +91-0124-4690500 | Fax: +91-0124-4690501 E-mail: jasvinder@supermacindia.com, vkohli@supermacindia.com

OFFICE : A-28 & 29, NARAINA Industrial Area Phase-1, New Delhi-110028, INDIA Ph.: +91-11-45574317 E-mail: office@supermacindia.com OFFICE : A-28 & 29, NARAINA Industrial Area Phase-1, New Delhi-110028, INDIA Ph.: +91-11-45574317 E-mail: office@supermacindia.com

UNIT-II : Plot No. 18-19, Sector-2A, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, INDIA UNIT-II : Plot No. 18-19, Sector-2A, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, INDIA

Corporate News

Exhibitor interest strong for Interwire 2023

Packaging equipment facility expansion

The site of Windak’s new extension

The Wire Association International (WAI), host of the biennial Interwire trade exposition and conference, reports that the 80,000ft 2 of available exhibition space for the next event is fully contracted, and the organiser is looking to expand to accommodate additional exhibitors. The event is scheduled to run from 9 to 11 May 2023 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. WAI has established a ‘wait list’ and will assign booths as space allows, to accommodate the continuing influx of requests for exhibit space. Commenting on the process, sales director Shannon Timme said, “It’s clear 2023 will be a great year for Interwire. With the current strength of the industry, the re emergence of industry fairs, and energy focused on trade events, new and returning Interwire exhibitors were quick to book their exhibit space. We want to accommodate every company that submits a request to exhibit.” The Wire Association International is a not-for-profit association with 1,800 individual members in 50 countries, and serves the educational needs of the wire and cable manufacturing industry through a variety of products and services.

With growing demand and a motivation to provide efficiency, Windak Group is expanding its manufacturing base in Tallinn, Estonia, adding 1,428m 2 to its production facility. The new addition to the manufacturing facility will increase production capacity and accommodate additional assembly space for Windak’s expanding line-up of packaging equipment. To support operations, the overall flow of the company’s production processes will also be improved. This decision to expand also led to a reorganisation of the stock of spare parts, as well as a 15 per cent increase in staff. Windak expects the new facility to enable it tomeet the growing demand for its products and to better serve customers around the world. Windak Group www.windakgroup.com

TheWire Association International, Inc www.wirenet.org www.interwire23.com

Landing at an exhibition near you…

ARRIVALs

wire India 23rd-25th November 2022 Mumbai, India

Cables AMI 6th-8th March 2023 Cologne, Germany

Magazines from press stand

Stand: TBC

Interwire 2023 9th-11th May 2023 Georgia, USA

Made in Steel 9th-11th May 2023 Milan, Italy

Stand: TBC

Stand: TBC

Lamiera 2023 10th-13th May 2023 Milan, Italy

• Industry news • High profile show issues • Specialist features • Latest technology news • Technical articles • Fasteners section The inTernaTional magazine for The wire and cable indusTries

Stand: TBC

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As good as new again – or even better. NIEHOFF modernization.

During the design and manufacturing of its equipment, NIEHOFF focuses on advanced technology, quality, reliability, robustness and durability. That is the reason why NIEHOFF machines that have been in operation for decades are also worth a modernization performed by NIEHOFF specialists. These professionals have access to well-maintained and original documentation, and thus to all pertinent data. Because of their experience and expertise, NIEHOFF specialists can handle all customer-specific particularities. This applies practically to all NIEHOFF machines including any modifications made to them by customers. The spare parts needed for reconditioning are produced in house on cutting-edge machining centers to OEM quality, and thus meet the same high requirements as parts for new machines. Our technicians inspect the machine or line in question on site and analyze the specific increase in efficiency, which can be achieved by a modernization . The measures will then be done at either the customer’s site, on the shop floor at NIEHOFF facility or at a NIEHOFF subsidiary with its own manufacturing. After completion of the modernization measures, the machines or lines are not only “in mint condition”, but often show higher productivity than before. In most cases, modernizing NIEHOFF machines even after decades of use is therefore worthwhile. Allow us the opportunity to evaluate your modernization needs.

NIEHOFF Original +

Convincing Quality

Top Performance

Expertise, Customer Driven, Service – in Good Hands with NIEHOFF

Maschinenfabrik NIEHOFF GmbH & Co. KG Walter-Niehoff-Strasse 2, 91126 Schwabach, Germany Phone +49 9122 977-0/Fax +49 9122 977-155 info@niehoff.de

www.niehoff.de

Corporate News

Building safety remains “on a knife edge” Wrexham Mineral Cables, a manufacturer of fire resistance cables, has again called for more stringent testing standards following a spate of fires in recent months, including one in Bradford, UK, where residents were evacuated from a block of apartments in the city centre following a blaze on the fifth floor of the building. resistant cables, which may not survive during a true fire scenario.

times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building. Plus, with some buildings adopting the much criticised ‘stay put’ policy, circuits such as extraction systems must remain fully functional. “The tests which cables are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is extremely concerning that ‘enhanced fire resistant’ cables most commonly being used for critical emergency building services may not survive fire, water and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain on a knife edge for years to come.” Mr Williams said that Wrexham Mineral Cables remains committed to raising industry standards, and that the only way to achieve this is by introducing a standard test for all fire-resistant cables – such as BS 8519, currently only applicable to fire-resistant cables over 20mm. “Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist, fire,” said Mr Williams. ”Wrexham Mineral Cables have recently gained approval to BS8519 on cable measuring less than 8mm, proving it really is the only true fire survival cable.” WrexhamMineral Cables https://wrexhammineralcables.com

Wrexham Mineral Cables commercial manager Steve Williams says that testing needs to be strengthened for all fire resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety. He commented, “Fire-resistant cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supported in the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, but they also ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high-rise buildings where evacuation

The company believes this once again highlights the importance of keeping buildings and the people who occupy them safe, and that in too many cases the focus has remained largely on identified defects. Unidentified issues can include the installation of certain types of fire

WrexhamMineral Cables is highlighting the importance of testing fire-resistant cables

Pan Chemicals SpA Pan Chemicals is an Italian producer of drawing lubricants, coatings and chemicals for the wire industry. It sells worldwide, either directly or through its network of agents, distributors and branch companies. The company’s research and development department explores new products and concepts, to offer its customers improved performance and efficiency, while also keeping a focus on environmental sustainability. With this aim, Pan Chemicals has recently added to its portfolio new products such as ash-less lubricants for high quality surface after annealing; polymer-based pre-coating for cold forming applications; polymer pre-coat lubricants for heavy duty bar drawing; nanotechnology based protective coating for galvanised wires; and pre-coating for high-tensile galvanised steel wire drawing.

G 58

It has also introduced special nano dispersion water-based lubricants for fine and extra-fine drawing of high tensile wires; new concept drawing technologies based on special diamond dies; and a new design of high-performance compact pressure dies. The company’s production programme includes Panlube S dry drawing lubricants – calcium, sodium, aluminium, zinc, lithium and combined products for low and high carbon steel and stainless steel; Panlube L wet drawing lubricants – oils, greases and pastes for wet drawing of low and high carbon, welding wire, stainless steel and non-ferrous wire; Pancover lubricant carriers – phosphates and non-reactive coatings; Panflux flux for galvanising – developed to improve the efficiency of the galvanising process by uniform control of the reaction between the two metals; and Panchem auxiliary

Pan supplies lubricants, coatings and chemicals for the wire industry

products – degreasing agents, pickling inhibitors, anti-rusting and protective products, activated charcoal, wiping pads and spiral brushes. Pan Chemicals SpA https://panchemicals.com

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November 2022

Corporate News

Trends in the wiring harness sector High demand for electric cars is making wiring harnesses more important and sys tem-critical. This is creating opportunities, but also challenges, for manufacturers. systems to manufacturing execution systems (MES) in order to supply them efficiently with orders and provide quality data transparently.

across and throughout all of these steps, fromengineering through installation and ideally to the use of the wiring harness in the vehicle. In the ARENA2036 research campus, an innovation platform for the mobility and production of the future, vehicle manufacturers, wire harness producers, machine manufacturers, software firms and other companies have joined forces to advance the development of consistent digital twins. “Electromobility is promising wiring har ness manufacturers a bright future,” ex plained Bernd Jost, managing director of DiIT. “But to participate they must do their homework. Without further automation, standardisation and digitalisation, the sector will not be able tomeet the increas ing requirements which go hand in hand with this change in importance of their products.” Examples of the company’s corporate responsibility include its contribution to social projects like Lebenshilfe Traunstein. It also partners VESO Arbeitsintegration with its Swiss branch in Winterthur, helping people temporarily unable to work to re-join the regular labour market. 2021 sawWolfram Industrie complete two major projects. The first involved boosting production capacity at the Bayerische Metallwerke headquarters in Dachau by 50 per cent. The second was at Wolfram Industrie’s headquarters in Traunstein, where work on a long-planned new building got underway. The new 7,000m 2 head office, which will house 6,500m 2 of production space, is expected to go into operation at the start of 2023. “Investing around €20mn is key to us having the space and logistical scope we need to optimise the flow of materials and ramp up progress on new manufactur ing technologies,” commented Sebastian von Cetto, Wolfram Industrie managing partner and production manager at the Dachau facility. “Streamlining the decision making within our companies and install ing the latest ventilation system are just two ways our employees will benefit.” Gesellschaft fürWolfram IndustriembH Bayerische Metallwerke GmbH www.wolfram-industrie.de DiIT GmbH www.diit.de

Interface standardisation is gaining mo mentum. As manufacturers of wire pro cessing machines continue to define their own interface specifications, the integra tion of machines into an MES system can incur considerable expense. With increas ing automation, this situation is not sus tainable over the long term. At the end of 2021, a VDMA working group was formed to develop a sector standard on the basis of the OPC/UA industry standard. Many wiring harness manufacturers are already working with digital twins, which can be deployed in most steps of the engineering and manufacturing process. However, there has been a lack of consistency. Each step uses its own digital twin that operates independently of others. To enable consistent traceability and quality assurance, the information model of a wiring harness must be usable “Thanks to Wolfram Industrie acquiring Bayerische Metallwerke in 1991, we not only kept our then competitor in business as a going concern, but also expanded our own portfolio, which opened up new prospects for both companies,” said managing partner Marion Freifrau von Cetto. With regional supply chains, stable production of tungsten electrodes in Germany could be ensured, independent of the East Asian market, allowing the company to weather the ongoing pandemic crisis. Whenever possible, Wolfram Industrie sources conflict-free raw materials from Europe.

DiIT, a specialist in integrated software systems used in wiring harness production, explained three trends that wiring harness manufacturers need to look out for: a reliance on high voltage wires for automation; interface standardisation; and paving the way for consistent digital twins. The breakthrough of e-mobility has led to an increasing requirement for high-voltage wires. Wiring harness manufacturers are looking for ways to automate the processing of these complex multiple-core wires with additional shields. Relevant systems with several interlinked processing stations are generating interest. In addition to throughput, automated quality control – for example with vision systems – has an important role to play in these systems. It must also be possible to connect the

Double anniversary Gesellschaft für Wolfram Industrie mbH took over Bayerische Metallwerke GmbH 30 years ago. Today, the companies are celebrating their 110 th and 95 th anniversaries, and upgrading their capacity by expanding and developing at both locations in Bavaria, Germany.

A combined total of 205 years of accumulated insights paves the way for industries such as semiconductors to exploit high-quality tungsten and molybdenum products. Streamlining production and leveraging the latest manufacturing technology helps the group continue delivering innovative solutions for its customers.

In Traunstein, construction of the new company headquarters got the green light

Photo credit: Gesellschaft für Wolfram Industrie

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Corporate News

SMS group records highest order intake for ten years

Burkhard Dahmen, CEO of SMS group, said, “Almost all industrialised countries have set themselves ambitious climate targets and resolved transformation strategies for their steel industries. Today, integrated steelworks produce around 1.3bn tons of crude steel per year via the conventional BF-BOF route, accounting for 90 per cent of all CO 2 emissions from the steel industry. In the decades to come, these production capacities will be subject to transformation. As a systems supplier, we are in a position to support our customers comprehensively in every situation.” In addition to supplying solutions and systems to the steel industry, SMS develops technologies that enable the recovery and reuse of nearly all types metals. In November 2021, a long term strategic partnership agreement was concluded with copper producer Aurubis, covering the development and construction of several modular recycling plants in Europe and North America. These plants will recover metals such as

With an 86 per cent increase, SMS group almost doubled its order intake to reach €3,507mn in the 2021 financial year, recording its highest level in ten years. The reasons for the rise are the catch up effects in the wake of the previous year’s slump triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the growing demand for decarbonisation and recycling technologies. The group experienced an increase in the order backlog. Due to delays caused by the pandemic in the schedules for acceptance, the 2021 financial year closed with sales down 6.8 per cent from the previous year. Earnings before taxes (EBT) amounted to €87mn. This result returns SMS to a post-pandemic situation of profitable growth. With the acquisition of the remaining shares of Paul Wurth in April 2021, SMS further strengthened its position as technology partner and full-line supplier for the steel industry.

SMS CEO Burkhard Dahmen

copper, nickel, tin, zinc, platinum and various precious metals for reuse in the value-creation cycle. SMS is expecting a sustainable increase in incoming orders and an improvement in results in the coming years. Order intake in 2022 is expected to level out at the previous year’s figure. SMS group GmbH www.sms-group.com

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clients receive the maximum publicity. Our readership is from the boardroom to the shop floor, with many companies retaining copies of our magazines for many years as technical journals.

With an unrivalled global distribution in both print and digital formats, we have a firm belief in supporting businesses through combining editorial excellence and targeted advertising to reach the far corners of the globe. Our magazines and staff can be seen at numerous exhibitions worldwide every year, ensuring our

Intras Ltd - independent publishers of Tube & Pipe Technology, Wire & Cable ASIA, EuroWire, Tube Products INTERNATIONAL magazines and wiredInUSAwebsite – has a proud tradition of supporting the wire, cable, tube and pipe industries since the 1980s.

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www.marcegaglia.com Telephone: +44 1926 334137 Email: intras@intras.co.uk JOIN US Get our app Meet us at TUBE December 7 - 11, 2020 Düsseldorf, Germany ARO STEEL s.r.l. Via Cavour, 39 - 43100 Parma (Italia) - Tel.: +39 0521 391411 - Fax: +39 0521 285747 - www.arosteel.com (dimensions up to 500X500x20mm) Black welded gas and water pipes, hot galvanised with smooth end 235 quality pipes, round, square and rectangular, black, hot galvanised Pipes made of hot galvanised strips Black, pickled, galvanised sheet steel Steel, naturally HALL 8A - STAND B60 EN 10219 - EN 10210 round, square and rectangular structural pipes, produced to S355J2H quality level and 3.1 certified

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Published for the first time in 1998, EuroWire (EOW) is the leading international magazine for the wire and cable industries. Covering corporate and technology news, technical articles, and informative news from

INTO THE FUTURE OF STEEL TUBES

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Wire & Cable ASIA – aimed at the increasing Asian market – was published for the first time. Now issued four times per year, it includes industry news, technology news, informative columns on telecom news and a glance at the American market, as well as

January 2008

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Tube Products INTERNATIONAL, reporting on specialist areas of tube and pipe products for applications such as aerospace, automotive, civil, energy, OCTG, structural and mechanical, published for the first time. Currently

John hogg, founder of Intras Ltd, was also a co-founder

of the International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA) and the International Tube Association (ITA). he played an instrumental role in the negotiation and establishment of international wire and cable shows, including the founding of ‘ wire’ – the leading international wire and cable exhibition, now organised by Messe Düsseldorf.

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produced as a section within TPT.

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Embracing the digital world, wiredInUSA – Now a vibrant and informative website, has now become a well-respected resource aimed at the Americas.

wire Düsseldorf, Tube Düsseldorf, wire and Tube China, wire and Tube India, wire South America, Tubotech, wire and Tube Southeast Asia, wire Russia, Tube Russia, Wire & Cable Guangzhou, IWCS, FAbTECh, Valve World Expo, Steelfab, MACh, EurobLECh, TOLexpo, Made in Steel, Lamiera, Interwire, Saw Expo, boru, TEL, EMO and FAbTECh Canada.

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Corporate News

Magnetic Analysis Corp NDT test instruments and systems for inspecting wire, bar, tube and pipe will be featured at the stand of Magnetic Analysis Corp (MAC) and Inmar Engineering Corp – MAC’s agent in India. Highlights will be the Minimac® eddy current tester and information on MAC’s latest Echomac® phased array ultrasonic systems for testing ERW welded tube. The Minimac 50/55 for detecting short surface and some subsurface defects at speeds up to 4,000 fpm will be demon- strated using a linear rail eddy current coil holder while testing ½" diameter stainless steel tube. This eddy current instrument is also often used for inspecting welding wire, including flux core wire where it can detect missing flux as well as flaws in the wire itself. It can also find weld-line faults in tube and check continuity in single and multi-conductor insulated wire and cable. Using an MID option, the Minimac can detect magnetic inclusions in non magnetic product. MAC’s MultiMac® eight-channel eddy current instrument is used to detect surface defects and laps in cold drawn wire and high-speed operations. Information will be available on MAC’s Echomac PA TW phased array UT robot system, installed recently at a US tube mill. This new system is able to measure the tube profile and monitor the scarfing trim tool operation in the heat affected zone, often within 40 feet of the welder, at temperatures up to 122°C (252°F). This upstream location in the weld line gives

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the operator instant feedback when the scarfing tool is bad or broken, allowing immediate adjustment of the welding operation and preventing scrap. Information on the Echomac 25mm UT rotary, which is designed for applications such as tubular product for nuclear and aerospace installations, will also be available at the stand. The full-body test equipment provides 100 per cent coverage at high throughput rates on product ranging from 5 to 25mm diameter. The 630mm overall length of the rotary allows for ease of installation when upgrading existing inspection lines.

Linear rail coil holder demonstrates Minimac eddy current instrument

Information on MAC’s full range of eddy current, ultrasonic and flux leakage test systems for inspecting wire, bar and tube will be available at the stand. Magnetic Analysis Corp www.mac-ndt.com

Mikrotek Machines Ltd Mikrotek has designed and developed a safe machine for polishing the inner profile of tungsten carbide dies. The polishing is performed manually using a wooden stick. The machine has a pneumatic foot switch that operates the die-holding collet for locking TBA

and unlocking. It can produce uniform polishing of the inner profile with good roundness, close tolerance and smooth surface. The machine, which is supplied with CE certification, can operate for die sizes ranging from 0.1 to 10mm, and can hold casing sizes ranging from 16 to 43mm diameter. It also features a high spindle rotation speed of 2,800 rpm. An electro-pneumatically controlled self-centring spin- dle allows quick locking and unlocking of dies, and also makes operation easier. Mikrotek Machines Ltd www.mikrotek.in

Mikrotek pneumatic hand polishing machine for TC dies

Invented in 1952.

Fit for the future.

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