EuroWire November 2021

New DST10 Sparktester

Small in size and cost effective. Aimed at coiling, rewinding, packaging and space restricted applications.

Zumbach is a global leader in the industry, family owned since 1957. Driven by innovation and experience. We are here for you and ready to build the future together. www.zumbach.com • sales@zumbach.ch

Bringing cable packaging into the stratosphere.

Innovative design We removed everything that wasn’t needed from the payout tube, and improved everything else.

Smaller boxes Less shelf space, easier to carry. Reduce box width by more than 20%.

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Backward compatible Swap out REELEX II tubes with REELEX AIR and drop into your exsiting boxes. Or, take it a step further and reduce box sizes for maximumbenefit.

Shipping efficiency Up to 40%more boxes per pallet means huge improvements to shipping efficiency andmuch less cost per box.

Lessmaterial, lower cost 40% less material. Less plastic means less cost, while being better for the environment. 40% less material

(Even) better payout Rounded entry provides

smoother pulls, while I-beam design promotes even better payout performance.

A new package from the leaders in packaging innovation.

REELEX P A C K A G I N G S O L U T I O N S I N C.

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Patterson, NY USA

provides us with an advantage over our competition. Southwire ® “

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Don’t lose margin due to copper price fluctuations CableERP tracks precious material prices in real time

Check innovites.com and discover your ultimate ERP solution. The power of Microsoft, unlocked for wire and cable business.

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

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

It’s big deals Stateside Nordson Corp has signed an agreement for the acquisition of NDC Technologies – a global provider of measurement and process control solutions – from Spectris PLC. The $180mn deal, subject to the customary post-closing adjustments, will see Nordson expand into new end markets and adjacent technologies. Marti Nyman, president of NDC Technologies, said: “We are very excited to join the Nordson family. It’s a great fit. The combination will afford us the opportunity to continue to build on our 50+ years foundation of delivering innovative measurement and process control solutions to the industries we serve.” Full details on page 16. Also announcing a large deal Stateside is British company PWM (Pressure Welding Machines), with an order from Southwire Company for 12 of its EP500 cold pressure welding machines. PWM has been designing and making cold welding machines and dies (industry standard and custom-made) for the global wire and cable industry since 1984. The products are engineered in its UK workshops and tested to stringent quality standards. “This is one of the largest single orders for this particular rod welder that we have received to date,” said Steve Mepsted, PWM’s managing director. According to Doug Glore, senior process engineer at Southwire, the EP500 was selected for its safety, reliability and cost effectiveness. The company has already installed around a dozen of these machines in its plants in Starkville, Mississippi; Hawesville, Kentucky; Huntersville, North Carolina; and the BuildingWire and Utility plants in Carrollton, Atlanta, Georgia. Full story on page 10.

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

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

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.

Moving from the USA, East meets West as Turkey – separating Europe and Asia – forms our Focus On series in this issue of EuroWire.

David Bell Editor

Front cover courtesy of Sikora AG showing their X-RAY 6000 PRO 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 2021

Dates for your diary . . .

25-27 November 2021 WireShow Trade exhibition Shanghai, China Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai Co Ltd www.wireshow.com

Next Issue Getting Technical

4-8 April 2022 MACH

Demonstration of single mode 19-core optical fibre and fibre processing Featuring ■ wire Düsseldorf preview

Trade exhibition Birmingham, UK Organisers: The Manufacturing Technologies Assoc www.machexhibition.com

9-13 May 2022 wire Düsseldorf Trade exhibition Düsseldorf, Germany Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.wire.de

25-28 May 2022 Lamiera Trade exhibition Milan, Italy Organisers: CEU-Centro Esposizioni Ucimu SpA www.lamiera.net 6-8 June 2022 Wire Expo Trade exhibition Dallas, Texas, USA Organisers: The Wire Association International Inc www.wireexpo22.com 26-29 September 2022 wire China Trade exhibition Shanghai, China Organisers: Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute Co Ltd Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai Co Ltd www.wirechina.net

Subscribe today!

5-7 October 2022 wire Southeast Asia Trade exhibition Bangkok, Thailand Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf Asia www.wire-southeastasia.com

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

Contents November 2021

Photo: Meriç Dağlı • www.unsplash.com

66 Technical Article

8

Corporate News

Tension measurement faster than ever before: advanced stand-alone gauge head for quality control of optical fibres By Rebecca Zachau, corporate communications, Sikora AG, Germany

32 Technology News

48 Focus On Turkey

68 Editorial Index 68 Advertisers Index

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Corporate News

▲ Tenova walking beam furnace at Ternium’s facility in Pesqueria, Mexico

Tenova starts up two new walking beam furnaces

4.4million tons. The twonewWBFs arepart of the plant’s new lines and will produce coils to be used in the automotive market in the USMCA area, granting Ternium an increased access in this sector.” Nicola Cavero, senior vice president at Tenova Italimpianti, commented, “This new Tenova equipment joins the previous walking beam furnaces built for Ternium at its plants in San Nicolas, Argentina, and in Monterrey, Mexico, confirming the fruitful collaboration between the two companies of the Techint Group for this type of application. “This represents an important new reference for Tenova in the reheating furnaces market.” Tenova SpA www.tenova.com

burner’s performance, operation and maintenance. The SBMS is a network of embedded sensors connected to the Tenova Digital Infrastructure. The collected data is post-processed locally on an edge computing unit as well as remotely on the Tenova Cloud. By constantly monitoring the status of the burner, the SBMS allows new approaches to inspection, maintenance and tuning, as well as reducing safety risks related to on- site operations. “The Ternium Industrial Center started its first phase in 2013, focused on downstream products as cold rolled and galvanised for the industrial market,” said Paulo Lopez, Pesquería plant director at Ternium. “Now, we have started up the main production line of the second phase – a new hot rolling mill with a capacity of

Tenova, a specialist in sustainable solutions for the green transition of the metals industry, has successfully started up two 400-t/h walking beam furnaces (WBF) at the new Ternium hot strip mill facility, located in Pesquería, Mexico. Ternium manufactures and processes a wide range of steel products. The advanced features of the WBFs provide energy savings and reduced emissions. The furnaces are designed to heat steel slabs (up to 39 t) at 1,250°C, with a specific consumption of 1.16 MJ/kg, while keeping NOx emissions lower than 60 ppm – well below the required limit. The furnaces feature the SmartBurner Monitoring System (SBMS), which enables the monitoring and optimising of the

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November 2021

Supermac – Global Solution Provider in Extrusion and Process Technology along with IIOT applications

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.

IIOT screen

Supermac has expertise providing on line commissioning from remote. Post commissioning customer service support is provided

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 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.

High speed building wire line

Supermac 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

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

www.supermacindia.com

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

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

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Corporate News

Major order to provide cold welders for Southwire

friendly, and the guard device prevents hands getting near the welder when it’s operating.” The EP500’s built-in interlock mechanism ensures that the machine only functions when the guard is closed correctly, enhancing operator safety. The low- maintenance machine only needs an ordinary 120V electrical supply for the integral PLC (programmable logic controller). Six of the EP500 cold welders ordered have already been shipped, with the rest to follow in the next few months. PWM has been designing and making cold welding machines and dies (industry standard and custom made) for the global wire and cable industry since 1984. The products are engineered in its UK workshops and tested to stringent quality standards. PWM Ltd www.pwmltd.co.uk

Snee, has established with Southwire over the last nine years, and we’re delighted to be working with them again.” According to Doug Glore, senior process engineer at Southwire, the EP500 was selected for its safety, reliability and cost effectiveness. The company has already installedaroundadozenof thesemachines in its plants in Starkville, Mississippi; Hawesville, Kentucky; Huntersville, North Carolina; and the Building Wire and Utility plants in Carrollton, Georgia.

British company PWM (Pressure Welding Machines) Ltd has secured an order to provide Southwire Company, LLC, headquartered in Carrollton, Georgia, USA, with 12 of its EP500 cold pressure welding machines. “This is one of the largest single orders for this particular rod welder that we have received to date,” said Steve Mepsted, PWM’s managing and sales director. “It’s a testament to the successful partnership that our US and Canadian distributor, Joe

Todd Chikodroff, utility plant manager at Southwire’s Carrollton plant, said, “We’re committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees. Cold welders do not generate heat, sparks or fumes and there is no risk of the operator getting burned. PWM’s proven expertise in cold weld technology made the company a natural partner for us and we purchased our first EP500 in 2014. It’s clean, quiet and user-

▲ PWM’s user-friendly EP500 electro/pneumatic rod welder

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November 2021

Corporate News

Cimteq mourns loss of founder and president Ali Shehab

manufacturers through his dedication, expert knowledge and desire to make a difference in the industry. His fascination with electricity and his passion for innovation were evident throughout his career. Alongside his wife, Amanda, he drove Cimteq forward, developing the business.

Cimteq has announced the passing of Ali Shehab, president of the company, on 1 September 2021, following a battle with cancer. Mr Shehab was a well-known and much-respected individual within the wire and cable industry. He founded Cimteq in 1998 and helped some of the world’s largest wire and cable

▲ Ali Shehab

Used wire and cable equipment Wire & Plastic Machinery is a reseller of second-hand wire, cable and optical fibre manufacturing equipment for wire drawing, stranding, bunching, cabling, braiding, extrusion and other cable-making needs. Machines can be delivered immediately from eight USA locations within five states – Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina and Texas. Items and lines can also be completely reconditioned by an in-house engineering team. The company offers cash for surplus equipment around the world. Wire and Plastic Machinery Corp www.wireandplastic.com

Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to email their thoughts to inremembrance@cimteq.com All messages will be warmly received and will be forwarded to Amanda. The family would prefer not to receive flowers but would rather a donation be made to the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com

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November 2021

Corporate News

Resistance welding systems The Schlatter Group manufactures plant for resistance welding systems for reinforcement mesh, industrial mesh, wire weaving machines and cold rolling, drawing and stretching technology for specialised solutions. In the welding segment, the company develops and builds resistance welding systems for the production of industrial and reinforcing mesh. In the weaving segment, it builds wire weaving machines for wire fabric and mesh under the Jäger brand. Within wire production, the company manufactures cold rolling, drawing and stretching technology. The organisation is designed to ensure that Schlatter is as close as possible to its customers and their markets, with production facilities in Switzerland, Germany and Brazil and subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia.

Schlatter Industries AG www.schlattergroup.com

▲ Welding technology from Schlatter

Process lines with remote monitoring QED specialises in equipment for the in-line heat-treating, cleaning and coating of steel wire. Its furnaces are custom built for multi-strand annealing, stress relieving, patenting and tempering processes. With patented flow technology, the fluid systems integrate cleaning efficiency with high wire speeds.

panels are further enhanced with software and hardware for communicating directly with internal networks. The Siemens- based PLCs work in unison with an Ixon router for seamless LAN integration. The equipment package includes a cloud-based command centre offering solutions such as live production dashboards, real-time messaging alerts and access to equipment from anywhere in the world. Ixon Cloud 2 provides fast PLC access over a secure network, with real-time remote monitoring and control of production indicators using online dashboards. Operators can connect to the process line via computer or smartphone. Options include cloud data logging and alarm notifications to mobile devices. The remote access capability permits troubleshooting from any- where in the world. The software has status screens that indicate all inputs and outputs, in order to simplify maintenance and op- erations. All temperatures and pressures are graphed for easy visualisation of the process trends. Alarms are logged along with the time and date of the incident. This data is critical for product quality assurance and standards compliance such as ISO 9001. AutoCoat TM – an upgrade to existing high-speed zinc and Galfan process lines – uses independent measurement and fine-tune control to achieve consistent and uniform coating weight application with a precision of ±10g/m 2 . Data acquisition and networking with remote monitoring are provided using the latest Siemens PLC hardware. The measurement of galvanised coatings on steel wire is achieved via sensors that communicate with a Siemens PLC control panel in real time. The sensors relay current coat weight data that is instantly compared to a user-set target. The system then regulates a closed PID loop, controlling output pressure to individual nitrogen nozzles. With a bed of fine aluminium oxide particles and precise air and gas control, QED’s fluid bed furnaces offer an environmentally friendly heat-treating solution in an energy-efficient package. The fluid bed’s rapid heat transfer results in shorter furnace length and more compact and easier-to-operate process lines.

The company supplies new process lines with remote monitoring and control of the equipment’s key functions. Networked control

QEDWire Lines Inc www.qedwire.com

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November 2021

Master Your Potential

www.maillefer.net

Corporate News

NDC joins the Nordson Corp family NDC Technologies, a global provider of connected measurement and process control solutions, has announced that Nordson Corp has signed an agreement for the acquisition of its business from Spectris plc. The acquisition will expand Nordson’s test and inspection platform into new end markets and adjacent technologies. The all-cash transaction, subject to customary post-closing adjustments, is valued at $180mn. “We are excited to welcome NDC Technologies’ nearly 300 employees into the Nordson family,” said Jeffrey Pembroke, executive vice president, Nordson Advanced Technology Solutions. “They will bring exciting new capabilities and expertise to our test and inspection platform. NDC’s customer-centric business model, differentiated technology and end markets make it a very Nordson-like business.” Marti New operations manager for AIM’s Illinois location AIM Inc has appointed Jeffrey Galasso as operations manager at its manufacturing location in Addison, Illinois, USA, with transitional support to the headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Mr Galasso has a 30-year manufacturing background as a director in the steel manufacturing sector, and has degrees in business administration, chemistry and law. One of Mr Galasso’s main accomplishments was the development and formulation of two global patents for rust inhibitors. He is also certified in metallurgy, project manage- ment, organisational structure and other areas of expertise. AIM, Inc www.aimmachines.com

Nyman, NDC Technologies, added, “We are very excited to join the Nordson family. It’s a great fit. The NDC Technologies technology portfolio includes in-line and off-line measurement systems using near- infrared, laser, X-ray, optical and nucleonic technologies, as well as proprietary process control and analytics software. These precision applications enable manufacturers to enhance production processes, increase productivity, boost process efficiencies and make high quality products. NDC will also expand Nordson’s test and inspection platform beyond electronics into new end markets, including consumer non-durable, film extrusion and converting, cable and tubing and energy storage. NDC Technologies Inc www.ndc.com Nordson Corp www.nordson.com president of

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November 2021

Corporate News

Industry 4.0 concept with braider for medical technology applications

full to empty condition. Consequently, all braiding wires are applied under uniform tension to the product to be braided. The braider also keeps the braiding coverage ratio constantly at the pre-set value. With only the necessary braiding wire being applied, Niehoff states that up to 15 per cent of material can be saved, in comparison with conventional braiding machines. The braider can automatically accelerate the bobbin rotational speed from 175 rpm to 200 rpm while reducing the frequency of the lubrication intervals, resulting in increased braiding output and braids that are less contaminated with oil. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co KG www.niehoff.de Niehoff Endex North America Inc www.niehoffendex.com

With Niehoff Digital Assistant+, Niehoff’s Industry 4.0 offering, machine, production and process data can be recorded, making continuous process monitoring and machine condition analysis possible. The MSM 83 compact rod breakdown machine with electronic controls is designed to draw rod wire made of copper and copper alloys to a finished diameter range of 1.38 to 4.56mm (0.054" to 0.179"), equipped with 11 drafts. The MSM 83 can operate at speeds up to 38m/s (7,480 fpm) and is available with 11, 13 and 15 drafts. As the drawing capstans are placed on two levels, the MSM 83 is short and can fit into tight spaces. The company’s BMV 16.S vertical lever arm rotary braiding machine is designed for the production of medical technology products. Via the WTC (wire tension control) system, the machine regulates the braiding wire tension of the braiding bobbins, from

▲ Niehoff’s BMV 16 lever arm rotary braiding machine

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November 2021

Corporate News

The challenges of carbon footprint reduction Cimteq, a software provider to the global wire and cable manufacturing industry, has released a new white paper titled Addressing the Challenges of Carbon Footprint Reduction. The paper – the company’s fourth to be released this year – gives readers a look at a worldwide priority, and practical advice on how manufacturers can make changes to become more sustainable. A company spokesperson said, “Reducing carbon footprint is, unsurprisingly, a priority for all nations and most, if not all, industries. This paper looks at some of the global efforts being made to reduce CO 2 emissions and focuses on the many challenges facing businesses in the wire and cable industry.”

Achieving net-zero carbon is high on the agenda, with global leaders calling for an acceleration in efforts. The rise in sea levels and the increasing likelihood of extreme weather scenarios are posing major threats around the world. Cimteq’s spokesperson continued, “As more and more manufacturers across the world endeavour to reduce their own CO 2 emissions, efforts will also be centred around entering into supply chains where sustainability is a key driver across the entire group. Carbon footprint reduction should be a collective effort between all parties.” The white paper can be downloaded from Cimteq’s website, via the “Cimteq Academy”menu. Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com

▲ Cimteq is addressing carbon footprint reduction

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November 2021

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Corporate News

Sikora wins silver Sikora has taken second place in the German Award for Online Communication (DPOK). The company’s Sikora Connect digital event was nominated in the industries and mechanical engineering category. “With Sikora Connect, we entered a completely new, future-oriented way of addressing customers last year,”

time zones, with product and service presentations, insights into R&D, Q&A with dynamic input from the live chat, and 1:1 meetings with sales representatives. The programme was moderated in English and presented as a live stream on a microsite. “Especially at a time when physical contacts were limited, we succeeded in giving our customers an entertaining insight into our product world as well as ongoing projects,” continued Ms Giersch. “Through the Q&A sessions and chat function in the live stream, we received more than 100 customer questions about our presentations. The great interest shows that a virtual exchange is definitely desired and that the format works excellently in customer communication.” Online Communication has been awarding prizes since 2011. This year, more than 700 entries were submitted in 47 categories. Sikora AG www.sikora.net The German Award for

said Katja Giersch, head of corporate communications at Sikora. “We are very proud of this award, which confirms our communication strategy. Our biggest thanks goes to the entire Sikora team and our customers, who were involved in the realisation and followed the programme in such large numbers.” The four-day event offered customers a diverse programme according to

▼ Sikora has won silver in the German Award for Online Communication

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Corporate News

Resource planning, engineering and MES in a single suite

cable-specific screens that help operators to find and capture data easily. Through the Wonderware integration layer it can be connected to the PLCs of the machines to capture all relevant information. The system will provide transparency that improves OEE for the factory. CableERP, CableBuilder and CableMES – are available as a single integrated suite of products: CableSuite. Innovites www.innovites.com The three solutions –

utilisation; and full traceability of lengths and drums across the supply chain. A material price module manages Comex/ LME pricing and minimises risk of price volatility. Full integration with CableSuite provide customers the benefit of an integrated business solution. Innovites also implements CableBuilder to enhance and streamline the engineering, costing and quoting processes. CableBuilder is used by more than 100 cable manufacturers around the world. CableMES is a manufacturing execution system for wire and cable. It features

Innovites builds software solutions to help customers in the wire and cable industry to improve their businesses. Industry-targeted functionality helps users to streamline production, reduce inventory and accelerate sales. CableERP on Microsoft Dynamics is a modern, cloud-based ERP system that provides functionality for capturing detailed cable requirements such as lengths, length tolerances, drums and put-ups; length optimisation in cutting, planning and production to minimise material costs and maximise resource

New Conoptica distributorship in India and surrounding regions

customers do not receive defective products. The company has 25 years of experience in the optical measurement of drawing dies, and has been providing camera- based measurement solutions for the metal working industry since 1993. Mikrotek already has in-depth product knowledge of dies and Conoptica instruments, having hands-on experience with the products, as well as 35 years of wire and cable industry experience. Mikrotek Machines Ltd www.mikrotek.co.in Conoptica https://conoptica.com

With the new partnership Conoptica will seek to increase its presence and market share in the region. The intention is that Mikrotek will also provide support and some service and maintenance activities for new and existing companies. Conoptica’s products are designed and manufactured to be operational for 15- 20 years, and providing consistent service and support is important to the company. Joining forces with Mikrotek for service and maintenance will ensure faster response and easier access for customers in the covered territories. Conoptica’s equipment is claimed to enable perfect die geometry and accurate values of the die profile, to ensure that

Mikrotek, an Indian manufacturer of draw- ing dies and die production equipment, has entered into a formal distributor agreement with Conoptica to market and distribute Conoptica drawing die meas- urement systems in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, after work- ing together informally for several years. B Kamal Babu, managing director of Mikrotek Machines Ltd, and Kjell E Johnsen, sales and marketing manager, Conoptica AS, have agreed to form a strategic cooperation to work together. Mikrotek will carry out marketing and sales of Conoptica instruments in the named countries, and will also take care of basic maintenance and servicing of Conoptica equipment.

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Corporate News

Water-swellable binder and core yarns with various swell factors

unwanted vibration. Various swell factors give design engineers the flexibility to choose the yarn size and swell factor that best suits the cable. Fil-Tec, Inc www.fil-tec.com

The technology produces a water- swellable binder with higher yield. Having more metres per package allows longer runs without a break and a more efficient stranding process overall. The system can run at 5,000 rpm without

Fil-Tec, Inc offers a complete line of performance yarns for applications in power cables, copper and fibre-optic telecom and speciality cables. Products include binder yarns with water blocking; non-wicking, flame-retardant/low-smoke finishes; core yarns; ripcords; filler yarns; marker yarns; and fibreglass reinforcement yarns. The company’s newest products are dry core yarn for dry core cable designs; virtually dustless water- blocking binder yarns for high speed; and a line of water-blocking yarns for power cable applications. Fil-Tec’s water-swellable binder and core (wrap around the FRP) yarns offer a range of benefits that include low dust – extending the life of bearings and other moving parts of the equipment; less downtime due to mechanical maintenance related to SAP dust problems; less clean- up time; and a cleaner working environment for the operator.

▼ Fil-Tec produces performance yarns for cable applications

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www.read-eurowire.com PO Box 6828, Warwick, CV34 9SP, United Kingdom. CONTACT INTERNATIONAL SALES: Tel: +44 (0)1926 334137 - eurowire@intras.co.uk

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Corporate News

New vice president and product director appointments at Davis-Standard

Davis-Standard has promoted Joe Guigli to vice president, aftermarket sales – North America. Mr Guigli will lead a dedicated team to advance customer service goals, field sales coverage and improve market penetration throughout the USA and Canada. He brings more than 13 years of Davis-Standard experience to his position, having held various leadership roles including regional sales manager, inside aftermarket sales and product manager. He will build and manage an expanded aftermarket field sales team that will better serve Davis-Standard’s broad customer base, with dedicated personnel for each territory. Davis-Standard is also seeking candidates for coverage in three new regions, which include the West, upper Midwest, and Northeast/Canada. “Joe’s aftermarket expertise and leadership of a dedicated team better positions us to provide resources and support to customers,” said Zachary Ament, executive vice president of Davis-Standard. “North America continues to be a strong and growing market for us. Providing customers with aftermarket products that improve Available exclusively from Mathiasen Machinery All equipment is still installed and under power STEEL ROD WIRE DRAWING • Eurodraw MTS 900, 2 Block and Inverted drawing block coiler, 36" dia. blocks • FENN 5 Block machine with Inverted drop coiler, 36" dia. blocks. • BHS 5 Block 30" Dia. Machine with 60 inch diameter Inverted drawing block. • Inverted 30" Bull block line with widewinder coil pay-off and 48" inverted coiler • (3) Single draw bull blocks, 36" diameter enter .162 to .5 inch, Riding stripper ROLLING MILLS SHAPED WIRE • Waterbury Farrel / Fenn Rolling Mill, 4 stand 14" x 6" • 2015 DEM Rolling mill, 4 stand for 13mm, Rolls 12" x 6" and 12" x 6" ROD SURFACE SHAVING • Year of mfg 2003. Diameter range .195 - .350", includes: Rotating triple horizontal coil pay-off, Fenn 4F swager 4 die, 2 plane straightener, Shaving head, Butt welding system, Conveyor for shaved chips, Bull block, year 2014 induction annealer 12" x 12" x 1", 36 inch inverted bull block coiler. HEAT TREATING • Lead Tempering Line - 14 wires, Year. 1979, .120" to .375" Diameter, .075" x .50" Shape DIE ROOM EQUIPMENT • Mitsubishi FA10SM Wire Electrical Discharge Machine • Charmilles Robofil 300/310 Wire Electrical Discharge Machine Year of Mfg 1993 • Mitutoyo PH-A14 Comparator Micropak 2RS Control • Goff Wheel Blast Barrel Cleaner 1.5 Cu ft. one blast wheel with dust collector Wanted: Please send us your surplus machinery list!

▲ Joe Guigli

▲ Jay Baxter

operational efficiency, application development and other profitability-driven goals is essential.” The company has also announced that Jay Baxter has been appointed as commercial product director – liquid coating. Mr Baxter will be responsible for growing Davis-Standard’s global business in liquid coating and will support strategic initiatives. Mr Baxter joins Davis-Standard from Neenah, Inc (formerly Neenah Paper), where he was marketing director, managing a team responsible for technical papers including sandpaper, masking tape, medical packaging and sensitive labels. He also spent 18 years with Kimberly-Clark in a variety of roles, including sales, marketing, purchasing, operations, and process engineering at the staff level and within non-woven fabric mills. Danis Roy, Davis-Standard’s vice president of sales, films and flexible packaging, said, “We are pleased to have Jay’s range of experience and knowledge as we expand our reach in liquid coating applications. One of his first projects as a new process engineer was to purchase and install Davis-Standard feedscrews. He understands the paper and non-wovens market and Davis- Standard equipment capabilities, which will serve our customers well.” Mr Baxter has a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering and a master’s in business administration. He has been a member of the National Air Filtration Association, Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC), European Adhesive Tape Association (AFERA) and Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA), and is a founding member of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council. Davis-Standard designs, develops and distributes extrusion and converting technology. Its systems support manufacturing applications in industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, healthcare, energy, electronics, retail, and food and beverage packaging. The company has manufacturing and technical facilities in the USA, Canada, China, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and the UK. Davis-Standard, LLC www.davis-standard.com

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BEDDING

LOWVOLTAGE INSULATION

MEDIUMVOLTAGE INSULATION

SHEATHING

RUBBER COMPOUNDS FOR YOUR CABLES. SINCE 1996. mixercompounds.com

Corporate News

Solvent-free lubrication of magnet wire Established as a small company in 1982 and active for the first few years exclusively in the then-flourishing magnet wire industry, Boockmann Engineering has more than 35 years of experience in

slowly under push-pull-controlled conditions, and creating a 360° contact between the constantly renewed cleaning cord/ lubricating yarn and the wire.

Software and equipment providers and advisers to the wire and cable industry often gear sales and marketing towards more established manufacturers with so- phisticated processes, modern machines and sleek operational practices. However, Cimteq – a specialist in cable design and manufacturing software – highlights that many manufacturers worldwide feel far away from even considering Industry 4.0 and smart-factory processes. As a software solution provider, Cimteq aims to show these manufacturers that significant investment of both time and money is not always necessary at the outset. Advanced technology and connected automated systems are commonly considered the only solution to building a robust factory environment that can withstand changing industry conditions and increased competitor activity. This bringing together precision and en- vironmental protection standards while providing customer-specific solutions. Boockmann’s Helilub® equipment is used for precision, solvent-free lubrication of magnet wire. supplies Helicord® technology for surface processing of wire and cable of various diameters, such as welding wire finishing, abrasive wire cleaning or removal of misprints from cable. Helifil machines, for applications that require low forces where space is limited, are suitable for non- or only slightly abrasive cleaning applications on soft metal wire of diameters of approximately 0.3 to 3mm, at low friction forces or for simple application or coating tasks. The basic principle of all of these machines is based on a textile cord or yarn wound multiple times around a fast-moving wire, strand or insulated cable, moving The company also

quotations, control and optimisation of material costs, and financial projections. Reduced rework and scrap, and having the ability to access product information on demand are benefits that manufacturers can gain from replacing traditional in- house, paper-based systems with the first stage of automation and digitalisation. Once the rewards of the initial automation phase are realised, a move to more complex design software, ERP and MES systems, all of which integrate seamlessly, can be considered, to continue the journey to smart manufacturing. Cimteq’s industry white paper, Applying Industry 4.0 to the Cable Factory Environment, can be accessed via the company’s website. Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com For cleaning, friction power on the wire increases linearly with the wire speed. Therefore the friction energy per wire surface unit, and also the efficiency, is independent of the wire speed: Helicord can be run at drawing speeds. With Helicord, the use of liquids such as water-based tensides, organic solvents, oil or a variety of dispersions may be desirable or even required, typically at flow rates well below 10ml/min. For the welding wire industry, a variety of welding wire finishing cords are available, combining the properties of solid finishing materials with the precision of Helicord coating. With Helilub, various yarns pre- impregnated with different types of wax-based lubricants are available for different enamels and end uses of the wire. No solvent is required as the process is based on heat extraction. Helilub is best installed directly at the oven exit. Boockmann Engineering GmbH https://boockmann.com

▲ A Helifil machine

First steps towards Industry 4.0 in a wire and cable factory

viewpoint might be valid in the long term, but several fast, cost-effective solutions can make a difference in the short term. Cimteq states that the first step smaller manufacturers should take is to look at the “bigger picture”and visualise a future with a host of technology that enables greater flexibility, efficiency and productivity. This exercise will help them determine what their requirements are and will help them break down the project into smaller, more manageable and more affordable steps. One way to start the automation process is to look for ways to translate information into digital data, analyse it, and then drive it back into the system. CableBuilder Go helps smaller and single-factory manufacturers design, cost and quote wire and cables of all types. The system enables fast and accurate designs and

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Corporate News

100 th Kocks three-roll RSB Jiangsu Yonggang Group Co has granted the final acceptance certificate (FAC) for the 100 th Kocks three-roll RSB® (reducing and sizing block). Yonggang, a Chinese iron and steel producer, issued the FAC to Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG for the successful commissioning of the three-roll RSB 370++/4 in 5.0 design. The RSB 5.0 is at the centre of a new 700,000 t/a SBQ rolling mill and enables Yonggang to produce bars within a dimensional range of Ø 16 to 100mm for customers in industries such as machinery manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding and wind power. “We feel much honoured to be the 100 th customer of the Kocks three-roll reducing and sizing block,” said Yonggang plant

director Zheng Yuyang. “Jiangsu Yonggang Group decided to order a Kocks three-roll RSB because of its high reliability and comprehensive operation.” Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG www.kocks.de General Inspection hires dedicated European technician General Inspection has added a dedicated European service technician to its team, reflecting the company’s growth on the continent. Mark Tucker comes from a designer background but is quick to learn and has a base knowledge that will help him grow in this field, stated General Inspection. Most of the company’s service calls are resolved online, but a service technician is necessary when upgrades and physical repairs are required. General Inspection, LLC www.geninsp.com

▼ Jiangsu Yonggang Group operates the 100 th Kocks three-roll RSB

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• Corporate news • Technology news • High profile show issues

• Technical articles • Specialist features • Fasteners section

SHOW ISSUES WIRE DüSSELDORF 2022 The international magazine for the wire and cable industries

Show Issue March 2022

Preview Issue January 2022

MARCH Editorial deadline: 25 th January 2022 Advertising deadline: 18 th February 2022

JANUARY Editorial deadline: 3 rd December 2021 Advertising deadline: 8 th December 2021

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Get your company noticed by advertisinG in the maGazine for wire düsseldorf – contact linda li – 李書紅

Jason Smith sales & marketing – International (English speaking) Tel: +44 1926 834684 Email: jason@intras.co.uk

sales & marketing – Far East (Chinese & English speaking) Tel: +44 1926 834685 Email: linda@intras.co.uk

Corporate News

Spark test technology for detecting faults during production

provide information without requiring advanced programming: “high voltage on” signals to alert operators to the presence of high voltage; a fault relay that actuates when a fault is detected; a “voltage watchdog” that will change state when the test voltage has risen above or dropped below a pre-set level; and a “bare wire alarm” that signals when long lengths of bare wire are detected. Clinton’s STCAL automatic spark tester cal- ibration system calibrates high frequency AC, mains frequency AC and DC spark testers to all major specifications. Calibration is automatically performed and documented on all of Clinton’s B-Series spark testers and selected A-Series models. Manual or assisted calibration can be performed on older Clinton units, as well as on equipment manufactured by others.

electrode. It has a large alphanumeric display/user interface and can be rotated in its bracket to accommodate different viewing angles. The display makes configuration of the equipment easy, and all configuration parameters can be changed directly from the front panel. Once configured, the system can be passcode protected. In cases where a local display is not required, or centralised process control is desired, the equipment can be configured and controlled directly from PLCs or computers using Modbus RTU (RS-485 full duplex). Optional communication protocols in- clude Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Profibus, Modbus TCP and analogue communica- tions, making the equipment compatible with previous Clinton equipment with analogue control. When only simple control output is required, four sets of relay contacts can

The Clinton Instrument Company is a specialist in spark test technology for the wire and cable industry and inventor of the high frequency sine wave spark tester. Clinton produces a full line of B-Series spark testers, including high frequency testers, DC testers and 60 Hz power mains frequency testers. New designs combine the latest in control technology with Clinton’s robust and reliable spark testing platform. All Clinton spark test equipment supports the split electrode design for easy string up, and digital signal processor (DSP) based voltage regulation and fault detection. The fault circuitry can differentiate between four types of fault conditions: simple pinholes, a series of closely spaced pinholes, direct metal contact from the centre conductor to the electrode, and gross lengths of bare wire. The RC controller is fixed to the unit, but can be detached and mounted remotely, up to 60m away from the test module/

Clinton Instrument Company www.clintoninstrument.com

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