WCA July 2015

Technology news

Efficient, versatile and future-pointing BMV braiding concept

If combined with a caterpuller haul-off, the machine can be used to manufacture cables with diameters up to 40mm. The BMI 124 enables bundles of braiding wire to be produced with maximum bundle cross-sections of 24 x 1.5mm².

AS cable products have to meet continuously increasing demands, wire and cable manufacturers need machinery which enables an energy- raw materials, and cost-effective manufacturing process. Furthermore, the machines must be flexibly adaptable to new production requirements. The machinery developed and built by Maschinenfabrik Niehoff meets all these requirements. One example is the lever arm rotary braiding machines of the BMV series, designed for 12, 16 or 24 spools in vertical operation. The BMV machines feature an infinitely variable electronic control of braiding speed and pitch as well as an automatic central lubrication system. All process steps – from the pay-off of the cable to be braided to the individual wires and bundles of wires and the final take-up of the braided cable – are monitored by a quality control system. As an option, an empty bobbin detection system can be installed which ensures that a BMV machine is stopped automatically before a braiding bobbin is completely empty. This system minimises waste and the amount of residual wire left on the bobbin. For greater operational safety and reliability, the temperature of slideways is monitored by a monitoring system. The operator can use this system for adjusting the lubrication frequency and amount of lubricant to optimise lubricant consumption. As a result of all these measures, BMV braiders can be operated for a long time unattended and without an operator. The most recent innovation in the field of the BMV braiders is the 24-carrier lever arm rotary braiding machine BMI 124. A striking feature of the 24-spool machine is its inclined braiding rotor. The inclination means a cable deflection of just 45° (instead of 90°) on each deflection pulley – resulting in reduced cable deformation and improved braiding quality.

❍ Wire harness – the central nervous system for equipment

The BMV machines can be combined with different types of taping systems so that braiding and taping can be performed in a single operation. This simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the amount of space required and increases the product quality compared with when individual process steps are used. The experience of many cable manufacturers has shown that one BMV braider can be used to replace two to three older types of braiding machine. Niehoff’s BMV braiding machines are designed for the processing of bare or coated round and flat wire made of copper, aluminium and stainless steel with single-wire diameters of 0.05 to 0.3 mm, as well as yarns and fibres made of plastic. The machines can be used for the production of data cables, control cables and coaxial cables, braiding for battery cables, strand braids and for mechanical reinforcement for pressure hoses. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co KG – Germany Website : www.niehoff-gmbh.info

35

www.read-wca.com

Wire & Cable ASIA – July/August 2015