WCA March 2018

wire 2018

The technology for casting ZnAl mix into cast rod is new, and offers notable benefits. Compared to the traditional production method of ZnAl alloy, the investment cost is less. In addition, with a hot press products are made only in specific lengths, whereas with Upcast technology the rod can be cast into optimised coils to precisely suit customer needs. For the future, the focus of Upcast research and development is on alloys, as well as the continuous further development of OF and DHP products. Alloy developments are expected to result in cost savings and thus secure the best possible cost efficiency for customers. Upcast lines have been suitable for casting 100 per cent recycled material for some years, and the process will remain environmentally friendly with no harmful emissions or need for waste treatment. Upcast also provides fast, reliable and continuous customer service and support for consumables, spare parts and technical support by telephone, online and on site. Upcast OY – Finland Website : www.upcast.com

Vision Engineering Ltd Stand: 15A59

Vision Engineering will be presenting its latest range of metrology systems, the Swift Pro (Duo, Cam and Elite). Swift Pro is a powerful yet simple to operate range of non-contact measuring systems. Combining the latest optical and video measurement technologies, the Swift Pro is suitable for a broad range of applications from electronics and aerospace to plastic and medical parts manufacturing where reporting and quality control is in demand. Thanks to its design, fast and accurate three-axis measurement and user-friendly interface, the Swift Pro provides shop floor operators with a quick and easy way of measuring components and reporting. With simplicity at its core the system can be used by shift workers or advanced users, requiring only minimal training. This decreases staff costs and reduces operator errors. Swift Pro’s feature-rich software is easy to learn and operate, providing instant profile

In addition, more rod diameter sizes are possible and the lines are designed to operate safely and reliably for years. The majority of delivered Upcast lines are for Cu-OF rod, and mainly in a rod diameter of 8mm. Rods with larger diameters are used for manufacturing a variety of finished products such as bus-bars, shaped profiles, trolley wires and electroplating anodes. Upcast Cu-OF rod is suitable for all electrical applications. Upcast customers across the world are casting Cu-OF 8mm rod, which can be further processed to the finest diameters for top quality wires. In addition to rod and SGTube, other shapes of cast products, including various profiles and flat bar, can be cast with the Upcast process. The utilisation of Upcast technology within the copper alloys field is increasing as new applications for copper alloys are developed. Alloys successfully cast with Upcast lines include CuMg0.5, ZnAl15 and various brass alloys, with many more alloys being tested continuously. CuMg has excellent strength and conductivity characteristics, creating several possibilities for its application including contact wires for high speed trains and harnesses for the automotive industry. Upcast has already cast the biggest diameters of CuMg0.5 and the rod has been processed into finished wire that fulfils the requirements of the EN 50149 standard. In addition, 8mm diameter CuMg0.5 cast rod has been successfully produced and further processed into very thin wires suitable for the automotive industry. With a cast diameter of 8mm the process into a finished product is shorter. ZnAl alloy is used in the arc and flame spraying process for corrosion protection. The very fine ZnAl wire is led into the spraying gun where it melts and is then sprayed onto a steel surface to form a protective film. ❍ Upward casting technology from Upcast íí

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16 th – 20 th April wire 2018

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