WCA March 2024

Exhibitors at wire 2024

uninterrupted automatic loading and unloading systems facili- tating simultaneous bobbin loading and unloading; and automated cutting and taping of cable ends. FLYMCA SL www.flymca.com FMS Force Measuring Systems AG 11 E32 Haggie Wire and Strand is a South African manufacturer and supplier of concrete reinforcing products. Upgrading its machines is a necessary step for improving efficiency, productivity and safety. One of the major challenges faced by Haggie Wire and Strand is maintaining ageing equipment that is prone to breakdowns. SA Power, a distributor for FMS in South Africa, assisted with the upgrading of some of the machines while maintaining production demand. The rotating cable machines were using traditional slip ring systems that require frequent servicing and regular inspection – they are prone to mechanical wear and tear. The FMS system provided a wireless solution to replace the slip rings. The low maintenance system only requires the recharging and replacement of remote batteries on a four-day cycle. The preparation of the functional specification was carried out in close collaboration between engineers from Haggie Wire and Strand and SA Power, to clearly define the requirements and expectations of the upgrade, as well as the role of each party. Budgets, orders and resources were then allocated. operation;

equipment dedicated to submarine cable production has led to FLYMCA being fully prepared to meet customer requirements by customising designs for each project. Armouring is achieved in two different configurations: large tubular stranders with bullhead configuration, mainly used for fibre optic submarine cables; and large planetary armouring lines for heavy power transmission cables. These are produced on heavy-duty machines with a high number of wires, based on single- or double-layer design (up to 208 wires, or more in some cases). These systems are employed through either a single cage or dual cages operating collaboratively. The machines also include automatic loading systems to reduce the changeover time.

Equipped with the ENKOsmart software platform – an advanced system of interconnected applied sensor technology that allows the individual machines in the line to communicate with each other – the new ENKOline offers a range of advantages such as automatic nail transportation, a reduced footprint and auto-stop/start capabilities. For example, when the ENKOveyor Smart Belt conveyor senses that the nail box at the end of the line is almost full it will send a signal to put the thread roller into idle mode, which will in turn send a signal to the magnetic conveyor in front of the thread roller and the nail machine, causing them to stop. This allows the operator to change the box without having to shut down the whole line. As soon as the ENKOveyor senses that the box has been changed, it will send a signal to the other machines to resume their normal production, automatically starting the line again. This also allows one operator to manage up to four ENKOlines at the same time. The ENKOline can be arranged in various configurations, including a range of collating solutions, which will be demonstrated at wire in Düsseldorf. Advanced sensors and the ENKOsmart software platform allow the monitoring of nail production and the collection of data about machine performance, which can be viewed on an interactive touchscreen. The sensors can identify and report errors on the touchscreen interface, so repairs can begin immediately. real-time troubleshooting and support from the service engineers at Enkotec HQ. The ENKOline is also IIoT-enabled. Enkotec A/S www.enkotec.com The ENKOsmart system provides remote connectivity for FLYMCA and manufacturing company that designs and produces rotating equipment featuring advanced technical solutions tailored for the wire and cable sector. In recent years, the company has concentrated its efforts on refining large stranding, cabling, screening and armouring bespoke machinery, with a primary focus on the production of submarine and offshore cable. Increasing demand for stranding and armouring is an engineering FLYMCA SL 10 F78

FLYMCA specialises in large stranding and armouring machinery

In addition to the rising need for submarine cables, there is demand for cross-sectional conductors (127 wires) manufactured using rigid stranders. These stranding machines are equipped with automated loading systems, specially designed wire stranding heads, substantial compaction systems, and devices for applying water blocking to yarn and powder. Incorporating these attributes ensures that machines deliver consistent and precise tension control across all elements. been integrated into FLYMCA machinery in recent years include tubular stranders and bow cablers. These enhancements have resulted in decreased downtime and changeover periods, along with a reduction in the need for operator intervention, to enhance safety. Notable improvements encompass the incorporation of accumulators enabling Advancements that have

Upgrade using FMS-cradleGuard

The upgrade involved removing the slip rings and installing two FMS cradleGuard receivers between the six cradles. An FMS-cradleGuard transmitter was installed at each cradle. All safety proxies and line break proxies were wired from the pintle to each transmitter on each cradle. The receiver’s outputs were wired into the machine safety and other signals, which were tested and certified, completing the upgrade.

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March 2024