WCA March 2025

Technology News

Cellmaster technology for efficiency and quality Cable manufacturer Nexans has implemented technology from Zumbach to improve its production processes.

measurement and control of wire and cable diameter and capacitance in the extrusion process, including categories such as Cat 6 and Cat 7. FFT protocol – a powerful tool to analyse and control various aspects of the production process, including the detection of periodic irregularities that can affect the quality of cables, especially in data transmission. It also helps to improve start-up Cellmaster uses the

Nexans faced significant challenges with irregularities in the network cable extrusion process at its facility in Tuzla, Turkey, leading to increased production downtime and material waste. After evaluating the available solutions, Nexans selected the advanced Cellmaster® universal control centre from Zumbach Electronic to address these issues. This solution, utilising FFT (fast Fourier transform) protocol, enables Nexans to perform precise spectrum frequency analysis, detect and correct periodic irregularities, and predict early machine failures. This has enhanced the company’s manufacturing efficiency, reduced waste and improved overall product quality. The highly specialised and complex Cellmaster software runs on Zumbach USYS processors, and provides

Nexans is using Zumbach equipment to improve production processes

enables planned maintenance during non-peak times, keeping production lines running smoothly. Early detection allows for minor repairs of machinery, rather than major overhauls. This kind of regular maintenance based on predictive insights can extend the operational life of machinery, as well as preventing accidents caused by unexpected machine breakdown. Zumbach Electronic AG www.zumbach.com

times and reduce downtime, resulting in greater output, as well as reducing waste materials. The analysis and control provided by Cellmaster ensures tighter specifications, consistent impedance/capacitance and overall better product quality. An additional benefit is the ability to predict early machine failure, which reduces downtime by identifying potential failures before they occur and

Moisture curable compounds with tunable catalyst-based blends

EKOGRAFT provides materials suitable for energy cables, according to such standards as 2XI1 (German VDE 0276) or the international standard IEC 60502-1, as well as for cables aimed at photovoltaic applications such as H1Z2Z2 cables, according to EN 50618 or IEC 62930. The adjustable composition of the catalyst-based blend allows Mixer’s team to help customers find the proper synergy between material and production line by cooperating during the initial trials and by providing ongoing guidance. With continuous support and the presence of a large network, Mixer’s team is closely involved, both from a commercial and a technical standpoint, to offer its expertise to consumers, including in their own plants. the development of new solutions to meet market demands worldwide. Mixer SpA www.mixercompounds.com This consistently leads to

addition of a tunable catalyst-based blend. Together with the grafted PE-based flame-retardant compounds, the company’s research team thoroughly investigated the ability to adjust the properties of a single moisture curable grade by easily varying the formulation of the catalyst-based blend, which will contain all the required antioxidant and activators to meet the needs of each customer, as well as an organotin component to promote crosslinking.

Mixer has introduced the new brand EKOGRAFT® to the market, presenting a re-designed formulation of the familiar moisture curable compounds. The company states that this approach aligns with its commitment to ensuring innovation and consistency, providing reliable and versatile products that meet diverse needs and applications. In this scenario, EKOGRAFT compounds have been specifically designed to fulfil a wide range of requirements by the

Left: photovoltaic application – EKOGRAFT EJ3901/EJ3201 Right: power cable application – EKOGRAFT EJ3901

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March 2025