WCA November 2024

Technology News

Annealer series for submarine cables With a 125-year history, MFL Group provides comprehensive machinery solutions for wire, cable and rope manufacturers. In the company’s submarine-cable manufacturing portfolio, the AF series represents MFL’s advanced annealer for copper, aluminium and alloy wires. The AF 80 model in particular produces large-sized submarine cables, and is capable of annealing copper wires with diameters exceeding 7mm at high speeds. Benefits of the AF series annealers include: • The ability to anneal round wires with a diameter of more than 8mm and trapezoidal wire up to 50mm 2 • High-speed and productivity that reaches 6,800kg/h • Precise regulation of the annealing section, and of the cooling water level • A hydraulic lift that allows easy wire threading • Integrated emulsion tank • Reduction of energy consumption In June 2024, Melos commissioned a new internal mixer for the production of Mecoline insulation and sheathing compounds at its Unirubber subsidiary in Poland. The compounds intended for production at this site are used in the areas of installation cables and fibre optics. The commissioning of the new mixer was in response to increasing demand for such compounds, and it will also allow the company to react more flexibly to changes in the market. The annual capacity of the machine is 4,000 to 4,500 tonnes. “Due to attractive pricing, customer interest is high, which means we can now respond more flexibly to customer requests thanks to the expanded annual capacity,” said business segment manager Marcus Hohlweck. with technology that is already established at the company’s main plant in Melle, The machine is equipped

MFL Group’s AF80 annealer for submarine cables

including rigid cage stranders, taping and screening lines, armouring lines, annealers for copper and/or aluminium/ alloy wire, and planetary stranders. MFL Group www.mflgroup.com

• Ad hoc system for oxidised wire • Constant lengthening of the wire when the machine stops • Minimal maintenance and trouble free operation In addition to annealers, MFL Group provides a full range of machinery for submarine cable manufacturing,

Internal mixer for insulation and sheathing compounds

Germany, allowing Melos to ensure the quality of the compounds produced at Unirubber. The start-up is part of the internationalisation of the business, as Mecoline compounds are in demand worldwide. The creation of new capacity in Poland will also enable the further development of the production of Mecoline products at the main plant in Melle, including compounds for the rolling stock, green energy, defence, offshore and automotive sectors. Mr Hohlweck commented, “In addition to our very broad portfolio, we have a seven-strong development team at our main plant in Melle to optimise compounds to meet the needs and wishes of our customers. Over the last few years, we have developed into a sought-after partner for customised cable compounds.” Melos GmbH www.melos.com

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November 2024