WCA September 2019

Technology news

DCD launch from Fort Wayne

Minimising die wear also affects the overall cost of production in regards to how much raw material is being given away when the die wears. Nano DCD dies wear very little and not in the traditional manner that carbide and polycrystalline diamond dies wear. Their failure occurs with sudden delamination of the diamond coating, minimising the amount of extra material being given away to the end customer. Other stranding die options available from FWWD are tungsten carbide dies, solid PCD dies and tungsten carbide split dies. Fort Wayne Wire Die has designed and manufactured high-precision wire drawing dies and hard-material components for the wire and cable industry for more than 80 years. Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc – USA Website : www.fwwd.com

FORT Wayne Wire Die has introduced a new product to its family of stranding die options, Nano Diamond Coated Dies (DCD), which is a solution for stranding, bunching and compacting applications of conductor cable. Nano DCDs offer a better surface finish, reduced die resistance, minimum die wear and longer life compared to tungsten carbide. DCDs are available in sizes up to 100mm (3.9"). Nano DCD dies are tungsten carbide dies coated with a 30-micron thick layer of nanocystalline diamond particles, which after polishing become extremely smooth compared to carbide or polycrystalline diamond dies. This highly polished die surface minimises die pull for improved energy efficiency in stranding machines, impacts safety concerns by reducing fines and dust generation, and creates

a smoother cable surface finish for better conductivity. When compared to carbide dies, Nano DCD die life is about ten times or more while the die cost is only three to five times, suggesting a strong value proposition for cable manufacturers to consider when purchasing stranding dies. ❍ DCD die launched by Fort Wayne

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Wire & Cable ASIA – September/October 2019