WCA January 2019

Technology news

New variant of Splitasco steel grade

ASCOMETAL has developed a new variant of its steel grade Splitasco HC. Now a part of the Schmolz + Bickenbach Group, Ascometal has marketed the product for many years as an efficient way of optimising standard C70 connecting rods. In cooperation with an industry specialist for conrod manufacturing, Ascometal has now developed Splitasco XS. The new steel grade improves mechanical properties such as UTS, and compressive YS, and will allow redesign of connecting rod components in order to make them lighter and to reduce CO 2 emission. Connecting rods are generally used in combustion engines and make it possible to transform the reciprocating movement of the piston (translation) into continuous rotation of the crankshaft. Since connecting rods are subjected to extreme loads, fatigue strength is crucial. The new Splitasco XS (eXtra Strong) grade of steel meets two major customer requirements: maximum pressure load without plastic deformation and high fatigue strength. Compared to standard materials like C70 used for conrods, Splitasco XS improves compressive yield strength by 110 per cent and fatigue strength by more than 60 per cent. These application properties would permit a reduction in weight by redesigning the components. Splitasco XS is a bainitic steel grade, New products from Proton

meaning that the mechanical properties of manufactured components are produced without quenching, thereby preventing deformation. Since Ascometal has also optimised the chemical composition of XS, a totally bainitic microstructure is achieved with high cooling rates. This makes it possible to produce conrods weighing several kilograms with the same UTS and YS mechanical properties as connecting rods weighing just 500 grams. As a ❍ Connecting rods made from Splitasco HC

consequence Splitasco XS is a reliable steel grade solution whatever the cooling rate after forging. Advantages of Splitasco XS include: • Suitable for all conrod sizes • Good machinability • No additional quenching necessary • No risk of deformation • More than 60 per cent improvement in fatigue strength compared to standard C70 connecting rods Ascometal SA – France Website : www.ascometal.com

reflected from round objects is scattered, in contrast to flat objects where it is reflected normally. The SL/SLR 1220-W and 3060-W series utilise a larger lens size which improves the signal strength and hence the accuracy, to give superior speed and length cable measurement performance. In addition, the SL/SRL-W version now has up to four independent single-ended pulse outputs. These can be configured and combined in a variety of ways to give two full differential quadrature outputs where the pulse frequency is independently adjustable. Proton Products – USA Website : www.protonproducts.com

Proton Products, a global provider of precision measurement and control products for the wire and cable industries, has launched a number of new products, including the new InteliSENS DG2200-K dual axis diameter gauges, featuring a gate size of 200mm, capable of measuring product diameters from 0.5 to 180mm. In addition, there is a new triple-axis InteliSENS DG3200-K gauge capable of measuring the same large diameter products. The accuracy of both gauges is ±15 microns with a resolution of 1 micron at a scan rate of 1 kHz. The InteliSENS SL/SLR 1220 and SL/SLR 3060-W mini series feature a new optical bench that is able to capture 30 per cent more reflected light from the product. This new development recognises the fact that light

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Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2019