WCA May 2019

Technology news

Online quality control in the production of automotive cables

replacement of individual cable looms, modern materials are used for lighter and more resilient looms. However, it is not only the choice of material that offers savings potential. Another important factor is the sustainable use of these materials as well as reliable quality control during cable production. The Centerview 8000 is a non-contact gauge head that provides continuous on-line eight-point eccentricity, four-axis diameter and eight-point ovality measurement with high measuring accuracy. The individual measuring values are displayed numerically and graphically and are the basis for a stable production process and extensive quality management. By controlling the line speed, the Centerview 8000 ensures the specific wall thickness. The system ensures the quality of cable that has to endure a temperature of far above 200°C as well as a continuous performance of approximately 1,500 watt – at peak even reaching up to 3,000 watt. The Centerview 8000 contributes in addition to quality assurance for an optimised production process while reducing costs and weight at the same time. Sikora AG – Germany Website : www.sikora.net

COMPARED to the 1980s, modern vehicles have become rolling computers that can be quite heavy due to their various comfort and safety systems. This can be a blessing and a curse at the same time, as the additional weight often overrides the savings in fuel of the advanced engines or even leads to higher consumption. Therefore, automobile manufacturers aim at avoiding unnecessary weight. The Centerview 8000 is a reliable device to ensure high quality with minimum material consumption even for the smallest wires and cables. With more than 100 consumers (eg battery sensors, ESP, radar-, ultrasound and video sensors, but also air conditioning, electric windows and other amenities), up to 40kg can accumulate for the electrical system of a mid-range car alone. This weight is equivalent to approximately 8,000m of cables, which are built into a mid-range car today. In comparison, in 1980 only about 200m of cables were necessary to power an equivalent model. The constantly growing number of electronic components is a continuous challenge for automotive manufacturers, as increased weight means reduced performance, and more cables mean a higher number of possible error sources.

For not having to compromise on comfort or, in the worst case, safety, as well as to avoid complex repairs for the ❍ The Centerview 8000 measures the diameter, ovality and eccentricity during manufacturing of automotive cables

Rotating label for faster cable troubleshooting

The new rotating label is part of Brady’s reliable, industrial-grade labels for cables and components that stay attached and remain legible long after they are applied. They can be easily designed with Brady Workstation apps to include any text, serial number, barcode, QR code or other data before printing on a Brady printer. Compatible printers include the BBP12, BBP33, BradyPrinter i5100, BradyPrinter i7100, BradyPrinter M611, BMP61 and BMP71. In addition to reliable labels, label design apps and printers, Brady can provide custom identification solutions through a consultative on-site approach.

Being able to identify cables quickly can be of major importance in data centres and other industrial settings. Brady Corporation’s new rotating label enables users to easily rotate a cable label to make its print legible from any angle, in order to increase troubleshooting speed and efficiency. Brady’s new B-427 self-laminating rotating label version can increase the speed of cable identification because its print can be read from any angle. The label can be rotated around a cable thanks to a non-adhesive printable zone and a translucent, self-adhesive laminate that is wrapped around a cable. Increasing the speed of cable identification can be of major importance for troubleshooting and helps to avoid time loss or human errors like unplugging the wrong cable.

Brady Corporation – UK Website : www.brady.co.uk

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Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2019

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