WCA November 2020

Technology news

Compounds for 5G infrastructure Teknor Apex has developed a full range of compounds for the emerging 5G wireless infrastructure, including Apex PVC, Flexalloy PVC elastomer, and Halguard halogen-free, low-smoke compounds for every component in the complex antenna cables required.

“With the advent of 5G, the wireless antenna market is evolving away from large coaxial cables and toward composite constructions incorporating control and fibre optic cables,” said David Braun, wire and cable industry manager for the vinyl division. “These new constructions meet the needs of wireless telecom carriers, who are seeking to add new spectrum bands while lowering operating costs.” Compounds available from Teknor Apex for 5G antenna cable applications include buffers for high-speed data fibres at the core of the cable; jackets for the multi-fibre core; jackets for the bundles of 600-volt control cable surrounding the core; and sheathing for the entire construction. Mr Braun noted that the suite of compounds offered by Teknor Apex for these applications include variations that meet different specifications from each wireless carrier: “We offer speciality formulations for oil resistance, UV resistance, low- and high-temperature environments, and wet- and dry-rated insulations. Many Halguard non-halogenated, low-smoke alternatives to PVC are

❍ ❍ 5G antenna installation

available, including a stress-crack- resistant compound for jacketing over corrugated metal armour.” Teknor Apex produces flexible and rigid vinyl, thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, colour masterbatches, special- ity chemicals and hoses. The company

is headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA, and operates 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, in the USA, Belgium, Germany, China and Singapore.

Teknor Apex Company www.teknorapex.com

Drying solution for cable and wire manufacturing UK-based ACI (Air Control Industries) is launching a new range of cable drying products for the cable, wire and extrusion industry.

wire drying efficiencies, ACI’s blower- driven units bring the added benefit of reduced energy consumption, compared to air wipe alternatives. Capable of drying cable ranging from 0.2 to 65mm in diameter, the drop-in Cable Dryer unit, which is only 950mm long, can be used independently of the Profile Dryer, which is of most use in the production of small diameter cable, wire and extrusion. ACI managing director Chris Hellier said, “Until now, the removal of the re- sidual moisture film from water-cooled insulated wire/cable and extruded products has been difficult to achieve effectively and consistently, resulting in high rates of quality test failures,

especially with very small diameters where the majority of quality check fail- ures occur. This is a huge issue for the sector, leading to vast product wastage, unnecessary over-production due to re- manufacturing requirements, avoidable energy use and disposal costs.” ACI designs and manufactures industrial air movement products for the cable, wire and extrusion industries. Based in Devon, UK, ACI has an extensive network of distributors, as well as a sister company in Maine, USA, established in 2008 to support increased demand in North America. Air Control Industries www.aircontrolindustries.com

Engineered to remove residual moisture from water-cooled insulated wire, cable and extruded products, the new Cable Dryer and Profile Dryer combination atomises water and then collects residual moisture. Particularly effective in small diameter production – where quality failure is common due to the presence of moisture – ACI’s solution is claimed to enable reliable production rates of up to 1,200m/min. Designed to achieve both running cost savings and improved cable and

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Wire & Cable ASIA – November/December 2020