WCA November 2021

Technology news

First steps towards Industry 4.0 in a wire and cable factory

control and optimisation of material costs, and financial projections. Reduced rework and scrap, and having the ability to access product information on demand are benefits that manufacturers can gain from replacing traditional in-house, paper- based systems with the first stage of automation and digitalisation. Once the rewards of the initial automa- tion phase are realised, a move to more complex design software, ERP and MES systems, all of which integrate seam- lessly, can be considered, to continue the journey to smart manufacturing. Cimteq’s industry white paper, Applying Industry 4.0 to the Cable Factory Environment, can be accessed via the company’s website. Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com

viewpoint might be valid in the long term, but several fast, cost-effective solutions can make a difference in the short term. Cimteq states that the first step smaller manufacturers should take is to look at the “bigger picture” and visualise a future with a host of technology that enables greater flexibility, efficiency and productivity. This exercise will help themdetermine what their requirements are and will help them break down the project into smaller, more manageable and more affordable steps. One way to start the automation process is to look for ways to translate information into digital data, analyse it, and then drive it back into the system. CableBuilder Go helps smaller and single-factory manufacturers design, cost and quote wire and cables of all types. The system enables fast and accurate designs and quotations,

Software and equipment providers and advisers to the wire and cable industry often gear sales and market- ing towards more established manu- facturers with sophisticated pro- cesses, modern machines and sleek operational practices. However, Cimteq – a specialist in cable design and manufacturing software – highlights that many manufacturers worldwide feel far away from even considering Industry 4.0 and smart- factory processes. As a software solution provider, Cimteq aims to show these manufacturers that significant investment of both time and money is not always necessary at the outset. Advanced technology and connected automated systems are commonly considered the only solution to building a robust factory environment that can withstand changing industry conditions and increased competitor activity. This

Wooden cable reels Madem-Moorecraft Reels, located in North Carolina, USA, is a wooden cable reels supplier. The Madem Group has forests, sawmills and manufacturing plants in Brazil, Spain, Bahrain, the USA, Mexico and Colombia, and produces 450 containers/trucks of knock-down reels per month, supplying 150 cable plants in 45 countries.

With more than 70 years of industry experience, Madem aims to build trust and confidence with its product offering. Madem-Moorecraft Reels www.mademreels.com ❍ Knock-down reels from Madem Wire machinery from Sweden

such as low to high carbon, stainless steel and spring wire. All machines are designed and manufactured on- site in Sweden, allowing for flexibility and customisation of each unit according to customers’ requirements. A thorough three-step risk analysis and conformity to ISO standards ensure the safety standards of all machines. Lämneå Bruk AB www.lamnea.se

Having been in the wire industry for more than 100 years equips Lämneå Bruk with specialised industry know- ledge as well the ability to find solutions for the changing demands of its international customers. Its wire machinery equipment ranges from drawing machine lines to spooling machines, rod preparation, coilers, take-ups, payoffs, wire laying and pointing machines, not only for welding wire but also for wire types

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Wire & Cable ASIA – November 2021

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