EuroWire March 2023

Focus on Germany

First bar rolled on RSB 500++/4

The Kocks RSB 500++/4 at Huaigang Special Steel Co

is extending its capacity for the production of high-quality special steel for various industries. The advanced Kocks three-roll technology of the RSB will benefit Huaigang Special Steel’s

Steel producer Huaigang Special Steel Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the Shagang Group, has rolled the first bar on its new Kocks RSB® 500++/4 in 5.0 design. The two companies already have a successful partnership, as this is the third Kocks reducing and sizing block installation for Huaigang, following previous projects in 2010 and 2019. A fourth installation is in the process of being set up. With the installation of this largest Kocks block in Huaigang’s existing bar mill line, the Chinese SBQ producer

team was able to successfully execute the installation of the Kocks RSB® 500++/4 on time. Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG www.kocks.de

production capabilities and improve efficiency. In addition to providing the RSB 500++/4, Kocks supplied equipment for the roll shop and proprietary software solutions. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the project

Altana acquires stake in technology start-up Saralon

The cable is made from flame-retardant, halogen-free, low-smoke materials, and features special explosion-proof characteristics. The Hradil cable has been designed for permanent use in a temperature range from -40 +90°C and, for a short period, can survive a maximum short-circuit temperature of +250°C. In addition to DIN EN 50399, the Hradil Secure cable complies with a range of IEC, EN and DIN fire safety standards. The jacket consists of a flexible HFR compound with enhanced reverse bending characteristics – 4xD for fixed and up to 6xD for mobile applications. Hradil Spezialkabel GmbH www.hradil.de “With Altana, we are gaining a strong and innovative partner for our business model who will help us fully tap the growth potential of our products,” said Dr Moazzam Ali, CEO and co-founder of Saralon. Altana AG www.altana.com Saralon GmbH www.saralon.com industry. Printed electronic sensors in packaging can measure humidity, temperature and pressure, among other things, enabling efficient and sustainable monitoring.

in 2015, Saralon has continued to expand its portfolio of solutions for printed electronics. “With its conductive inks and electronic components, Saralon has developed innovative and sustainable solutions that are already in use today,” said Dr Gerd Krämer, chief technology officer at Elantas. “With its years of market experience, Elantas supports Saralon in the further development of its products and their introduction to the printed electronics market across the board.” Saralon’s functional inks can already be used to print batteries, for example. The products are also utilised in the logistics

The Elantas division of speciality chemi- cals group Altana has entered into an innovation partnership with Saralon in the growth market of printed electronics. Altana has acquired a stake in Saralon – a young company that specialises in the development of inks for printing electronics. Saralon also offers pre- fabricated electronic components that enable printers to quickly build capacities for printing electronics. The parties have agreed not to disclose the investment sum.

Since its founding in Chemnitz, Germany,

Safer cables for public spaces Highly frequented spaces such as hospitals, schools, administrative buil- dings, offices, event spaces and hotels are subject to strict fire protection regulations. Hradil Secure is engineered for a wide range of fire-preventing, fire-minimising properties. Upon request, the cable can be certified in accordance with DIN EN 50399 for specific applications.

In the past, cable safety proved to be a problem: cables were either the cause of fires, or fires spread vertically or horizontally along them to remote spaces. The standards applying to cables in such areas are rigorously strict. In Europe, cable designers must comply with the requirements of DIN EN 50399. Hradil Spezialkabel has developed Hradil Secure, a safety cable for nominal voltages up to 1kV that can be directly installed in components and mechanical machine parts, in control cabinets, lifts and cranes, or used as a connection cable for motors.

Cross section of Hradil Secure safety cable

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March 2023