WCA May/July 2020

Technology news

Three innovations in one rotary braiding machine

Maschinenfabrik Niehoff develops machines for the wire and cable industry, including BMV vertical rotary braiding machines equipped with 12, 16 or 24 spool carriers. These machines are designed for the processing of bare or plated round or flat wire made from copper, aluminium or stainless steel, as well as artificial yarn and fibres. The BMV 16 rotary braiding machine is now equipped with three patented innovations. The first innovation is that the machine can automatically increase the bobbin rpm from 175 to a maximum of 200 and reduce the frequency of the lubrication intervals. The result is an increased production output of 14 per cent. As a consequence, the user needs less time for a certain order volume, and the braided product is less contaminated with oil. The second innovation is that the machine keeps the coverage ratio of the cable constant at the pre-set value

❍ BMV 16 rotary braiding machine

The result is a uniform braid along the whole length of the product. This means that faultless shieldings can be produced, which is particularly required for applications in the area of autonomous driving. Wire tension is also documented. By means of different monitoring systems, some optionally available, all BMV braiders can operate unattended for extended periods and without frequent operator intervention. The machines can be equipped with an integral taping device that enables braiding and subsequent taping to be completed in one step. It is also possible to manufacture products with tapes that must be applied both before and after braiding in S or Z direction. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co KG www.niehoff.de

(for example 80 per cent). This allows a certain minimum coverage to be maintained, even when the cable to be braided varies in diameter. The patented Niehoff solution makes it possible to apply only as much braiding wire as is necessary, rather than using extra material as a safety margin to ensure minimum coverage. A measuring device permanently measures the diameter of the incoming cable before it enters the inlet of the braiding area and regulates the line speed (and therefore the braiding pitch) accordingly. Coverage is documented and can be proven to customers in process quality control. The third innovation uses the WTC (wire tension controlling) system and the dancer position to regulate the wire tension of the braiding bobbins, from full to empty condition, so that all braiding wires are applied to the product to be braided with uniform tension.

30

Wire & Cable ASIA – May/July 2020

www.read-wca.com