wiredinUSA September 2011

R E A D WATCH SHARE IT INDEX

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

www.wiredinUSA.com

September 2011 issue - No 3

wiredIn USA Russian conglomerates buy CTC Cable

INDEX

#03 EDITOR

WHEN in need isn’t it wonderful when big business can come to the rescue of the man in the street? Please, put your hands together for CommScope. At a time when people were suffering because of the tornados which killed many and left large swathes of the country in turmoil, the company ensured fiber optic and co-axial cable, as well as humanitarian aid, reached Joplin, Missouri, to allow Cable One to install communication networks in the devastated area. Because of the deliveries, communications were being restored just 48 hours after the tornado had swept through the city leaving more than 100 people dead and hundreds more injured. Any available space on the trucks was filled with humanitarian aid for delivery to people in those areas worse affected. Not surprisingly the company have been rewarded for their efforts with a special public service award from CableFAX magazine. There are no suitable words to describe heartbreak and destruction the people of the city suffered; gratitude costs so little and, in this case, has never been more deserved. David Bell Editor

wiredInUSA - September 2011

2

wiredInUSA - September 2011

3

INDEX

Picture : Mike Gieson

CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT

06 Show Diary From the USA

09 Making the News Industry news from the USA

20

Europe News The latest news from Europe

26 WiCAB Brazil-bound for new exhibition

News Editor David Bell

Advertisement Coordinator Liz Hughes

USA: Editorial Dorothy Fabian

R E A D WATCH SHARE IT

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

272 First Avenue, Apt 12G New York, NY 10009, USA Tel: +1 212 614 9266 Fax: +1 212 614 9266 Email: dfabian@rcn.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - India: Jintras Ltd Jeroo Vandrevala Subarna (Ground Floor) P21/N, Block A, New Alipore Kolkata 700 053, India Tel: +91 33 2407 07 01 Fax: +91 33 2407 07 00 Email: jeroo@intras.co.uk

david@wiredinusa.com Features Editor (USA) Dorothy Fabian Features Editor (Europe) Gill Watson Editorial assistant Christian Bradley

Accounts Manager Richard Babbedge Publisher Caroline Sullens - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - INTRAS OFFICES Europe:

www.wiredinUSA.com

September 2011 issue -No3

32 Industry Trade Association Spotlight on awards, education and events

wiredIn USA

Design/Production/ Free Subscription Hélène Latour

46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755

36 Asia & Africa News The latest news from Asia 48 Company Profile Taking a closer look...

helene@wiredinusa.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sales & Marketing (International) Jason Smith jason@wiredinusa.com +44 1926 834 684

#3

Email: read@wiredinusa.com Website: www.wiredinusa.com

wiredinUSA.com 5

wiredInUSA - September 2011

4

wiredInUSA - September 2011

INDEX

DIARY SHOW EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 12-15 Sept: wire SE Asia Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition www.wire-southeastasia.com 19-21 Sept: Manufacturing and Coil Winding Expo Nashville, Tennessee, USA Exhibition www.emcwa.org

MARCH 26-30 March: wire 2012 Düsseldorf, Germany Exhibition www.wire.de

2011

2012

MAY 21-22 May: AWPA Conference 22-23 May: Wire Expo Dallas, Texas, USA Exhibition www.wirenet.org

OCTOBER 4-6 Oct: WiCAB 2011 São Paulo, Brazil Exhibition www.cipanet.com.br

SEPTEMBER 10-12 : International Manufacturing Technology Show McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA Exhibition www.imts.com

NOVEMBER 6-9 Nov: IWCS Charlotte, North Carolina, USA Conference www.iwcs.org 7-8 Nov: CabWire World 2011 Düsseldorf, Germany Conference www.cabwire-duesseldorf.com 17-19 Nov: Expocentralasia Almaty, Kazakhstan Metal and wire exhibition www.expocentralasia.com

OCTOBER 3-5 : Spring World 2012 Chicago, Illinois, USA Exhibition www.wireworld.com/events/

6

wiredInUSA - September 2011

INDEX

MAKING THENEWS CTC Cable in Russian ownership

Russian industrial conglomerates Kaskol and RU-COM have completed the acquisition of all the assets of CTC Cable’s business. The business will continue to operate from the same location in Irvine, California and will be operated as CTC Cable Corporation. The company’s major focus will be on continuing the expansion of its ACCC® conductor sales to customers throughout the world.

developed such excellent technology and is managed by a world-class team of professionals.” Mikhail Abyzov, chairman of RU-COM Group, added, “CTC Cable’s technology and IP portfolio are outstanding, and with access to additional financial resources, combined with our reach in emerging markets throughout the world, CTC Cable’s advanced conductor product will accelerate its growth across all global markets. We are committed to investing in expansion plans as well as expanding the company’s R&D and new product development.” Benton Wilcoxon, former CEO of Coposite Technology Corporation, also stated, “This is clearly a new chapter in CTC Cable’s growth and evolution. Kaskol’s and RU-COM’s strength will open opportunities for CTC Cable that it formerly did not have as a dynamic, but undercapitalized firm. This is an excellent fit since the new owners understand and value complex technologies as well as have a very solid presence from which to focus on marketing the performance benefits of ACCC conductor worldwide.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Sergey Nedoroslev, chairman of Kaskol, stated, “We are very pleased to acquire this advanced conductor business, which has

wiredInUSA - September 2011

9

INDEX

ETCO Incorporated has intro- duced terminals for connecting wire to aluminum and copper-foil to speed wire processing operations. The foil terminals can be manufactured to OEM specifications. Crimping wire to foil or film

ETCO FWC Series connectors are designed for attaching 8 to 22 AWG wires to aluminum and copper-foil or film laminates of between 0.001 and 0.095 inch thickness. Wires attach to ears on the terminals, and two lances embed into the foil or film during crimping. Multiple layers can be securely attached. FWC Series Connectors are available in brass and tinned high brass, and are supplied in strip form.

Faster broadband for rural America

Businesses and households located in rural areas of the US will soon be in a position to access high-speed broadband. Associated Press reports that the US government is to offer telecommunication companies in 16 states a share of a $103 million (£62.3 million) federal grant to develop super-fast Internet services in rural areas of the country. States set to benefit from the investment include Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia.

“There’s a big gap that remains between rural and urban areas because it’s just hard to make a business case in rural areas,” explained Jonathan Adelstein, the agriculture department’s rural utilities service administrator. According to a recent Federal Communications Commission report, around 28 percent of US citizens in rural communities are unable to access internet speeds of three megabits or higher per second.

About the IWCS For sixty years, the IWCS, a non-profit organization, has presented the latest technologies in wire, cable and connectivity. Now rebranded to reflect its expanded scope the IWCS International Cable-Connectivity Symposium remains the prestige venue for the presentation of peer reviewed work in fields of wire, cable and interconnected technology for the communi- cations, data, electronics, power, industrial, automotive and aerospace industries. In 2009, the topical scope of the symposium program was broadened to include the adjacent manufacturing segments of connectivity and wiring harness products with the inclusion of the IICIT (International Institute of Connector and Interconnection Technology) Symposium with the IWCS conference. Additional conference tracks, professional development offerings, and exhibition spotlights that target the interests and needs of the interconnect community are planned for 2011. For complete connectivity solutions, the International Cable-Connectivity Symposium has no rivals.

Join the industry’s leading companies and technologists for the 60th Symposium that will include :

- New Product Presentations - Networking Opportunities - Professional development Courses

- Technical Symposium - Executive Track - Suppliers Expo - ...And more

Charlotte Convention Center Charlotte, NC, USA November 6th-9th, 2011 More information on the IWCS can be found at www.iwcs.org or by contacting : John Barteld, CEO/Director of IWCS, at jbarteld@iwcs.org

10

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011 i I

11

INDEX

CommScope has received a special public service award from CableFAX magazine in recognition of the company’s efforts in assisting customers impacted by the tornados that struck several areas of the United States earlier this year. CableFAX announced the award in its July issue, which also listed the other 2011 Top Ops Award winners. “On behalf of every employee at CommScope, I’d like to thank CableFAX for this honor,” said Eddie Edwards, president and chief executive officer, CommScope. “We believe that corporate responsibility means taking actions that have a positive impact on our people, our community and our business. We are extremely humbled that the magazine would bestow this accolade upon us as we strive for strong corporate governance and good citizenship.” CableFAX honored CommScope for its quick response in shipping fiber optic and co-axial cable, as well as humanitarian aid, to Cable One in Joplin, MO following a major tornado that devastated the entire town in May. CommScope was able to deliver supplies and aid within 48 hours to enable Cable One to begin restoring communications. As part of CommScope’s deliveries, any available space remaining on the trucks was filled with humanitarian aid such as water coolers, provisions, generators and blankets for those in the hardest-hit areas. In addition to assisting Cable One in Joplin, the Cable Transport teams were also dispatched to assist Charter Communications after tornados damaged areas of Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee in April. CommScope’s special public service award

12

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

13

INDEX

Sonobond at the Assembly & Automation Expo

Quantum fusion splicer

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, a manufacturer of optical fiber and connectivity solutions, is introducing the Quantum type-Q101-CA dual- heater core alignment Fusion Splicer™, the first splicer to be launched in its new Quantum Splicer product line. Having incorporated results from qualitative end-user research and needs analyzes, Sumitomo Electric’s Quantum Splicer has been designed to address the needs of technicians for easier and faster splicer functionality, significantly expanded memory storage, improved ruggedness, and optimum splicing efficiencies in speed and performance. Quantum fusion splicer has a fully functional touch-screen interface, said to make splicer function navigation more intuitive, faster, and easier than traditional keypad interfaces. Being small (4.72W x 6.06D x 4.96H inches) and light (4.4lbs) the splicer can be easily carried and used in the small, confined spaces that characterize data center, FTTx and outside plant work environments. Despite the small footprint and light weight, the Quantum splicer offers 640 x 320 fiber view and long electrode life.

Melissa Alleman, vice-president of Sonobond Ultrasonics, has revealed that the company will be exhibiting two examples of its latest technology at the 2011 Assembly & Automation Expo in Chicago, the SeamMaster™ high profile textile bonder. In making the announcement, Alleman said, “Visitors to the Expo are encouraged to visit us at Booth #1147. We’ll have both our Dual Head SpliceRite™ ultrasonic wire splicer and our SeamMaster™ high profile ultrasonic textile bonder on display. These machines demonstrate how Sonobond is applying its more than 50 years of ultrasonics know-how to assembly applications. The Dual Head SpliceRite™ represents a major breakthrough in fast, dependable wire splicing. The SeamMaster™ High Profile ultrasonic bonder, on the other hand, demonstrates the important role that ultrasonic technology plays in a variety of textile applications, including the assembly of filters, medical disposables, and body armor.” 20 th to 22 nd September – the Dual Head SpliceRite ultrasonic wire splicer and

14

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

15

INDEX

Picture: Jan Flaska

Encore Wire announces cash dividend

Only the name changes at Dow

Dual Block goes underground

Daniel L Jones, president and CEO of Encore Wire Corporation, has announced a two per cent share dividend to be paid on 21 st October 2011. He continued, “ Any future quarterly dividends will be paid subject to earnings and cash flowconsiderations. We appreciate our stockholders’ commitment to the continued growth of Encore Wire. We will continue to manage the Company for the long-term and strive to protect our strong balance sheet.” Encore Wire Corporation manufactures a broad range of copper electrical wire for interior wiring in homes, apartments, manufactured housing and commercial and industrial buildings.

Hendrix Wire & Cable has launched Dual Block, a dual water-blocking product for Hendrix primary underground cable. Water entering the cable core can lead to premature failure. Hendrix Dual Block is developed to help prevent this from occurring. A fill compound is continuously applied into the conductor interstices, to prevent longitudinal water migration, while a water-swellable powder is applied under the polyethylene jacket. This powder prevents water from migrating along the neutral wires, beneath the jacket. Used together, these two applications provide a reliable barrier that prevents water from entering the cable core. Dual Block is an option for all Hendrix stranded conductor cables.

With a growth strategy that moves beyond technology and materials for wire and cable jacketing, insulation, semiconductive and specialty compounds for the power and telecommunications markets, Dow Wire & Cable has made the decision to change its business name to Dow Electrical & Telecommunications. “Electricity and electrical components areacommon denominator across all power and telecommu- nications resources. After six decades serving these important markets, the time is right to leverage the Dow portfolio in an even wider capacity to bring new technology and products to market,” said Tim Laughlin, general manager, Dow Electrical & Telecommunications.

Takeover of existing power line project

Canadian energy company Enbridge has entered into an agreement to acquire Tonbridge Power whose main business involves a power line project between Montana and Alberta. Enbridge will buy all outstanding common shares of Tonbridge for C$20m ($20.36m) through a plan of arrangement. The company will also repay about C$50m ($50.9m) of debt incurred in the development of the Montana-Alberta Tie-Line power transmission project being developed by Tonbridge. Enbridge said it will be entitled to receive about C$9m

($9.16m) in a combination of cash and warrants if the arrangement is not completed in certain circumstances. The company will inject further funding to complete the first 300MW phase of the transmission line as well as a low cost expansion to 550-600MW. The total cost to Enbridge for both phases of the power line project will be about C$300m ($305m), the company said. The Montana-Alberta Tie-Line project is a 345km power line linking Great

Falls, Montana with Lethbridge, Alberta.

16

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

17

INDEX

Greenbriar Equity secures aerospace hardware facilities

quarter subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Commenting on the transaction, Robert Eck, president and CEO of Anixter, said, “Given Greenbriar’s significant focus in the aerospace sector, we are confident [the Aerospace Hardware Division] will be a strong and supportive partner for the aerospace business and build upon its solid market position under new ownership.” Noah Roy, managing director of Greenbriar, stated, “We believe that this transaction will enable the employees of the Aerospace Hardware Division to continue to provide outstanding service and supply chain value to their customers, the majority of which are the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers. We look forward to partnering with the current management team to grow the business and invest in the future success of this division.”

Anixter International has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its aerospace hardware division to entities controlled by Greenbriar Equity Group LLC. Under the terms of the agreement Anixter will receive $155 million in cash, subject to a net working capital adjustment, and up to an additional $30 million if certain milestones are achieved on or before 31 st December 2013. The transaction is expected to be completed during the third

18

wiredInUSA - September 2011

INDEX

BT rolling out Olympic fiber-optics UK telecommunications giant BT has announced that it will roll out its fiber The village will house competing athletes during next summer’s Olympic Games and are set to become long-term residences following the completion of the games. In an interview with Computing magazine, business director for the London 2012 programme at BT Tim Boden claimed that residents will benefit from the games following its completion, “This means that when the residents take over, they will effectively have fiber-based broadband services. That’s a direct legacy of the games.” Last month, BT revealed that around 290,000 homes and businesses in 17 London exchange areas were set to gain access to fiber broadband services. cable broadband network to the Olympic Village in London.

A Swiss tightrope walker has scaled a 1km long cable-car cable, without a safety harness or balancing pole. The cable runs up to the summit of Bavaria’s Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze. It took Freddy Nock one hour and 20 minutes to walk along the two-inch thick cable, which was close to the top of 9,000 foot tall mountain. After the walk, Nock was reported as saying, “I cannot say that I will again attempt such a walk. I have it behind me and I don’t want to do it again. Not without a balancing pole.” He is submitting his tightrope walk to the Guinness Book of Records as the longest and highest wire walk above sea level without a balancing pole. In the very near future, Nock is to attempt the longest cable crossing with a bike and try walking the longest and highest rope down a valley. Record cable crossing

EUROPE NEWS

EUROPE NEWS

20

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

21

INDEX

Small cable recycling

Automotive cables lose weight

nkt cables has entered into a contract with 50Hertz Offshore GmbH for supply to the Baltic 2 offshore wind farm. The project will include armored high- voltage subsea cables, accessories and installation. The cables – approximately 60km of 150kV, AC, 3-core – will be manufactured at nkt’s Cologne production facility. Baltic 2 (formerly known as Kriegers Flak) will be situated in the Baltic Sea approximately 32km north of the island of Rügen. 80 windmills with a total capacity of 288MW will cover an area of 27km 2 . It is anticipated that 340,000 households will receive electricity from the wind farm when it becomes operational, sometime during 2013. “We are pleased to continue doing business with 50Hertz Offshore GmbH,” said Thomas Hofman-Bang, president and CEO of NKT Holding, adding: “Baltic 1 was nkt cables’ first subsea cable project out of the new factory in Cologne.” nkt cables lands Baltic 2 submarine project

PKC acquires AEES companies

Italian manufacturer Guidetti has expanded its range of machines for electric cable recycling by adding the WIRE 315. It is the smallest of this series of machinery, said to have been revised and improved over the larger models. The new low-weight (1,200kg) cable recycling plant is designed to be clean and silent in use. According to the manufacturer, its capacity range is between 200kg and 300kg of electric and electronic copper cables aims it at medium to large recyclers with a high industrial concept of its use. High soundproofing, and the collection and filtering of air used in the separation and transport process, means that recyclers can run the plant in any area without creating inconvenience or health hazard to staff or interfering with other manufacturing processes in the same working place. The granulator is equipped with three rotating blades, two stationary blades, and transport and separation of granulated copper from rigid cables. A vibrating dry separator sorts the insulation and copper content and the WIRE 315 is completed by a de-dusting and self-cleaning filtering system to transport and collect the generated dust.

PKC Group, designer and contract manufacturer of wiring harnesses and cabling, has signed an agreement for the purchase of AEES companies. AEES is among leading North American wiring harness manufacturers for heavy and medium duty trucks and it also has a significant position in light vehicle wiring harnesses. In addition, AEES provides components and wires to other contract manufacturers. AEES’ largest customer accounts within the truck industry are said to include Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar and PACCAR, with companies such as Continental, Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson and Lear among its light industry clients. In 2010, AEES generated net sales of EUR 454 million from its operations in USA, Mexico, Brazil and Ireland and has around 13,800 employees. Harri Suutari, PKC president and CEO, said: “The acquisition hereby provides access to new customer segments and also offers PKC an opportunity to expand its product and service offering via manufacturing of components and wires.”

Cable manufacturer Leoni is offering an alternative solid aluminum conductor to the motor vehicle industry, replacing the common copper cable. The new cable can be shaped in three dimensions and weighs only about half as much as the conventional component connecting the battery to the engine. Of the roughly 3,000mof cable that today’s motor vehicles contain, the connection between the battery and the engine is one of the bulkiest single cables. The potential for saving weight on this component is all the greater when the battery is located in the rear of the vehicle. Leoni has therefore replaced the copper battery cable with a round aluminum busbar, which can be fitted directly on or underneath the vehicle chas- sis. It has a variable diameter depending on the application and is insulated with a halogen-free polyethylene jacket. Depending on the type of vehicle, it can have a length of over 4m and be de- ployed in either a single or twin track version. Leoni showed the new aluminum busbar at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt recently. It weighs just 40 to 60 per cent as much as traditional copper cable. The saving is made possible by the fact that aluminum has significantly less specific gravity than copper.

EUROPE NEWS

22

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

23

INDEX

EASIER QUICKER NOPAPER Unique, original-content news and information for the domestic US wire and cable market

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

OSI wins smart grid SCADA system contract from Vermont Electric

R E A D WATCH SHARE IT

wiredIn USA

Open Systems International (OSI) has won a contract from Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) to provide a new smart grid SCADA system for its Vermont service territory. VEC’s intent for this project is to integrate SCADA functionality with existing advanced meter infrastructure (AMI), outage management system (OMS), geographic information system (GIS), and integrated voice response system (IVRS) technology to build an integration platform for implementation of smart grid initiatives.

The new SCADA system will be based on OSI’s multi-platform open network ARCHitecture automation platform, and is set to include the advanced functionality of OSI’s next-gener- ation. NET based graphical user interface. It will also include OSI’s real-time and historical trending; historical information system and data archiving; disturbance data collection and virtual remote telemetry unit software products, with MultiSpeak 3.0 interoperable monarch interfaces to VEC’s existing AMI, OMS, GIS and IVRS systems.

Every month, wiredInUSA will be .... - mailed electronically to a specified wire and cable audience - delivered direct to your email inbox - available to read online

It is FREE... so pass on to colleagues!

Register online at

www.wiredinUSA.com

America’s new online magazine for wire and cable

24

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

25

INDEX

WiCAB São Paulo Brazil 4 th - 6 th October 2011

Brazil may have been better known for its soccer prowess in the past. However, this has changed over recent years and the world’s fifth largest country, by population, has become a major player worldwide for its industrial growth. The country with the world’s tenth largest economy plays host to WiCAB at the Imigrantes Exposicoe in São Paulo from 4th- 6th October, organized jointly by Messe Düsseldorf North America and the host country’s Grupo Cipa.

26

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

27

INDEX

Wire wonder in Brazil! Trade fair organizers Grupo CIPA (Brazil) and Messe Düsseldorf (Germany) have jointly organized the premiere staging of WiCAB, International Wire and Cable Fair, from 4 th -6 th October at the Imigrantes Exposicoes exhibition centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event will be held concurrently with TUBOTECH 2011, 6 th International Trade Fair for Pipes, Valves, Fittings and Components. For WiCAB and TUBOTECH 2011, 380 exhibitors from 21 countries have already registered to take part and booked 247,500 square feet of exhibit space. Foreign exhibitors will come from countries such as Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Korea, Slovakia, Spain and the US. The events will also feature official country group exhibits from Austria and Italy. The ongoing boom in Brazil’s construction, automotive and household electronics industries increases the demand for steel considerably. While the local industry previously covered more than 90% of the demand, a strong Brazilian currency, coupled with excess capacity on the global market, has increased the share of imports to 28% in 2010. In addition, the infrastructure expansion and rising capital goods investments provide strong impulses for the metal industry, which grew by 30% in 2010 and is expected to increase further in 2011. WiCAB and TUBOTECH 2011 will offer visitors from Brazil and neighboring nations an excellent information platform while providing international exhibitors with a gateway to the important South American market. Visitors will also benefit from additional

synergies by the concurrently held trade fairs Metaltech (metal working), Expovalvulas (valves), Expobombas (pumps) and Petrotech (oil and gas) as well as Termotech (thermo technology), Feigás (gas) and Febraman (material handling). Messe Düsseldorf North America – USA Tel: +1 312 781 5180 Fax: +1 312 781 5188 Email: info@mdna.com Website: www.mdna.com Medek & Schörner GmbH Medek & Schörner will be presenting the following state-of-the-art cable marking machines at WiCAB in São Paulo, Brazil. Cable Marking Machines • High quality gravure printers (LAN cables, control cables, etc) for speeds up to 1200m/min • Embossing meter markers/hot foil sequential meter markers (power cables, telecommunication cables, optical fiber cables, etc) • High performance ring markers for marking telephone wires, switchboard wires, automotive cables, LAN cables • Video system for monitoring the print quality of fast-running cable printing machines, e.g. allowing real-time inspection for bad quality and/or missing prints • Laser Marking System for Cables Optical Fiber Coating Systems Top speed optical fiber processing systems: • Optical fiber colour coding up to 3000m/ min • Ring marking of optical fibers • Tight buffering up to 1300m/min • Fiber ribbon production with excellent

Queins & Co GmbH Queins & Co GmbH, Germany, have upgraded its FLR type rigid strander, one of the most versatile and sophisticated rigid stranders on the market. These machines are designed to produce copper and aluminum as well as aluminum alloy conductors, and can be equipped with compacting heads to manufacture round conductors, straight and pre-twisted sector conductors. New bobbin brake system Newly designed pneumatically actuated calliper brakes per bobbin, for constant tension from full to empty bobbins, also for thin wire diameters, noiseless operation and maintenance free. With the practical semi-automatic side loading system (alternatively also ‘top-loading’) the loading procedure guarantees the minimum possible down time of the line. The new 2500 mm double disc capstan reaches 200 kN pulling force and the renewed design of the portal type pay-off and take-up handle reels with a weight of up to 20 tons and 2500mm. Heavier designs are available on request. Preformers can be installed behind the cages for easier operation with aluminum alloy wires. Queins & Co GmbH – Germany Fax: +49 247 280 80 Email: info@queins.com Website: www.queins.com

ribbon planarity and for speeds up to 1000m/min

• CFU Production of compact fiber units • Copper wire insulation with UV varnishes (enamelled wire) • Manufacture of dimension-sensitive precision micro flexible flat cables (FFC) using UV resins As the only company operating in this market segment, Medek & Schörner covers virtually the entire spectrum of machines for marking cables and coding optical fibers, in particular for power, telecom and data cables. Medek & Schörner GmbH – Austria Fax: +43 1 982 7296 Email: m+s@medek.at Website: www.medek.at Smeets S.A. Since 1921 Smeets SA has been the sole agent in North and South-America for Loypos, a high quality manufacturer of semi-conductive woven tapes for EHV and HV cables, submarine cables and mining cables. Smeets also supply : • Soft waterblocking yarns • Flame retardant glass tapes • Bitumen tapes • Stainless steel tubes with optical fibers • Polyester film Smeets exports to 45 countries on five continents to customers in EHV/HV, MV cable, mining cable, offshore cable,

OFC and OPGW cable. Smeets S.A. – Belgium Fax: +32 023 772 407

Email: smeets@smeets1921.be Website: www.smeets1921.be

28

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

29

INDEX

EASIER QUICKER LIGHTER Unique, original-content news and information for the domestic US wire and cable market

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

Las Vegas Fastener Expo looking good

wiredIn USA

The National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo scheduled for 19 th to 21 st October at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, is reporting very strong interest and a high number of first-time exhibitors. “We have sold 712 booths to nearly 539 companies from throughout the USA and twelve other nations around the world including Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan and Vietnam. “These numbers are well ahead of last year’s pace and we continue receiving new contracts and inquiries on a regular basis. We have added 56 new companies and the Machinery and Tooling area has grown to 38 companies. We expect to be well over 725 booths by show time,” advised Susan A Hurley, CEM, the Expo’s general manager. In addition to “North America’s Largest Fastener Expo” the event includes a full day of conference programs featuring topics of vital, current interest as well as Fastener Training Institute workshops and a number of meetings. A panel discussion entitled “The State of the US Fastener Industry” will immediately precede the official opening of the two-day Expo on Thursday 20 th October.

Delivered direct to your email inbox or available online FREE... so pass on to colleagues!

Register online at

www.wiredinUSA.com

30

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

31

INDEX

IWMA monthly news It isn’t too late to apply for an IWMA Educational Trust John C Hogg Travel Award ! In addition to the continuous support which the IWMA provides to education within the industry, the association also offers the 2012 Travel Award Scheme for the world’s largest and most prestigious wire exhibition. This award, named after John C Hogg, the IWMA founder, is available to students, apprentices or trainees recommended or sponsored by a member of the IWMA and is funded by the association’s Educational Trust charity. The aim is to help individuals to visit wire Düsseldorf who would not normally have the opportunity to do so. John C Hogg Travel Awards provide: a) Return economy air travel from country of domicile to Düsseldorf, Germany during the period of the trade fair. b) A minimum of 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Düsseldorf, excluding meals and local travel expenses. c) Free entry and catalogue to wire/Tube Düsseldorf 2012. d) VIP guest ticket for the IWMA Industry Dinner on 27, March 2012 during wire. At the time of going to press the Trust has already approved awards from China (2), India, Malaysia, Taiwan and the UK (2), illustrating perfectly the global influence of the IWMA. There are still some travel awards available, subject to the individual meeting the qualifying criteria. More information including the conditions and an application form can be found on the IWMA website at: www.iwma.org/travelaward.php The deadline for receipt of applications is 19, September 2011. Please help us to educate and develop individuals we hope will be the future of our industry by encouraging someone to apply now.

Free places for students/research students at the IWMA’s CabWire World Conference in Düsseldorf in November 2011 It has been agreed by the trustees of the Educational Trust Fund that support will be provided for the IWMA’s CabWire technical conference with the Fund as themain sponsor. A key part of the sponsorship is the provision of up to 12 free registrations to students engaged in study or research in the metal materials and engineering sectors with an interest in wire and cable processing technology. These free registrations will be made available on a first come first served basis and the Trust is contacting universities and institutions that have departments with students and research students who might be interested in the wire and cable sector. Apart from the scientific interest the event will also offer a great opportunity for students to meet potentially very useful contacts for their future careers. Anyone interested in making an advance application for a free registration should contact the IWMA office for details. The IWMA can provide up to two free registrations per university. If the allocation of 12 free registrations is fully subscribed there will be special low price fees applicable to students and academics. For more information please visit : www.cabwire-duesseldorf.com

The IWMA Educational Trust Fund is a charitable institution established to provide support for education and research in the wire and cable industry.

32

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

33

INDEX

Universities to access fiber optic broadband

Lincoln Electric acquires Techalloy

Lincoln Electric Holdings has acquired the welding operation assets of Techalloy Company, Inc and of its parent company, Central Wire Industries Ltd. Known commercially as Techalloy, the Baltimore, Maryland-based manufacturer is a privately-held producer of nickel alloy and stainless steel welding consumables. Central Wire Industries manufactures a wide range of stainless steel wire, nickel alloy and copper alloy wire for use in the manufacturing of springs, fasteners, screens and belts. “The addition of Techalloy expands our product portfolio of high alloy consumables required to service customers in North America and around the world,” said John M Stropki, chairman and CEO. “In particular, Techalloy’s nickel alloy welding consumables are positioned well globally in the high growth energy and infrastructure segments of our business. “We expect growth in these segments to continue worldwide, and believe the Techalloy product line will help expand and deepen our relationships with these key customers.” Techalloy, acquired by Central Wire in 2005, has been manufacturing stainless steel and nickel base welding wires and coated electrodes and select low-alloy wires for over 50 years. The company has annual sales of approximately $70 million and employs 55 people.

Universities in Mississippi are to benefit from a new fiber cable broadband network. Known as Mission, a number of regional institutions, including the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University and The University of Southern Mississippi, will access the new research network. The broadband infrastructure, owned by US telecommunications group AT&T, is already in place, allowing the institutions to increase broadband capacity twenty-fold and further their research initiatives. “This network will trans- form our universities’

research capabilities and academic competitiveness on a global scale,” Governor Haley Barbour said. “This will have tremendous impact on Mississippi.” Ms Barbour added that, if the universities themselves, it would have cost them an extra $54 million (£32.7 million) to do so. Other state facilities to benefit from the network include Jackson State University, The University of Mississippi Medical Centre, the State Department of Information and Technology, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Stennis Space Centre. have developed the new network

34

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

35

INDEX

Picture : Alessandro Paiva

ASIA & AFRICA NEWS

Undersea fiber cable announced Vodafone New Zealand has signed a long term capacity deal with Pacific Fibre, over its plan to build a 12,750km multi-million dollar international submarine cable. The undersea cable system will initially connect Australia to New Zealand, then to the USA, and is scheduled to be launched by early 2014. Under the 10-year deal, Vodafone will become Pacific Fibre’s biggest New Zealand customer.

Pacific Fibre’s co-founder Sir Stephen Tindall is welcoming Vodafone on board with the project which, he says, “ ...effectively parks New Zealand, in my opinion, just off the Californian coast. It gives small operators who want to get started the ability to get in on super-fast broadband connectivity with the United States.” The cable is scheduled to be launched in 2014 and investors are currently being sought to fund the construction.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

36

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

37

INDEX

Amcom profits up 50 per cent

China’s imports of unwrought copper and semi-finished copper products rose 9.5 per cent on the month to a six-month high in July, as buyers took advantage of lower prices after the metal rose to a record high of $10,190 per tonne in February. “Most of these imports in July would have been bought during late May, early June when the price was well off the February-April levels,” explained David Thurtell, analyst at Citigroup. China’s overall exports also hit a record high in July as shipments to Europe and the United States proved surprisingly buoyant, easing concerns that debt problems abroad may hold back the world’s No. 2 economy. “Barring a further panic in the equity markets, we would venture to say that we’ve likely witnessed the lows in base metals for 2011 and higher prices are now in order into year end,” RBC Capital Markets said in a research note. China copper imports hit six-month high

Doha Cables, believed to be Qatar’s first and largest domestic cable manufacturer, has been awarded a two year contract by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation “Kahramaa” to supply low voltage (0.6/1kV) and medium voltage (11kV) power cables equal to approximately 42,000 tons of copper through a competitive tendering process. The contract is part of Kahramaa’s current programme tomeet the growing demand for power in Qatar which, it forecasts, will almost double to 8GW by 2013. Doha Cables is a subsidiary of Senyar Industries, a 50:50 joint venture between Aamal and Elsewedy Electric Egypt, one of the Middle East’s leading integrated energy solutions providers. Doha Cables’s state-of-the-art, 70,200m 2 manufacturing facility opened officially in May 2010 with a production capacity of 40,000 tons of copper per year, making it one of the largest production facilities in the MENA region. It is one of only two local companies licensed by the government to operate in Qatar to have commenced production. Following the award of this contract, Doha Cables intends to double its production capacity to meet the increased demand. New contract for Doha Cables

September steel prices will rise

Fiber-optic network operator Amcom Telecommunications Ltd has grown its annual underlying profit by 31 per cent and forecasts a similar performance in the year ahead. Amcom reported a net profit of $25.9 million for the year to 30th June, up 50 per cent on the previous year. Amcom owns and operates over 2,100km of fiber-optic network in Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, offering telecommunications services to business and government customers. Included in the profit is $4.3 million in proceeds from the sale of part of Amcom’s stake in internet service provider iiNet Ltd, which occurred in June. A further $7.8 million came from equity earnings from the remaining 20 per cent stake in iiNet, which Amcom is to offload to its shareholders in the current year. Net profit from its fully owned operations was $13.8 million, up 31 per cent from the previous corresponding period. The company said it was well-placed to deliver another year of double digit percentage profit growth from its wholly-owned operations in the 2010/11 financial year. Revenue growth in the year to June was 38 per cent and chief executive Clive Stein said fiber-based communication services had become essential for businesses.

Some of China’s leading steel mills will be raising prices for their main products for September bookings, aiming to keep pace with rising spot market prices and in anticipation of stronger demand next month. Two leading mills, Wuhan Iron & Steel Co Ltd and Beijing Shougang Co Ltd, have announced that September prices will increase for their main flat steel products in the wake of a similar move by Baoshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd (Baosteel) to take advantage of growing demand. Steel demand in China is expected to remain robust as its economy aims to maintain strong growth boosted by its continued investment in urbanization and industrialization, a China Iron & Steel Association (CISA) report confirmed. CISA also expects that China’s steel exports will continue to stay relatively high, supporting steel demand. Data from the CISA report also showed that rebar spot prices rose 0.85 per cent at the end July from a month ago, wire rod price gained 1.51 per cent and hot-rolled coil price rose 0.43 per cent during the same period, while almost all other flat steel products fell modestly in July.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

38

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

39

INDEX

Connectors in space Amphenol Fiber Systems International (AFSI) has developed a fiber optic MIL-STD-83522 style connector and strain relief boot, compliant to NASA

popular fiber sizes. AFSI specializes in the development and manufacture of fiber optic products for harsh environments. AFSI’s Space ST component joins a portfolio of fiber optic cable assemblies and components such as termini, M28876, MIL-ST, TFOCA and the TFOCA-II ® connector, which AFSI developed and patented.

EEE-INST-002 material guidelines for space applications.

AFSI’s Space ST connectors were tested to ASTM E 595 to evaluate the boot’s outgassing properties and are available for all of the

Improving grid efficiency Smart grid company S&C Electric has launched its IntelliTeam VV volt-var optimization system and related services to improve grid efficiency and stability. The company said that the IntelliTeam VV system offers a cost-effective approach for optimizing electrical distribution system voltage, power factor and other grid operating characteristics based on real-time conditions. This technology is scalable for deployments of all sizes and also offers demand response load reduction that does not impact the consumer.

S&C VP of strategic solutions, Mike Edmonds, said S&C is addressing demands placed on utilities to improve smart grid efficiency “head-on.” The company has also introduced accompanying services including analytical studies, engineer-procure- construct solutions, and asset management. These services span the life of a volt-var optimization program, from initial project planning to definition to implementation, S&C said.

40

wiredInUSA - September 2011

INDEX

For fully automated pipe welding applications, Lincoln Electric has introduced Pipeliner® 81M, a gas-shielded, flux-cored (FCAW-G) 0.045 inch (1.2mm) diameter wire designed for hot, fill and cap pass welding on up to X70 grade pipe. Pipeliner 81M is designed to provide optimal performance during automated pipe welding New FCAW-G line

applications where consistent arc length is critical. Fast-freezing slag provides a flat bead shape with consistent puddle support all the way around the pipe. Additionally, the new wire provides robust impact toughness and is capable of producing weld deposits with Charpy V-Notch impact toughness exceeding 27J (20 ft•lbf) at –40ºC.

Terry Perdue joins Radiant Energy Systems

Terry Perdue has joined Radiant Energy Systems Inc, New Jersey, as engineering manager. Mr Perdue will leas the engineering and design team in planning, project management and quality control, and will implement and execute the company’s ISO 9001:2008 certification. “Due to continued company growth and further planned expansion, Mr Perdue will be an asset to us and to our customers,” states Bob Narang, president of Radiant Energy Systems.

“He comes to us with over 15 years experience in the paper, converting and alternative energy industries. His expertise in operational improvements and cost-saving initiatives will benefit the company’s long term objectives.” Mr Perdue earned his bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and is working on his Masters in Engineering Management from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Jim Fitterling, president of Corporate Development and Hydrocarbons, and executive vice-president of Dow, will assume executive oversight of the Chemicals and Energy division in addition to his current leadership role. “Jim’s in-depth market and customer knowledge, and his global business experience, makes him ideally qualified to assume this executive role,” said Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO. “He has been a driving Dow division re-shuffle

force in deliveringDow’s transformational strategy and will continue to be a vital part of our business success as he leads this division to higher levels of performance and results.” Mr Fitterling assumes this leadership role from Carol Williams, who has been named to lead Manufacturing and Engineering and appointed as an executive vice-president of Dow. There are no other changes of reporting responsibilities within the two divisions.

42

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

43

INDEX

Plenary speaker announced

A further announcement

from The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) names Dr Ashish Kulkarni, vice president of Technology and Innovation at Ticona, to deliver a plenary address at EUROTEC 2011.

Dr Kulkarni’s presentation is entitled “When the worlds collide: plastics and applications” and will assert that timescale and process differences, in the way engineers in the plastics world and those in the applications world operate, impedes innovation. Prior to joining Ticona, Dr Kulkarni was vice president of global engineering, building systems, for the Carrier Corporation (a United Technologies company). He holds masters and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, and a B Tech in chemical engineering from Osmania University, India.

30 years of TAK Enterprises

Established in Bristol, Connecticut in September 1981 by Thomas A Kunkler and Rienehart Hermann, TAK Enterprises began business in a 1,000ft 2 building, and is now located in a 30,000ft 2 facility. During its history TAK has developed many new products, including the Posiblank™ Holder, VeriFeed™ and Syncro Cam Timing System for slide forming machines, as well as a line of precision grade wire straighteners. TAK introduced a design for a fine wire (.006” and over) payoff that included a “French Curve” reservoir, ultra-low friction guide rollers, and wire “snag’ sensing ability. Also, during the past 30 years, the contract production activity of TAK Enterprises has shipped several billion surgical staples and clips.

During its 30 years of business, TAK Enterprises has supplied equipment and services to many small- and Fortune 500-sized companies serving the medical device, automotive, aerospace, appliance, electronic, electrical, spring, wire forming, and dental markets. TAK Enterprises Inc. designs, manufactures, represents and markets precision wire straighteners, custom feed and cut-off systems, servo-feed systems, wire payoffs, cleaner/ lubricators, and a variety of time-saving machine accessories for managing linear material. All this in addition to producing precision small and miniature parts such as surgical staples, electronic contacts, appliance spring clips, and dental pins.

About the IWCS For sixty years, the IWCS, a non-profit organization, has presented the latest technologies in wire, cable and connectivity. Now rebranded to reflect its expanded scope the IWCS International Cable-Connectivity Symposium remains the prestige venue for the presentation of peer reviewed work in fields of wire, cable and interconnected technology for the communi- cations, data, electronics, power, industrial, automotive and aerospace industries. In 2009, the topical scope of the symposium program was broadened to include the adjacent manufacturing segments of connectivity and wiring harness products with the inclusion of the IICIT (International Institute of Connector and Interconnection Technology) Symposium with the IWCS conference. Additional conference tracks, professional development offerings, and exhibition spotlights that target the interests and needs of the interconnect community are planned for 2011. For complete connectivity solutions, the International Cable-Connectivity Symposium has no rivals.

Join the industry’s leading companies and technologists for the 60th Symposium that will include :

- New Product Presentations - Networking Opportunities - Professional development Courses

- Technical Symposium - Executive Track - Suppliers Expo - ...And more

Charlotte Convention Center Charlotte, NC, USA November 6th-9th, 2011 More information on the IWCS can be found at www.iwcs.org or by contacting : John Barteld, CEO/Director of IWCS, at jbarteld@iwcs.org

44

wiredInUSA - September 2011

wiredInUSA - September 2011

45

Made with