EoW September 2010

technology news

Data cables without data loss The manufacture of data cables demands a consistent control of the cable diameter, eccentricity and capacitance regarding periodic variations. Sikora offers several measuring systems specifically developed for quality control during the data cable production process.

Heavy duty tapers and binders The capabilities of tangential tapers and yarn binders can limit the productivity of production lines. In this context Stolberger KMB-Maschinenfabrik GmbH has updated and reconstructed its range of tangential tapers and yarn binders. Using the new heavy-duty tangential taper, products with a diameter up to 600mm can be taped. With the heavy- duty yarn binder, a maximum of 160 yarns can be applied. The diameter of each of the 160 cops is 500mm. It can be profitable to consider replacing existing, less productive, tangential tapers and yarn binders. Simply the replacement of the rotor bodies and tape guide is often extremely beneficial. Stolberger KMB-Maschinenfabrik GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 2402 86558 129

Email : info@stolberger.com Website : www.stolberger.com

Boron-free salt carrier coatings

In wire manufacturing, salt carriers are frequently part of the coating system that is applied before drawing. On high carbon wire salt carriers are used as a basis for the drawing process, on top of conversion coatings or on a bare surface. Their function is the separation of die and wire, and transfer of lubricant into the forming die. The sophisticated composition of the products gives a reduced sensitivity against humidity and so low water pick up on the coated wire. This provides a good corrosion protection even during long storage periods. Traditionally borax, or formulations containing borax, are used for this application. Recent investigation of the toxicology of borax and boric acid initiated by the European Union has shown that borax acts as a reproduction-toxic substance. Borax has since been classified as a toxic substance with a Reprotox category 2 (or according to the GHS System: Repr. 1B). This reclassification presents a new situation for the wire drawing industry. New handling techniques are required for these toxic substances and stricter environmental regulations have to be applied in the production plants. Reducing borax content in salt carriers to below the limit of declaration could, perhaps, be an interim solution. However, such a measure is questionable, not only because future legal regulations can hardly be predicted. The challenge for Chemetall was to formulate salt carrier coating products completely free of boron. The result of Chemtall’s R&D efforts is a range of new boron-free carrier coatings for different applications. First formulations have been tested successfully in industrial applications in Europe. Among the newly developed and tested products is Gardolube® SC 6226. Its properties are at least comparable to carriers containing borax that are still in use in the market.

Sikora’s Centerview 8000 measuring system ▲ ▲

Laser series 2000 and 6000 The diameter gauge heads of the Laser series 2000 and 6000 operate with the patented Laser Shadow projection principle. By evaluating diffraction information for the diameter determination, a single reading precision as high as 0.2µm is achieved. This precision is maintained for years because no moving parts are included in these gauges. Centerview 8000 The Centerview 8000 combines a diameter and eccentricity measurement, using optical and inductive measuring technologies. The generated cloud diagram is an innovative display format of the ongoing measurement at the processor system Ecocontrol. It provides information on distribution of short term variation of eccentricity in graphical form. Each dot corresponds to one single measuring value of the eccentricity in relation to the amount and direction. The extension of the cloud diagram is the indicator for the standard deviation of the eccentricity. Capacitance 2000 In the Capacitance 2000, a short and a long measuring electrode are integrated in one tube. The short sensing electrode of 10mm length allows for a reliable measurement of fast periodic capacitance fluctuations (FFT analysis). The long electrode measures the capacitance precisely. Structural Return Loss (SRL) predictions up to 3GHz are feasible at line speeds up to 2.4m per minute.

Sikora AG – Germany Fax : +49 421 48900 90 Email : sales@sikora.net Website : www.sikora.net

Chemetall GmbH – Germany Website : www.chemetall.com

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EuroWire – September 2010