EoW September 2009

technology news

3-axis two-in-one

Biofuelled contract

Operators of multi-purpose lines can make use of a sector gauge head with integrated 3-axis diameter measurement function for measuring ranges of up to 100mm. With this technology Sikora reacts to customer demands for multi-function measurement systems for different product applications in one production line. The “two in one” gauge head is based on a newly developed sandwich principle. For this application the Laser 2100 S/R is combined with the Laser 2100 T. According to requirements the sector or diameter measuring function can be chosen. The measuring principle of the Laser 2100 S/R is based on a combination of three laser diodes as light sources with a CCD-line sensor in one plane. The height of stretched sector cables, which can be solid or stranded, is defined from the position of the edges that define the object. Even if the product turns up to ±15˚ the height is accurately determined. The Laser 2100 S/R is appropriate for the measurement of sector conductors with a cross section of Amax=750mm 2 (for 120°-sectors) and Amax= 500mm 2 (for 90°-sectors). The outer diameter and ovality of round cables is also calculated with an optical measuring principle. With the three laser light sources in three planes and CCD-line sensors, the outer diameter is calculated directly from the shadow image with the help of advanced software. The gauge head is suitable for round cables from 1mm to 100mm.

Nexans has completed a contract worth approximately €1,000,000 to supply low-voltage power cables for the BioWanze project – a new plant producing bioethanol from wheat and sugar beet. The plant, located in Wanze near Huy sur Meuse (Belgium), will produce half of the annual bioethanol volume for the Belgian market, or 125,000m 3 per annum during the next six years.

BioWanze recently completed its first bioethanol delivery ▲ ▲

Nexans entered a frame agreement with Siemens NV/SA, the contractor in charge of project engineering and management, for the supply of approximately 350km of low-voltage (LV) power cables in only five months, with over one hundred different product references. The cables were manufactured by Nexans production facilities in Belgium, located in Dour and Buizigen. Nexans – France Fax : +33 15669 8484 Email : nexans.web@nexans.com Website : www.nexans.com Elastomers for wire and cable Based on ultra-high molecular weight PVC, Sunprene Elastomers from A Schulman possess many rubber-like qualities, while offering thermoplastic processing, recyclability, and cost effectiveness compared with thermoset EPDM rubber and traditional thermoplastic elastomers. They provide exceptional tear and abrasion resistance, high flex fatigue, and excellent low temperature brittleness. The materials can be customised to meet a broad range of performance requirements for wire and cable applications. “Sunprene Elastomers are a high-performance, economical alternative to thermoset EPDM rubber and traditional thermoplastic elastomers,” said Lee Pfaffle, business manager, engineered plastics. “On cost, processing and performance, Sunprene Elastomers are an excellent solution for a variety of wire and cable applications.” Sunprene Elastomers are available in two series. The first series is specifically formulated for extrusion applications and has hardness ranges from Shore 35A to 85A durometer, and a specific gravity range between 1.20 and 1.29. The other series, designed for both injection moulding and extrusion applications, has hardness ranges from Shore 57A to 65A durometer, and a specific gravity range between 1.22 and 1.27. A Schulman Inc – USA

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

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

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EuroWire – September 2009