WCA March 2009

news

X-Ray 2000: designed for reliability

There is an increasing demand for measurement and control of insulation wall thickness and eccentricity at insulating and jacketing lines to reduce material over-consumption, start-up scrap and rejected cables due to poor quality. Sikora’s X-Ray 2000 offers continuous measurement, and provides full control of process parameters when measuring eccentricity and wall thickness, diameter and ovality. It is specifically designed for use on insulating and jacketing lines. Using X-ray technology the cable is transilluminated by X-rays. Measuring values are continuously available, which allows a fast centring of the crosshead and continuous control of the extrusion line in consideration of the minimum values. The measuring axes are arranged under 0, 90, 180 and 270°. The system is applicable to round cables, but permits the measurement of eccentricity and wall thickness of straight and pre-spiralled sector conductors.

Interesting possibilities for the X-Ray 2000 can also be seen in the measurement of foam insulated high frequency cables where, besides the measure- ment of the eccentricity, the degree of foaming and the radial distribution of the foaming can also be displayed. For specific applications where it is necessary to define the true ovality of a product, Sikora offers a triple-axis X-Ray 2000 T system.

The measuring values of the X-Ray 2000 are m m clearly displayed on the Ecocontrol 2000

The additional third measuring axis provides measurement in three planes at 6 points and thus precisely calculates the ovality. For analysis of the X-Ray 2000 data and visualisation of the measuring values, as well as automatic line control, the processor system Ecocontrol 2000 is part of the system. The Ecocontrol 2000 displays the measuring values, numerically and graphically, on a high-contrast 15 " TFT colour screen. The system is operated intuitively via a touch screen. In the case of eccentricity, the wall thickness is shown as an eccentric ring; the position of the thinnest insulation wall is marked in colour. As standard, the X-Ray 2000 has a statistical function for analysing the measured results in a length or time-related trend diagram (with a zoom function) combined with a chart showing the distribution of the single values (statistical distribution curve). In combination with the control module, Set Point 08, control of the wall thickness or diameter is available. For highest product quality and precision, and lowest possible compound consumption, Sikora offers the hot/cold control module HC 2000, in combination with the X-Ray 2000 and a Sikora Laser 2000 XY diameter gauge head. With the hot/cold module HC 2000, the material shrinkage is continuously calculated and taken into consideration by the control of the diameter/ wall thickness.

The factory-calibrated X-Ray 2000 device requires no further calibration.

Sikora AG – Germany Email : sales@sikora.net

Fax : +49 421 48900 90 Website : www.sikora.net

40

Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2009