WCA May 2008

news

No more lead after July

“All that has now changed. New non-lead stabilisers plus advanced compounding technology has en- abled us to manufacture NLS com- pounds whose performance and cost are comparable to lead-stabilised materials.” Customers that have not already initiated a changeover to NLS compounds are urged to do so as soon as possible. Representatives from Teknor Apex will contact those companies to provide NLS-compound recommendations and any other advice.

of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regu- lations, including restrictions against the use of lead. Underscoring the significance of this initiative is the pioneering role of Teknor Apex in developing PVC as a workhorse compound for insulation and jacketing, as well as the sheer number of such compounds – more than 3,000 – now offered by the company, according to Mike Patel, industry manager. “For decades after Teknor Apex began manufacturing PVC wire and cable compounds in the 1940s, lead- containing additives were the most effective means of making PVC thermally stable while maintaining its outstanding electrical properties,” said Mr Patel.

In the first initiative of its kind in the wire and cable industry, Teknor Apex has advised customers that it will supply only non-lead stabilised (NLS) PVC compounds after 31 st July this year. In the case of NLS compounds that have already been fully deve- loped and established as compliant with requisite codes and standards, the company will cease producing lead-stabilised versions effective immediately. Also included in the changeover are pre-coloured compounds, for which the Vinyl Division’s sister business, Teknor Color Company, has developed colour concentrates that comply with the European Union’s Reduction Ending the year on a high! Maillefer SA ended the year on a high note – with the second management buy-out, with backing from the Alpha Group. Prior to the deal, Maillefer management was financed through private equity from Argos Soditic. Neither the increased level of management participation nor the acquisition price has been disclosed. The timing for the buy-out was opportune. Maillefer activities have been steadily developing. Total sales in 2006, as announced in early 2007, reached a record well exceeding €100 million. Though the figures for 2007 are not yet published, they are clearly topping those of 2006. The opportunity exists for further development. Maillefer is a leading provider for manufacturing solutions to the world’s wire and cable and tube and pipe industries. Maillefer SA – Switzerland Fax: +41 21 691 2143 Email: info@mailleferextrusion.com Website: www.mailleferextrusion.com

Teknor Apex Company – USA Fax: +1 401 729 0166 Email: vinly@teknorapex.com Website: www.teknorapex.com

A helping hand . . .

Free guide gives advice on avoiding errors m m

Cropico has published a new illustrative guide providing an overview of low resistance measurement techniques, common causes of errors and advice on how to avoid them. The free colour 34-page ‘Guide to Low Resistance Measurement’ features tables of wire and cable characteristics, temperature coefficients and formulae to enable the user to select the appropriate measuring instrument and measurement technique. The guide includes a useful section explaining the role and importance of resistance measurement in the manufacture of electronic components, switches, relays, connectors cabling, electric motor and generators and fuses. Information on resistance measurement requirements in the automotive and railway utilities industries has also been featured. There is a handy glossary of terms at the end of the guide, providing an easy-to-follow explanation of terms relating to both bonding and earth resistance, as well as common industry acronyms such as DMM (digital multimeter), DUT (device under test) and AWG (American wire gauge).

Cropico – UK

Email: sales@cropico.com Website: www.cropico.com

Fax: +44 191 586 0227

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Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2008