EoW March 2010

Armouring & reinforcing of cables

Applying continuous sheathing

Specifications for special application cables require either smooth or corrugated metallic outer conductors to assure crush resistance and high flexibility. The gas tight sheaths with helical or annular corrugations protect the cable against moisture, liquid and gases, and the metallic sheath acts as a grounding conductor. Nexans' UNIWEMA® process can be used to apply a continuous cable sheath for cable core diameters from 5mm to 200mm. A metal strip is introduced into the machine and, in a single operation, the strip edges are formed around the cable core. The opposing strip edges are welded by laser or TIG welding. The standard UNIWEMA is equipped with a single electrode. In case of applications where the maximum allowable welding current with one electrode is insufficient (for thicker strips, or if higher speeds are desired) the UNIWEMA can be operated with a 3-electrode welding torch system, the Polyarc welder. A newly developed TIG welder, Polyarc Top Loader is available for thicker materials or higher welding speeds. The torch ensures an uninterrupted, uniform welded seam. Top Loader technology allows an easy exchange of the electrodes from the top of the torch holder. Nexans Deutschland GmbH – Germany Email : uniwema.tech@nexans.com Website : www.nexans.de

Polyarc Top Loader ▲ ▲

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EuroWire – March 2010