EoW May 2010

Feature

Spools, reels & pre-packaging systems N o one with responsibility for handling wire and cable will underestimate the importance of the equipment under review here. An expertly executed spooling, reeling or other packaging operation does not merely complement a flawless production run, it is an essential element of the delivery system that ultimately results in a satisfied customer. What might be underestimated is the number and variety of designs necessary if the right spool or reel is to be selected and employed, every time. Should it be of wood, metal, plastic or composite? Which is best for accurate winding from high-speed machinery? For use with a coil handler? A strander? For tyre cord; hose wire; annealed product? For fine wire; welding wire; bare wire; ground wire? Should it be rigid or collapsible? Reusable or returnable? Is a corrugated spool design worth the money? A casual or uninformed choice can be damaging – not only to the wire and cable being readied for transport, but also to a company’s bottom line. The products and services appearing in this section are intended to aid wise decision-making.

Photo courtesy of Electrorrec SA

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EuroWire – May 2010