WCA January 2014

Technology news

New MTM simplifies efficient taping

coil, applying a pair of tapes simultaneously with tension being settable between 0.5 and 7kg direct pull. Feeding angle is automatic as the correct angle is always found either side of the centre line.

support arm moves away to the rear of the machine. Downtime is eliminated as the machine can be operated continuously in both directions to apply multiple tape layers. The taping head rotates around the

RIDGWAY Machines has launched a new MTM Mobile Coil Taping Machine with a unique mobile carriage mounted taping head. The carriage seats the operator and travels along the machine length to simplify the application of insulation tapes to larger size electrical coils or bars, whilst ensuring that the highest levels of quality and productivity are achieved.

The MTM uses twin variable speed motors to provide and synchronise the taping head drive and carriage traverse functions. These are controlled by a foot pedal mounted on the taping head carriage, with reversing selection by joystick control located on the panel in front of the operator. Additional controls provide safety guard/bump strip reset, and factory pre-set acceleration and deceleration ramps ensure gentle start and stop operations. Ridgway Machines – UK Website : www.ridgwayeng.com

The MTM is specifically designed for handling larger size coils and bars, up to 4,000mm straight length, using a combination of retractable pneumatic coil supports, adjustable rear clamp stands and coil eye supports. The robust taping head travels in both directions – as the carriage approaches the coil supports, the clamps open automatically and the

❍ New mobile/travelling head coil taping machine from Ridgway

Tratos has launched the AllWave ® FLEX and the AllWave FLEX+ bend-optimised single-mode fibre range, developed alongside cutting-edge fibre optic network solutions manufacturer OFS in order to offer customers a brand new solution for any application that requires exceptionally small bend diameters. Featuring a 200-micron coating, AllWave Fibres occupy 46 per cent less area than conventional 250-micron coated fibres, enabling them to be used in cables with higher fibre counts per tube and in microcables where cable diameters must be minimised. The bend-optimised design enables tight, low loss bends and the coating meets dynamic fatigue characteristics without risking fibre strength, resulting in long-term reliability and ultimate peace of mind for the customer. Mirko Gori, area sales manager for Tratos, said: “The 200-micron Allwave FLEX+ fibres offer enhanced bend performance and low diameter, as well as full compatibility and compliance with the installed base of conventional G.652.D single-mode fibres. This makes them an excellent choice for higher density cables for our AllWave launch

Exceeds rating

customers’ networks, enterprise networks and high-density Fibre-to-the-Home applications.” AllWave FLEX is an ITU-T G.657.A1 bend-optimised single-mode fibre, providing outstanding macrobend and microbend performance. Bending loss is extremely low across the full usable spectrum of wavelengths from 1,260 to 1,625 nm and these fibres can be coiled into a loop with less than 0.5 dB incurred loss at 1,625 nm and less than 0.2 dB incurred loss at 1,550nm – five times better than the bending performance of conventional single-mode and leading ‘low water peak’ fibres. AllWave FLEX is suitable for indoor applications and Outside Plant (OSP) that requires bend radii as low as 10mm. AllWave FLEX+ fibre offers many of the same benefits and is the first Zero Water Peak (ZWP) that actually exceeds both ITU-T G.657.A2 and G.652.D specifications. The range is suitable for many applications in which small bend diameters may be required, including central office buildings, backbone cabling in multi dwelling units (MDUs) and enterprise networks. Tratos – Italy Website : www.tratos.eu access

comCables has released its new Cat 5e2 plenum cable. From the design of the “Easy-Feed” box down to the engineering of the twisted pairs, the 100 MHz plenum cable is installer-friendly and its performance exceeds its 100 MHz rating. The rigid, thin design prevents bending and twisting, making for an easy installation. The new outer jacket design is durable and tough yet easy to remove when needed, and there is no rip cord to delay installation time. Made in the USA of solid 24 AWG copper, it features sequential footage marking and is ETL listed and performance verified. The 5e2 plenum cable is now available at comCables authorised distributors. comCables manufactures complete end-to-end solutions of copper and fibre-structured cabling products. Its products range from residential to enterprise systems while focusing on standards-based performance. comCables – USA Website : www.comcables.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2014