WCA January 2008

Technology news

Making it all so simple . . .

With the state-of-the-art Virtual Gauge Technology (VGT), Sikora has an advanced and unique method to optimise the production process, to minimise the material over- consumption and to simplify the operation of a production line. This quickly and easily provides precise measurements, even under the most extreme conditions and in the smallest spaces. Virtual Gauge Technology is the next chapter of measuring technology for the wire and cable sector. This technology, developed by Sikora, controls the wall thickness of the product quickly and precisely at the requested nominal value even though a measurement of the wall thickness immediately after the extruder does not occur. The virtual measurement is still authentic. Previously lines with a relatively low haul-off speed could not control the extruder from the end of the line due to the dead time resulting from the distance of the measuring device to the extruder. VGT eliminates this lag time and shows even during the start of the production the expected cold wall thickness, despite the product not having arrived at the end of the cooling section. Stronger welding with the Genoa MK II Gemlux’s Genoa Mk II is a machine dedicated to automatically cutting and welding wire rope into a tapered and twisted end configuration at both ends. This will ensure that the welding is stronger due to the smaller welding area and the tapered configuration will guarantee an easy insertion of the cable into any product. Flaring of the cable can be greatly minimised which reduces wastage of cut wire rope.

The concept of the Virtual Gauge Technology m

The measuring device is installed at the end of the cooling section for this method. Issues such as contamination, water influence or mechanical load, all of which occur with placement directly after the extruder, are eliminated. The extruder can be controlled by the VGT during the starting phase to the calculated rpm that is necessary in order to achieve the entered cold nominal wall thickness. The specification of a cold wall thickness value is a decisive advantage over conventional methods where the extruder rpm is entered and as a result a wall thickness value is achieved.

The control of the extruder is in consideration of the inserted haul-off speed. The virtual measuring gauge head calculates the extruder rpm to realise the specified wall thickness. The measuring device after the cooling section balances the actual wall thickness against the predicted one and controls the extruder to the requested wall thickness as necessary.

Sikora AG – Germany Fax : +49 421 489 0090 Email : sales@sikora.net Website : www.sikora.com

Help is at hand from WireTrex Design and selection of bows for bunching and stranding machines offer a variety of challenges to users and manufacturers. Despite a relatively simple basic design concept and limited number of components, applicable materials and shapes allow for a multitude of combinations.

As a supplier of quality spare parts, WireTrex not only provides standard bow models specified by machine manufacturers but also numerous variations.

The company offers a wide variety of ceramic and carbide bow guides as well as wear strips.

In addition, WireTrex is prepared to assist customers to find the right combination for their individual applications and help develop innovative solutions where needed.

Gemlux Sdn Bhd – Malaysia Fax : +603 5121 6637 Email : info@gemlux.com.my Website : www.gemlux.com.my

WireTrex Ltd – Germany Email : info@wiretrex.com

Fax : +49 201922 9329

Website : www.wiretrex.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2008