EoW March 2011

technology news

Braiding technology – versatile and future-oriented

machined high grade aluminium, are suitable for different braiding materials (round and flat), material dimensions and spool formats. The new BMV braiders also feature a completely new and functionally optimised machine design and comply with the safety regulations of the machinery directive RL2006/42/EG. By means of a modular assembly system each BMV machine can be adjusted to the specific requirements of its user. As an example of the range, the BMV 24 Z model can braid bare or plated copper wire, aluminium wire, stainless steel wire, artificial yarn and fibres. Single-wire diameter ranges from 0.05 to 0.3mm (40-28 AWG), with a maximum bobbin rpm of 110, and braiding pitch from 6 to 180mm (infinitely variable). The central taping unit has a maximum rotational speed of 600rpm. It can use copper, aluminium/PE, plastics and textile taping materials, up to 30mm tape width (according to the material), with tape thickness from 0.04 to 0.17mm, and taping pitch from 5 to 100mm. A quality control system controls all steps from the cable inlet via single and bundle-wire control to the take-up of the braided cable. Optionally, an automatic empty bobbin detection system can be integrated, which stops the machine before a braiding bobbin is completely empty, while minimising the residual wire on the braiding bobbin. This allows a BMV braider to work unattended and without operator intervention. Operational safety can also be increased by a slide track temperature monitoring and control that varies the track lubrication frequency and quantity to avoid overheating and stops the braider when a limit temperature is exceeded. With an integrated central taping device, the braiding and the subsequent taping processes are completed in one step.

Manufacturers sophisticated production equipment and a reliable and professional technical assistance, especially in view of growing requirements on the technological properties of special cables. offers both a wide range of modern cable manufacturing machinery and immediate customer service. Braiding technology is one example of the company’s machinery. Experience of existing braiding systems and suggestions from end-users were considered when developing the lever arm high speed rotary BMV braiding machines with automatic central lubrication system. The machines are built in 12, 16 and 24 carrier lever arm versions and are used for many applications. The new models are equipped with energy optimised components and state-of-the-art energy-saving drives. need Maschinenfabrik Niehoff

efficient utilisation of the upstream multi-wire drawing line and a space saving line installation. The automatic and semi-automatic Niehoff rewinding machines SystemHacoba of the DSA series process single and multi-wire spools onto braiding bobbins. These machine enable the BMV machines to work efficiently at their full potential because the package allows the bobbins to be processed at higher speeds with lower wire break rates. The BMV braiders’ design allows the processing of different materials, including copper braids, textile braids and steel wire braids, without extensive and time consuming setups and changeovers. Typical applications of these braiders include the manufacture of data cables, control and coaxial cables. Stranded braids, hollow braids for battery cables and automotive hybrid drives cables (in which tapes must be inserted before and after braiding) can be processed, as well as mechanical reinforcements for pressure hoses and medical catheters. braid manufacturers have been able to replace several old generation braiders with just one of the new generation (typical ratio of 2:1 or 3:1), reducing their manufacturing costs while increasing the quality of the end product. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co KG – Germany Interior of a BMV braiding machine with integrated ▲ ▲ central taping device and automatic empty bobbin detection system (blue) The company states that

The spool carriers, made of precision

Fax : +49 9122 977 155 Email : info@niehoff.de Website : www.niehoff.de

Various line configurations allow the

BMV 16 high speed braiding machine ▲ ▲

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EuroWire – March 2011