EoW July 2008

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EuroWire – July 2008
taping, armouring & sheathing of cables
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Splicing“on-the-fly”
Dynamex Series TPX tape payoff was developed specifically to enable uninterrupted tape supply for longitudinal taping in the
extrusion process, but it can also be used in other continuous systems. This patented machine enables running a taping process
continuously with unattended splicing, which until now has been considered unattainable.
Dynamex, an acknowledged developer of equipment for the wire
& cable industry, is known for its high-speed single-twist cablers,
driven payoffs, taping systems and ancillaries. The auto-splicing
tape payoff accommodates two tape pads, one running and
the other waiting to be spliced when the active one is depleted.
The high-reliability splicing takes place automatically at full line
speed, and at the right moment, regardless of the operator’s
presence.
Both tape pads are driven, and the tape is delivered to the line
from a driven capstan that fully controls the tape tension as it
enters the process. A built-in alert reminds the operator to load a
new pad and prepare the tape for the next splice.
The machine has a small footprint, and can be installed at any
angle to the line for easy integration into an existing system.
Also provided with the payoff is a tape-redirector, which
delivers the tape parallel to the line and into the tape former.
An additional important advantage of this machine is that it
minimises tape scrap. These systems run and splice automatically
at speeds exceeding 400m/min, and can operate with tissue,
kraft (brown) paper, water-swellable, Mylar, or tape aluminised
on one or both sides.
Models are available for traditional flat pads, as well as wide
spools with traversed tape. Dynamex also offers model TPX-TRFL
that can run both flat pads and traversed pads.
Dynamex – USA
Fax: +1 310 329 0159
Email:
Website: The Dynamex Series TPX tape payoff ▲ ▲
High-heat aging performance and halogen-free
DSM Engineering Plastics has announced a new addition to its Arnitel® line of copolyester thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) designed
to meet the stringent performance and compliance needs of automotive designers. Arnitel® C, described as “a breakthrough
technology for wire and cable coating”, has been developed to provide superior high-heat aging performance, combined with
halogen-free flame retardance and exceptional hydrolysis resistance. With excellent abrasion resistance, this new material offers
designers the ability to reduce the weight and mass of wiring and cable through ultra-thin-wall coatings.
“As auto designers try to fit more and more components into a fixed space,
it becomes critical to improve wire and cable coating flexibility and reduce
mass and weight,” said Francis Aussems, DSM innovation programme
manager. “Additional under-the-hood content is also leading to rising
temperatures that require improved heat resistance. We developed Arnitel®
C specifically to meet these needs. In addition to exceptional performance,
our new recyclable, halogen- and plasticiser-free TPE helps OEMs and Tiers
meet environmental regulations.”
Arnitel® needs no plasticiser to enhance flexibility, which translates into low
outgassing and no environmental issues. The combination of this polymer
with the halogen-free flame retardant system also gives low toxicity and
smoke in case of a fire.
The new DSM material provides high-heat aging properties of all TPE-Es,
with a continuous operating temperature rating of 3,000 hours at 175°C,
so exceeding the requirements for temperature class D under ISO 6722.
Arnitel® C also is hydrolysis-resistant (>150 days at 85°C in water), and on par with all other higher standard copolyester elastomers.
The material has been tested and approved according to ISO6722 and LV112.
DSM Engineering Plastics – Netherlands Fax: +31 46 477 3959 Website:
Arnitel® C, “a breakthrough technology for wire and cable coating” ▲ ▲