WCA May 2008

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news
Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2008 8
In the first initiative of its kind in
the wire and cable industry, Teknor
Apex has advised customers that it
will supply only non-lead stabilised
(NLS) PVC compounds after 31 st July
this year.
In the case of NLS compounds
that have already been fully deve-
loped and established as compliant
with requisite codes and standards,
the company will cease producing
lead-stabilised versions effective
immediately.
Also included in the changeover are
pre-coloured compounds, for which
the Vinyl Division’s sister business,
Teknor Color Company, has developed
colour concentrates that comply
with the European Union’s Reduction
of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regu-
lations, including restrictions against
the use of lead.
Underscoring the significance of this
initiative is the pioneering role of Teknor
Apex in developing PVC as a workhorse
compound for insulation and jacketing,
as well as the sheer number of such
compounds – more than 3,000 – now
offered by the company, according to
Mike Patel, industry manager.
“For decades after Teknor Apex began
manufacturing PVC wire and cable
compounds in the 1940s, lead-
containing additives were the most
effective means of making PVC
thermally stable while maintaining its
outstanding electrical properties,” said
Mr Patel.
“All that has now changed. New
non-lead stabilisers plus advanced
compounding technology has en-
abled us to manufacture NLS com-
pounds whose performance and
cost are comparable to lead-stabilised
materials.”
Customers that have not already
initiated a changeover to NLS
compounds are urged to do so as
soon as possible. Representatives
from Teknor Apex will contact those
companies to provide NLS-compound
recommendations and any other
advice.
Teknor Apex Company – USA
Fax: +1 401 729 0166
Email:
Website:
No more lead after July
Cropico has published a new illustrative guide providing an overview of low
resistance measurement techniques, common causes of errors and advice on
how to avoid them. The free colour 34-page ‘Guide to Low Resistance
Measurement’ features tables of wire and cable characteristics, temperature
coefficients and formulae to enable the user to select the appropriate measuring
instrument and measurement technique.
The guide includes a useful section explaining the role and importance of
resistance measurement in the manufacture of electronic components, switches,
relays, connectors cabling, electric motor and generators and fuses.
Information on resistance measurement requirements in the automotive and
railway utilities industries has also been featured. There is a handy glossary of
terms at the end of the guide, providing an easy-to-follow explanation of terms
relating to both bonding and earth resistance, as well as common industry
acronyms such as DMM (digital multimeter), DUT (device under test) and AWG
(American wire gauge).
Cropico – UK Email:
Fax: +44 191 586 0227 Website:
Free guide gives advice on avoiding errors m m
A helping hand . . .
Ending the year on
a high!
Maillefer SA ended the year on a
high note – with the second
management buy-out, with backing
from the Alpha Group.
Prior to the deal, Maillefer
management was financed through
private equity from Argos Soditic.
Neither the increased level of
management participation nor the
acquisition price has been
disclosed.
The timing for the buy-out was
opportune. Maillefer activities have
been steadily developing.
Total sales in 2006, as announced
in early 2007, reached a record well
exceeding €100 million.
Though the figures for 2007 are not
yet published, they are clearly
topping those of 2006.
The opportunity exists for further
development.
Maillefer is a leading provider for
manufacturing solutions to the
world’s wire and cable and tube
and pipe industries.
Maillefer SA – Switzerland
Fax: +41 21 691 2143
Email:
Website: