EoW November 2008

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EuroWire – November 2008 32
english technology news
The DSD machine represents the
latest generation of drawing machines
developed by Team Meccanica.
DSD is a traditional multi-hole dry
drawing machine, straight through type,
with tilted blocks and sensing arms (tuner
type) for speed synchronisation, but with
a driving system that uses direct coupling
of AC motors and drawing capstans
without gear-boxes or pulleys.
The advantage of this system lies in the
reduced maintenance of rotating parts as
well as in improved mechanical efficiency
and consequent power saving.
The capstan cooling system
was completely redesigned
in order to improve the wire
cooling. Nozzles spray high-
pressure water directly onto
the internal surface of the
capstans. It uses four times the
amount of water, compared to
traditional narrow-gap systems,
but the water is recycled in a
closed system for efficient heat
transfer.
The capstan motors are cooled
in a closed circuit system using
glycol solution through a water/
coolant heat exchanger.
The electric cabinet is integrated
into the structure of the machine with a
‘Plug & Play’ control system.
TeamMeccanica SpA – Italy
Fax: +39 035 0779 728
Email:
Website :
Water–saving DSD
TeamMeccanica’s direct synchro drive (DSD) drawing machine ▲ ▲
Designer and manufacturer
of motorsport electrical
wiring systems, Cyprium
Motorsports has chosen a
Mecmesin MultiTest 1-x force
testing system to perform
quality control assessments
on electrical harness
terminals.
Cyprium designs and pro-
duces customised wiring
harness systems for sports
cars, including Formula 1,
Le Mans Prototype, Grand
Touring and rally cars.
The company required a fast
and accurate force testing
solution to ensure wires
connected to the electrical
harness terminals were
securely crimped together.
Mecmesin worked closely
with Cyprium to develop
a solution, comprising
a MultiTest 1-x console-
controlled test system, fitted
with a 1,000N loadcell and
specialised fixtures for testing
crimps.
The MultiTest 1-x is used to perform
pull tests at a controlled speed on
the electrical harness terminals,
to determine that the load at which
they fail is above a recognised value.
Tests are performed to a guide supplied
by Mecmesin conforming to industry
standard BS 5G 178: Part 2.
To facilitate quick testing and
ease-of-use the MultiTest 1-x has been
set up with stored programs to test
specific wire sizes and give an immediate
pass/fail message to the operator.
These automated test procedures and
calculations reduce test times, leading
to considerable costs savings both in
man-hours and rework.
Nigel Barber, senior engineer at Cyprium
said “We have been very satisfied with
our purchase of the Mecmesin MultiTest
1-x, it has become an essential part of
our quality control system and allows us
to calibrate our tooling and ensure our
product is as reliable as possible in the
severe environment of motorsport.”
Mecmesin Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1403 799975
Email:
Website :
Force tester races ahead in motorsport wiring
The Mecmesin MultiTest 1-x force testing system ▲ ▲