EoW July 2010

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EuroWire – July 2010 38
technology news
Advances in greener
insulation
DowWire & Cable has announced a step in
sustainable chemistry by launching Dow
Ecolibrium™ bio-based plasticisers, a new
family of phthalate-free plasticisers for
use in wire insulation and jacketing, made
from nearly 100% renewable feedstocks.
The use of Dow Ecolibrium plasticisers in
PVC compounds for wire applications can
help cable-makers and original equipment
manufacturers reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by up to 40% if used instead
of traditional PVC plasticisers. The new
plasticisers were developed to meet
growing demand for more sustainable
options in wiring applications such as
personal electronics and appliance wiring,
residential and commercial building
wiring, communications and data cabling,
and automotive wiring.
“We are very excited about the
commercial launch of Dow Ecolibrium
bio-based plasticizers and our ability
to help cable-makers use sustainable
technology to differentiate their offerings
in key industries,” said Jonathan Penrice,
global marketing director for Dow Wire &
Cable. “Our excitement stems from the use
of nearly 100% renewable feedstock in the
chemistry of these products and from the
outcome of field trials conducted with a
select group of customers. The field trials
demonstrated that the new plasticizers
exhibit the same performance and feel as
incumbent PVC plasticizers while meeting
all regulatory requirements for flame
resistance.”
Penrice added: “Dow Ecolibrium
plasticizers are truly a breakthrough for
the wire and cable industry but their
introduction here is just the tip of the
iceberg – in time they will also open up
differentiation opportunities for OEMs in
other industries that use PVC compounds.”
Dow Wire & Cable will license select cable
makers to commercialise Dow Ecolibrium
plasticisers consistent with its Dow Inside
programme. Cable manufacturers in the
Dow Inside programme are supported
by Dow Wire & Cable’s forward-thinking
technology, versatile products and
enhanced services, backed by the strength
of a supplier that can offer a competitive
edge in a demanding industry.
Wires jacketed with material that •
includes Dow Ecolibrium can
achieve an improved balance of
flame retardance, flexibility and
heat performance. In wiring for
personal electronics the use of Dow
Ecolibrium can deliver on global OEM
requirements for heat deformation
resistance, flexibility and electrical
performance.
Dow Ecolibrium plasticisers are •
phthalate-and lead-free, offering safe
building wire options for end-users.
The new products are also effective
in data communications delivery
applications.
Wires jacketed with Dow Ecolibrium •
and used for the transmission of
power and data inside passenger
and commercial vehicles can provide
an environment-friendly solution
that exhibits requirements for heat
resistance and ease of installation.
The introduction of Dow Ecolibrium
bio-based plasticisers provides another
example of Dow’s commitment to deliver
sustainable chemistry as part of its 2015
sustainability goals. Sustainable chemistry
is a cradle-to-cradle concept that drives
Dow to adopt a lifecycle view of its
products, processes and product uses in
order to provide value and solutions for
its customers while enhancing the quality
of life for current and future generations.
DowWire & Cable – Switzerland
Website:
The latest in the Merobel digital controller
range, the X-block, has been specifically
designed for multi-spindle wire and cable
payoff applications using open loop or
closed loop tension control systems.
The X-block has been designed to
meet the demand for easy wiring and
start-up, and to answer the need for
compactness for cabinet backplane
installation. These criteria are essential
features for integrators designing multiple
wire and cable payoff equipments. Its
narrow profile and its rear-panel DIN
rail-mounting clip allow up to six units
to be installed side-by-side in a width of
300mm.
The connectors are located on the front
panel for easy access to the units installed
on the cabinet backplane when cabling.
The electronic board provides com-
prehensive functions built around a
dedicated PID controller. It meets all the
specific needs of tension control systems.
It also includes a digital, fully configurable
sensor amplification module, enabling
plug-and-play settings for all types of load
cells currently available on the market.
In addition, the same amplification
module allows direct calibration of
position measurement potentiometers
(used for dancer roller systems) or
distance measurement sensors (ultra-
sonic or laser). Moreover, a built-in power
supply function allows direct control from
many types of electromagnetic actuators
without any need of external powering
modules, including the entire range of
EMP brakes and clutches supplied by
Merobel.
Merobel X-block eliminates the need of
external wirings linked up to all the usual
components of tension control systems
between the sensor and the actuator.
Start-up programming uses the X-block
PC software, which provides intuitive
access to all adjustment settings. All
the adjustment settings determined
on one station can be copied without
limit to all the other stations by simple
drag-and-drop to the internal memory of
each controller.
A data acquisition embedded function
allows both the real time data and the
associated operating set of parameters to
be archived.
Redex Andantex – France
Website:
Compact wire and cable
tension controller for multi-spindle payoffs