EoW January 2009

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EuroWire – January 2009 12
english corporate news
L ,LeoButler,JoanButler, ▲ ▲
Thomas Butler, John Burke, and Joanne Butler
Winner of Wire Forming Technology International’s Technical
Achievement Award 2008, for his technological innovations in
wire forming equipment, Thomas Butler, managing director of
T Butler Engineering, developed his first wire forming machine
in his parents’ garage in 1988. His design found an immediate
market.
Prior to designing and developing his own equipment, Thomas
worked for a German wire forming machinery manufacturer
doing business in Ireland, and later for a UK-based company,
before he and his wife, Joan launched T Butler Engineering Ltd
(TBE) in County Kilkenny in 1988.
The company rapidly gained recognition for its effective use of
hydraulics for wire forming, and in 1993 TBE developed software
using a standard PLC for open-loop proportional control of
servo hydraulic valves.
The TBE Multiform machine’s ability to achieve improved
process capability was quickly recognised.
Research and development is ongoing at TBE. Since the
introduction of touch screen programming in 1998, the
company has developed its machines with the addition of
digital AC servo drives, high-speed feed systems, coiling heads
and rotating wire.
Today, there are six Multiform models all with CNC
feeding, multiple axes, servo winding, servo forming,
press attachments, rotating wire, integrated welding, a
roll thread attachment, chamfer heads, dual feeds and multi-
part capability, operating worldwide to produce complicated
wire forms, springs and assemblies in the automotive,
appliance, agricultural, construction and medical industries.
All of the machine ranges manufactured by TBE provide the
capability of manufacturing components in wire sizes ranging
from 1.5mm to 10mm.
Thomas Butler designs, engineers and writes the wire forming
software as well as managing the shop floor. His dedication to
performance and quality has brought the company a long way
since its inception and, although TBE has grown, Thomas and
Joan Butler have ensured that this same dedication has been
maintained among all members of the TBE organisation.
T Butler Engineering Ltd
Fiddown,
Piltown,
Co Kilkenny
Republic of Ireland
Fax: +353 51 643721
Email:
Website:
International recognition for Irish wire
forming innovator
Thomas Butler, managing director of award-winning TBE ▲ ▲
advertorial on behalf of T Butler Engineering
Alcan Cable, part of Alcan Engineered Products – a business
unit of Rio Tinto Alcan – has made Stabiloy™ brand wire the
first aluminium alloy building wire available in China. Stabiloy
is designed for residential, commercial, power utility, industrial
and institutional market applications.
“We are excited to offer Stabiloy building wire to the Chinese
market,” said Ian Hewett, president of Alcan Cable. “Stabiloy is
a proven and reliable alternative to copper feeder conductors
and [we believe] delivers significant cost savings.”
Stabiloy aluminium alloy building wire is lightweight and
flexible, translating directly into ease of installation. Stabiloy’s
alloy is formulated specifically for electrical feeder conductor
applications in residential and commercial buildings.
Alcan Cable’s newest manufacturing plant is currently under
construction in the Tianjin Airport Industrial Park, with
operations dedicated to Stabiloy aluminium alloy building
wire scheduled to begin in early 2009.
Stabiloy aluminium alloy building wire has been installed
in thousands of projects throughout North America for many
years. Alcan Cable also operates six manufacturing facilities
in the US and Canada, and has been manufacturing aluminium
cable in North America for over 100 years.
Rio Tinto Alcan – Canada
Fax: +1 514 848 8115
Email:
Website:
Alcan Cable launches Stabiloy™ aluminium alloy cable in China