EoW March 2012

News Technology

Casting equipment for oxygen-free copper rod

Rautomead produces a range of RS upwards vertical casting machines for the production of oxygen-free copper rod. technology produces the high quality CuOF 8mm diameter wire rod for manufacturers of enamelled wire, LAN cables and fine wires. Larger diameter CuOF rods may be produced for processing to flat strips or water tube fittings; 8-12.5mm CuAg rod for processing to commutator sections; and 18-30mm CuCd or CuMg for trolley wire cables. Equipment for the manufacture of high quality brass and copper alloy rods is also available for the subsequent production of special materials such as EDM machining wires. Rautomead’s new ‘Advancing Metals Technology’ division has the strategic objective to develop innovative, efficient technologies and processes for non-ferrous metals production, and will work in close collaboration with various universities and research groups. The technologies, processes and equipment developed will become the next generation of Rautomead machines. currently being sought from companies within the non-ferrous metals industry who have a desire to transform the manufacturing process of an existing product or to develop a new process/ procedure to manufacture a new product. Preference will be given to developing technologies which are clean, safe and environmentally friendly, shorten the manufacturing process, provide economies on the small to medium scale, recycle materials, reduce operating costs and enhance product quality. The graphite furnace Collaborations are division be available to work with companies seeking new products or new processes and to act first as a conduit to an extensive network of R&D resources and subsequently as a partner with the client and university to develop the new technology. It will Rautomead Technology Advancing Metals

will also assist to commercialise and promote technologies developed by UK universities. ▲ ▲ Rautomead RS 3000 oxygen-free copper wire rod

for refining of metal salts and the development and commercialisation of a new process for high-speed production of small diameter, low temperature alloy wires. Tech- nologies Division will contribute expertise with graphite heating and skills developed during years of evolving the continuous casting technology to the partnerships for the collaborations. director Brian Frame commented, “We have believed for some time that the wide range of skills we have developed over the years provides the potential for applications that go way beyond our core business of continuous casting. "And this new initiative, with input from carefully selected research partners, is providing us with a unique opportunity to demonstrate just that.” Rautomead Advancing Rautomead managing

▲ ▲ Aluminium alloy wire extrusion machine

Rautomead Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1382 622941

Examples of projects in progress include the design and build of special furnaces for use in an innovative new process

Email : sales@rautomead.com Website : www.rautomead.com

62

EuroWire – March 2012