EoW July 2010

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

Ecolibrium can deliver on global OEM requirements for heat deformation resistance, flexibility and electrical performance. phthalate-and lead-free, offering safe building wire options for end-users. The new products are also effective in data communications delivery applications. 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 : www.dowwireandcable.com 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 : http://merobel.redex-andantex.com Dow Ecolibrium plasticisers are • Wires jacketed with Dow Ecolibrium •

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.” 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. can achieve an improved balance of flame retardance, flexibility and heat performance. In wiring for personal electronics the use of Dow Penrice added: “Dow Wires jacketed with material that • includes Dow Ecolibrium 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

Compact wire and cable tension controller for multi-spindle payoffs

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EuroWire – July 2010