EW January 2011

technology news

Laser micrometer LaserLinc has released a new laser scan micrometer, the Triton331™.

344 super- conductor has a new name American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) has introduced Amperium wire, the new brand name for the company’s proprietary second generation (2G) high temperature superconductor (HTS) wire. Previously called “344 superconductors,” the new name reflects the product’s ability to conduct more than 100 times the electrical current (amperage) of copper wire of the same dimensions. In high-voltage power transmission systems just one of these ultra-thinwires is believed to be capable of carrying enough power to serve the needs of approximately 10,000 homes. The high power density of Amperium wire dramatically reduces the footprint and cost of large-scale electrical equip- ment, such as power cables and wind generators. In the USA, Amperium wire is utilised by Nexans to produce an extension of the superconductor power transmission cable system that has been running in Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) primary power corridor since April 2008. Additional cableprojects that areexpected to utilise Amperium wire include the Tres Amigas™ SuperStation, which aims to connect America’s three power grids to unlock the country’s renewable energy resources. American Superconductor Corporation – USA Website : www.amsc.com

Like the Triton330, the Triton331 has a 30mm measurement window but is said to be much faster at up to 12,000 measurements per second (4,000 per axis). The higher scan rate enables detection of shorter-length flaws and accurate measurement of hexagonal or other product shapes that incur oscillation, and measurement of non-constant diameter products, such as corrugated tubing.

The standard measurement rate is 4,800 per second, with 12,000 as an option. The gauge is also suitable for use with LaserLinc's new Lobex™ system for in-process lobing measurement on centreless ground products, including centreless ground wire. Like all LaserLinc scanners, the Triton331 links, via the TLAser400™ micrometer inter- face card, to a PC running Total Vu™ software.

Total Vu software is LaserLinc’s measurement/data processing package, which runs on any Windows-based PC to provide in-process tolerance checking, trending, SPC, feedback control, data logging, recipes and other features. LaserLinc Inc – USA Fax : +1 937 318 2445 Email : info@laserlinc.com Website : www.laserlinc.com Green alternative for cable packaging A new environmentally friendly RF60 paper fibre tube is now available from Reelex. This new payout tube allows all cabling packages using Reelex coiling technology to be 100% recyclable, 100% compostable, and be manufactured entirely from post-consumer recycled materials. End users can discard both box and tube into the corrugated recycling stream – eliminating plastic waste from the cabling package, and greatly simplifying disposal. Triton331 high-speed, three-axis laser micrometer ▲ ▲

RF60 paper fibre tube from Reelex ▲ ▲

The RF60 tube is said to offer improved payout performance and increased flexi- bility without an increase in pricing. The RF60 is offered at the same price as existing MP60-TWR plastic tubes and is shipped 5,000 per pallet. Reelex Packaging Solutions Inc – USA

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

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EuroWire – January 2011