EuroWire November 2018

Diary of Events, Corporate News, Transatlantic Cable, Technology News, wire India 2018 and Technical Article

Infrastructure planning strengthens industry

Infrastructure projects that are expected to last more than a decade are an in uencing factor of the strength of the wire and cable market on the Indian subcontinent. It is tting then that the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre will stage wire India from 27 th to 30 th November, with more than 400 exhibitors from over 25 countries taking part. More than 12,000 visitors are expected to converge on the centre for the three-day exhibition, which runs alongside Tube India and Metallurgy India. A strong demand in the Indian automotive industry, construction sector and the energy sector will also ensure order books lling for suppliers of wire and cable. Heavy investment in canals, bridges, roads, rail and civil engineering ensures a bright future for the industry in the region.

catering for the growing interest in this sector of the industry. Our coverage of the event starts on page 38. You will also be able to collect free copies of EuroWire and sister publications Wire & Cable ASIA , Tube & Pipe Technology and Tube Products INTERNATIONAL from our stand K60. It is also well worth looking ahead to the new year, with planning already well underway for the next staging of

Interwire, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, from 13 th to 16 th May next year. Full details can be found on page 22. Mention must also go to Paramount Die Company, which is celebrating its 50 th anniversary this year. Full story on page 21.

There will be, for the rst time, a Fastener Special Zone

David Bell – Editor

Publishing Team

Editor:

................................................................................................................................David Bell

Features Editor (USA):

.....................................................................................................................Dorothy Fabian

Editorial assistant:

..................................................................................................................Christian Bradley

Design/Production:

............................................................................................................................Julie Tomlin

Production:

..............................................................................................................................Lisa Wright

Sales & Marketing: UK & ROW sales.............................................................................................Jason Smith (International) Italian speaking sales...................................................................Giuliana Benedetto Chinese speaking sales ............................................................................................Linda Li Advertisement Coordinator: ..............................................................................................................................Liz Hughes Accounts Manager: ................................................................................................................................ Julie Case Subscriptions: ................................................................................................................................Julie Case Publisher: ....................................................................................................................Caroline Sullens Founder: ..........................................................................................................................John C Hogg

* US$33 purchase only Front cover: Aim Inc See page 79 for further details US copies only : EuroWire (ISSN 1463-2483, USPS No: 022-738) is published six times a year, January, March, May, July, September and November by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by UKP Worldwide, 3390 Rand Road, South Plain eld, NJ 07080. Periodicals postage paid at Rahway, NJ and at additional mailing o ces. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to EuroWire, Intras Ltd, C/O 3390 Rand Road, South Plain eld NJ 07080. www.read-eurowire.com © 2018 Intras Ltd, UK ISSN 1463-2438

Intras Offices

USA :

Advertising/Marketing Intras USA – Doug Zirkle Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel : +1 203 794 0444 Email : doug@intras.co.uk

E urope :

46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel : +44 1926 334137 Fax : +44 1926 314755

Email : eurowire@intras.co.uk Website : www.intras.co.uk Website : www.read-eurowire.com

TheProfessional PublishersAssociation Member

4

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Regulars Market News Contents

November 2018

Bigstockphoto.com “Gateway of India” Photographer: saiko3p

8

Diary of events

Sommaire Français 64 Nouvelles du Marché 79 Index des Annonceurs Indice Italiano 69 Notizie del Mercato 79 Indice degli Inserzionisti Deutsch Inhalt 54 Neuigkeiten 79 Inserentenverzeichnis Содержание на русском языке 59 Ηοвости рьінка 79 Перечень рекламодателей Indice Español 74 Noticias de Mercado 79 Indice de Anunciadores

9

Corporate News

26

Transatlantic Cable

32

Technology News

38

wire India 2018

79

Editorial Index

79

Advertisers Index

6

November 2018

Subscribe Now!

Next Issue

GettingTechnical Solving di cult problems while customising cables to reduce installation cost

Feature

Visit us online at: www.read-eurowire.com

Focus on Turkey TEL 2019 Cables 2019

Technical Articles

66

51

Halogen-Free Compound Solutions to Address Thermal Stress Cracking in Extreme Conditions By Mark A Jozokos and Tanya Artingstall, Mexichem Specialty Compounds

Des solutions à base de composés sans halogène pour aborder le problème de la formation de craquelures causées par les contraintes thermiques dans des conditions extrêmes Par Mark A Jozokos et Tanya Artingstall, Mexichem Specialty Compounds Soluzioni a base di composti privi di alogeni per a rontare il problema della formazione di criccature causate da tensioni termiche in condizioni estreme A cura di Mark A Jozokos e Tanya Artingstall, Mexichem Specialty Compounds Soluciones a base de compuestos sin halógenos para afrontar el problema del agrietamiento debido a tensión térmica en condiciones extremas Por Mark A Jozokos y Tanya Artingstall, Mexichem Specialty Compounds

56

Lösungen halogenfreier Compounds um thermische Spannungsrissbildungen unter extremen Bedingungen anzusprechen von Mark A Jozokos und Tanya Artingstall, Mexichem Specialty Compounds

71

61

Решения для безгалогенного компаунда по борьбе с растрескиванием при термической нагрузке в суровых условиях Марк А. Йозокос и Таня Артингстолл, Mexichem Specialty Compounds

76

7

November 2018

Dates for your diary. . .

wire India 2018

2019

27–29 November: wire India – trade exhibition – Mumbai, India Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt Ltd Fax : +91 112 697 1746 Email : info@wire-india.com Website : www.wire-india.com

February

28 February-2 March: TEL – trade exhibition – Istanbul, Turkey Organisers : Voli Fuar Hizmetleri

Fax : +90 212 604 5051 Email : info@voli.com.tr Website : http://tel-fair.com

March

5-7 March: Cables 2019 – conference and technical programme – Düsseldorf, Germany AMI Cables – conference – Düsseldorf, Germany Organisers : AMI Tel : +44 117 314 8111 Website : www.ami.international

May

13-16 May: Interwire – trade exhibition – Atlanta,

Georgia, USA Organisers : Wire Association International Fax : +1 203 453 8384 Email : sales@wirenet.org Website : www.wirenet.org

June

18-20 June: wire Russia – trade exhibition – Moscow, Russia Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf Fax : +7 499 246 9277 Email : info@wire-russia.com Website : www.wire-russia.com

September

18-20 September: wire Southeast Asia – trade exhibition – Bangkok, Thailand Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf Asia Pte Ltd Fax : +65 6337 4633 Email : wire@mda.com.sg Website : www.wire-southeastasia.com 29 September-2 October: IWCS – technical symposium – Charlotte, North Carolina, USA Organisers : IWCS Tel : +1 717 993 9500 Website : www.iwcs.org

Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com “BMC Municipal building, Mumbai, India” Photographer: Snehal Jeevan Pailkar

8

November 2018

Corporate News

▲ ▲ With its longer press bed, the Smartline EV 3.8 offers ample space, even for more complex progressive dies. Photograph courtesy of Schuler Keeping pace with a Schuler press

and excellent stiffness characteristics, the press delivers precision within 100 th of a millimetre, even when running at several hundred strokes per minute. In progressive lamination stacking, precision also plays a major role because of its impact on energy efficiency. The Smartline EV 3.8 processes sheet metal with a thickness of just 0.2mm. The overall result is higher levels of efficiency, lower eddy-current losses, and less electricity consumed as fuel. Schuler expects to deliver the system in the first half of 2019, and plans are already in the works for the purchase of another identical machine, leaving Waasner prepared for the future of electromobility. Schuler AG – Germany Website : www.schulergroup.com

thin laminations also require greater die complexity and precision. To make matters even more challenging, there is a growing trend towards stamping laminations in two offset tracks, in order to save material and increase productivity. The result is the same across the board: The presses require a bigger die installation area for the longer progressive dies (which in some cases are also twice as heavy) and must also satisfy extremely strict requirements for precision. The Smartline EV 3.8 features an upright opening measuring 3.8m and a press bed with a length of 3.7m, suitable for clamping exactly these types of dies in place. The machine also offers the low deflection and precision found on systems with shorter press beds.

LOCATED not far from the German city of Nuremberg, Waasner has been manufacturing electric motor laminations for more than 70 years. While the advent of e-mobility has given rise to an important new sales market, the motors made for electric cars are accompanied by stricter production requirements. To keep pace with these requirements, Waasner has placed an order for a Smartline EV 3.8 press from Schuler. Because lamination geometries are becoming increasingly complex in the quest to make motors more energy efficient, the number of stamping steps – and therefore the size of the progressive dies used – is also rising. At the same time, the outer diameter of the laminations is increasing to provide better motor performance. Today’s sophisticated stacking techniques for

Thanks to a slide guide without play

9

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

Halogen-free compounds fromMelos

Consequently, precious time is saved that can be used to flee the area affected by fire, allowing rescue workers to carry out a safe evacuation. Melos GmbH – Germany Website : www.melos-gmbh.com New web home for Ridgway Ridgway Machines has launched its new website. With a fresh look and feel the new site features a fully responsive and user-friendly design to provide users with a smoother experience when navigating. The website showcases Ridgway’s new range of cable and conductor taping machines, and will be updated regularly with news on company products, achievements and new features. The site includes the company’s full range of product information including videos, pictures and technical data. Furthermore, it allows users to engage with Ridgway’s other platforms across Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. “We are really proud of our new site; we hope visitors will be able to find the information they require about our range of machines with ease,” said Sean Brown, marketing executive.

IN an emergency, fires can have disastrous consequences on both human lives and buildings. Highly combustible materials in buildings advance the rapid spread of fire and destroy not only stock and buildings, but also put people’s lives at risk. Public buildings have a high user‐traffic flow and, in the event of fire, need to ensure an optimum and quick evacuation. Since 2017, the Construction Products Regulation for cables and conductions (BauPVO, EN 50575) has set a new standard, in which the fire performance requirements for cables also play a major role. the performance of their products with regard to fire behaviour. Minor fire spread and the prevention of smoke gas development are included on the performance certificate. For example, a low‐smoke layer must be guaranteed for the duration of the evacuation. For these cases of application, Melos has developed compounds with low fire propagation properties that release minimal toxic fumes and gases. This ensures more time for evacuation in the event of fire, and is less harmful for protective equipment, thereby making it easier to save people’s lives. Melos’s Mecoline compounds and filler materials use effective halogen‐free fireproofing materials that prevent the spread of flames and the development of smoke and flaming droplets. Manufacturers and distributors must reclassify

Ridgway Machines – UK Website : www.ridgwayeng.com

11

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

Success continues as UK firm raises the BAR

have given the roller strand compaction units a greater ease of use, focusing on the needs of the operator of the machine. Some of these options can also now be retrofitted to older units that are still being used successfully around the world. This strategy gives the customer value for the units still in use within factories, without having to purchase the new versions. “We believe that offering the upgrade to existing units shows our commitment, and sensitivity to our customers’ costs in an increasingly competitive market. We are sending the message that there is no need to buy a new machine. Keep the compaction units they already have, and just upgrade it,” added Mr Rika. Full technical backup and assistance on rope design and production, by partner company Stonepark Consultancy, make the roller compaction units a good option. BAR Products & Services Ltd – UK Website : www.barproductsandservices.com

WIRE strand roller compaction units and rollers have become one of the success stories for BAR Products & Services in recent years, and this year is no exception, with units and rollers being shipped to rope manufacturers worldwide. Managing director Steven Rika said: “We have seen the demand for roller compaction units, and the rollers themselves, increase since the wire Düsseldorf show back in April. This didn’t come as a great surprise, as the interest at the show was very high, with various companies coming back more than once to discuss the units over the course of the week-long show.” New units are also being developed to add to the range of compaction units, currently covering 2mm to 40mm strand diameter. The new units should be available for order later this year. “We have already had enquiries for the new units and we expect that there will be orders as soon as the designs have been finalised before the end of this year, further cementing our position in the market for roller compaction units,” said Glenn Rika Rayne, sales manager.

▲ ▲ A wire strand roller compaction unit from BAR Products and Services

The units are capable of quick set-up times and are designed to be accessible to the operator during production, allowing the production line to be stopped, the strand to be removed from the rollers for inspection or repair of a broken wire, and the production line restarted. This process can be done within a matter minutes, saving production downtime and increasing productivity.

Recent developments and improvements

12

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

New global look for Davis-Standard

customers be more competitive in today’s marketplace. We now have a brand that better speaks to that leadership. We have been on an upward trajectory and now is the time for our brand to embody what we have become, and still intend to become.” Kai Moellendorf, managing director of Davis-Standard’s subsidiary in Germany, added: “The new brand positively reflects the global nature of Davis-Standard and all the brands it represents. This includes our customer-centric focus at ER-WE-PA in Germany and Davis-Standard Limited in the UK. The tagline ‘Where your ideas take shape’ fits well with our objectives of developing polymer-processing solutions that optimise productivity and profitability. We aim to help customers create a better future with teamwork and collaboration.” The brand refresh includes a new logo – the first logo update in nearly 50 years – and a brighter image. It also includes an updated brand story, and a new website and customer experience. Davis-Standard LLC – USA Website : www.davis-standard.com New director at Miltec Mark Walter has been appointed as the new director of engineering at Miltec UV. He brings over 20 years of knowledge in microwave technology, plasma physics, engineering and leadership to the role. Miltec UV – USA Website : www.miltec.com

DAVIS-STANDARD, a provider of polymer processing equipment and customer support solutions, has revealed the next evolution of its global brand to European customers. The new identity and messaging strategy is designed to better express the company’s customer-centric and forward-looking business approach. It is also expected to provide customers and prospects worldwide with a more unified and compelling visual experience when interacting with Davis-Standard marketing and web resources. The previous Davis-Standard brand dates back to the 1950s-60s, when Ben Davis joined Standard Machinery Co to create the Davis-Standard name. The original company, Reliance Machinery Co, was founded in 1848 and manufactured cotton gins and paper binding machines. Extrusion was developed in the 1950s. “We previously branded ourselves as ‘The Global Advantage’, and we’ve executed that by expanding our global facilities and capabilities over the years. But now the focus is more squarely on helping our customers execute, to better understand their requirements, to build stronger relationships and trust, and to provide the best total solutions,” said Jim Murphy, president and CEO. “Davis-Standard is recognised all over the world for equipment reliability and customer support, but we felt our brand wasn’t fully reflective of our standing in the industry,” he added.

“We are leading the way in providing the solutions that help our

14

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

It’s quality assured from NDC Technologies

The updated standard contains key updates including an emphasis on risk-based thinking to enhance the process approach, improve services and increase leadership. NDC offers a diverse range of measurements such as moisture, oil, protein and other constituents in food, tobacco and bulk materials; film thickness and coating weight in extruded films and converted products; dimensional measurements for cable and tube products; and flatness, length and speed, thickness and width of metal products. NDC’s Industry 4.0 instrumentation and productivity- enhancing process analytics software help customers improve product quality, increase productivity and realise bottom-line advantages.

NDC Technologies has successfully recertified to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard. The audit encompassed the complete value chain, from development and production to sales. This certification applies to NDC’s corporate headquarters in Dayton, Ohio, USA, and centres of excellence in Irwindale, California, USA, and Maldon, UK. “This latest certification supports NDC’s commitment to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction,” said Andy Hall, quality and compliance director at NDC. “We have made some significant advancements in our organisation over the past few years and we are delighted that our continued hard work has been recognised. “We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations in all facets of our business and this recertification reflects our ongoing commitment.” Published in September 2015, ISO 9001:2015 places notably higher requirements on companies than the previous version of the standard. As the leading standard for quality management, ISO 9001:2015 provides a clear framework for organisations to have a more robust but flexible management system. Obtained through thorough external audits performed by an independent accredited registrar company, the certification helps organisations develop a management system that aligns with their broader business strategy.

NDC Technologies – USA Website : www.ndc.com

Guill’s new website Guill Tool & Engineering, of Rhode Island, USA, has just rolled out a new website at www.guill.com. The new site offers a detailed look at the company’s entire product line, standard and custom-designed extrusion tooling, including crossheads, in-line heads, rotary heads and extrusion tips and dies.

Guill Tool and Engineering – USA Website : www.guill.com

16

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

AlloyWire reaches for the sky at Farnborough

ALLOY Wire International (AWI) headed to Farnborough International Airshow with its largest ever range of high temperature nickel alloys. The company, which enjoyed a 20 per cent surge in sales in 2017, showcased its Nimonic, Inconel, Waspaloy, Rene 41, Phynox (UNS R30003) and titanium materials to manufacturers looking for high quality and reliable delivery for use across the aerospace sector, where the need for corrosion-resistant wire and bar is high. AWI’s new campaign – ‘Certainty in an Uncertain World’ – was also promoted, highlighting the firm’s ability to ‘make to order’ in just three weeks and its stock range that now exceeds 200 tonnes of more than 60 different alloys. “The aerospace sector represents a huge opportunity for us, with spring manufacturers using our wire to produce compression springs, tensions springs, torsion springs and formed parts for use in critically demanding environments like aircraft engines – where other wire just does not perform under such conditions,” said Angus Hogarth, sales director. He went on to add: “What we do really well is that we can produce any wire size between 21mm and 0.025mm to close tolerances. There has also been a lot of demand for wire that is certified to an increasing number of aerospace specifications, or produced to the customer’s own special material properties.” Operating across 55 countries worldwide, Alloy Wire has held the AS9100 Aerospace & Defense quality accreditation for over five years.

▲ ▲ High temperature alloys at Alloy Wire International

All of its 60 different high performance alloys are DFARS and EU compliant and can be supplied in quantities from 3m to three tonnes.

AlloyWire International – UK Website : www.alloywire.com

19

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

Golden celebrations for Paramount

IN 1968, two brothers raised $750, bought some manual die lapping machines and set up shop in a shed behind their parents’ house. The company they founded, Paramount Die Company, is now a large supplier of finished carbide wire drawing dies, and is celebrating its 50 th anniversary. Paramount has introduced several of the wire industry’s ground-breaking innovations, according to the company. One of its biggest innovations, the wire drawing die insert, has become a global standard. Significantly reducing the shipping cost of dies and making the manufacturing of dies easier to automate, the wire drawing insert has led to many transformations in the wire industry. No longer constrained by internal die shops or the need for local supply, wire drawers can now procure highly advanced and optimised wire dies from global die experts. In half a century, Paramount has evolved from a start-up operation to a large company in the industry, and maintains the culture of innovation that inspired its original success. In 1992, the current owner and president, Rich Sarver, took the lead. Working within his company, Mr Sarver has transformed Paramount from a regional die company, to the global organisation it is today.

system. This innovation improved the wire drawing process by increasing lubrication and reducing drawing temperatures. ParaLoc made higher line speeds and drawing higher tensile materials possible. Moving into the future with even greater advances in material science and metrology, Paramount is exploring advanced coatings, grade developments and geometric optimisation. The company is developing the technologies which it expects will once again move the wire drawing die industry forward. Paramount Die Company – USA Website : www.paradie.com ▲ ▲ Rich Sarver, president and CEO of Paramount Die, right, celebrating his company’s 50 th anniversary with Friedrich Kehrer, global portfolio director metals and flow technologies at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, at wire 2018 earlier this year

In the early 90s Paramount developed the ParaLoc © pressure

21

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Corporate News

Planning underway for new-look Interwire

Interwire 2019 will uphold its earned reputation as the largest wire and cable marketplace in the Americas.” The WAI has issued calls for papers requesting presentations focused on the convention theme “The Next Generation of Wire & Cable”; and for aluminium and copper continuous casting technical papers. WAI accepts online abstract submissions for both segments until 5 th November. The International Fastener Manufacturing Exposition (IFME) will co-locate with Interwire 2019. The IFME features machinery, materials, tooling, control systems, and support services for the design and manufacture of fastener or precision-formed parts for a broad range of applications. Regarding the co-location, IFME organiser Ray Zirkle said: “Although IFME is a new launch, we have been organising successful exhibitions concentrating on the machinery aspect of the fastener industry for over 35 years. “The name of this new event reflects our focus on, and dedication to, providing the

machinery manufacturers a much higher profile than may be available elsewhere. “The decision to co-locate IFME in Atlanta, with Interwire 2019, is based in large part on previous successful co-locations and the synergy between the fastener and wire industries.” Wire Association International – USA Website : www.wirenet.org LAPP buys distribution partner LAPP has acquired its long-term Swiss distribution partner Volland. Volland AG, headquartered in Rümlang, has been one of LAPP’s distribution partners since the company was founded in 1960. The Swiss company is a system provider of cable technology, and currently employs 35 staff. Customers will benefit from a wider array of products, higher stock availability and faster deliveries. LAPP – Switzerland Website : www.lappgroup.com

PLANNING is well underway for the Wire Association International’s biennial Interwire, 89 th annual convention and the third global continuous casting forum at the Georgia World Conference Center, Atlanta, USA, next May. The convention and casting forum run from 13 th to 16 th May; exhibits for Interwire and the co-located International Fastener Manufacturing Exposition (IFME) run from 14 th to 16 th May in Hall A. Remarking on the co-location, WAI second vice president and Enkotec Co Inc president Jan Sørige said: “The rapid development of new manufacturing materials combined with the emerging opportunities that Industry 4.0 presents make this an incredibly exciting period for manufacturing that should be experienced first hand. These two events – staged under one roof – share a synergy that is emblematic of the next generation of manufacturing.” “For Interwire, 175 stands already have been allocated to 190 exhibiting companies,” said Bob Xeller, WAI’s director of sales. “We expect a sold-out floorplan by January 2019, which ensures that

22

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

When the result matters…

Explore the benefits of Nano-Die® from Nano-Diamond America. Materials: aluminium & alloys, copper, brass, welding alloys, low carbon & stainless steel. Nano-Die® is a registered trademark. Product distribution is exclusive through select NDA Distributorships Quality UP. Costs DOWN. Nano-die® Performs: • very low friction & extreme hardness, better Copper and Aluminium utilization/better surface • +0 tolerance for full die life • no die polishing/no re-cutting required Nano-Diamond America, Inc. 2025 Woodbrook Court, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Tel: +1 (434) 220-0435 Fax: +1 (804) 980-7770 e-mail admin@nano-die.com www.nano-die.com

SEE US AT...

Mumbai, India

27 th - 29 th November 2018 www.wire-india.com

...AND PICK UP YOUR FREE MAGAZINES AND CDS

for the wire and cable industries Leading magazines

www.read-eurowire.com

www.read-wca.com

Corporate News

• Electrolytic plating • Candojet hot water cleaning • Electrolytic & Ultrasonic degreasing • Welding wire cleaning and copper coating • Pickling & phosphating www.candorsweden.com

Rosendahl’s Smart line control system RIO

Since Pelican Wire already produces these wire constructions, Watlow customers can expect a seamless transition and continued access to an experienced team of design and production engineers on every project. Current Pelican Wire customers may benefit from the additional capacity, both at its Florida, USA, location and with its sister company, Rubadue Wire in Colorado, USA. PelicanWire – USA Website : www.pelicanwire.com Death of Patrick Carney Patrick Carney has unexpectedly passed away at his home in Naples, Florida, USA. His professional career began at Pirelli Cables. He then went on to hold the position of sales manager for a number of machine manufacturers, including Davis-Standard, Nokia-Maillefer and Gauder Group. He later went on to work in technical marketing services at a number of businesses, including AESA Cortaillod and the MFL Group. He is survived by his wife, Michele, and five children. automatically aggregated, saved locally or optionally via the cloud, analysed, reported and optimised. For instance, each reel produced has its own special ID, which makes direct access to its data possible. From the process parameters and production times all the way to the machine operator, all the information about a reel can be read. The advantage is that information can automatically be accessed about production performance, quality reports, reel protocols, error message-related statistics, energy reports, OEE figures, etc. In addition, smart package add-ons for consumption measurement, extruder screw identification marking and integration in ERP/MES systems are available. Rosendahl Nextrom – Austria Website : www.rosendahlnextrom.com collected,

Pelican Wire has completed the purchase of a portion of the Serv-Rite insulated thermocouple manufacturing business from Watlow Electric. The agreement, which includes machinery, design and manufacturing process information and customer account data, specifically affects the high-temperature ceramic and vitreous silica constructions. Pelican Wire president Ted Bill said: “I’m excited to work with our long-time partner, Watlow Electric, to provide their customers continued superior service for these high-temperature thermocouple products. This is a great example of Pelican Wire’s ongoing commitment to the thermocouple wire industry.” Watlow’s chief system designer, Randy Brown, said: “This is a very natural transition for both companies. Watlow and Pelican Wire have a long history of cooperation to ensure customers can leverage the core capabilities of both to get the best solution.” As quoted from the 31 st August 2018 ‘End of Life’ (EOL) statement: “Pelican Wire will begin quoting and accepting orders on new and existing wire designs on 17 th September 2018 and will begin manufacturing operations on or before 15 th October 2018.” INFORMATION determines Rosendahl Nextrom’s success in the industry. The right information consists of collecting, organising and preparing it on a regular basis in order to subsequently draw conclusions and take the appropriate measures. In principle that sounds easy, but what is becoming increasingly important is that this process functions in an analogue and automated fashion. Even better: the relevant information is made available. That is the new premise according to which Rosendahl Nextrom designs its production solutions. The “Smart Factory” is already becoming a reality to the companies. RIO (Rosendahl Integrated Operation) system is a solution that meets these requirements and automatically organises and makes information available. The information about production is

Copperjet - High speed copper coating on welding wire

CANDOR Sweden AB Tel: +46 11 21 75 00 Fax: +46 11 12 63 12 Email: info@candorsweden.com

PelicanWire completes acquisition of Watlow wire product line

25

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Transatlantic Cable

salvage NAFTA; and Washington was due on 5 th September to resume negotiations with Canada on keeping the pact intact. The administration on 3 rd September also released the terms of a renegotiated KORUS with what most trade experts considered to be only minor tweaks. † It should be noted that Mr Woodward, who enjoys a sterling reputation for probity and accuracy, is also known for his policy of “triangulation”: the verification by at least three sources of every item used in his reporting.

Trade

The bit of sleight-of-hand that apparently rescued the North American Free Trade Agreement from the US president According to the Washington Post , a new book on the Trump presidency by legendary Watergate journalist Bob Woodward includes an account of how Mr Trump’s then-economic adviser Gary Cohn stopped the president from ordering a US exit from NAFTA and a trade deal with South Korea. The Post published excerpts of the book – “Fear” – in early September, with public release due later in the month. The title is a clear reference to the emotional atmosphere of an administration rife with brutal infighting and in which “close advisers quietly manoeuvre to control Mr Trump’s impulses and prevent political and national security disasters.” (“Cohn Lifted Papers Off Trump’s Desk to Stop NAFTA Exit, Book Says,” 4 th September) Mr Woodward, who together with Carl Bernstein wrote “All the President’s Men,” the definitive account of the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon in 1974, described settings and events in the Trump White House in exhaustive detail. Mr Woodward wrote that Mr Cohn quietly saved the South Korea-US trade agreement, known as KORUS, when in 2017 he removed “off Trump’s desk” a letter awaiting the president’s signature that would have ordered a US withdrawal. He did something similar the same year when Mr Trump was bent on pulling out of NAFTA. According to the Post account by Shawn Donnan, with assistance from Justin Sink, under orders from Mr Trump his staff secretary drafted a notification letter of withdrawal from NAFTA. But, along with other advisers, the secretary worried that this could trigger an economic and foreign relations crisis. He consulted Mr Cohn, who told him, according to Mr Woodward: “I can stop this. I’ll just take the paper off his desk.” Mr Cohn, who has since resigned his National Economic Council post after failing to block the new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports into the USA, reportedly told a colleague that he palmed the letter to protect national security. It seems that Mr Trump never noticed its disappearance from his desk. † Mr Cohn’s intervention may have saved both NAFTA and KORUS, wrote Mr Donnan. In late August the USA announced it had reached a bilateral deal with Mexico to

Steel

Image: www.bigstockphoto.com Photographer Adrian Grosu

Smaller manufacturers report disproportionately greater hardship from the fallout of the tariffs imposed last spring Some executives at the Steel Market Update (SMU) conference, held from 27 th to 29 th August in Atlanta, said that the tariffs placed on steel and aluminium imports by US President Donald Trump in March are having a more severe impact on smaller manufacturers compared to larger manufacturers. Some 95 per cent of attendees at this steel “summit” are actively associated with the flat rolled steel industry in North America and worldwide. As reported by Michael Fitzgerald of Platts S&P Global Platts , during one session executives from two manufacturing companies shared the issues they were facing as a result of the tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty. (“Steel Tariffs Disproportionately Hurt Small Manufacturers: Execs,” 29 th August) “It is hard to plan your business when tweets change your marketplace,” said Christopher Shipp, sales vice president at Priefert Steel, a Texas-based company that operates four steel plants in Texas, Arkansas and Idaho. The reference was, of course, to Mr Trump’s inclination to communicate by way of his Twitter account. According to Mr Shipp, Priefert has already paid more than $400,000 in tariffs this year and delayed $5 million worth of expansion plans. The rapid rise in its costs has caused the company to raise prices to its customers four times this year, and it is struggling to push the higher costs through the supply chain. Prices are at the point at which customers are delaying orders.

Said Mr Shipp, “They’re saying, ‘It’s not worth that. We’ll wait.’”

26

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Transatlantic cable

In the laboratory, mild steel was immersed for six hours in a corrosion-inducing solution of hydrochloric acid containing concentrations of chitosan/PEG ranging from 50 to 200 mg/l. According to M A Quraishi, author of the paper first published in ChemistrySelect , “[We] studied the precise chemical mechanisms and found that the inhibitor is adsorbed as a thin film on the steel surface. The inhibitor blocks the active sites on steel available for corrosion, thereby mitigating corrosion.” Weight loss studies and electron microscopy imaging showed that, when the concentration of the treated solution was 200 mg/l, a maximum inhibition of 93.9 per cent was achieved. Professor Quraishi pointed out that usually, when steel is treated with anti-corrosive agents, there is a roughening of its surface. But it was discovered that the chitosan-based inhibitor produced no alteration in the surface; in fact, there was significant improvement in surface smoothness. † It might seem fanciful to project an important commercial application for shrimp and crab shells, normally discarded as waste. But, in an increasingly ecology-minded age, the chitosan-based corrosion inhibitor would appear to hold considerable promise. The Ford Focus Active – a crossover-inspired variant featuring a higher ride height, a novel bumper design, and plastic protective strips – was set to arrive in the USA from China in the second half of 2019. But, as reported by Michael Martinez of Automotive News , Ford Motor Co announced it is cancelling plans to import a wagon version of the car from China because tariffs enacted by the Trump administration would cut too heavily into profits. (“Ford Scraps Plan to Import Focus Active Amid US-China Trade War,” 31 st August) Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s president for North America, told reporters on a conference call: “Our viewpoint is that, given the tariffs, our costs would be substantially higher. Our resources could be better deployed at this stage.” The Trump administration had so far slapped 25 per cent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods. Bloomberg reported in late August that the administration was considering a plan to impose further duties ranging from 10 to 25 per cent on $200 billion in Chinese imports as soon as a public-comment period ran out. Ford said it would not reconsider its decision even if the tariffs should eventually be dropped, according to a company spokesman. Mr Martinez noted that the decision will mean the end of the venerable Focus nameplate in the USA. Mr Galhotra said that the impact on the company is expected to be marginal, given its projection of sales of fewer than 50,000 Focus Active units a year in the USA. Automotive The US-China trade war claims an early victim: a Chinese-built Ford will not be coming to America

And higher prices for their materials are not the sole worry for the company’s customer base: it is also being hurt by higher borrowing costs. Many of the small fabricators Priefert sells to are having “issues with paying the higher prices of steel and paying their bills,” said Mr Shipp. Meanwhile, larger producers flourish According to a second executive at the SMU conference, elevated steel prices in the USA compared with the rest of the world are going to compel manufacturers – including some of that company’s larger original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers – to look overseas in order to stay competitive. John Axelberg, president of General Stamping and Metalworks (South Bend, Indiana), said that, as long as the tariffs remain in place, the elevated spread of US steel prices will stay. Still, the fact that the tariffs have negatively impacted business in the steel industry seemed to take Nucor CEO John Ferriola by surprise. While speaking at the same event, Mr Ferriola observed that, while Nucor is seeing record profits, companies manufacturing steel-intensive products (ie Caterpillar, John Deere, Martin Marietta, Praxair, Fiat Chrysler) also reported record second-quarter 2018 earnings. † “Yes, Nucor is doing well, the steel industry is doing well, but everybody is doing well,” said Mr Ferriola. This rather overstated the case. While speaking, Mr Ferriola was presented with the results of a poll taken among 400 conference attendees, including those associated with steel mills, distributors, manufacturers and traders. It reportedly disclosed a nearly even split between respondents experiencing negative and positive fallout from the tariffs.

† But Mr Ferriola returned his attention quickly to Nucor.

“Our customers are operating at a phenomenal level,” he declared. “We’re selling more steel. They are producing more products. And they are seeing [higher] earnings.”

Gift from the sea: seafood waste is shown by Indian researchers to be a potent inhibitor of steel corrosion

Mild steel in industrial use readily develops rust and the resulting corrosion is a cause of huge economic loss. Chemical corrosion inhibitors are detrimental to the environment, prompting an urgent quest to develop “green” inhibitors. Now, as reported by Aswathi Pacha in The Hindu , the Chennai-based Indian daily, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), in Varanasi, have successfully produced a chitosan-based corrosion inhibitor that reportedly demonstrates over 90 per cent efficiency. (“Seafood Waste Prevents Steel Corrosion,” 1 st September) Prof Vandana Srivastava from the Department of Chemistry of the institute explained that chitosan is a natural polysaccharide found in the shell of crabs and shrimp, and also in the cell walls of fungi. She said that, as the solubility of chitosan in water is poor, the researchers incorporated it with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to produce a novel PEG-crosslinked chitosan. (She noted that PEG is non-toxic and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even for human consumption.)

28

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Transatlantic cable

Results from a college lab hold promise for freeing lithium-ion batteries from the trade-off between fast charging and long life The fast charging of cold lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) entails the risk of lithium plating. When metallic lithium is formed in a battery, it can severely reduce the battery’s lifespan and increase its instability. Now, researchers at Penn State University believe they have found a way to achieve both 15-minute charging and a 12-year battery lifespan in temperatures as low as -50ºC. As reported in ChargedEVs , the Penn State team used a self-heating LiB structure with embedded nickel foils that rapidly heat the cells before charging. The foils also function as an internal temperature sensor while adding only 0.5 per cent in weight and 0.04 per cent in cost. Improving one property without sacrificing another is, according to the study’s author Xiao-Guang Yang, “always nontrivial.” For example, electrolyte with superior performance at low temperatures is quite often unstable at high temperatures. It is extremely difficult – if even possible – to develop materials with a high rate for charging while preserving durability and safety over a wide range of temperatures. The research team apparently met with success in its effort to free battery science from such trade-offs. Specifically, Prof Xiao-Guang told ChargedEVs : “[We] present a cell structure that can be actively controlled to achieve lithium plating-free (LPF) fast charging in any ambient temperatures.” (“Penn State Researchers Develop Cold-Weather Fast Charging Method for Li-ion batteries,” 22 nd August) † † LiBs have always presented what ChargedEVs calls “a complex Goldilocks problem” – either too cold or too hot. If the Penn State research proves out, it could mean an end to the long recharge times of today’s EVs at low temperatures. † † Noting that Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and other high-end brands are pushing aggressively into electric cars in a challenge to Tesla Inc of the USA, Bloomberg News on 4 th September reported that Mercedes has fired a shot across Tesla’s bows. The world’s largest maker of luxury cars said it is rolling out the first in its projected series of battery-powered models, leading a growing array of elite brands targeting the California-based market leader. Parent company Daimler’s plan to develop its EQ electric line calls for the Mercedes EQC crossover to start production in the first half of 2019. Daimler, which intended to invest $12 billion in its electric-vehicle push, has ended up spending more, the company’s CEO Dieter Zetsche told reporters in Stockholm at the model’s world premiere. “There is no alternative to betting on electric cars, and we’re going all in,” said Dr Zetsche. “It is starting right now.” According to Bloomberg , the EQC will be assembled at the Mercedes factory in Bremen, where the automaker also makes its best-selling C-Class sedan. Daimler will build the car in China for the local market. Elsewhere in automotive . . .

He added that the automaker did not see “significant risk” for its other two imports to North America: the EcoSport crossover from India and the Transit Connect van from Spain. The Focus Active is sold in Europe, and Ford said it would continue with plans to build it in China for that market. † † Automotive News reported that General Motors asked for an exemption from the tariff on its China-made Buick Envision, an application which is currently under review by the Commerce Department. Executives have warned that, if it does not receive that exemption, GM could drop that vehicle from its US line-up. Ford said an exemption would not have applied to the Focus Active because of its production timing and thus did not seek one. Having made its name for cyclonic separation technology in vacuum cleaners, Britain’s Dyson turns its attention to EVs Reuters reported on 30 th August that, in another step by Dyson to show that it is serious about building an electric car, the British vacuum-cleaner maker has announced that it will build a vehicle test track at a former World War II airfield in Wiltshire, England. Plans announced previously called for an office building to accommodate 2,000 employees to work on the company’s electric vehicle (EV) project. Three EVs are to be produced. The first, a “proof-of-concept” model – to iron out the production processes and establish the brand – is scheduled to roll out in 2020. James Dyson, the inventor of the ball vacuum cleaner and founder of the company, told the Financial Times in a March interview that the first model will be made only “in the low, single-digit thousands.” According to Eric C Evarts of Green Car Reports , Dyson is developing solid-state lithium batteries for its cars. Since these batteries may not be ready in time, the prototype car may instead make do with conventional lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries with liquid electrolyte. (“Dyson Plans to Build Electric-Car Test Track in Britain,” 31 st August) Mr Evarts noted that Dyson bought, then sold, Sakti3, a Michigan-based start-up set up to develop solid-state batteries, and has kept most of its patents. Dyson has said it plans to use these solid-state batteries in later models of its new EVs. James Dyson has suggested that Dyson cars will look “quite different” from other vehicles, and this may be so. The company is known to have developed expertise in lightweight materials, which could allow flexibility to produce different car-body designs. Green Car Reports cited the example of the BMW i3, with its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic panels, † † Mr Evarts observed that several other companies are also working on developing various solid-state lithium battery technologies, which could lead to lighter-weight, cheaper and safer batteries for electric cars. However, mainstream automakers such as Volkswagen do not expect to have such batteries on the market until at least 2025.

30

www.read-eurowire.com

November 2018

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker