2010 Monterrey ITC preview

WIRE JOURNAL AUGUST 2010

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2010 Monterrey ITC preview

wire China preview OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WIRE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

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WIRE JOURNAL

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CONTENTS

Volume 43 | Number 8 | August 2010

F EATURES

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Asian Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fiber Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fastener Update . . . . . . . . . 30 WAI News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2010 wire China preview

. . . . . . .38

Exhibitors are looking for further signs of industry activity when this biennial event is held Sept. 21-24 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).

Chapter Corner . . . . . . . . . . 36

2010 Monterrey ITC Preview . . . . .48

Technical Papers . . . . . . . 68-84

This article previews the WAI’s International Technical Conference (ITC), which returns October 18-20, to the Crowne Plaza in Monterrey, Mexico. It also includes observations and outlooks for Mexico.

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Career Opportunities . . . . . . 91

T ECHNICAL P APERS

Advertisers’ Index . . . . . . . . 94

Evaluation of high temperature behavior of Zn and ZnAl coatings on core wires and strands for ACSR, ACSS and alike overhead power conductors Charles Coffin, Hans Depamelaere, Dale King and Walther Van Raemdonck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Next issue September 2010 • Equipment: Part 2

Anti-corrosion grease for overhead line conductors Albert Molloy and David Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Dry, chemical-free surface treatment in continuous copper-alloy production Primoz Eiselt, Peter Ziger, Igor Rogelj and Willy Hauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Cover: A view of the monument to Nuevo Leon’s workers at the Macroplaza, a town square (the second largest plaza in the world) located in the heart of the city of Monterrey, Mexico, which on October 18-20 will host the WAI’s International Technical Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. See p. 48.

AUGUST 2010 | 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE =

LOTS OF CABLE

. .10

WIRE

C HINA

PREVIEW

. . . . . . . . . .38

CONTENTS

R ECORD TUNNEL

Wind farms may get a lot of attention, but major projects using lots of cable exist in other fields as well. Germany’s Leoni AG has begun shipping cable for the Gotthard Tunnel, which will stretch a record 57 km and ease travel and transport options across the Alps. The ready-assembled power cables, which have an overall length of 350 km, will be laid in the Ticino canton of Switzerland. A further 2,000 km of cable will be supplied over the next four years.

4 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Hopes are high by organizers Messe Düsseldorf that the positive signs seen earlier this year at their trade show, wire 2010, the world’s largest event for wire and cable, will carry over to their upcoming show, wire China. The biennial event will be held Sept. 21-24 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), where some 1,200 exhibitors (including Tube China) are expected to display their technology over 69,000 sq m of floor space.

EDITORIAL WIRE JOURNAL

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EDITORIAL

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

ITC to return to Mexico, a land of activity The WAI’s 2010 International Technical Conference (ITC) in Monterrey is just two months away, and this is a good time to make reservations for October 18 to 20, because this is one event you must not miss if you are looking to establish or expand business there.

The conference will attract colleagues from all over the world, especially from Latin America, a growing market. A month ago, I was traveling in South America and I found wire and cable producers that are expanding their factories. They are planning for the future, looking for new markets, new trends, new equipment, new suppliers and materials and more. In general, they seem very active, and while that is not happening everywhere around the world, it is that much more important to be in places where there is such activity.

The Monterrey show is where customers will find answers, get training and update their knowledge. The technical presentations are first class, a mixture of mostly nonferrous and ferrous, but also electric, fiber optic and general. We have 60 places for tabletops exhibits, many of which are already sold. These are great to visit because you can talk with suppliers about your projects, production problems, new equipment and new materials, everything you need to be competitive in your markets or maybe even in new markets you might want to enter. At the welcome dinner you can talk with colleagues from other countries, finding our more about how business is done there, and maybe make a contact that someday could lead to a joint venture. But the only way that can happen is if you are there to make it happen. And do sign up for the tour of the Nuevo Leon plant of Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture Division, one of the world’s largest producers of automotive wiring harnesses.

Come for more than just business. Come early and visit one of Mexico’s most beautiful and industrial cities. Enjoy the food. Take a small boat in the Santa Lucia river to the steel museum. Walk around the Macro plaza.

Monterrey´s tourism department will be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel lobby with lots of suggestions, including tips for safe travel in Mexico.

This will be the WAI’s fourth ITC In Mexico: the first was held in Mexico City at the Maria Isabel Sheraton; the second in Queretaro at the Jurica Hotel, the third in Monterrey at the Hotel Crowne Plaza, and this latest will return to Monterrey. This show will be a good investment. You will come, you will learn and you will also have fun, and when you return to your plant you will do so with new ideas, from technical to equipment, that will pay your visit back.

See you in Monterrey!

Antonio Ayala WAI Past President

Publisher | Steven J. Fetteroll Editor-in-Chief | Mark Marselli Senior Graphic Designer | Bill Branch Director of Sales | Robert Xeller Advertising Sales | Anna Bzowski Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications | Janice E. Swindells Graphic Artist | Adrienne E. Simpson Proofreader | Livia Jacobs Publications Advisory Board Antonio Ayala | Canterbury/Genca, Mexico Ferruccio Bellina | TKT Group/President ACIMAF, Italy Malcom Michael | AWIA Australia Don Schollin | Q-S Technologies, USA Ralph Skalleberg | Skaltek USA Dave Stackpole | Nutmeg Wire, USA Giulio Properzi | Continuus Properzi, Italy Robert Wild | Niehoff Endex North America, USA WAI Executive Committee Liaison Dane G. Armendariz | Henkel Corporation Technical Advisors John Drummond | Scotia Group R. M. Shemenski | RMS Consulting, Inc.

WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL (ISSN-0277-4275) published monthly by The Wire Journal, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wire Association International, Inc., which is located at 1570 Boston Post Road, P.O. Box 578, Guilford, CT 06437-0578, USA, and can be contacted at tel.

203-453-2777; fax 203-453-8384; Internet wirenet.org; e-mail mmarselli@wirenet.org. Address all correspondence concerning advertising production, editorial and circulation to the above address. WJI is printed in USA. Subscription rates: $110 per year, USA; $120 per year, Canada and Mexico; other countries, $140 per year (includes air mail). Back copies: $10 WAI members, $15 non-members. Periodicals postage paid at Guilford, CT 06437, USA, and at additional offices.

Wire Journal International grants photocopy permission to libraries and others registered with Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), 21 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970, USA, for a fee of $0.50 per article. Payments should be sent directly to the CCC. Requests for bulk orders or reprints should be sent to the Wire Journal International, P.O. Box 578, Guilford, CT 06437-0578, USA. © 2010 by Wire Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Publisher of WJI assumes no responsibility for the validity of manufacturers’ claims made herein. Back issues of WJI are on microfilm and available from University Microfilm, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA. Phone: 313761-4700.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wire Journal International, P.O. Box 578, Guilford, CT 06437-0578, USA.

6 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

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CALENDAR

CALENDAR Sept. 21-24, 2010: AWPA Government Affairs Conference Washington, DC, USA. To be held at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Contact: Heather Outhuse, American Wire Producers Association (AWPA) at tel. 703-2994434. For more details, go to www.awpa.org.

Sept. 21-24, 2010: wire China 2010 Shanghai, China. To be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312-781-5180, fax 312-781-5188, info@mdna.com, www.mdna.com.

Oct. 13-15, 2010: Spring World Rosemont, Illinois, USA. Produced by the Chicago Association of Spring Manufacturers, Inc. (CASMI), this event will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Contact: CASMI, tel. 630-369-3466, info@casmi-springworld.org.

Nov. 7-10, 2010: 59th IWCS Conference™ Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Contact: Pat Hudak, IWCS, www.iwcs.org, phudak@iwcs.org, tel. 732-389-0990.

Nov. 8-10, 2010: National Industrial Fastener Show (West) Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. To be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Contact: NIFSCO, tel. 614-895-1279, info@fastenershows.com, www.fastenershow.com.

Nov. 18-20, 2010: Wire & Cable India 2010 Mumbai, India. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf and the the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), this event will be held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon.

Contact: Eva Rowe, Messe Düsseldorf North America, erowe@mdna.com, tel. 312-781-5180.

Oct. 18-20, 2010: WAI International Technical Conference Monterrey, Mexico. See p. 52.

May 2-5, 2011: Interwire 2011 Atlanta, Georgia, USA. WAI returns to the Georgia World Congress Center for the trade show and the Association’s 81st Annual Convention. Contact: WAI, tel. 203-453-2777, www.wirenet.org.

Oct. 27-Nov. 3, 2010: K 2010 Düsseldorf, Germany. This event for the plastics and rubber industry will be held at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds, Halls 1-17. Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312-781-5180, info@mdna.com, www.mdna.com.

June 19-23, 2011: JI Cable Versailles, France. This international conference on insulated power cables will present a comprehensive forum about power cables as well as exhibits. Contact: J1Cable 11, www.jicable.org. ■

W IRE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL E VENTS For more information, contact the WAI, USA. Tel. 001-203-453-2777; fax 001-203-453-8384; www.wirenet.org.

Sept. 5, 2010: WAI Ohio Valley Chapter 8th Annual Golf Tournament Solon, Ohio, USA. This event will be held at the Grantwood Golf Course.

Oct. 25, 2010: Western Chapter 10th Annual Golf Tournament Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA. This event will be held at the Los Verdes Golf Course.

Sept. 16, 2010: New England Chapter 16th annual Golf Tournament Boylston, Massachusetts, USA. This event will be held at the Mount Pleasant Country Club.

March 3-5, 2011: Modern technologies and modelling of drawing and manufacturing processes of metal products Zakapone, Poland. WAI’s Poland Chapter members are among those organizing this event. Contact: Dr. Sylwia Wiewiórowska, wiewior@mim. pcz.czest.pl, www.konferencja.mim.pcz.czest.pl.

Oct. 14, 2010: Southeast Chapter 9th Annual Golf Tournament Conover, North Carolina, USA. This event will be held at the Rock Barn Golf and Spa. Oct. 18-20, 2010: WAI International Technical Conference Monterrey, Mexico. See preview that begins on p. 48.

8 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

May 2-5, 2011: Interwire 2011 Atlanta, Georgia, USA. See main listing.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS Southwire Company acquires Tappan Wire & Cable, 2nd acquisition of 2010

Leoni has begun supplying cables for record railway tunnel project

The global economy may still be worrisome, but that hasn’t stopped Southwire Company, which announced the acquisition of Tappan Wire & Cable, its second acquisition of 2010, for an undisclosed price.

A press release said that the purchase of Tappan Wire & Cable Inc., which is based in Blauvelt, New York, and has approximately 200 employees, will expand Southwire’s product lines. “The Tappan acquisition gives Southwire’s customers the ability to purchase a complete line of electrical products from one manufacturer,” it said.

The Tappan acquisition was described in the release as “a natural progression for Southwire.” The addition of telecom and electronic cables “solidifies Southwire’s position as an industry-leading manufacturer of portable cord products, while also adding to Southwire’s ability to offer differentiated, custom products that provide value-added benefits to end users,” it said.

The Tappan product line, the release said, includes the following offerings for the electronics, signal/control and industrial markets: security and access control cable, coaxial video cable, fire alarm cable, plenum-rated cables, category cables, home automation/combination cables and commercial sound/intercom cable solutions as well a wide variety of specialty and custom electronics cables.

Southwire Company entered the cord market in 1995 with TPE cord products and has steadily evolved the product line by improving manufacturing capabilities and, most recently, the acquisition of American Insulated Wire (AIW), the release said.

“This acquisition further strengthens our ability to provide world-class service to our customers,” said Southwire Company President and CEO Stuart Thorn. “Southwire can now leverage Tappan’s ability to respond to requests for custom products, pricing and availability in the cord, telecom and electronics product category.”

“Tappan’s ability to manufacture a wide variety of products and custom constructions, combined with Southwire’s distribution network and its focus on innovation, provides strong growth opportunities for this line of products moving forward,” said Tappan Wire & Cable President Darren Krych. “Current Tappan customers can expect the same level of service and product availability they are accustomed to receiving.”

At the Tappan Wire & Cable web site, the company notes that it was founded in 1978 as a manufacturer of specialty wire and cable for the communications and computer industries. It started in a 25,000-sq-ft plant in Tappan, New York and now works out of its 200,000-sq-ft facility in Blauvelt, New York.

Germany’s Leoni AG reports that it has completed the planning and testing phase, and delivered the first 350 km of power cable that will be installed in the western tube for the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, which when completed will be the world’s longest railway tunnel.

A press release said that Leoni supplied the first shipment by train directly to the Gotthard tunnel, and that the various ready-assembled power cables, which have an overall length of 350 km, will be laid in the 16.6 km section from Bodio to Faido in the Ticino Canton of Switzerland. A further 2,000

Leoni AG reports that it has started to supply cable for the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland. km of cable, it said, will be supplied over the next four years. It added that the contract includes temporary construction cables, from the company’s Swiss subsidiary, Leoni Studer, that will be used to supply the equipment and machinery with power while the two tunnel tubes are being finished, and will later be removed.

“Wiring of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is one of the company’s largest contracts outside the automotive industry,” the release said, noting that the project can generate sales of some US$75 million over six years. The tunnel, which will stretch a record 57 km when completed, will significantly improve travel and transport options across the Alps, it said, adding it is scheduled to go into operation in 2017.

Tyco to buy ADC for US$1.25 billion U.S.-based Tyco Electronics has agreed to buy ADC Telecommunications Inc., for US$1.25 billion, a deal that was described as one that would help Tyco further diversify from its core automotive connector business into fiber optics.

A press release said that ADC offers a complete family of

Does your company have news that belongs here? E-mail it to the WJI at editorial@wirenet.org.

10 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Prysmian wins record UAE cable order, notes 2nd stage wind farm contract Italy’s Prysmian announced that it has won a US$322 million contract for providing a 400 kV power, extra-high-voltage transmission project for Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (TRANSCO).

A press release said that the contract for the turnkey project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents “the largest EHV XLPE cable system in the world (in terms of contract value) ever awarded to a single supplier.” Prysmian, it said, will handle all aspects of the 400 kV cable system, which will have a triple circuit route of 25 km for a total of 230 km of extruded insulation (XLPE) cable and related network components. The underground cable system, it said, will replace the existing overhead lines, resulting in a significantly lower environmental impact.

Scheduled for completion in two years, the project, the release said, “is huge, complex and innovative as it will require also the adoption of micro-tunnelling technology, a new application for power transmission projects in the region.” The new link, it noted, will connect the Bahia and Saadiyat Grid Stations, via prestigious infrastructure and real estate development areas such as Yas Island, the location of a new F1 race track and luxury real estate development, and Saadiyat, which includes the Abu Dhabi Cultural District that includes new Louvre and Guggenheim museums.

In other news, Prysmian reports that it has been awarded a second project—from German transmission system operator transpower, a subsidiary of the Dutch grid operator TenneT—for the grid connection project HelWin1 that will link two offshore wind farms in the North Sea to mainland Germany. This portion of the contract, worth more than US$185 million, calls for it to provide complete supply, installation and commissioning of the submarine and land cable connections as part of a larger contract awarded to a Prysmian/Siemens consortium, it said. The connection will enable the offshore Wind Park Nord, located about 85 km offshore, to transmit wind generated renewable power into the German grid, it said.

Nexans lands hefty cable order for offshore U.K. offshore wind farm Nexans reports that it has won a major contract to supply Lincs Wind Farm Limited with medium-voltage submarine array cables and associated accessories for a 270 MW offshore wind farm off the east coast of England.

A press release said that the order further extends Nexans’ involvement in the Lincs Wind Farm project, as it follows the contract awarded by Centrica in November 2009 to supply the HV submarine power export cables. The latest contract is for 64.8 km of three-core cable with a conductor cross-section of 185 sq mm and 20.5 km of three-core cable with a conductor cross-section of 630 sq mm, together with the required installation and connection accessories. The cables, it noted, will also incorporate fiber optic cables for the monitoring and control of the wind farm.

“This latest contract…further reinforces our position as a key supplier of cables for the U.K.’s ambitious offshore wind farm program,” said Nexans Senior Corporate Executive Vice President Yvon Raak. “It is also a perfect example of Nexans’ fully integrated approach to the offshore wind sector, based on our proven capability to meet every cable requirement, from low-voltage cables in the wind turbine towers, through medium-voltage array cables, to the highvoltage export cables that bring the power ashore.”

The array cables will be produced at the Nexans plants in Hanover, Germany, and Halden, Norway. The accessories are scheduled for delivery to the site at the end of 2010, while delivery of the cables will start in March 2011.

The Lincs offshore wind farm will be built in the Greater Wash area, a region which has been identified by the British government for large offshore wind farm developments, the release said. The wind turbines will be constructed 8 km off the coast, to the east of Skegness, at a water depth of 10-15 meters. Lincs should go on-line by the end of 2012 and, with a total installed power of up to 270 MW (up to 75 wind turbines each producing 3.6 MW), should generate enough electricity to satisfy the demands of 200,000 British households, it said.

Harsh economy cited in closing of B3 Cable Solutions plant in Ireland Last-minute efforts to find a new owner for a plant owned in Ireland by U.K.-based B3 Cable Solutions failed to work, and the site is now slated to close.

Global Insolvency reports that employees of the Longford firm have been told that the plant was to close. It said that the company, which manufactures copper-based cable, had employed approximately 100 full and part-time staff. The firm, it said, “had traded in a challenging environment in recent years and was placed into receivership earlier this month by its owners, the Manchester-based B3 Cable Solutions. Deloitte’s had been engaged in an extensive AUGUST 2010 | 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

copper and fiber cables for central office, outside plant, enterprise applications, and other specialty applications.

At the ADC website, the company notes that its products include high-performance single-mode and multi-mode cables; multiple specialty fiber cables; a range of Cat. cables; UTP cable; limited combustible cable; switchboard cable; transport system cable; and more. The deal, it said, would help Tyco expand in the market for consumer electronics like smart phones, 3D television and video-conferencing. It noted that ADC reported net sales of $997 million for its 2009 fiscal year, which was 11 months long because of a change in reporting periods, and that optical fiber-related sales accounted for more than a third of ADC’s sales in the most recent quarter.

INDUSTRY NEWS

process to sell the business and assets of the company as a going concern.”

The factory in Longford, Ireland, was put into receivership as a result of the severe economic recession conditions in Ireland, said B3 Cable Solutions Managing Director Chris Warham. “B3 Cable Solutions continues to operate successfully in both the U.K. and in Spain. The (Langford) closure only affects operations in the Irish national market.”

AN SPX BRAND

AN SPX BRAND

BASEC recalls 11 million meters of cable in U.K. made by Turkish company

The British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC), a nonprofit government-nominated body, has ordered the recall of 11 million meters of cable that was made earlier this year by Atlas Kablo Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, of Denezli, Turkey, and shipped by importers into the U.K. At its website, BASEC reports that the faulty products, all British Standard house wiring cable, have excessive conductor resistance due to “insufficient copper.”

The cited products, the announcement said, include: flat twin, single and 3-core cables with CPC (BS 6004 Table 8 and IS 201-4 Table I, 1.0 sq mm-16 sq mm); and single-core unsheathed (BS 6004 Table 4a, 1.5 sq mm-35 sq mm) and sheathed (BS 6004 Table 7, 1.5 sq mm-35 sq mm) cables. The cables were made between February and May 2010, and the company’s license was suspended once the problem was brought to BASEC’s attention in mid-May, it said.

Atlas Kablo also makes flexible cables, and the company’s Turkishissued “HAR” license for this cable was also suspended for a period, BASEC reported. “A reasonable quantity (estimated at a few million meters) was shipped to the U.K. and a similar amount to Germany. A recall process is also under way for this.”

Atlas Kablo has been required to rectify the problem and to assist in locating and recovering the affected product. BASEC reported that most of the cable, which included a small amount shipped to Ireland, has been tracked down.

The investigation was made through the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI), an entity that was created by U.K. cable makers and BASEC, with the support of electrical sector bodies.

An ACI spokesperson said the suspension of Atlas Kablo’s product World Class Worldwide Suppliers of Quality Metal certification license was a welcome Forming Equipment and Services for Over 100 years action, but warned that this should not • Two-High & Four-High Mills • Custom Rolling Mills • Turks Heads be seen as an isolated case. By some • Wire Flattening & Shaping Mills • Swaging Machines • Spring Coilers • Strip & Wire Formers • Wire & Tube Drawing • Rebuilds & Modifications reports, “around a fifth of all cable in the U.K. supply chain (is) estimated to SPX PRECISION COMPONENTS - FENN DIVISION 300 Fenn Road • Newington, Connecticut 06111 be either unsafe, non-approved or Phone: 860.594.4300 • Fax: 860.667.4667 • Email: precision.fenn@spx.com counterfeit,” the spokesperson said. www.spxprecision.com

12 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Organizers for SPRINGWORLDÂŽ report that the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, in Rosemont, Illinois on October 13-15, 2010, is tracking very well, with 90% of the show floor sold and exhibitors presenting both spring and wire forming technologies.

The biennial event, produced by the Chicago Association of Spring Manufacturers, Inc. (CASMI), is expected to draw thousands of industry professionals to the Chicago area from all over the world, the organizers report at www.casmi-springworld.org.

More than 150 exhibitors are expected to display/show machinery, raw materials, metal testing equipment, specialized machine programming software and other products and services of interest to the spring manufacturers, the organizers report.

Northern Cables expands its operations with acquired plant Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northern Cables has expanded its operations through the acquisition of a closed plant that is close to its main plant in Brockville, Ontario, and will add 75,000 sq ft to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collective manufacturing and warehousing space.

EMC Business reported that with the addition, Northern Cables now has close to 200,000 sq ft of space, including

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our last biennial show, SPRINGWORLD 2008, was very successful despite trying economic times. As a result of this success most of those exhibitors have already reserved space on the floor for 2010,â&#x20AC;? it said, adding that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great hotel rates, down 30% from the previous show, are encouraging attendees to schedule this major spring event in October.â&#x20AC;?

For information about exhibiting or attending SPRINGWORLD, as well as hotel accommodations, contact CASMI Ex. Dir. Tom Renk at tom@casmi-springworld.org or Administrative Assistant Marlene Gravis at marlene@casmi-springworld.org, or call tel. 630-369-3466.

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AUGUST 2010 | 13

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPRINGWORLD set for October 13-15

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JDR Cable Systems Managing Director Patrick Phelan said that the grant will help JDR “to become the only U.K. company capable of manufacturing high-voltage alternating current export cables (HVAC).” The company manufactures cables that can each weigh up to 4,000 metric tons, and are used for the rapidly growing offshore wind energy market, particularly for “U.K. Round 3” projects, he said. The award “will form part of an additional investment in specialist equipment at our deepwater quayside factory in Hartlepool,” he said. High-voltage export cables are a bottleneck in the supply chain for offshore wind farms and the grant will help the company have the capability to manufacture “this vital connection right here in the U.K.,” he said.

U.S. ITC delivers opposite ruling on status of wire decking from China

JDR Cable Systems reports winning grant to develop high-voltage cables

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that imports of wire decking from China do not materially injure or threaten U.S. industry, a finding that counters a prior finding from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), which had determined that the products are subsidized and sold in the U.S. at less than fair value.

A press release said that by a four to two vote, the ITC panel found against the claims that had been brought by the petitioners (AWP Industries Inc., ITC Manufacturing Inc., J&L Wire Cloth Inc., Nashville Wire Products Mfg. Co. Inc.

U.K.-based JDR Cable Systems reports that it has been awarded a £2 million Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) grant to develop high-voltage cables.

The award, a press release said, forms part of DECC’s plans to help U.K. companies invest in the equipment and technology required to support the country’s transition to a low carbon future. It noted that JDR Cable Systems already supplies medium-voltage cables to major offshore wind farms in the U.K.

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AUGUST 2010 | 15

INDUSTRY NEWS

65,000 sq ft at its main production facility (50 California Avenue) and 55,000 sq ft at its Prescott operation. The story said that the company expects to expand its collective workforce by 15 postitions to 134 employees.

The company manufactures upwards of 13.1-million ft of low-voltage, armored electrical cables a month for commercial and industrial applications, including condominiums, hospitals and schools which require a commercial-grade of electrical cable, the report said. It noted that the company’s cable products have been used in the Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada, at City Field (home of the New York Mets), at the new CityCentre in Las Vegas, lighting cable for the Ring Road in Calgary and the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

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and Wireway Husky Corp.), and no antidumping or countervailing duty order will be issued on imports of this product from China. The release did not specifically state the basis for the decision. A final report with “the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations” was to be available by request after August 10.

The release did note that as of 2009, eight U.S. firms produced wire decking, used for products such as pallet racks, wire racks and wire mesh, employing 361 people. Product shipments in 2009 were valued at $85 million, it said.

Nexans turns ‘green’ for cable drums Nexans announced that it has become the world’s first cable manufacturer to upgrade to drums holding PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) certification.

A press release said that Nexans, the world’s largest cable maker, may have as many as 350,000 wooden cable drums in circulation at any one time within the European Union region alone. From now on Nexans will only use drums produced with PEFC certified wood, it said. “The program relies on the availability of certified wood, and this is why its initial focus is on Europe,” it said.

“In our quest for sustainable development, we are able to carry out detailed life cycle assessment of Nexans’ cables

from production to end of life. Now, we are taking the process a stage further to include the cable drums,” said Nexans Senior Corporate Executive Vice President Pascal Portevin. “The green drum initiative is a perfect example of our desire to involve everyone in the business chain in sustain- Nexans reports that it has able development— switched to exclusive use of the drum producer, PEFC™ “green” wooden cable the cable manufacdrums in the European Union. turer, the distributor and the installer.”

PEFC notes that it promotes sustainable forest management that is environmentally and socially beneficial as well as economically viable, and certified by an independent third-party.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

EC sets hefty fines for steel producers accused of long-time activity in cartel The European Commission (EC) fined 17 prestressing steel producers a total of approximately US$619 million for participating in a price fixing and market sharing cartel that operated from 1984 to 2002.

The activities, an announcement said, involved all but three (U.K., Ireland and Greece) of the then European Union member states. “The Commission decision concludes that the producers violated the European Union’s ban on cartels and restrictive business practices,” it said. The actions were related to prestressing steel, specifically “long, curled steel wires used with concrete in construction sites to make foundations, balconies or bridges.”

Following is a summation of the details. A total of 17 groups (36 companies) were named, with more than half the fines for companies that are now part of ArcelorMittal. The cartel stopped in 2002, when DWK/Saarstahl revealed its existence under the EU Leniency Program introduced that year and surprise inspections were done at the premises of the suspected members. More than 550 cartel meetings were believed to have been held in different locations, interconnected by overlapping territory, membership and common goals. The companies fixed individual quotas and prices, allocated clients and exchanged sensitive commercial information.

“It is amazing how such a significant number of companies abused nearly the entire European construction market for such a long time and for such a vital product,” said Joaquín Almunia, the commission vice president in charge of Competition. “This was almost as if they were acting in a planned economy. The Commission will have no sympathy for cartelists; recidivists will be fined more and inability-topay claims will be accepted only when it is clear the fine would send a company into bankruptcy, which is rare even in the current difficult times.”

Two companies, ArcelorMittal Fontaine and ArcelorMittal Wire France, faced fines increased by 60% because they had already been fined twice for cartels in the steel sector (IP/89/627 on wedded steel mesh and IP/94/134 on steel beams). Saarstahl had also previously been fined in the steel beams cartel, but received full immunity in the current cartel because it was the first to come forward. The Commission recognized the more limited participation of Proderac and Emme Holding by reducing their fine by 5%.

Because of the very long duration of the cartel, the fines on several companies would have exceeded the legal maximum of 10% of the 2009 turnover, and was therefore reduced to this level.

The Commission granted reductions of fines for cooperation to Italcables/Antonini (50%), Nedri (25%), Emesa and Galycas (5%), ArcelorMittal and its subsidiaries (20%) and WDI/Pampus (5%). The fine for ArcelorMittal España was reduced by 15% for its co-operation outside the Leniency Notice. Redaelli and SLM did not meet the requirements for co-operation and therefore received no reduction of the fine.

18 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

The Commission accepted three inability-to-pay applications and granted reductions of respectively 25%, 50% and 75% of the fine that would otherwise have been imposed. It had received 13 such applications, under the Commission’s 2006 Fines Guidelines.

JoeTools moves into larger location JoeTools, a metro Atlanta-based designer and manufacturer of extrusion products, announced that, based on response to its expanded range of technology, it has relocated its headquarters into a larger facility in Lilburn, Georgia.

JoeTools’ new facility in Lilburn, Georgia, USA.

At a size of 28,000 sq ft, the new U.S. facility, a press release said, provides the company with 18,000 sq ft more space than did its prior location. The extra space, it said, will be used to service the company’s growing client base. The facility will house all of the administrative and production departments within the organization, including: design engineering, manufacturing, distribution and sales. The move, it said, increases JoeTools’ manufacturing and stocking capabilities and is expected to allow for future expansion as well.

“With our recent growth, this facility allows us to continue providing our customers with greater efficiency, faster turnaround times and an overall higher level of service,” said JoeTools’ Ron Neuman.

The address/contact information is: JoeTools, 4420 Business Park Court, Lilburn, GA 30047, tel. 877-832-7864, www.joe-tools.com, sales@joe-tools.com.

Study: SCS market should see double-digit growth next 5 years A new report from U.S.-based FTM Consulting, “Opportunities in Structured Cabling Systems,” projects that the SCS market will grow at a 13.1% rate during the next five years.

“The SCS market was impacted by the recent economic recession, achieving only minimal growth or even decreases

INDUSTRY NEWS

in growth during the past two years for many of the products in this market,” a press release said. “As the economy recovers, along with the SCS market, SCS suppliers must rethink their strategies for transforming their business direction from a cost-containment mode to a growth mode.

In order to grow, the SCS suppliers’ businesses, new opportunities must be identified and assessed in order to take advantage of this forecasted growth.”

FTM Consulting President Frank Murawski said in the release that suppliers need to address issues such as: what the largest markets will be for products; which markets have the largest growth potential; and what products will need to be developed to be competitive in the future. “This study addresses and provides quantitative data for these issues,” he said in the release.

Some study highlights include that VOIP applications will be vital for the UTP cabling supplier, while data center applications will offer the largest growth market for fiber cabling systems providers, the release said. Newer products will incorporate plug n’ play features, along with ease-ofinstallation capabilities, while newer technologies, such as 40/100 Gbps and, eventually, 1000 Gbps, will require new products in the future, such as OM 4 multimode fiber cables and enhanced OM4 fiber cables, it said, adding that the study includes detailed five-year forecast data.

FTM Consulting can be contacted at tel. 717-533-4990, ftm.consulting@verizon.net.

News in brief Beta LaserMike announced the transfer of ownership of its Australian agency to new owners Sam and Josh Panettieri. As part of the long-term agreement, Machinery Techniques will continue to represent Beta LaserMike in Australia and New Zealand as the organization’s accredited sales and service agent, responsible for the delivery of Beta LaserMike’s measurement and control solutions to the metals market. “We are excited about the experience Sam and Joshua bring to the agency with their combined knowledge in cable and other industrial sales,” said Ken Wright, president of Beta LaserMike. … The former Kerite Co. operations in Seymour, Connecticut, which previously merged with the Hendrix Wire & Cable, Inc., to form Marmon Utility LLC, are reported to have pared its workforce by 27.

In an article in The Republican-American, Marmon Utility President John DeGray confirmed that the layoffs were made. “We really regret having to take actions like these, but we have to respond to changes in the marketplace,” he said. … U.K.-based PWM has appointed Ali Serpen of Metalin as its exclusive representative in Turkey. Serpen, who has more than 20 years of wire and cable industry experience, will manage sales of PWM’s cold welders, dies and spare parts and provide customer service support. “Turkey is an important and expanding market for us,” said PWM Managing Director Steve Mepsted. “Ali’s expertise and extensive knowledge of cold welding technology and its applications will ensure that we continue to provide a reli-

20 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

INDUSTRY NEWS

able, responsive service to our existing and new customers.”

Machinery Techniques is also an authorized agent for Beta LaserMike and Inosym. … Liberty Wire & Cable has officially changed its name to Liberty AV Solutions. The U.S.based company reported that it changed its name to better reflect its new presence as a comprehensive connectivity infrastructure AV solutions provider. “Unveiling Liberty AV Solutions as our new name marks a significant milestone in the history of our company,” said Liberty President John Dace. “The new name embodies our ability and continuing commitment to help our customers find labor savings, as well as one-stop-shop solutions through a unique combination of products and expertise.” The company noted that it also has developed a new website, www.libav.com. … U.S.based Fastenal reports the relocating of its Holo-Krome operations from West Hartford, Connecticut, where it has been located since being founded in 1929, to Wallingford, Connecticut. Fastenal acquired Holo-Krome, a manufacturer of socket head fasteners, from Danaher in 2009. … Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd reports that the securities of Wonderful Wire & Cable Bhd have been be de-listed and removed from the official list of Bursa Securities. At its website, it said that the de-listing was in accordance with the

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decision of Bursa Securities announced by the company on Dec 4, 2008. “It is noted that the Securities Commission (SC) had (in a) letter dated June 30, 2010 disallowed the company’s appeal against the SC’s decision to reject the company’s proposed restructuring scheme,” it said. Further, Wonderful Wire had announced on July 8 that the company would not appeal the Bursa Securities’ decision to de-list it, it said. The company had previously been publicly reprimanded by Bursa Securities for failure to provide accurate results in all four quarterly reports for the 2005 financial year. … Germany’s Niehoff GmbH has become the international representation of HFSAB, a supplier of lead-sheathing equipment to the cable industry, outside of the European Community with the exception of certain already established house accounts. HFSAB, known as H. Folke Sandelin AB and Hansson Robertson, was founded in 1958. HFSAB is part of the Canadian mining company Teck Cominco Metals Ltd and is headquartered in Motala, Sweden. It specializes in manufacturing horizontal continuous lead extruders and cable repair and recovery systems. ■

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ASIAN FOCUS

ASIAN FOCUS focus on other aspects, such as that China has already exceeded the United States in the pace of new energy utilization. China, he noted, has the world’s largest installed capacYears of heady growth have seen China become a leader ity of hydropower, the largest use of solar for water heating, in many categories, but that incredible activity has led to its the largest capacity of nuclear power generators under conbecoming the top of the pack in another category, one that struction and the fastest growth in wind power development, Chinese officials would just as soon not be associated with: There are other factors at play in the ratings, one notable the world’s largest user of energy. one being the slowdown of the global economy that has Given its population, explosive growth in exports and shackled manufacturing in many countries, which in turn increasing internal demands, it’s not a surprise that new data reduced their energy usage, while China continued to buzz from the International Energy Agency cite China as now topalong. ping the U.S. on the energy use list in 2009, but that “changIn a Reuters article, IEA Chief Economist Fatih Birol said, ing of the guard” had not been expected to happen so soon.

“The most surprising thing is not that China overtook the A 2009 forecast by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the IEA U.S. in 2009, the most important thing is the fact that 10 had predicted that China would years ago the U.S. was consuming not surpass the U.S. until 2015. twice the energy that China was But it apparently has. consuming. Ten years is not a The IEA reports that China very long period of time.” used the equivalent of 2.252 bilSome interesting sidenotes to lion metric tons of oil equivalent this story include that, in 2009, last year, about 4% more than Saudi Arabia’s largest oil custhe U.S., which used 2.170 biltomer was China, not the U.S., lion metric tons of oil equivawhich had been its top customer lent. (Oil equivalent means all for decades. Also, China gets a forms of energy consumed, sizeable amount of its energy including crude oil, nuclear, from coal, topping Japan as the coal, natural gas and renewable world’s largest importer of the sources such as hydropower.) fuel, which is also notable for the One wire story cited BP Plc’s environmental concerns associatStatistical Review of World ed with its use. Further, only three Energy as saying that last year, years ago, China was a net coal China (including Hong Kong) exporter. used 2.20 billion metric tons of Dai Yande, deputy head of oil equivalent of primary energy China's Energy Research Institute, while the U.S. used 2.182 bila top government think-tank on lion metric tons. energy policy, said that comparing A range of wire stories on the Cooling towers at a power plant in northern China. the energy use of China and the announcement reflect different U.S. was not practical. “This kind ways to look at the news. First, the news was not necessarily of comparison is ludicrous. The U.S. has completed its welcomed by the Chinese, although the claim was quesindustrialization phase and China is in the middle of rapid tioned, not dismissed industrialization,” he said in one wire story. “This is a totally In the reports, Zhou Xian, spokesperson for China’s wrong analysis.”

National Energy Administration, said that the IEA’s estimate Some articles noted that while China was now the leader of China’s energy consumption was too high, although he in energy usage, the U.S. was still far ahead in terms of per declined to give an alternative estimate. The IEA estimate, capita usage. Others questioned the future of energy availhe was quoted as saying, “could be used as a reference but is ability and costs, and what the long-term effect would be of not very credible. We believe that (IEA) did not understand China being the world’s largest energy user. fully the Chinese situation, in particular the efforts China “There is little doubt that China's growing consumption made in energy saving, emission reductions and developchanges what ability we have to control our own destiny ment in new energy sources.” He noted that, based on the within global energy markets,” said David Pumphrey, a latest data he had seen, it would take less than a year for senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International China to bypass the U.S. Studies. “China can now demand a large space inside any Zhou noted in another story that the news should also energy-policy tent.”

China: another ‘world leader’ category, but this one they would rather decline

Have news that belongs here? If so, e-mail it to editorial@wirenet.org.

24 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

ASIAN FOCUS

ASIAN NEWS BRIEFS El Sewedy Cables expands focus on Asia, others Egypt’s El Sewedy Cables plans to be more active in Asia as well as other developing regions, such as Africa, as demand for its products have fallen in Europe.

In an interview with Bloomberg, El Sewedy Cables CEO Ahmed El Sewedy said that the company, the largest publicly traded manufacturer of power cables in the Middle East, will focus more outside of Europe, which he noted now represents less than 10% of business. “Europe will be flat for the next two to three years, but Asia, Africa and the Middle East will keep on expanding,” El Sewedy said in the report. He said that he hopes to see energy demand in Asia and Africa grow by 5 to 7% a year, which represents demand for which his company plans to boost its output by an additional 30,000 metric tons this year to 165,000 tons, with a further increase to 190,000 tons planned for 2011.

Morgan Construction Company to supply new production line for Korean cable manufacturer U.S.-based Morgan Construction Company (MCC), a Siemens VAI business, has been hired as a subcontractor by Southwire Company for a project to build a new production line for Taihan Electric Wire Co., the oldest cable manufac-

A copper rod mill. Photo courtesy of Siemens VAI. turer in Korea. The new mill, a press release said, will replace the existing 30-year-old system in Anyang, originally built by MCC as a subcontractor to Southwire Co. The contract calls for Taihan, a leading domestic cable manufacturer and a major supplier of power transmission cables to the Asian market, to be supplied a new production line, including melting and casting plants, with a production output of 40 tonnes of copper rod per hour, in diameters ranging from 8 mm to 25 mm, the release said. ■

AUGUST 2010 | 25

PEOPLE

PEOPLE Chuck Meyers has been hired as district sales manager for Allied Wire & Cable, responsible for the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. He has more than 25 years of industry experience, most recently with Anixter, Inc. Other past employers include Alpha Wire and Olympic Wire. Based in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA, Allied Wire & Cable notes that it is one of the largest privately owned value-added manufacturers and distributors of Chuck Meyers electrical wire and cable products in the U.S. Ben Fera has been named product manager at RichardsApex AustralAsia. He has nearly two decades of process and manufacturing management experience in the nonferrous industry with past employer MM Kembla, Australasia’s largest supplier of copper products, including rod, wire, tube, fittings and accessories. Through his

extensive experience and established networks, he will be integral to marketing and servicing RichardsApex’s growing metalwork of lubricant markets throughout the region.

RichardsApex AustralAsia is the Australian subsidiary of U.S.-based RichardApex Inc., a global supplier of lubricants.

Gem Gravure Co., Inc., announced that Robert Henderson has joined the company’s staff of technical sales and service personnel. He has 15 years of technical background, including experience that stems back to the introduction of alphaJET ink jet printers into the United States. His expertise has grown to cover all aspects of this ink jet printing system. He will working with the company’s Southeastern team.

Based in West Hanover, Massachusetts, USA, Gem Gravure Co., Inc., supplies printing and marking equipment to sec- Robert Henderson tors that include the wire and cable industry. ■

OBITUARY The copper wire industry lost a pioneer in the field of continuous casting on June 27, 2010, when R. William (Bill) Hazelett died at age 91.

The son of C.W. Hazelett, the inventor of the twin-belt casting machine, Bill Hazelett earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University in 1942. He immediately joined the war effort, ending up at the Bell Aircraft facility in Burlington, Vermont, where he made his lifelong home. In 1956, R. William (Bill) Hazelett, a he established the pioneer in continuous casting.

Hazelett StripCasting Corporation to further his father’s pioneering work with the twin-belt continuous strip-caster. He commercialized the design of the Hazelett® twin-belt caster, which is the heart of the Contirod® continuous copper rod process. A persuasive and fiercely independent, charismatic soul, he encouraged customers to work together to further their common interest in his relatively untried technology while he slowly 26 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

expanded and commercialized its application in both strip and billet production. He chose not to expand the use of his unique technology into the related fields of melting and rolling, instead focusing his talents and those of his assembled group on what they knew best. Today, the company remains the only commercial supplier of twin-belt casters worldwide.

Bill Hazelett insisted on maintaining fully integrated machine shops for both in-house development and timely customer service. The holder of numerous patents, he always encouraged his engineers to try out new ideas drawing on the resources of these facilities. His perseverance resulted in the adaptation of the Hazelett twin-belt caster for continuous casting and in-line rolling of aluminum, copper, zinc and lead strip at more than 80 installations worldwide. That includes 35 casters used in the Contirod process, developed jointly in 1972 with Metallurgie Hoboken Overpelt (now Aurubis), and the rod mill division of Fried. Krupp (now a part of SMS). The success of this development was due largely to the dedication and collaboration between him and the late John Dompas, a well-known figure in the copper wire industry.

The company, which employs 140 people, remains family-owned under the direction of his son, David, who has been active in the business for 30 years and plans to carry on his father’s legacy.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Dawn Nichols Hazelett; a son, David; daughters, Susan H. Miller and Ann H. Cordner; and four grandchildren.

FIBER WATCH

FIBER WATCH OFS to form joint venture in China with Hengtong to produce fiber preforms

Leoni returns to acquisitions, expands its presence in fiber optics in the U.S.

OFS, a subsidiary of Japan’s Furukawa Electric Co., announced that it and China’s Hengtong Optic-Electric Co. will form a joint venture company in China to manufacture preforms used in the production of optical fiber.

Germany’s Leoni AG announced that the company has returned to acquisition activity, expanding its presence in fiber optics by buying a U.S. company that specializes in the technology.

A press release said that Leoni acquired RoMack Inc., a Virginia company that makes highly developed products, particularly for the aerospace sector, optical analysis, medical devices and industrial lasers. The company, founded in 1982 and with a staff of about 40, generates about “mid seven-digit euro” in annual revenues, it said.

“The Leoni Group has with this acquisition resumed its acquisition activity, which we temporarily suspended because of the economic crisis,” said Leoni AG President and CEO Klaus Probst. “This acquisition ... strengthens us in both regional and technological terms.”

The purchase, the release said, was made through a Leoni subsidiary, FiberTech USA Inc., which belongs to the Leoni Fiber Optics unit and specializes in business involving optical fiber. The subsidiary focuses on medical laser applications.

“With this takeover, Leoni Fiber Optics will be among a dozen providers worldwide with complete command of optical base technologies in development and production, from product design to preform and fiber production through to making fiber optic cables and special optical components,” the release said. It noted that the company now has more than 350 employees at premises in central Franconia, Thuringia, northern Baden, Berlin and the Rhineland in Germany as well as the U.S. states of Arizona and Virginia and also in Ontario, Canada.

OFS Chairman and CEO Timothy Murray (l) and Jiangsu General Manager Qian Jianglin sign a joint venture agreement. At far left, in the back row, is Jiangsu President Gao An Min. The joint venture company, a press release said, will be called Jiangsu OFS Hengtong Optical Technology Co. As part of the agreement, OFS will provide its latest Vapor Axial Deposition (VAD) optical fiber preform technology and expertise to the greenfield operation. It noted that the formal joint venture cooperation “is the fruition of a broader commercial cooperation which has been developing over the last three years between the companies.”

OFS Chairman and CEO Timothy Murray hailed the significant strategic investment in China as being good for both companies. “OFS and Hengtong Group are an excellent match with a mutual commitment to serve customers in the highly competitive global optical telecommunications industry.” He added that, “China is an important market for us as it is the largest optical telecommunications market in the world.”

“Preform technology represents the core value in the optical fiber industry, and both parties see this joint venture as another important step toward further cooperation to better serve their customers,” said Hengtong OpticElectric Co. President Gao An Min. The scope of the joint venture is preform manufacture and R&D. While OFS will provide its latest VAD technology and expertise, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co. will provide its significant optical fiber draw and cable manufacturing expertise as well as its experience in the the Chinese market, the release said.

28 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Main One Cable goes live with terabit capacity linking West Africa to Europe Main One Cable reports that it has activated commercial service on its new 7,000-km undersea cable connecting West Africa to Europe. A press release said that the terabit capacity cable has landing stations in Nigeria and Ghana and branching units in Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

The African company notes that its cable offers more than 10 times the bandwidth than was previously available. The lead contractor for the project was Tyco Electronics Subsea Communications (SubCom). At its web site, Main One Cable cites its Pan-African vision to build a private sector-led and -funded international telecommunications highway between Africa and the rest of the world via Portugal. It says that it has pioneer fiber optic cable licenses in Nigeria and Ghana, and that it is positioned to be the premier and preferred wholesale provider of international bandwidth in these markets. ■

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FASTENER UPDATE

FASTENER UPDATE IFE members not waiting until 2011 to exhibit at NIFSCO West fastener expo In 2009, the International Fastener Exposition (IFE) colocated with WAI’s Interwire event in Cleveland, Ohio, and IFE fastener equipment suppliers saw attendance that reflected the weakened economy. The IFE’s Board of Directors later voted to merge its event with the National Industrial Fastener Show/West in 2011, but some IFE members are not waiting until then as they are signing up for the 14th National Industrial Fastener Show/West, to be held November 8-10, 2010, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Show organizers report that the 2010 event has strong support. “We have sold 624 booths to 504 companies to date.

This already exceeds the total number of booths we had in the 2009 expo, plus we continue to receive new contracts and inquiries on a regular basis,” Show Manager Susan Hurley said in a press release. In it, she noted that “the recent merger of (IFE) with our event has brought us many more fastener machinery and tooling suppliers which complement the many fastener manufacturers we have from throughout the U.S. and around the world.” She said that the IFE numbers include 36 machinery companies in 41 booths, and that those numbers may also increase. “We are anticipating nearly 700 booths and good attendance.”

In the release, Jim Bannister and Mike McGuire, the show’s general partners, said that the 2010 event will offer attendees a lot of value. “We are also offering the most comprehensive educational conference ever, with a full day of programs being presented on Monday, November 8, plus hourly presentations in the new Fastener Information and Education Center which will be located in a special theater on the exhibit floor on Tuesday, November 9.”

In a separate statement earlier this year, the collaboration was lauded by Bannister, McGuire and Ray Zirkle, executive director of the International Fastener Machinery & Suppliers Association, which produces IFE. “The merging of IFE with the National Industrial Fastener Show will provide the largest marketplace in North America for fasteners, machinery, equipment, tooling, materials, testing and technical services and other related products and services for the fastener and precision formed parts industries,” they said.

“This merger ... makes good sense and responds to the

30 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

need for reducing the number of fastener industry exhibitions. We believe it offers something for the entire industry, all under one roof at the same time. The core exhibition will continue to feature the latest in fasteners and related products and services of interest to distributors, manufacturer’s reps, independent sales reps and others while the machinery, equipment, tooling and other products will be of interest to fastener manufacturers from all over the world, most of whom are already exhibiting with us,” observed Bannister and McGuire.

“IFE is a tremendous addition to our show,” Bannister told WJI. “It is a natural alliance because the buyers of fastenermaking machinery, tooling and related supplies are already at our expo. They are the exhibitors. The machinery and tooling manufacturers have a built-in audience.”

Asked how much the IFE addition would bolster attendance for 2010, Bannister observed that, “Any time new products and services are added to a trade show it generates additional interest. We will see more fastener manufacturers and even distributors in attendance as a result of the IFE merger.” He added that, while 2009 was a hard time for most trade shows, including his Las Vegas event, he feels confident that 2011 will be much better. He said that he expects that by then, there will be a significant turnaround in the global economy that ultimately will mean more demand for industrial fasteners.

“Another huge factor for us is there is no big (fastener) exhibit in Düsseldorf in 2011 and our expo will be the logical choice for machinery and tooling manufacturers to exhibit,” Bannister said.

The IFMSA will be marketing the event to its member companies as well as other makers of fastener machinery, equipment, tooling and related suppliers worldwide. IFMSA can be contacted at www.ifmsainfo.com, tel. 203-794-0444.

Complete NIFSCO West show information and registration material can be found on-line. Contact: tel. 614-895-1279, info@fastenershows.com, www.fastenershow.com.

National Precision opens 8th facility, has plans to open more next year U.S.-based National Precision plans to open a new facility, its eighth, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has plans to open more stores in 2011.

In a press release, the company, a North American distributor of electronic hardware and fasteners based in Dallas, Texas, said that it has been “aggressively expanding throughout the United States and Canada.”

The company, founded in 1951, distributes mil-spec and commercial fasteners, hardware and distribution services used in the production of various products. For more information, e-mail info@national-precision.com or go to www.national-precision.com. ■

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WAI NEWS

WAI

NEWS

2-part webinar is scheduled for September on polymer degradation On September 8 and 15, Dr. Sitaram Rampalli will present a two-part webinar (Polymer Degradation, Stabilization, and Failure Analysis) that will focus on concerns about degradation of polymers used in wire and cable manufacturing.

The seminars, free to WAI members and $55 for nonmembers, will discuss the nature of polymer degradation, possible causes and ways to minimize its effects. They are intended for those who are involved in the use of polymers and plastics for the design, manufacture and usage of wire, cable, telecommunications equipment and other electronics products.

Part 1: Polymer Degradation, will be held Wednesday, September 8, from 11 am to noon EDT. It will focus on how polymers are degraded under the influence of various hostile elements, what property changes the material undergoes and the selection of analytical techniques to follow the course of degradation.

Part 2: Polymer Stabilization and Failure Analysis, will be held the following Wednesday, September 15, also from 11 am to noon, EDT. It will discuss various stabiliz-

ers that are needed to combat the degradation process. It also deals with failure analysis and prediction techniques, and includes a discussion of real-life product failures.

Dr. Sitaram Rampalli is the president and principal consultant at Polyplast Consultants International Inc., a U.S.-based technical and scientific consulting firm specializing in Dr. Sitaram assisting wire, cable, telecom, electriRampalli cal, and electronics equipment manufacturers in materials selection and evaluation. Previously, he spent 25 years at Andrew Corporation (a unit of Commscope, Inc.) in polymers and plastics R&D for wire and cable, connector and antenna applications. He has developed and taught graduate level courses in polymer characterization and analysis and coatings technology at the Illinois Institute of Technology and DePaul University. He has published several technical papers and accumulated patents on new cable designs.

He holds a master’s degree in polymer science from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India.

WAI Q&A This occasional section will discuss a topic of general interest involving WAI. This one is with WAI Director of Education & Member Services Marc Murray.

Q: How can I present a webinar for WAI? Murray: Contact us to suggest your topic, and we’ll let you know if it’s a good fit. We’re open to any subject of interest to wire and cable makers, including technical topics, industry trends, and general business information. If it’s a go, we’ll pick a date and add your program to the schedule.

Q: Would I have to travel to WAI’s office?

Murray: You can present your webinar live right from your own desktop. All you need is an Internet connection and a phone. You can run your own slideshow from your PC and use the phone for the audio portion.

Q: Is there a webcam so the audience can see me? Is there any interaction with participants?

Murray: The only images anyone sees come from your slideshow. As for interaction, members of the audience 32 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

can ask questions at any time. They type in their questions which are read out loud to you by a moderator. The audience can hear you, but you will not hear them. Past webinar presenters have told us it may feel strange at first not to have face-to-face feedback from the audience, but once you realize it’s more like being on the radio than in a classroom, the adjustment is easy.

Q: How long does the presentation have to be? How much material should I cover?

Murray: Webinars can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, so it’s up to you how much detail you want to include. It’s important to remember this is a relatively short format that requires a fairly narrow focus. Many presenters choose to adapt material they’ve presented previously and streamline it for the webinar format. But if you’ve got more material than you think you’ll have time for, we also do webinars presented in two or more parts on separate dates.

If you want to present a webinar or more information, contact Marc Murray at mmurray@wirenet.org.

The WAI volunteers who serve on the bodies that direct the Association will take part in Reconvene, the Associations’ second business meeting of the year, on Thursday, November 11. This year, the meeting will be held at the WAI’s headquarters. Most participants will take part via a telephone conference, with some members joining staff in Guilford, Connecticut.

The business meetings have always been important, as they help determine what the WAI will do, but such planning has become even more vital as the Association plans for its future amid the extended recession. Some of the key topics include offering the industry more reasons to want to attend the WAI’s trade shows and technical programs, but the Association also has to address internal matters, such as updating its website and operating system, to external matters such as directing its subsidiary in India and assessing its participation in industry events, and more.

“These meetings continue to be vital to us because our volunteers share their thoughts and we value that input because important decisions have to be made,” said WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll. “What we go through in this process is really no different than it is for many of

the companies in the industry we serve. We want to make sure that we are keeping close to our customer base and giving them what they need.”

Bodies scheduled to meet include the WAI’s Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Member Relations Committee, Education Committee, Conference Programming Committee, Nominating Committee and Exhibitors Planning Committee. Due to timing, one or more of the bodies may meet on a different day. ■

At WAI’s Reconvene meeting in 2009, WAI Executive Comittee liaison Dominique Perroud, l, spoke at the Education Committee about the need for more manufacturer involvement.

AUGUST 2010 | 33

WAI NEWS

Reconvene set for November 11

INTERWIRE 2011 | THE LARGEST WIRE AND CABLE MARKETPLACE IN THE AMERICAS.

Convention Dates: May 2-5, 2011 | Exhibit Dates: May 3-5, 2011 Georgia World Congress Center | Atlanta, Georgia, USA

INTERWIRE 2011 IS ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES. IT IS RENEWED, INVIGORATED, AND TAKING A NEW TACK. WHO’S AT THE HELM? Senior executives from more than 25 key corporations are skillfully guiding major changes to the show. Their interest in Interwire—the largest wire and cable marketplace in the Americas— is resolute. Interwire affects their business and is clearly worth their personal time.

The result is a series of carefully considered and nimbly integrated transformations to better Interwire.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia.

Relocated and familiar, Interwire returns to the city of its origin where it was introduced in 1981.

Special industry theme days.

Look for presentations, technical papers, and executive discussions to orbit around these central themes: Metals & Materials Manufacturing Best Practices Green Initiatives

Compact: 3 full days of exhibits.

Interwire 2011 offers a concentrated show schedule.

More operating equipment.

Interwire is a machinery show. Visitors can count on more operational equipment in 2011.

Renewed energy.

Exhibitor participation is on the upswing showing a 14% increase between the 2007 and 2009 events. Networking opportunities, ranked as the #1 reason to attend the show, will be part of the landscape. Expect to see production solution demonstrations and other attendance-building activities on the exhibit floor.

CC

Also NEW: The Global Continuous Casting Forum.

Uniting worldwide copper continuous casting practitioners for networking, technical and operational presentations and workshops.

Fully supported.

Show management continues to work with allied organizations, supporting sponsors, and educational supporters to interest a growing number of international participants in the show. Event news is communicated to Wire Journal International readers in 108 countries worldwide.

“Having all or most of the vendors in one location for a face-to-face has always had unmeasured value and still does, especially when times are tougher for travel and the like. Our company believes in the future of the business and that means get out there and find out what is going to take us into new future markets. I’ve already recommended that we return in 2011.”

Ed Kozlowski, Senior Design Engineer W.L. Gore & Associates

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 2-5, 2011 AND LEARN MORE ONLINE AT WWW.WIRENET.ORG Interwire 2011 is organized by The Wire Association International, Inc. 1570 Boston Post Road | P.O. Box 578 | Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA Telephone: (001) 203-453-2777 | Fax: (001) 203-453-8384 | www.wirenet.org

INTERWIRE 2011 EXHIBITING COMPANIES — AS OF JULY 2010 Filtertech Inc. Fine International Corp.

Fisk Alloy Conductors Flymca Flyro FMS USA Inc./FMS AG Foerster Instruments Inc. H. Folke Sandelin AB Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc. Fortune Machinery Frontier Composites & Castings Inc. Fuhr GmbH & Co. KG Fushi Copperweld Garg Sales Co. Ltd. Gauder & Co. Gauder Group Inc. Gavlick Machinery Corp.

GCR Eurodraw SpA Gem Gravure Co. Inc. Genca/Canterbury Engineering W. Gillies Technologies Gimax SRL GMP-Slovakia Guill Tool & Engineering Co. V. Hagen & Funke Hall Industries Heacock Metal & Machine Co. Inc. Heany Industries Inc. Heatbath Corp.

Henrich Maschinenfabrik GmbH Heritage Wire Die Inc. Howar Equipment Inc. Huestis Industrial Huettner Maschinenfabrik GmbH ICE Wire Line Equipment Inc. IDEAL Welding Systems Ideal-Werk INHOL LLC Inosym Intras Ltd. Italian Trade Commission ITO-SIN (Deyang) Wire & Cable Equipment Co. Ltd. IWE Spools & Handling GmbH IWG High Performance Conductors Inc. IWMA - International Wire & Machinery Association JMS Machinery Joe Tools Kalmark Ltd. KEI Industries Ltd. KEIR Manufacturing Inc. Kieselstein GmbH Ernest Koch GmbH & Co. KG Albert Krenn Friedrich Krollman GmbH & Co. KG Lamnea Bruk AB LaserLinc Inc. Leggett & Platt Wire Group Leoni Wire Inc. OM Lesmo Lesmo Machinery America Inc. Lloyd & Bouvier Inc. J.J. Lowe Associates LUKAS Anlagenbau GmbH M + E Macchine + Engineering Magnetic Technologies Ltd. MAGPOWR Maillefer SA Mapre Belgium SA

Merritt Davis Metavan NV MFL USA Service Corp. Frigerio The MGS Group (MGS-HallNorthampton) MGS Manufacturing Inc. Micro Products Co. Microdia USA Millennium Steel & Wire Inc. Morgan-Koch Corp.

Mountville Rubber Co. MPI Machines Ltd. NEPTCO Inc. Nextrom Oy Niagara Composites Industries Inc. Niehoff Endex North America Inc. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co. KG Northampton Machinery NUMALLIANCE Oklahoma Steel & Wire OMA SRL OMA USA Inc. OMCG North America OMCG SpA Paramount Die Co. Parkway-Kew Corp.

Pave Automation Phifer Wire Inc. Pioneer Machinery Co. Ltd. Pittsburg Carbide Die Co. Pittsfield Plastics Eng. Inc. Plasmait GmbH Plymouth Wire Reels Polytec Pourtier - Gauder Group Precision Die Technologies Inc. Premier Wire Die PrintSafe Promostar srl Properzi International Inc. Proton Products QED Wire Lines Inc. Queins & Co. GmbH Raajratna Metal Industries Ltd. RAD-CON Inc. Radyne Corp.

Rainbow Rubber & Plastics Rautomead Ltd. Reel-O-Matic RG Attachments RichardsApex Inc. Rizzardi Rosdendahl GmbH Rosendahl Nextrom Technologies Roteq Machinery Inc. Saarsteel Inc. SAMP SpA SAMP USA Inc. SAMPSISTEMI Sark USA Inc. Sark Wire Corp.

Sarkuyasan AS Schlatter Inc. Schunk Graphite Tech Setic SAS Sictra Srl SIKORA International Corp.

SIMPACKS Sirio Wire Srl

Sjogren Industries Inc. Skaltek Inc. SKET Verseilmaschinenbau GmbH Smeets SA Sonoco Reels Spirka Schnellflechter GmbH SPX Precision Components FENN Division STAKU-Anlagenbau GmbH Stema/Pedax Steuler Anlagenbau Stolberger Inc. (dba Wardwell Braiding Co.) Stolberger KMB Maschinenfabrik GmbH T & T Marketing Inc. Talladega Machinery & Supply Taubensee Steel & Wire Co. Taymer International Inc. Team Meccanica Srl Teknikor Teknor Apex Co. Tensor Machinery Ltd. Teurema Thermcraft Inc. Traxit North America LLC Troester GmbH & Co. KG Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik Tubular Products Co. Tulsa Power Inc. UMC United Wire UNITEK Uniwire International Ltd. UPCAST OY US Reel US Synthetic Wire Die Vandor Corp.

Vitari SpA Vollmer America Inc. Wafios Machinery Corp.

WAI Connection WCISA - Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association Weber & Scher Mfg. Co. Inc. Windak Inc. Wire & Cable Asia Magazine Wire & Cable Technology International Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp. wire 2012/Messe Düsseldorf North America The Wire Association International, Inc. WIRE BULLETIN Wire Forming Technology Wire Journal International Wire Lab Co. Wire Machine Systems Inc. WireCo WorldGroup WiTechs Witels Albert USA Ltd. Woodburn Diamond Die Inc. Worth Steel & Machinery Inc. WTC Wyrepak Industries Inc. Ya Sih Technology Yield Management Corp.

Zeus Inc. Zumbach Electronic AG Zumbach Electronics Corp.

INTERWIRE 2011 | THE LARGEST WIRE AND CABLE MARKETPLACE IN THE AMERICAS.

A. Appiani Ace Metal Inc. ACM-KSM AFL AIM Inc. Ajax Turner All Forming Machinery Inc. Amacoil Inc. Amaral Automation Associates American Kuhne AW Machinery LLC Axjo Plastic AB Aztech Lubricants LLC B & H Tool Co. Inc. Balloffet Die Corp.

Bartell Machinery Systems LLC/ Ceeco Machinery Bekaert Corp.

Bergandi Machinery Co. Besel Basim San Tic Ltd. Sti. Beta LaserMike Blachford Corp.

Maschinenfabrik Bock GmbH & Co. KG Bogimac Bongard Machines USA LLC Breen Color Concentrates Bühler-Würz Kaltwalztechnik Butt Welders USA Caballe SA Cable Consultants Corp.

Carris Reels Inc. Cemanco LC Chase Coating and Laminating Clifford Welding Systems Clinton Instrument Co. CM Furnaces Inc. CMEC International Exhibition Ltd. CN Wire Corp./Er Bakir Comapac Wire Machinery Srl Cometo SNC Commission Brokers Inc. Condat Corp.

Conneaut Industries Inc. Continuus-Properzi SpA Cortinovis Machinery America Inc. CRU North America Inc. Daloo Machinery Davis-Standard LLC Dem Costruzioni Speciali Srl Die Quip Corp.

Domeks Makine Ltd. Sti Dynamex Corp.

Ebner Furnaces Inc. Egyptian Galvanized Steel Plant Co. EJP Maschinen GmbH Engineered Machinery Group Inc. Enkotec Co. Inc. ERA Wire Inc. Esteves Group USA Etna Products Inc. Etna-Beechem Lubricants Ltd. Eurodraw Energy SpA Eurolls Group Srl EuroWire Magazine George Evans Corp.

EVG Inc. Fabritex Inc. FIB Belgium SA Fil-Tec Inc.

CHAPTER CORNER

CHAPTER CORNER Western Chapter to hear from safety expert on OSHA on September 15 Mike Rubell, a safety expert who can provide help to organizations that have been audited (inspected) by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) for non-compliance issues, will make a luncheon presentation to the chapter on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California.

Rubell’s business, the Safety Compliance Institute (SCI), can help companies that need to update or establish a proper Health & Safety Program. SCI notes that it can help companies make sure that any corrections they have made to violations are in accord with safety standards.

The luncheon meeting, from 11 am to 1:30 pm, will focus on inspections, compliance and corrections. The presentation will be directed specifically at the wire industry and give attendees the opportunity to understand the current priorities within OSHA with regard to compliance. The objective is to provide timely, high value information directly from an experienced OSHA representative.

“The industry’s safety record is excellent,” said Western Chapter President Michael Weiss, president of Whitmor/ Wirenetics. “However, individual companies need to continuously evaluate cost effective compliance programs that take into account industry trends. That’s the purpose of this meeting.”

For manufacturing, SCI can provide expertise in different areas. It offers programs and training for concerns from injury prevention and ergonomics to hearing conservation and lockout/tagout. Its expertise covers topics from hazardous materials and forklift safety certification to noise level surveys and noise dosimeter testing, and more.

As Rubell notes at www.oshadefenseleague.com, his company web site, “The secret dynamic of OSHA is the threat of an awesome, unannounced inspection. OSHA never announces an inspection. In fact, it is against the law to do so. The fact is that OSHA is driven by a list of high hazard industries. Additionally, inspections are accident and complaint driven. Some 60% to 70% of inspections are triggered by employee complaints. The employer goal should be to get employees to call their own Safety Coordinator, not OSHA. This can be achieved by building employee confidence in your response to safety concerns. Then you won’t need to worry about direct OSHA complaints and what they might do to your company. Should an OSHA inspection occur, you will need to be prepared to prove that your written injury and illness prevention plan (IIPP) is complete, dynamic, and effective.“ Such expertise may be valuable as earlier this year, as part of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new six-year 36 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

strategic plan, OSHA unveiled its goals, strategies and approaches for improving workplace safety and health, with a focus on enforcement, reducing fatalities, maintaining a strong outreach and education program, improving “voice in the workplace” and more.

The DOL plan is expected to be in place by Sept. 30, 2010. In terms of specifics, an article in EHS Today cited OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rich Fairfax as saying that “(Our) health inspectors will be focusing more on industrial hygiene issues, such as noise and hearing loss.”

The cost per person for the program is $35 for members, $45 for non-members. For more details, e-mail wai@wirenet.org.

Trio wins Midwest Chapter golf tourney Early-day threatening skies cooperated by clearing out in time for the Midwest Chapter’s 8th Annual Golf Tournament to be held in nearly perfect playing conditions at the St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago, Illinois, USA. “Although it poured in the morning, by tee time the rain had stopped and we had great weather,” said event Chairman Kevin Sopczak, who added that it turned out to be a splendid day for the 64 golfers. That was especially so for the trio of John Dabbelt, Fort Wayne Wire Die, Horace Pops, Pops Consulting, and Joe Choquette, International Wire Group, who collectively shot a 64 to take top honors The winning team of Joe Choquette, at the June 21 Horace Pops and John Dabbelt. event.

“Everything just seemed to go right for us,” said Pops, who recalled that all three players contributed.

In the skill contests, Nick Harris, Classic Die Services, John Arnold, A-1 Wire Tech. Inc. and Ray Martin, Dixie Wire, won the three closest-to-the-pin holes; and Mike Gorsky, D & S Wire, and Jim Hoffman, Classic Die Services, won the longest drives.

Sopzcak said that he wanted to thank the event sponsors, which he noted are the ones that help make the tourney possible. Those included Classic Die Services, A-1 Wire Tech Inc. and AIM Inc. (closest-to-the-pin); Central Wire and Fort Wayne Metals Research (longest drive); and D&S Wire, Fort Wayne Wire Die and J.J. Lowe Associates, Inc. (corporate sponsors).

CHAPTER CORNER

Coming up: 3 chapter golf tourneys Three WAI chapter golf tournaments will be held in September and October in Massachusetts, North Carolina and California. Players can sign up now, and there are sponsorship opportunities available for companies that would like to have a profile at these popular networking events.

The first one up is at the Mount Pleasant Country Club in Boylston, Massachusetts, which will host the New England Chapter’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 16. Last year, the event was won by the team of Mark Mathiasen, Pat Staffiere, Steve Navarette and Phil Dupuis. Contact Mike McKee, Lloyd & Bouvier Inc., tel. 978-365-5700, mikem@lloydbouvier.com.

Next up will be the Southeast Chapter. It will return Thursday, October 14, to the Rock Barn Golf and Spa in Conover, North Carolina, which will host the chapter’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament. Last year, the event was won by the team of CommScope’s Jason Morrow, Hefner Reels’ Scott Ferguson and Tulsa Power’s Tim McElhany.

Contact Steve Vannais, Davis-Standard Corporation, tel.

704-799-2258, svannais@davis-standard.com.

The final outing is for the Western Chapter, which is scheduled to return Monday, October 25, to the Los Verdes Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California,

Bragging rights are up for grabs for golfers in three WAI Chapter golf tourneys in Massachusetts, North Carolina and California. for its 10th Annual Golf Tournament. Last year’s event was won by the team of Paul McLaughlin of NEPTCO, and F. Camarena Inc.’s father-son duo of Fred Camarena Sr. and Fred Camarena Jr. Contact: Michael Howard, Coast Wire & Plastic Tech., tel. 310-639-9473, michael.howard@coastwire.com.

In addition to the camaraderie and networking opportunities, the golf tourneys have helped WAI chapters raise funds for scholarship programs. ■

Visit us at wire China, booth #C58

AUGUST 2010 | 37

FEATURE

wire China: event expected to be largest ever

Organizers of wire China 2010 and its sister event, Tube China 2010, report that the collective events are expected to set records when they are held September 21 to 24, 2010, in Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).

The events, the largest wire and tube trade fairs in Asia, are jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf China Ltd., the Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute and the Metallurgical Council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (Tube). At their last staging in 2008, the events collectively saw 1,098 exhibitors showcase their newest technologies on nearly

Organizers predict record attendance for the 2010 staging of wire China.

The French pavilion at Wire China 2008.

38 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

57,500 sq m of exhibit space to more than 30,000 visitors.

“As the global economy is on the road to recovery, this year’s event is expected to cover 69,000 sq m and embrace over 1,200 exhibitors, making it the largest in history in terms of scale,” a press release said. “As the global economy rebounds, wire and tube enterprises are well positioned in their new market strategies, and they will take the opportunity of wire &Tube China 2010 to gain an advantage in the new round of market competition.”

One sign of the increased activity, the release said, is that all six halls have been reserved, and that a seventh hall is being opened to meet exhibitor demands. It noted that a large number of international enterprises are also registering, including Gauder, Niehoff and Wafios from Germany; Borouge from Singapore; Dow Chemical from the U.S.; Sojitz from Japan; Lee and Lee and KOS from South Korea; Rosendahl from Austria; SAMP from Italy; and Tien Dat from Vietnam. A list of exhibitors from outside China is on p. xx. For a list of all exhibitors, including their country and booth numbers, see the Show Program at Shanghai.

The event is supported by industry organizations from the U.K. (IWMA), Germany (VDKM), Italy (ACIMAF), Austria (VODKM-AWCMA), France (IWCEAFrance) and U.S. (WCISA) as well as the International Wire and Cable Exhibitors Association (IWCEA).

At its website, the organizers report that China contin-

The Niehoff GmbH booth at wire China 2008.

Exhibitor Perspectives

WJI: Why will you be exhibiting at Wire China and what will you highlight?

Attendees get a close look at 2008 wire China. nues to be a growing, thriving force in areas key to the wire and cable industry. “As a result, China’s wire and cable industry has developed rapidly over the past decade, so that the country now has become one of the world’s major players in the field of wire and cable manufacturing. In fact, China’s monthly imports and exports of wire and cable products have been valued at around US$300 million. However, locally produced equipment hasn’t matched demand. For this very reason, wire China has been developed to tap into this market that is so essential for the future of China’s economic growth!”

The release said that the organizers have continued to improve the event. For instance, it said, a virtual exhibition section was developed on the internet for exhibitors to publish company and product information, company news, supply and demand information as well as contacts.

“Based on the glorious success of the previous three editions, the era of strong demand in wire and tube after economic crisis, wire China 2010 (and) Tube China ... will ... establish the best trade and exchange platform in China and even in Asia,” the release said.

For more event details go to the show web site at www.wirchina.net. While there, click on “Virtual Exhibition” to see which companies will be supplying what types of technology. Messe Düsseldorf’s North American office can be found at www.mdna.com.

The Austrian pavilion at wire China 2008.

“ China still remains one of the more aggressive economies within the wire and cable industry. While the main function is to enhance each company’s profile within the China region, many North American customers (and European) are planning to attend to see the diverse availability of products from the China market available for purchase. Hefei Smarter is emphasizing their power cable manufacturing products. Shanghai Nanyang will be focused on their braider and taping expertise as well as on the foam extrusion line technology.” Erik A. Macs, Fine International Corporation.

“RichardsApex recognizes that China remains the largest manufacturing market globally and is committed to the ongoing supply of superior products and services. RichardsApex continues to lead the global network with a range of effective lubricants for hot rolling and wire drawing processes, Kyle Craft both for non ferrous and ferrous applications. Our highlights will be the introduction of newly developed copper rod rolling lubricants that provides superior process outcomes to the user.” Kyle Craft, RichardsApex AustralAsia.

“Wire China 2010 is the key meeting place for China’s wire and cable industry, an industry that we have made major commitments to serve. Our Suzhou plant produces a broad range of Apex® PVC compounds for wire and cable, including jacketing formulations for fastgrowing communications, Mike Patel data, and electronic interconnect cable markets. At Wire China, we will highlight two new Apex PVC compounds that withstand harsh conditions in wind turbine and other outdoor control and power cable applications.” Mike Patel, Vinyl Division, Teknor Apex Company.

“Rosendahl & Nextrom have long been active in the Chinese market. As technology leaders it is important for us to highlight our latest developments on a global basis.

At wire China, we will present our new crosshead series, our metal tape forming and welding technology and a AUGUST 2010 | 39

FEATURE

Below, wire China exhibitors share their observations about the upcoming show in Shanghai.

FEATURE

fiber draw furnace.” Johann Jaekel, Rosendahl/Alain Giraud, Nextrom.

“China is a key market for Maillefer. Our presence is to be expected, especially with a long established base right in Shanghai. Stand W1 F63 will be well staffed with over 20 employees from China, Finland and Switzerland.

Highlights will include the compression technology for FTTx cable manufacturing, the Cable Type Change system for effective energy cable production, the HAL take-up, the microwire extrusion solutions, plus more.” Andre Gosselin, Maillefer SA. “Zumbach Electronics is exhibiting because we have to stay in touch with the growing market and business there. Our presence is extremely important since it gives us a platform to meet with existing customers and develop relations with new ones. Highlights will include: RAYEX® for 3-layer X-ray Carolyn Edwards measurement in CV lines; UMAC®/WALLMASTER systems for cost effective wall thickness measurement with ultrasonics; PROFILEMASTER® for shape and profile measurement of shaped wire and similar; and ODAC® laser gauges with very high scan rates and fault detection due to special beam geometry.” Carolyn Edwards, Zumbach Electronics Corp.

“Asia is one of the upcoming markets. Participation in trade shows and marketing in the upcoming markets is very important for our business.” Constantine Grapsas, AIM, Inc. “wire China is one of the biggest wire tradeshows, so Windak would like to get new contacts and hopefully future customers from this show. Windak’s Asia-Pacific representative office will present its latest information about products such as the company’s versatile and userfriendly fully automatic coiler FC5 and new dual-head fully automatic reeler AR24. It will also show solutions for a large range of payoff, take-up and rewind lines.”

Olga Berlinberg, Windak USA. “Niehoff GmH has been successfully active in China for about 40 years. The wire China trade fair gives Niehoff the ideal opportunity to maintain contact with all of its Chinese customers and partners and to establish new business relations. Niehoff and the Niehoff Shanghai Representative Office will dis-

Bernd Lohmueller

40 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

play an MMH 101 multiwire drawing line and a D 631 high speed double twist bunching machine.” Bernd Lohmueller, Niehoff GmbH. Asia, and specifically China is an important market for everybody in this world. FLYMCA and FLYRO would like to introduce to this audience their wide range portfolio of machinery and their possibilities for special cable machinery for energy, steel, control and subsea cables. Mr. Vérez will attend all the customers that may want to know more (about our) cabling equipment and available second hand machinery. Roberto Verez, FLYMCA/FLYRO. “Medek & Schörner looks forward to presenting stateof-the-art optical fiber processing and cable marking machines. One is a high-speed optical fiber coating system, coding up to 3000 m/min; including ring marking of optical fibers and tight buffering up to 1300 m/min as well as fiber ribbon production. Also, classic cable marking systems, such as Gravure printers, embossing meter markers and high performance ring. We will highlight a new video system for monitoring print quality of fastrunning cable printing machines, e.g. allowing real-time inspection for bad quality and/or missing prints as well as a laser-marking system for cables.” Werner Lichtscheidl, Medek & Schoerner GmbH. “We have a competitive edge in our corrugating technology in the RF coaxial cable and power cable equipment.

We will be showing our latest development in these areas.

In the meantime, China is now in great need of RF cables and leaky cables for signal transmission for the high-speed railroad construction, our tape corrugating and forming technology and equipment will meet market demands. Our focus will be the forming, welding and corrugating equipment for the manufacture of RF coaxial cables for wireless communications and power cables for energy distribution.”

Dean Zhang, Weber & Scher Mfg. Co., Inc. “Production of high performance wire is expanding in China, and wire China 2010 is a good opportunity for Blachford to connect with these producers to discuss the company’s new lubricants for applications such as highperformance welding wire and tire core/bead applications.

A U.S.-based producer of technically advanced dry and wet wiredrawing lubricants that has been in business since 1921, our “Chemdraw” trademark has been a consistent and recognizable brand of value for decades.” Dan Howard, Blachford Corporation.

“We are much more optimistic because there are good signs of recovery. We even increased our capacity due to recent orders, so the exhibition seems to be arrivig at the best moment. Let’s see what happens but we should be ready! Roberto Verez, FLYMCA/FLYRO. “We are optimistic as China and the South East Asian Markets developed as international platforms in the industry. Having a look on the global demand the Asian market shows an upward movement. The WIRE China has also taken an important position in the industry's events and exhibitions where we do not want to miss being part of.”

Johann Jaekel, Sales Director Rosendahl/Alain Giraud, Sales Director Nextrom.

“Windak is looking with optimism to the future business in China. It seems that China is in a recovery phase. It has strong domestic growth, so we think there is a potential to make new long-lasting business relationships with wire and cable companies in this region”. Olga Berlinberg, Windak USA. “We have been quite successful in the telecommunication cable sector of the cable industry during the last few years both in the Chinese market and other Asian markets such as Korea and Japan.

Now the power cable sector has been booming in these markets, we are very optimistic that we will have a good market presence in the next few years. This show will be a good opportunity to showcase our latest advances in the cable-making equipment.” Dean Zhang, Weber & Scher Mfg. Co., Inc. “China is the world’s largest consumer of copper and aluminum conductors, and the Chinese wire and cable market is characterized by one of the highest growth speeds. As regards the business, Niehoff has always been optimistic. We have introduced the multiwire drawing and

other technologies to many Chinese wire and cable factories, and the relations between Niehoff and its Shanghai Representative Office and the customers have always proven to be mutually stimulating.” Bernd Lohmueller, Niehoff GmbH. “The outlook for our business in the region has not changed much. We still have an excellent standing and reputation in the region. But you always have to be one step ahead by means of innovations and it only makes sense to offer top quality and high performance machinery for the cable industry. Otherwise you will be one of many and not be able to meet the price expectations and competition in the region.” Werner Lichtscheidl, Medek & Schoerner GmbH. “Given the challenges of the last few years, we are cautiously optimistic about the business environment generally and about the Asian markets specifically.The rebounding demand in markets like China and Korea and the fact that these markets did not slow to the same degree seen in others, all point to continued stabilization and positive conditions going forward.” Dan Howard, Blachford Corporation.

“I am much more optimistic given the attendance and interest generated at the recent wire Dusseldorf and Wire Expo shows. As mentioned above, it appears a strong North American contingent is also planning to attend Shanghai.” Erik A. Macs, Fine International Corporation.

Erik Macs

“RichardsApex is very optimistic about the outlook for China and its surrounding markets. We have seen a steady increase in US and European OEM equipment installed in the non ferrous industry market in China over the past few years, which has substantially increased the manufacturing volumes for the producer and their supplier base. Based on this expansion, RichardsApex is confident of its continuing involvement and success in the China market with their quality range of products.” Kyle Craft, Managing Director, RichardsApex AustralAsia.

An alpha list of exhibitors outside of China begins on p.

42. For more details, go to www.wirechina.net and see the show program at the event.

AUGUST 2010 | 41

FEATURE

WJI: As this event nears, are you more or less optimistic about the outlook for business in this region?

“The state of the economy does not qualify for more or less optimism in the upcoming markets (but) the events justify both. We still need to follow common business practices and promote our products throughout the world.” Constantine Constantine Grapsas Grapsas, AIM, Inc.

FEATURE

Alpha list of exhibitors

EJP Maschinen GmbH/Germany

Hsiang Chuan Machinery Co., Ltd./Taiwan

Below is an alpha listing for exhibitors outside mainland China provided by the organizers. For more details, go to www.wirechina.net and see the show program at the event.

Elantas GmbH/Germany

I.F.P. s.r.l. Industria Filo Patentato/

Emerson CT/U.S.

Ideal-Werk C.+ E. Jungeblodt GmbH/Germany

Ernst Koch GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

Indore Composite (P) Ltd./India

Erocarb S.A./Switzerland

IN-Dun Technology Co., Ltd./Taiwan

Esteves China (Shanghai) Diam. Dies Co.,

Inoex Trading (Beijing) Co., Ltd./Germany

Euroalpha Srl/Itlaly

Int’l Wire & Machinery Association/U/K.

Eurolls S.p.A./Eurolls Group/Italy

Istituto nazionale Commercio Estero (ICE)/Italy

EuroWire Magazine-Intras Ltd./U.K.

IVA/Essex S.A.S./France

EVG Entwicklungs- und Verwertungs/Austria

IWCEA-France/France

F.I.B./Belgium

JC Com Co., Ltd./Korea

Fisk Alloy Conductors, Inc/U.S.

Joachim Uhing KG GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

Flymca & Flyro/Spain

JSC VNIIKP Trade House of VNIIKP/Russia

FMS Force Measuring Syst. AG/Switzerland

Kalmark Integrated Systems Ltd./Canada

Fort Wayne Wire Die, Inc./U.S.

Kalpena Industries Limited/India

Friedr. Krollmann GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

Kappa SteeL GmbH/Austria

A.L.M.T. Corp/Japan AESA S.A./Switzerland Agility Fairs & Events GmbH/Germany AlphaGary Corporation/U.S. An Chen Fa Machinery Co., Ltd/Taiwan ASABA Co., Ltd/Japan ATE Appl.Termoelectroniche Srl/Italy.

August Strecker GmbH & Co./Germany Besel Basim San. Tic. Ltd. Sti./Turkey Beta LaserMike Inc/U.S.

Kato Spring (Shanghai) Co., Ltd/Japan

Blachford Corporation/U.S.

Kieselstein GmbH/Germany

Bongard Trading GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

Kolon Industries, Inc./Korea

Boockmann GmbH/Germany

Koswire Ltd/Korea

Borouge Sales & Marketing Ltd Hong Kong

Kunshan San Chi Eng. & Mch. Co Ltd/Japan

Bühler Würz Kaltwalztechnik GmbH/Germany

Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd./Japan

Caballé, s.a./Spain

Kyoudo Engineering Co., Ltd./Japan

Candor Sweden A/B/Sweden

Lamnea Bruk AB/Sweden

Carl Bechem GmbH/Germaty

Lee and Lee Machinery Co. Ltd./Korea

Ceeco Bartell-Bartell Machinery/U.S.

Lee Engineering Co., Ltd./LKorea

CERSA-MCI S.A.R.L./France

Leoni Draht GmbH/Germany

Cheng I Machinery Co.,Ltd./Taiwan

Lubrizol Adv.Mtls. Asia Pacific Ltd/Hong Kong

China Southern (Group) HK Ltd/Hong Kong

LUKAS Anlagenbau GmbH/Germany

Clifford Welding Systems Ltd./South Africa Condat Lubrifiants/France Conductix Wampfler (Delachaux Grp)/France Conoptica A.S./Norway Continuus-Properzi SpA/Italy Cortinovis Machinery-Eurolls Group/Italy CPA Computer Process Auto. GmbH/Austria D & S Dies Co., Ltd/Korea Dainichiseika (Shanghai) Trading Ltd/Japan Danieli Automation SpA/Italy Davis-Standard, LLC/U.S. Deukyoung Co., Ltd/Korea Domino China Limited/U.K. Dongguan Springs Machinery Co/Hong Kong Dow Chemical (China) Company Limited/U.S. DSR Wire Corp/Korea Du Pont China Holding Co., Ltd./U.S. EB Tech Co., Ltd./Korea EBNER Industrieofenbau GmbH/Germany Eder Engineering GmbH/Austria

42 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

FSP-One S.A.S./France

M + E Macchine + Engineering S.r.l./Italy

Fushi International (Dalian) Bimetallic Cable

MAG Maschinen und Apparatebau AG/Austria

Gauder & Co. S.A./Belgium

Maillefer S.A./Switzerland

GCR Eurodraw S.p.A./Italy

Mali GmbH/Austria

GH-Electrotermia, S.A./Spain

Mario Frigerio S.p.A./Italy

Gimax Srl/Italy

Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH/Germany

Golden Spot Industry Inc/Taiwan

Medek & Schörner GmbH/Austria

Gwo Lian Machinery Industry Co Ltd/Taiwan

Micro Products Company/U.S.

H&R ChemPharm (UK) Ltd./U.K.

Microdia S.A./Switaerland

Hae Dong Industries Co., Ltd./Korea

Miltec UV/U.S.

Haefely Test AG Rep. Off. Beijing/Switzerland

Miyazaki Machinery Systems Co., Ltd./Japan

Hakko Kouyu Co., Ltd/Japan

mtt machinery tech. trading GmbH/Japan

Handuk Ultrasonic Co., Ltd./Korea

NBM Niehoff-Bühler GmbH/Germany

Hanil Machinery/Korea

Nextrom Oy/Finland

Hempel Wire Ltd/U.K.

NHV Corporation Shanghai/Japan

Henrich Maschinenfabrik GmbH/Germany

Numalliance/France

HIGHVOLT Prüft. Dresden GmbH/Germany

OCN S.p.A./Italy

HMP Heinrich Müller GmbH/Germany

Officine Meccaniche di Lesmo S.p.A./Italy

Ho Yin Machinery Co., Ltd./Taiwan

Otomec S.r.l./Italy

FEATURE

Pan Chemicals S.p.A./Italy

Shanghai Lanlian Trading Co., Ltd./U.S.

Tokyo Rope Mfg. Co., Ltd./Japan

Pan-Pioneer Co., Ltd /Taiwan

Sheng Chyean Enterprise Co., Ltd./Taiwan

Traxit International GmbH/Germany

Petrofer Chemie GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

Sictra Srl-Eurolls Group/Italy

Trefilerias Quijano S.A./Spain

Phenix Technologies/U.S.

Siderex Spanish Asso’n of Steelworks/Spain

Troester GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

PolyoneCorporation China/U.S.

Siebe Engineering GmbH/Germany

Twins Micro Technology Corp./U.S.

Proton Products Ltd./U.K.

SIEI SISTEMI s.r.l./Italy

Unience Co., Ltd/Korea

PWT Limited/ New Zealand

SIKORA AG/Germany

Unitek GmbH/Austria

Q.E.D. Wire Lines Inc./Canada

SKET GmbH/Germany

Upcast Oy/France

Queins & Co. GmbH/Germany

Société des Filières Balloffet S.A.S./France

Vitari S.p.A./Eurolls Group/Italy

Rautomead Limited/U.K.

Sojitz (Shanghai) Co., Ltd./Japand

VÖDKM/AWCMA/Austira

Reber Systematic GmbH/Germany

Soma AG/Switzerland

Wafios AG/Germany

Rosendahl Maschinen GmbH/Austria

Southwire Company/U.S.

WCISA/U.S.

RSD Technik GmbH/Germany

SPX Precision Components FENN Div./U.S.

Weber & Scher Mfg. Co. Inc./U.S.

Saarstahl AG/Germany

SSC Prototypen Anlagenbau GmbH/Austria

Welding Wire Machineries S.r.l./Italy

SAMP S.p.A./Div. SAMPSISTEMI/Italy

Steuler Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG/Germany

Willi Bremer GmbH/Germany

Sandvik Hard Materials/Germany

Suzuki Garphyttan Wire (Suzhou) Co/Japan

Windak AB/Sweden

Sansho Shoji Co. Ltd./Japan

Tainan Chin Chang Electrical Co., Ltd./Taiwan

Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp./U.S.

SAS Engineering and Planning S.R.L./Italy

Teijin Aramid Asia Co., Ltd/Netherlands

WKÖ-Wirtschaftskammer Austria/Austria

Schlatter Industries AG/Switzerland

Teknor Apex Company/U.S.

World BC Co., Ltd./Korea

Schnell S.p.A./Italy

Teurema-Eurolls Group/Spain-Italy

Ya Sih Technology Co., Ltd./Taiwan

SCOB UG/Germany

Tecnica Europea de Maquinaria S.L./

Zumbach Elect. (Shanghai) Co/Switzerland

Shanghai Colorant Chromatics/Switzerland

ThyssenKrupp VDM GmbH/Germany

Shanghai Huaye Wire Drawing Dies /Taiwan

Tien Dat Company Limited/Japan

44 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL TECHNIC AL CONFERENCE

M O N R E Y

Photos courtesy of the Monterrey Department of Tourism.

T E R Wire and Cable Technical Program Tabletop Exhibits | Networking

18-20 O CTOBER 2010 M ONTERREY, N.L. M EXICO | C ROWNE P L AZA H OTEL

Venture to a place where wire and cable best practices and technological answers are much more than theory. And leave with ideas you can put into place immediately. Join WAI and educational sponsor ANTAAC for the 2010 International Technical Conference that will leave you both informed and inspired.

Learn more at www.wirenet.org or contact WAI’s educational director, Marc Murray at mmurray@wirenet.org; Tel.: 001-203-453-2777, ext. 121. To register complete and return the form at right.

Conference organized by:

The Wire Association International, Inc.

LEARN

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AT:

Asociación Nacional de Transformadores de Acero A.C.

W W W. W I R E N E T. O R G

INTERNATIONAL TECHNIC AL CONFERENCE

M O N T E R R E Y Photos courtesy of the Monterrey Department of Tourism.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM 18-20 O CTOBER 2010 | M ONTERREY, N.L. M EXICO | C ROWNE P L AZA H OTEL ▲ Last Name

First Name

Middle

Job Title

Guest Name (if attending)

Company Address City

State

Postal Code

Country

Phone (Include Country Code)

Fax (Include Country Code)

E-mail:

[

] Early Registration Fee Before September 27 USD$ Only

First Full Registration Includes: Technical Program, luncheons, reception, and breaks

Additional Full Registration First Full Registration Plus WAI Membership Includes: Technical Program, luncheons, reception, and breaks Plus one-year WAI Membership

Regular Registration Fee After September 27 USD$ Only

❑ $250

❑ $280

❑ $210

❑ $240

❑ $300

❑ $330

REGISTRATION FEE IS PAID BY: ❑ Check enclosed in US dollars payable to The Wire Association International, Inc. ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ American Express Fax registrations must use credit cards for payments of ALL meeting fees.

Fax No.: (001) 203-453-8384

Name on Card (Please Print)

Card Number

Single Day Registration Includes: Monday OR Tuesday Technical Program, luncheons, reception, and breaks Check one: ❑ Monday ❑ Tuesday

Plant Tour – Delphi Packard Wednesday 20 October Space is limited - preference will be given to full registrants

Tabletop & Full Registration Includes: One full registration (see above), table, table drape, two chairs, and table tent sign

❑ $135

❑ $150 Expiration Date (mm/dd/yy)

❑ $40

N/A

❑ $700

❑ $700

Signature Cancellation Policy: Refund requests must be received in writing by October 6, 2010 to receive a full refund. No refunds after October 6, 2010.

Total USD $

MAIL

FORM TO: The Wire Association International, Inc.

1570 Boston Post Road | P.O. Box 578 Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA

FAX

FORM TO:

VISIT

THE

WAI

SPONSORSHIPS:

(001) 203-453-8384

SITE:

www.wirenet.org for conference updates as they become available.

Contact WAI sales to learn more at: (001) 203-453-2777, ext. 119 or 126.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: www.tinyurl.com/ITCONFERENCE2010 Conference organized by:

The Wire Association International, Inc.

Asociación Nacional de Transformadores de Acero A.C.

INTERNATIONAL

TECHNIC

AL

CONFERENCE

M O N

T E R R E Y

Photos courtesy of the Monterrey Department of Tourism.

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

Wire and Cable Technical Program | Tabletop Exhibits | Networking | Plant Tour

18–20 O CTOBER 2010 • M ONTERREY, N.L. M EXICO • C ROWNE P L AZA H OTEL

WAI RETURNS TO MEXICO FOR 2010 ITC In 2008, Mexico proved to be a very good choice to host for the WAI’s International Technical Conference (ITC), and the Association has built upon that experience to make the October 18-20 return to Monterrey even better.

The ITC will be held at the Crowne Plaza Monterrey, which also hosted the 2008 event.

The 2010 ITC, co-sponsored by Mexican wire association Asociación Nacional de Transformadores de Acero A.C. (ANTAAC), will feature technical paper presentations, tabletop exhibits (Suppliers Market), a reception, a plant tour (see p. 51) and lots of networking potential as well as local attractions. A representative from Monterrey’s Tourism department will be at the hotel to

48 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

offer city maps, dining suggestions and information about area attractions.

“This ITC will be both very informative as well as entertaining,” said WAI Past President Antonio Ayala, Latin America Sales Manager, Canterbury/Genca (CanGen), a key planner for both the 2008 and the 2010 ITCs. He said that the upcoming event will offer attendees opportunities to make or expand contacts in Mexico as well as to attain valuable technical information.

The Suppliers Market will be open on Monday, October 18, from 8 am until 9:30 am, then close for the official opening/keynote speaker presentation. The September WJI issue will have details on the keynote speaker as well

Sunday, October 17, 2010 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm Registration

WAI First Vice President/ITC organizer Antonio Ayala welcomes attendees at the 2008 ITC in Monterrey.

Monday, October 18, 2010 7:00 am Registration Open 8:00 am - 9:30 pm Suppliers Market 9:30 am - 10:30 am Opening/Keynote Speaker 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Technical Papers 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Suppliers Market 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm Technical Papers 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm Suppliers Market 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Cocktails/hotel 6:30 pm Reception/hotel Tuesday, October 19, 2010 7:30 am 8:00 am 9:00 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 2:00 pm -

1:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm

Registration open Suppliers Market Technical papers Lunch Technical papers Suppliers Market

Wednesday, October 20, 2008 8:00 am 11:00 am

Depart for tour of Delphi Packard plant Bus returns to hotel and to airport

A view of Monterrey from the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Note: schedule is subject to change. Go to www.wirenet.org to see the latest schedule. as a morning panel discussion planned for Tuesday, October 19. On Monday, the technical papers session begins at 10:30 am. As of press time, 23 technical presentations have been scheduled. Abstracts for those papers begin on p. 51. Following the presentations on Monday, a reception will be held at the hotel in the tabletop area, making it easy for attendees to talk to each other and tabletop company representatives.

The papers resume on Tuesday at 9 am and conclude at 4:30 pm. The program hours have been planned so attendees will have plenty of opportunities to visit the Suppliers Market displays, which will be open during the technical presentations on both days.

As of press time, the following companies had reserved a place: American Kuhne; ANTAAC; Aztech Lubricants, Beta Lasermike; Blachford Corp; Boockmann GmbH; Cemanco; Condat; Esteves Group; Fil-Tec Inc; Fine International; Fort Wayne Wire Die; GCR/Eurodraw;

At the Suppliers Market tabletops during the 2008 ITC, WAI President Ron Reed chats with Leandro Mazzoccato, sales manager for Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Madem S.A. AUGUST 2010 | 49

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

ITC SCHEDULE

ITC 2010 PREVIEW At the 2008 ITC, many attendees who sat in the technical presentations said that they also appreciated the opportunity to visit industry suppliers.

Gem Gravure; GENCA; Guill Tool; Ideal Welding Systems; Interequip (3); Lear Engineering; LLOG SA; JJ Lowe; Lubrimetal SpA; and Mario Frigerio (2); Distribuidora Mejicoro SA de CV. Micro Products; Neue Gesellschaft; Paramount Die Company; Parkwey Kew; Precision Die Technologies; Properzi International Inc; Queins; Rainbow Rubber & Plastics; Richards Apex; Roteq; SAMP; Sikora; Simpacks; Wire Association International; Woodburn Diamond Die; and Yield Management Corporation.

While the ITC focus is on technical and networking, Ayala notes in his editorial on p. 3 that the event should also be a pleasant time. “Come for more than just business. Come early and visit one of Mexico’s most beautiful and industrial cities. Enjoy the food. Take a small boat in the Santa Lucia river to the steel museum. Walk around the Macro plaza.”

See pages 46-47 for registration and tabletop display information. Some tabletop posts were still available as of press time. For more details, e-mail sales@wirenet.org.

The layout of the Suppliers Market, which as of press time included 43 reserved tabletops.

50 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

TECHNICAL PAPERS Day 1, Session 1 10:30 – 11:00 (NF) “Characterization of Al wirebreaks as a tool for productivity improvement,” by Armando Rodríguez and Belisario Sánchez, Condumex SA de CV, Mexico.

This paper deals with wire breaks that occur during wiredrawing of aluminum rod, which are characterized by different techniques, in order to define the origin of the failure, which can be found in either the aluminum rod casting process or wiredrawing. Correlation of defects, with characterization of materials involved during different steps of rod manufacture, allows identification of the source of the failure and subsequent improvement, which leads to better process performance.

11:00 – 11:30 (F) “Experiences with the multi-cell brassing line,” by Wolfgang Weidenhaupt, Metcore Stahltechnik GmbH, Germany.

Electrolytic brass plating technology with plating chambers that are completely separate both electrically and chemically has been applied worldwide in numerous plants for many years. It has successfully stood the test of time and is seen by many steel tire cord experts as the most effective brass plating technology. Practical results provided by end users confirm this assessment.

11:30 – noon (NF) “Aluminum wiredrawing filtration,” by Joseph F. Scalise, Filtertech Inc., USA. This paper is an overview of the various concepts relative to aluminum wiredrawing using both light to heavy viscosity oils as well as water soluble applications. It describes the various types of clarifiers, pumps, heat exchangers, and system concepts relative to reservoir tanks, components, piping, and controls. Given the premature high cost of mineral oil replacement, field data is included showing the results of efficient filtration.

Included in the paper are graphs, drawings, and installations photos for specific applications. noon – 12:30 (F) “Recirculation furnace for multi-strand steel wire annealing,” by Walter Kolb, CPA Wire Technologies GmbH, Austria.

This paper introduces a newly developed heating technology for multiwire heating plants and compares it to conventional furnace systems. Due to the high velocity (up to 30 m/s) of the gas, the heat transfer from the heating gas to the wires to be heated is significantly improved. For example, 40% of energy is saved at a plant with continuous throughput for the patenting of steel wire. The high recirculation furnace is universally applicable for continuous wire annealing processes.

An inside view of the Delphi Packard’s Nuevo Leon plant.

DELPHI PACKARD PLANT TOUR The plant tour, on Wednesday, October 20, will be at Ensamble de Cables y Componentes, Guadalupe III, which is part of the Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture division, which is located at Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where the company manufactures components and systems for the automotive industry. Its main product is automotive harnesses for customers such as Ford, Hyundai and Kia. The Guadalupe III plant, which started operations in 1999, embodies Delphi’s Excellence Philosophy aimed at exceeding customer expectations. The ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 registered plant has been a recipient of the Q1 Ford Award and the Industria Limpia Award, among others. The plant, headed by Plant Manager Quirino Anaya, has around 2,700 employees.

Tour registration is limited. See p. 47 for form.

An employee at work at the Guadalupe III plant.

AUGUST 2010 | 51

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

After each WAI WEBINAR one question remains...

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?

Some two dozen technical papers were presented over two days at the 2008 ITC in Monterrey.

12:30 – 13:00 (NF) “Research on the influence of the structural state of Cu-ETP wire rod on the annealing susceptibility of wires,” by Tadeusz Knych, Andrzej Mamala, Beata Smyrak, and Monika Walkowicz, AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland.

While the chemical composition of wire rod is ultimately modified with oxygen, the structural state depends on the temperature and speed of the rolling and casting process.

This paper presents the results of the simultaneous effects of the chemical composition and the structural state of Cu-ETP wire rod on annealing tests such as spiral elongation and the rapid tensile test. It also discusses new propositions for alternative tests which allow for a quick annealing susceptibility rating.

Lunch: 13:00 – 14:30 Day 1, Session 2

THE ANSWER IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. technical and economic topics | wiredrawing mechanics | market trends | manufacturing processes | best methods AND MORE Find out about WAI’s popular online learning series at:

www.wirenet.org/events/webinars/index.htm The Wire Association International, Inc. 1570 Boston Post Road | P.O. Box 578 | Guilford, CT 06437-0578 Telephone: (001) 203-453-2777 | Fax: (001) 203-453-8384 | Web site: www.wirenet.org

52 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

14:30 – 15:00 (NF) “Influence of natural aging and plastic deformation on the drawability and final properties of CCR AA6201 rod,” by Martin Iraizoz and Jorge Alvarez, Aluar Aluminio Argentino, Argentina.

Even though the influence of natural aging on the properties of CCR AA6201 rod is well known, it is not very clear how this affects the final properties of artificially aged drawn wire, nor the interaction between natural aging, deformation, and artificial aging. Therefore, rod samples were naturally aged, deformed, and artificially aged, in order to study how the onset of Mg2Si precipitation influences the rod drawability and properties of the drawn wire. This paper discusses the study results.

15:00 – 15:30 (F) “Strategic management for optimal utilization of wire rope,” by Surajit Dey, Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, India.

15:30 – 16:00 (E) “The savings an in-process SRL predictor brings into the wire manufacturing process,” by Ethem Erdas, Beta LaserMike, USA. This paper illustrates the important role an in-process Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer and Structural Return Loss (SRL) predictor system play in the manufacturing process of data communication and coaxial cable. It covers various methods currently being used in the industry.

Using actual field data recorded by an SRLPro predictor, it illustrates the savings realized by various manufacturers.

16:00 – 16:30 (F) “Patenting process with water quench for steel wire,”

by Robert Zacher, CPA Wire Technologies GmbH, Austria.

In steel wire patenting, the wires are cooled after austenitization from approximately 1000°C to approximately 500 to 600°C in order to transfrom to sorbite. Up to now, this

has occurred in liquid lead, molten salt, or fluidized sand.

Thanks to a newly developed cooling technology using a water bath, it is possible to introduce an environmentally sound system which results in the desired sorbitic microstructural conditions.

16:30 – 17:00 (NF) “New generation of aluminum enameled winding wires,” by Tadeusz Knych, Andrzej Mamala, and Michał Jabłonski, AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland.

Enameled copper conductors are traditionally used in electrical applications. However, despite technological disadvantages, economics make aluminum winding wire a popular alternative to copper. Aluminum offers lower drawability and worse adhesion to varnish, but it is available at a better price. This paper discusses aluminum winding wire uses, some technological aspects of manufacturing, and selected research results.

17:00 – 17:30 (FO) “Life prediction for an optical fiber cable,” by Octavio Parra, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Condumex (CIDEC), Mexico.

One common question asked about products in general is: How long will the product last? Certainly, this is a difficult question to answer. However, there are mechanisms to predict the product’s life under certain considerations.

In this paper, the expected life for an optical fiber cable was determined by following a series of experiments and applying the Arrhenius mathematical model. A good data fit was obtained and the life for the cable was determined.

Attendee enjoy lunch at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which received very good comments from attendees.

AUGUST 2010 | 53

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

Organizations that use wire rope need risk- and reliability-centered planning, value-added planning, and life cycle planning for optimal operation in a safe, reliable, costeffective, and consistent manner. This paper presents an investigation, study, and evaluation of wire rope behavior for improvement of safe use through an objective, reliable, and documented evaluation of rope condition and timely replacement; a cost-benefit analysis; overall maintenance planning; expected life and performance; resource requirements; and external service provider requirements.

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

After each WAI WEBINAR one question remains...

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?

THE ANSWER IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. technical and economic topics | wiredrawing mechanics | market trends | manufacturing processes | best methods AND MORE Find out about WAI’s popular online learning series at:

www.wirenet.org/events/webinars/index.htm The Wire Association International, Inc. 1570 Boston Post Road | P.O. Box 578 | Guilford, CT 06437-0578 Telephone: (001) 203-453-2777 | Fax: (001) 203-453-8384 | Web site: www.wirenet.org

54 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Day 2, Session 3 9:00 – 9:30 (NF) “New rod breakdown with breakthrough technology,”

by Marco Gerardo, SAMP USA Inc., USA. This paper is a general overview of the new rod breakdown line for Cu and Al recently introduced to answer the challenges of ever increasing energy costs. This new line, which introduces to the wire and cable business established and reliable technologies already adopted in other manufacturing fields, is capable of providing the end user energy savings up to 30% when compared to existing traditional equipment. Among other technical innovations is the adoption of a cast polymer frame, CNC controls, and torque motors with direct shaft to hub technology.

9:30 – 10:00 (F) “Effect of boron alloying on austenite decomposition in 0.80C wire rod grades,” by Emmanuel De Moor and David K. Matlock, Colorado School of Mines, USA; Walther Van Raemdonck, NV Bekaert SA, Belgium; Bhaskar Yalamachili and Peter M. Power, Gerdau Ameristeel, USA; and Robert J. Glodowski, Stratcor Inc., USA. This paper investigates the effect of boron alloying on austenite decomposition in 0.80C-0.50Mn-0.25Si-0.20Cr wire grades. This investigation is part of a research effort to use boron alloying to minimize nitrogen strain aging in high-carbon wire rod grades processed in electric arc furnaces. The dilatometric signal during austenite transformation was measured in a GLEEBLE® system for different cooling rates. A microstructural investigation was conducted to study pro-eutectoid constituents and the presence of martensite.

10:00 – 10:30 (NF) “Shaped dies for overhead conductors,” by Bernat Molgosa, Esteves Group, Spain.

This paper discusses shaped dies for overhead conductors. Topics include raw material for dies, drawing raw materials, casing particularities, drawing line particularities, and advantages of using shaped dies.

10:30 – 11:00 (F) “Research on smart bridge cable integrated with a fiber grating sensor,” by Liu Lihua, Zhao Xia, Li Sheng, Jiang De-sheng, and Ji Junbing, Fasten Group, China.

This paper discusses a smart bridge cable assembled with the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strain sensor and temperature sensor. It explains development of the cable fabrication procedure and successful calibration of the cable’s self-sensing force property. It also details the application of the smart bridge cable on the Jingyue stay bridge linking Hunan and Hubei provinces in China.

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WIRE MACHINERY DIVISION

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

11:00 – 11:30 (NF) “Characterization of defects on rectangular wire produced by continuous extrusion,” by Sergio Gallegos, Viakable SA de CV, Mexico.

This paper deals with classification and interpretation of the origin of typical defects found on Al-1350 rectangular wire. It characterizes defects by means of metallographical analysis as well as optical and scanning electronic microscopy. Metallographical analysis revealed a recrystallized grain structure regardless of the original structure, due to the high extrusion temperature. In particular, oxide inclusions have distinct morphological characteristics and were found to be related either to rod quality or process conditions.

11:30 – noon (G) “Reducing “give-away” through non-contact speed and length measurement,” Grant Latimer, Proton Products International, UK. This paper presents a technology specifically designed for the non-contact measurement of wire and cable length during production. This technology offers considerable advantages over the established contact techniques. The main advantage of the technique is the reduction of “cable give-away” of 1 to 1.5%, resulting in savings for the average cable manufacturer.

(Note: Versions of this same paper were previously presented in New Delhi in 2006 and Bologna in 2007.)

Noon – 12:30 (E) “Adhesion promotion of wire and cable jacketing by atmospheric plasma surface treatment,” written by Rory A. Wolf, Enercon Industries Corporation, USA, presented by Bernardo Levi, Equipos y Sistemas Integrados, Mexico.

Thermoplastics, thermosets, or fibrous coatings all have low levels of polar functional groups on the surface and have poor adhesion properties, making it difficult to apply other functional layers such as inks, adhesives, and coatings. This paper discusses current atmospheric surface activation systems, appropriate measurements of adhesion, over-treatment effects and surface analysis techniques relative to optimizing the adhesion of inkjet inks, coatings and adhesives to these polymer and fibrous surfaces. Recommendations for improved activation by substrate are discussed.

(Note: A version of this same paper was previously presented at Wire Expo 2010.)

12:30 – 13:00 (F) “Wire sales: price vs. quality?” by Eugene Klein, Sr. and Mark Patrizzia, Parkway-Kew Corporation, USA. This paper highlights how wire companies that continually struggle with the age-old dilemma of price vs. quality can have the best of both worlds and gain a competitive sales advantage in today’s economy. Emphasis is placed on how to increase production output by increasing

56 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

machine speeds and drawing efficiency, and how to improve and maintain wire quality through the proper use of coatings for capstans and pulleys.

Lunch: 13:00 – 14:30 Day 2, Session 4 14:30 – 15:00 (NF) “Silver coating on copper conductor: do we need 1micron coating?” by Sunand Mittal, Sukriti Vidyut Udyog Pvt. Ltd., India.

Silver/nickel-plated copper conductors are widely used in the cable industry for electronic, aerospace, and defense applications. This paper discusses requirements for high-quality silver-plated copper conductors. The technical background, prior research, and various standards (ASTM, MIL-C-17) are discussed to justify the need. The focus is on continuous 1-micron silver coating, which has been diluted in recent times due to various reasons, primarily cost.

15:00 – 15:30 (F) “Research on controlling and recycling of acid waste water in metal products,” by Tan Dianlong, Xu Hong, Gao Hong, and Ma Weijie, Fasten Group Company, China.

Through electrochemistry and membrane separation technology, the authors concentrated heavy metal ions and chloride in waste water. With electrolysis of the ferric oxide and zinc and other metals from the deposition of counteracting waste water, 90 percent of the water can achieve the standard for re-use. Acid levels are thus effectively reduced in waste water from steel wire products.

15:30 – 16:00 (NF) “Extrusion tools,” by Bernat Molgosa, Esteves Group, Spain.

This paper discusses types of extrusion tools. Topics include raw materials, available inserts, external and internal characteristics, polished surfaces, concentricity, measurement, and tolerances.

16:00 – 16:30 “The effect of water quality on soluble wiredrawing lubricants,” by Frank J. Solitario, RichardsApex Inc., USA. This paper discusses the effects of water quality on three classes of soluble wiredrawing lubricants—emulsifiable/ soluble oil type, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Discussion includes water as defined by physical and chemical parameters such as pH, hardness, conductivity, ionic content, and biological activity. It also examines water types and their sources such as municipal, hard, soft, and reverse osmosis, as well as their effects. The paper offers parameter range limits in an effort to yield optimum lubricant performance.

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ITC 2010 PREVIEW

REGIONAL OUTLOOK ANTAAC The Asociaci贸n Nacional de Transformadores de Acero, Asociaci贸n Civil (ANTAAC) represents the interests of approximately 20 domestic companies in Mexico that produce steel wire and other steel products. Its mission is to identify the needs of the steel wire and cable industry to promote productivity, efficiency and educational development. WJI asked Eduardo Anaya, a technical advisor for ANTAAC, about the Mexico industry outlook.

WJI: How capable is the ferrous wire and cable industry?

Anaya: It has become very capable. During the last three years, the installed capacity in Mexico has nearly doubled. Internal competition has forced the producers to improve quality and competitiveness.

WJI: How important is the automotive sector to Mexico? What other sectors are important?

Anaya: The major automotive manufacturers are making investments in Mexico to increase their existing capacities for local and export consumption. Such labor is highly qualified, and related industries are also growing to supply components such as automotive cable, wires for seats and other reinforcements. There is also investment in aeronautics, such as Bombardier from Canada

WJI: Have imports posed challenges for domestic producers?

Anaya: There has not been much activity in wire imports, other than very small diameter wire rope. There was some wire rod imported from China, but the best option now is to buy from local suppliers like TerniumHYLSA, Deacero and ArcelorMital (SICARTSA).

WJI: What about exports?

Anaya: To export wire and wire product has been the objective of many producers. One is Deacero, which exports its products to many countries around the world.

Camesa-WRCA is also exporting its products for their own consumption in the U..S and worldwide. HYLSA and ArcelorMital (SICARTSA)is exporting wire rod.

WJI: Has the industry seen much acquisition activity?

Anaya: There has been activity in recent years with big steel groups like Ternium, ArcelorMital and Gerdau.

Ternium acquired HYLSA, ArcelorMital acquired SICARTSA and Gerdau acquired Aceros Tultitlan (rebar and profiles). Another significant acquisition was Wire Rope Corporation of America buying Camesa.

WJI: What are the biggest challenges facing domestic producers?

Anaya: The presence in Mexico of well-known and efficient international groups has forced the domestic wire and cable industry to operate to higher standards, and to become more competitive, especially smaller companies which are incorporating advanced technologies.

Mexico has seen export improvement, as seen in this chart for wire rope, but pricing remains a challenge.

58 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

WJI: Are you more or less optimistic for the wire and cable industry in Mexico?

“We are optimistic for the wire and cable industry in Mexico, where we have been supplying our machinery for 30 years already. There were always ups and downs in the Mexican market, however we expect the future to be positive,” Manfred Hoffmann, Queins & Co. GmbH. “I am very optimistic wire and cable industry in Mexico. To that point, we started manufacturing in Monterrey for the Mexican market, which has been met with great response from our customers and prospective customers. Our business has grown dramatically the last couple of years in Mexico since taking this step.” Drew Richards, RichardsApex.

“We thrive on optimism. Although the wire and cable industry is (not well understood by those outside it), within its own walls there can be areas to find both optimism and pessimism. Nevertheless, the recession does not seem to have affected the wire and cable industry as directly as other areas of the Mexican economy, which is a plus. Due to the improvement in the

infrastructure of both Mexico and the U.S., we should continue to be optimistic.” Nathalie Garces, Precision Die Technologies.

“Very optimistic.” Tino Corral, Fort Wayne Wire Die, Inc. “It is a demanding and growing market that values the latest technologies and also the launch of new products. At Frigerio, we are extremely optimistic for the future as we are in a position to offer the necessary equipment technology to meet these challenges.” Jose Cornet, Grupo M. Frigerio S.A.

Jose Cornet

“I am very optimistic that the cable and wire manufacturing industry in Mexico will grow bigger and healthier.” Michael Maduro, GENCA. WJI: How do you view the current manufacturing sector in Mexico as a place to do business? Has Mexico bottomed out from the recession?

Booth W1G13 Shanghai September 21-24 2010

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ITC 2010 PREVIEW

TABLETOP EXHIBITOR PERSPECTIVES

E D U C AT I O N

•

NETWORKING

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I N T E RW I R E | W I R E E X P O T R A D E S H O W S

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT

WAI MEMBERSHIP

Your oldest friend in the business is in step with the next generation of wire professionals.

Are you?

At 80, WAI isn’t old. It’s mature. And as the industry’s cornerstone technical society it is set in its ways of inspiring today’s leaders and cultivating tomorrow’s pioneers.

WAI’s products are individually focused. They also happen to have mass appeal. That’s why your association with WAI will put thousands of constituents in our international network within your reach.

Sure. The way we communicate has changed over the years. WAI’s high standards have not. Like you, we’ve seen faxes give way to e-mails, instant messaging, and blogs. But they haven’t invented a direction in wire and cable that we’re not interested in learning about and sharing with you.

WAI now offers: • a series of live and archived educational webinars—free to members • electronic delivery of the industry-leading Wire Journal International magazine and twice monthly WAI Connection newsletter • instant chat customer support online for Interwire and Wire Expo • PDF files of the more than 5300 technical articles in WAI’s library Members receive the annual WJI Reference Guide, discounts at events, savings on WAI products and more. So if you’re still wondering what happened to the letter—here are three to remember W A I. We may not be ready to pass the torch but we’re pleased to light the way.

Learn membership details and join WAI’s network today at: www.wirenet.org.

The Wire Association International, Inc. 1570 Boston Post Road | P.O. Box 578 | Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA | Telephone: (001) 203-453-2777 | Fax: (001) 203-453-8384 | www.wirenet.org

“The current manufacturing sector in Mexico has begun to be characterized by a growth in technology.

There is a more streamlined and rationalized process to

the production in the area. Now that we are entering into the second half of the year, the recession is losing its hold on the Mexican economy. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel where the region is beginning to find an increasing quantity of labor, and in turn can be translated as a sign of hope for Mexico, as well as third parties involved, such as foreign investors. We feel that it has bottomed out and has started to climb back out.” Nathalie Garces, Precision Die Technologies.

“Mario Frigerio Group has (long) been present in the Mexican market offering the latest technology. Even with the global recession, we continue installing new equipment each year for the drawing and cable industry (for the) ferrous and nonferrous sectors. Our market penetration could be (further) improved with the addition of Fridea, our new line of equipment for cable extrusion.”

Jose Cornet, Grupo M. Frigerio S.A. “The current manufacturing sector in Mexico looks very promising. World economies are affected by the U.S. consumption, but I will consider this recessionary period not all that bad as long as they know how to control it and

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AUGUST 2010 | 61

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

“From our perspective, the manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery. Quoting activity has has picked up quite a bit and we are actually starting to get more orders. I travel there on a regular basis and the answer I get when I ask about the strength of their Tino Corral economy is, ‘When the U.S. economy catches a cold the Mexican economy ends up suffering the flu.’ This saying pretty much sums up how intertwined our economies have become. Their recovery will be very close to ours.” Tino Corral, Fort Wayne Wire Die, Inc.

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

prevent future erosion. It is important to learn from this period and make the proper adjustments for the future. It will make Mexico stronger in the long run if the right political, economic and social measurements are undertaken.” Michael Maduro, GENCA. “The current manufacturing sector in Mexico continues to be strong for us with many possibilities for growth and expansion. I cannot speak for all industries in Mexico, but I feel the wire and cable industry has bottomed out and is holding at a stable level with much room for growth.”

Drew Richards, RichardsApex.

“I would like to continue doing business with our Mexican customers and I would hope to see a steady growth in the region.” Michael Maduro, GENCA. WJI: Are you likely to do more business in Mexico in the coming years? How do approach marketing there?

“I believe our business will continue to grow and the Mexican market will mature. Our marketing consists of direct sales and technical service via our representative, Asesoria E Ingenieria Riper, S.A. de C.V., Sr. Fernando Perez Almanza.We also have a steady stream of travel to

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Mexico by our U.S.based technical group to support A.E.I.R and take every opportunity to attend and be active at any Technical Conferences or industry events like the Mexico ITC this October. I personally think Mexico is well positioned to handle an international Drew Richards trade show focused on the wire and cable industry, much like an Expo type show here in the states.” Drew Richards, RichardsApex.

“Up until roughly 10 years ago, Mexico was mostly manufacturing and raw labor, comparable to peripheral nations that define themselves not by their growth but instead by their cheap labor such as regions of Asia and Central America. Only recently has Mexico become a booming nation that has forced itself to become more specialized and rationalized. The labor market, cutting edge technology and increasing international business

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“Mexico will always be an important market for us.

We have cultivated important relationships over the years and our goal is to continue servicing our customers there.

Attending this conference, with the opportunity to meet with many customers in one place and individual customer visits, will allow us to meet our goals.” Tino Corral, Fort Wayne Wire Die, Inc. “No doubt it is a strategically important market for the future. We expect to continue offering the highest standards in technology so that our customers keep on with their years of trust in our group.” Jose Cornet, Grupo M. Frigerio S.A.

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U.S. STATE DEPT.: MEXICO REMAINS AN IMPORTANT PARTNER FOR TRADE AND MORE The global economy remains worrisome and 16 years later there are still people who believe that NAFTA has not been a plus, but what is not in doubt is the importance of Mexico as a partner to the U.S. Below are excerpts from a State Department report that views a range of aspects.

U.S.-Mexican relations U.S. relations with Mexico are as important and complex as with any country in the world. U.S. relations with Mexico have a direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, whether the issue is trade and economic reform, homeland security, drug control, migration, or the environment.

The scope of U.S.-Mexican relations goes far beyond diplomatic and official contacts; it entails extensive commercial, cultural, and educational ties, as demonstrated by the annual figure of about a million legal border crossings a day. The number of American citizens who live live in Mexico tops one million. More than 18,000 companies with U.S. investment have operations there, and the U.S. accounts for more than 40% of all foreign direct investment in Mexico.

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ITC 2010 PREVIEW

keeps Mexico growing and has begun to place itself on the playing field with China, India, Brazil, among other emerging semi-peripheral nations that are finally throwing their weight around. Doing business with Mexico now is a smart move since Mexico seems to get bigger and bigger as time goes on. Based on experience and cultural factors, to market to the region there must be a trust and a relationship that moves away from strictly business, and moves more toward relationship building. So at PDT, we have always had the view that we are our customers’ partners, and not just their supplier. Nathalie Garces, Precision Die Technologies.

ITC 2010 PREVIEW

Trade

EDC: MEXICO MUST BE COMPETITIVE

The U.S. accounted for about 80% of Mexico’s exports in 2009. Top Mexican exports to the U.S. include petroleum, cars, and electronic equipment. There is considerable intra-company trade. Top U.S. exports to Mexico include electronic equipment, motor vehicle parts, and chemicals. Mexico is the second-largest export market for the United States, and nearly one million people and one billion dollars worth of commerce cross the U.S.-Mexico border each day.

The Export Development Canada (EDC), a Canadian export credit agency, believes that Mexico’s future is linked to its ability to export. Below are excerpts from the the organization.

Manufacturing and foreign investment The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about 30% of GDP, contracted in real terms in 2009.

Construction dropped by 7.5% in real terms in 2009.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico for 2009 was $11.6 billion, down 51% from the previous year. The U.S. was once again the largest foreign investor in Mexico, accounting for 49.8% ($5.8 billion FDI from the U.S.) of reported FDI. The economic slowdown in the U.S. in 2008 and 2009 has caused a significant decline in this figure. The Mexican Government estimate of FDI for 2010 is $15 billion to $20 billion.

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All inquiries within North America for machines, spares and dies, contact: AMARAL AUTOMATION ASSOCIATES PO Box 7816, Cumberland, RI 02864 Tel: 401 405 0755 / 774 991 0504 Fax: 401 405 0757 E-mail: joe@amaralautomation.com www.amaralautomation.com Welders and dies available from PWM or authorised distributors only.

64 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Strong links to the US economy will continue to drive Mexico’s economic outlook for the foreseeable future.

This link should drive fairly rapid growth in 2010-11 as US imports and manufacturing bounce back from terrible declines seen in 2009. Unfortunately, the long-term outlook for the US consumer is much weaker than was exhibited during the boom years, limiting growth for Mexican exports of consumer durables.

Mexico must therefore become more competitive so as to increase the market share of its exports to the U.S. and to better leverage its expansive network of free trade agreements. Failure to advance the reform agenda could prompt further rating downgrades. Reducing PEMEX’s use as a government cash cow and easing restrictions on private sector involvement in the energy sector would help to prevent such an event. ■

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Evaluation of high temperature behavior of Zn and ZnAl coatings on core wires and strands for ACSR, ACSS and alike overhead power conductors

M

TECHNICAL PAPERS

TECHNICAL PAPER

The use of a zinc-aluminum coating for overhead power transmission conductors can enable them to carry higher levels of electricity without failing from the higher temperatures that are generated.

By Charles Coffin, Hans Depamelaere, Dale King and Walther Van Raemdonck

ACSR (aluminum core steel reinforced) and ACSS (aluminum core steel supported) cables facilitate overhead electrical power transmission across distances. Because of the relatively low strength of the high-purity aluminum conductors, steel wires are needed to provide mechanical strength. As such cables are located outdoors and exposed to the elements, corrosion resistance is needed. This is commonly provided through a zinc (Zn) or zinc-aluminum (ZnAl) coating that has

been applied to the steel wires via the hot-dip coating process.

A byproduct of the transmission of electrical energy is the creation of heat due to the internal resistance within the wires.

The temperature of conductor cable rises as a function of the electrical current the cable is carrying. The average operating temperature for such a cable is typically around 80°C. However, due to increasing trade in the power market, the need for conductor capacity has increased while moratoriums

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note Due to space limitations, a number of figures showing the results of wrapping tests for different wires were not printed. To ask for a PDF of these images, please send an e-mail to editorial@wirenet.org.

Fig. 1. Cut-away and cross-sectional views of an ACSR/ACSS conductor cable with a seven-wire steel core.

68 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 2. Iron-zinc compounds (with associated hardnesses) at the coating/steel interface.

have limited the construction of new lines for environmental and economic reasons. This has now resulted in the need for power lines to be capable of higher capacities, which means they need to be able to withstand higher temperatures. When this is combined with peak periods of usage, the cable operating temperature could rise as high as 250°C. This can be of concern for traditional zinc hot-dip coatings due to their temperature sensitivity.

Galvanized coatings are sensitive to temperature due to the iron-zinc diffusion phenomena across the steel/coating interface that leads to the creation of a number of iron-zinc intermetallic compounds (some of which can be brittle) at the coating-steel interface referred to as the alloy layer. See Fig. 2.

This alloy layer is initially formed during the galvanizing temperature, but its growth stops as it is cooled. However, with sufficient subsequent reheating it is possible for the alloy layer to grow again. Because the diffusion of iron and zinc atoms do not occur at the same speed, it is possible to create voids (the Kirkendall effect) between the unalloyed top layer of zinc and

Fig. 3. Peel-off of free zinc layer due to the formation of voids (the Kirkendall effect) resulting from zinc-iron diffusion at elevated temperatures1.

alloy layer, making the free (unalloyed) zinc layer susceptible to peeling. See Fig. 3.

Different values have been given for the maximum safe use temperature of galvanized coatings. Steel manufacturers advised 245°C in the early 70s1, but more recently the American Galvanizer’s Association stated that galvanized coatings have an extended time upper service temperature of around 200°C2.

Zn-Al coatings, such as Bezinal® and Galfan®, offer an alternative to standard zinc galvanizing coatings. Zn-Al wire coatings are usually based near the zinc-aluminum eutectic composition, near 5% aluminum. In the case of Galfan, small mischmetal additions between 0.03 and 0.1% (mainly of lanthanum and cerium) are also specified3-4. However, the value of these additions is in question and is discussed later in this article. Zinc-5% aluminum coatings are well known for their significantly better corrosion performance in comparison to standard zinc (about 3x better salt spray resistance)5-6. In addition, the microstructure of such coatings is quite different

Fig. 4. Arrangement of ACSR segments in oven.

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TECHNICAL PAPERS

to that of hot-dip zinc, especially with regards to the nature of the alloy layer and the absence of the brittle FeZn binary compounds mentioned above. Thus, one would also expect differences in response of the coating to temperature.

This paper compares the response of Zn and ZnAl coated wires in terms of microstructure, wrapping properties and corrosion to different exposure times at various elevated temperatures with and without mischmetal additions. It also examines the influence of steel type and includes some observations about the influence of misFig. 5. Microstructures of 3.4 mm ACSR 1083 core wires from start to 185 days at chmetal additions to Zn-5%Al 190°C. Note: the variation in total coating thickness is normal for hot-dipped coatings. In this paper, the coatings. designation Zn5Al refers to a coating composition close to that of the Zn-5% Al eutectic, but it may be found to vary slightly, from close to the eutectic composition to slightly above in terms of aluminum content.

Test exposure of Zn-/ZnAl-coated wire to elevated temperatures

Fig. 6. Microstructures of 1.85 mm core 1005 wires from start to 185 days at 190°C. Start microstructures are from 150 g/m². Note: only the alloy layer is present in the case of the Zn coating exposed for 185 days (free zinc has peeled off).

70 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Raven ACSR cables, l 1/0 AWG 6X1, containing both Zn5Al (with mischmetal) and Zn hot-dip coating on 3.4 mm 1083 core wires (having a carbon content of about 0.83%) were heated in an oven (see Fig. 4) on perforated stainless steel shelves with fan-driven room atmosphere ventilation.

Additional 1.85 mm AISI 1005 wires coated with similar 270 g/m² coating weights of Zn and Zn5Al (without mischmetal) were also tested at the same time to reveal differences in coating behavior. Cable/wire lengths were about 20 cm. Both ends of the ACSR cables were fixed with pipe clamps to avoid unraveling.

Trials were done at the following conditions: 190°C: 15, 30, 62, 121 and 185 days (ACSR 3.4 mm 1083 and 1.85 mm 1005), 225°C: 14 and 28 days (3.4 mm 1083 without Al conductors and 1.85mm 1005), 245°C: 14 days (ACSR and 3.4 mm 1083 core wires without Al conductors, 1.85 mm 1005) and 35 days (ACSR cables and 1.85), and

TECHNICAL PAPERS

300°C: 1 day (3.4 mm 1083 wires with and without Al conductors, 1.85mm 1005).

Microstructures. Figs. 5 and 6 show the microstructures of ACSR core-wires in the “before test” condition and after 185 days (end of test) at 190°C for the 3.4 mm 1083 and 1.85 mm 1005 wire coatings, respectively. For the 3.4 mm wires at 190°C, no significant difference in alloy layer growth can be observed for either the galvanized or Zn5Al coatings. However, for the 1.85 mm 1005 steel, changes in the galvanized coating alloy layer could be could be measured, at 121 and, especially at 185 days. See Fig. 7. At all temperatures over 200°C, alloy growth was seen in the Zn coatings, but none in the Zn5Al coatings (as exemplified for the 3.4 mm 1083 wires in Figs. 8-9). A summary of the alloy layer growth at 190°C is shown in Fig. 10 for the 3.4 mm 1083 and 1.85 mm 1005 wires. Fig. 11 shows the impact of temperature on the 3.4 mm 1083 wires.

Results The results of the trials can be summarized as follow: • Growth of the alloy layer in the Zn5Al coated wires could not be observed under any of the trial conditions, only globularizing of the aluminum-rich phase.

• No growth of the alloy layer in the Zn coated 3.4 mm 1083 ACSR core wires is observed at the 190°C trials; however, growth of the alloy layer of the 1.85 mm 1005 Zn coated wire was noticed after 120 and 185 days.

• Growth of the alloy layer on the 3.4 mm Zn coated 1083 ACSR core wire is first observed at 225°C, two weeks, as was also seen with coatings on the 1.85 mm wires. All higher temperatures also saw similar or less growth at this time. Growth of the alloy layer in the Zn5Al coated 3.4 mm 1083 ACSR core wire could not be observed under any of the trial conditions, only globularizing of the aluminumrich phase.

• The greater sensitivity of the 1.85 mm 1005 wire to temperature with respect to alloy layer growth is most likely due to its lower carbon content, which enhanced diffusion of iron and zinc. Besides carbon, other alloying elements could have an influence on diffusion and consequently temperature resistance time.

Wrapping tests. Wrapping tests of the 3.4 mm Zn and Zn5Al coated 1083 core wires were taken from the ACSR cable segments after 185 days at 190°C. These tests were done by wrapping the wire around mandrels having 1, 2 and 3x the wire diameter. At this and at all lower time durations, no coating failures were seen in any of the Zn or Bezinalized core wires.

For the 1.85 mm 1005 wires, failures were noticeable in the case of the Zn coated wire, but not with the Zn5Al coated wire. The Zn coated 1.85 mm 1005 wire become progressively worse with time at 190°C. At higher temperatures, defects in coatings on the 3.4 mm wires from 1x wrapping tests are noticeable, starting at 225°C after 14 days. Similar defects were seen with 3x wrapping conditions. Under these conditions, small ruptures begin to appear in the Zn coating. No ruptures are

Fig. 7. Microstructures of 1.85 mm Zn-coated wires showing growth in alloy coating at various times up to 185 days at 190°C. Note the vacancy formation between alloy layer and zinc top layer. The voids near the surface could also be related to this phenomenon as they were not observed on Zn5Al coated wires.

Fig. 8. Microstructures of 3.4 mm ACSR core wires after 14 and 28 days at 225°C. Top row:14 days, lower row: 28 days.

AUGUST 2010 | 71

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 9. The 3.4 mm ACSR core wire microstructures after 245°C, 35 days.

Fig. 10. Plot of alloy thickness against time for wires studied.

seen in the Zn5Al coating, but a “crosshatch-like” texture begins to appear on the Zn5Al coating which is believed not to be due to coating failure, but is believed to be due to brittleness in an oxidized Zn-Al “skin” developed on the coating during the high temperatures. Similar wrappings for 3.4 mm 1083 after 28 days at 225°C show no significant differences from those exposed for 14 days at the same temperature. For 1x wrappings for the 1.85 mm Zn and Zn5Al coatings after two and four weeks at 225°C, no damage is seen for either coating after two weeks, but the Zn coating clearly fails the 1x wrapping test (and was also observed to fail 3x wrapping test) for the four weeks condition, whereas no damage is seen on the Zn5Al coating.

Stronger signs of peeling are detected for 3.4 1083 mm samples that were at 245°C for two weeks. After five weeks at this temperature, almost all of the Zn coating is gone after bending. However, for this period, the Zn5Al coatings look identical to those for 225°C, with no coating peeling.

Fig. 12 shows similar results for the 1.85 mm 1005 wires. Trials done without aluminum conducting wires present for 245°C, 14 days, and 300°C, one day, show no differences from those with aluminum conducting wires present about the core wires. See Fig. 13. No loss of Zn5Al coating is observed at 300°C, one day, although the Zn coating on a similarly exposed wire is completely gone.

Peeling is found to correspond well with the start of alloy layer growth in comparing Figs. 10 and 11 to the wrapping tests.

The ability of Zn5Al to withstand temperatures better than Zn has also been researched independently outside of Bekaert. The Southwire Company has stated in an earlier technical report that Zn5Al coatings pass wrap tests after exposures up to 16 weeks for temperatures as high as 350°C7. In comparison, Southwire states that Zn coatings failed wrapping tests at 200°C after 5 weeks, 215°C after one week and 250°C after three days.

Corrosion Fig. 11. Plot of alloy thickness as a function of time and temperature for the 3.4 mm 1083 wires.

72 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Table 1 shows results for 5% dark brown rust salt spray (average of three tests) for the 3.4 mm 1085 core wires 190°C trials. A drop for both Zn and Zn5Al coatings is observed after 30 days, but appears to hold relatively steady through 185 days.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

Probably this drop could be due to some damage of the coating during the heating/cooling of the sample.

Salt spray tests were also done for 3.4 mm wires exposed at 225°C and 245°C as shown in Table 2.

Again, a small drop in properties is seen for the galvanized wires, but the Bezinalized wires appear to actually have an increase in resistance, perhaps due to formation of a more protective oxide layer at the higher temperatures.

Mischmetal effect on Zn5Al coatings In the original patent covering Galfan3 by the International Lead and Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO), the specification included 0.005-1.0 mischmetal. An optimal composition was defined as having 4.7 to 5.2% aluminum, 0.02-0.05% cerium and 0.01 to 0.04% lanthanum.

The presence of mischmetal was justified as being required to promote fluidity, wettability and absence of intergranular corrosion.

Cerium and lanthanum are expensive rare earth metals, increasing the cost of coating. From a financial point of view, their presence is undesirable, but are they required to give the technical improvements they are credited with? Regarding high temperature performance, no differences were seen with regards to the wires coated with (3.4 mm 1083) and without (1.85 mm 1005) mischmetal additions.

A study done at Bekaert8 has shown that 3550% of mischmetal in the hot-dip alloy bath is lost as dross. The mischmetal present in the coating can be up to 10x less than that in the molten bath. See Fig. 14. The greater the mischmetal addition, the greater the amount of dross produced. When more than 0.02% mischmetal is present, processing is seriously hindered.

With regards to corrosion, relatively little effect is seen on performance in the humidity chamber.

See Fig. 15. Electrochemical potential tests in both 5% aqueous NaCl (See Fig. 16) and 0.05 M K2SO4 (See Fig. 17) show no significant effect of mischmetal additions on corrosion rate.

Fig. 12. 1x wrapping for 1.85 mm 1005 wires after 245°C, 5 weeks, two magnifications.

Conclusions Information from trials concerning the high temperature behavior of hot-dip zinc and zincaluminum coatings has been presented. For 3.4 mm high carbon (0.83% C) ACSR zinc and zinc5% aluminum coated core wires, no problems other than a small loss in salt-spray resistance have been found at temperatures at 190°C for up to 185 days. However, a low-carbon, zinc-coated wire was found to show increased alloy layer growth and wrap test problems after 120 days at 190°C. As temperature increased, faster alloy

Fig. 13. 1x wrapping test for 3.4 mm 1083 wires after 300°C, one day, two magnifications.

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Table 1. Salt spray results (hours until 5% dark brown rust) for wires exposed at 190°C (averages of three results).

Table 2. Salt spray results (hours until 5% dark brown rust) for wires exposed at 225 and 245°C (averages of three results).

layer growth, and consequently wrapping test failures after shorter exposure times were observed to occur for both steel types having zinc coatings, but not zinc-5% aluminum coatings. Zinc-5% aluminum coatings have shown temperature resistance for periods at above 300°.

Exact resistance times for zinc coated wires at elevated temperatures may likely be dependent on wire composition. At temperatures over 200°C, corrosion resistance of zinc-5% aluminum coated wires may actually improve slightly.

Cerium and lanthanum mischmetal, required for the Galfan specification, do not have a significant impact in a well regulated Zn5Al coating operation. As much as half of such additions to the hot dip bath are wasted in the form of dross.

The mischmetal that does remain in the coating was observed not to have significant impact on many aspects of corrosion resistance.

References

Fig. 14. Mischmetal contents in melt and coating8.

Fig. 15. Effect of mischmetal additions on humidity test8.

74 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

1. H.W. Adams, “Steel Supported Aluminum Conductors (SSAC) for Overhead Transmission Lines,” Paper T 74 054-3, IEEE PES Winter Meeting, 1973.

2. High Temperature Applications,” Dear Dr. Galv, American Galvanizer, Vol. 47, 2000.

3. S.F. Radtke, D. Coutsouradis and J. Pelerin, U.S. Patent 4448748, “ZincAluminum Alloys and Coatings,” 1984.

4. ASTM A856, “Specification for Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal AlloyCoated Carbon Sheet,” American Society for Testing and Materials.

5. H. Dewilde, “Galfan: A Breakthrough in the Corrosion Protection of Wire Products,” International Technical Conference on Wire Technology, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1996, pp. 97-105.

6. “Zinc-aluminum coating: management of Galfan® lines,” R. Branders and A. Stacey, Wire Journal International, November 2008.

7. K. Manchiraju, “Examination of Galvanized VS Bezinal Coated Steel Samples,” MP2003020, Southwire, 2004.

8. C. Blakeman, G. Lagae and J. Karasek, Bekaert Internal Report, 2003. ■

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 16. Effect of mischmetal additions on corrosion rate in electrochemical potential test in 5% aqueous NaCl8.

Fig. 17. Effect of mischmetal additions on corrosion rate in electrochemical potential test in 0.05M aqueous K2SO48.

Charles Coffin has been involved in various wire lurgy and applied materials science from the Catholic research and development projects for NV Bekaert SA, University of Leuven, Belgium. This paper, which was preZwevegem, Belgium. He joined the company in 2006 after sented at WAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Technical Conference, holding various positions in Europe and the United States. Istanbul, Turkey, November 2009, won the Allan B. Dove He holds a Ph.D. degree in metallurgical and materials Medal Award in the Ferrous Division. engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA. Hans Depamelaere is product manager for Industrial Steel Wires -Wire Europe for Bekaert. He has worked for Bekaert since 1995 as a sales and product manager for industrial wires and wire products. He holds a degree in commercial engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

Dale King is customer technical relations manager focusing on new product and customer development for Bekaert. He also serves as the facility environmental manager. He joined Bekaert Corporation in Van Buren, Arkansas, USA, as a project engineer in 1991, and has served in multiple positions with Bekaert since. He received his B.S. Coffin degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA. He also serves as the Bekaert - North American representative for various ASTM committees. He serves as ASTM B01.05 subcommittee chair, overseeing the ASTM standards for Electrical Conductor Steel Support products. Walther Van Raemdonck has been general manager of technology wire international for Bekaert since 2001. He joined the company in 1986 and has since been involved in numerous product and King, l, and Van Raemdonck, with Depamelaere process development projects for steel cord their awards at Wire Expo 2010. and wire. He holds a Ph.D. degree in metal-

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TECHNICAL PAPER Anti-corrosion grease for overhead line conductors Anti-corrosion grease should be both carefully chosen and tested to an accepted industry standard to ensure that it is able to carry out its integral role in a conductor.

By Albert Molloy and David Lee

Corrosion protection is extremely important for finished products and their components, especially where environmental accelerators enter the corrosion equation and when extended construction life is a prerequisite. Nowhere is this more critical than in overhead line conductors, where multi-metal construction, extreme application temperatures, exposure to humidity, salt and acidic pollutants can be part of the everyday environment.

Typically, a 20-year-life span has been required for such constructions. This has traditionally been achieved by adoption of hot-applied, wax-based corrosion inhibitors.

Applied in a molten state during the stranding operation, the wax solidifies to generate an effective barrier, but it has physical limitations from low drop points and high oilbleed characteristics. Despite its relatively competitive price, this type of hot application is no longer the preferred choice due to stricter legislation and the requirement for improved performance over a greater temperature range.

Further, poor operator acceptability and the high waste levels associated with the use of this technology has dimmed the long term use of hot-applied corrosion inhibitors.

Inevitably, this paves the way for high performance, coldapplied corrosion inhibitors.

Performance requirements The primary function of grease within a conductor is to prevent corrosion and by doing so, extend service life, to achieve this, the grease must: • retain its properties and performance over the specified temperature range; • remain within the conductor with no migration to the outer surface; • provide protection of the multi metal combinations for the specified life of the conductor; • be highly effective in environments of high humidity, coastal and industrial regions; • be of a consistency that can be readily applied to the conductor with standard equipment; and • have a consistency that when applied to the conductor during the stranding process will hold its form to provide a concentric film on the core prior to the next strand being laid.

Glossary Grease: In this paper, grease will refer to a cold-applied corrosion inhibitor.

Corrosion: The chemical or electro-metal reaction between a material, usually metal and its surroundings, that results in deterioration of the materials properties.

Drop point: Temperature at which a grease will change to a liquid and flow.

Oil separation: Percentage of oil that separates from a grease structure over a given time and temperature.

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Reversibility: Retention of properties following exposure to extremes of temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Penetration: Stiffness rigidity of the grease.

Shear stability: Retention of properties following mechanical application, as defined by penetration.

Oscillation: Repetitive vibration of the conductor.

NGLI grade: International classification for the consistency (stiffness) of a grease.

with a 0.5 mm layer of grease, held at the required temperature (-20°C) for a minimum of one hour, the plate is then bent around a 25-mm mandrel to form an internal angle of between 100° and °. To comply, the grease must not crack or break from the plate; it must remain fully adhered to the plate with no visual signs of failure.

Development philosophy Having identified the primary functions, the internationally recognized standard EN50326:2002 has been adopted and adhered to where appropriate.

The standard clearly identifies and calls for testing to demonstrate compliance of upper (operational) and lower (exposure) temperatures, as well as protection requirements of multi-metal combinations in humid, salt and acid environments over time.

The maximum and minimum temperature rating of the conductor has been considered when selecting raw materials to formulate the grease, to ensure they are not only temperature stable but also effective over the complete temperature range. Particular attention has been given to multimetal combination conductor construction, which is deemed the most susceptible to corrosion in use, particularly in coastal regions where the saline nature of the moisture significantly increases the potential to create a galvanic cell between two dissimilar metals.

A galvanic cell is created between the galvanized steel core (zinc) and the aluminum when moisture acting as the electrolyte, enters the interstices of the conductor. Moisture can be drawn into the conductor during energizing, hot and cold cycles or forced in by the wind.

Representative testing Temperature. The EN50326:2002 standard designates a simple and unique code for all protective greases. It provides the minimum and maximum temperatures to which the grease is rated and also its type (hot or cold) applied.

A cold-applied grease is known as a type A grease.

Minimum and maximum temperature ratings are defined by preceding and following the “A” with the appropriate value. For example: 20 A 150 = -20°C cold-applied +150°C. Minimum temperature. A minimum temperature is specified to represent the lowest theoretical temperature that the grease will be exposed to. The requirements for some conductors have been rated as low as -50°C to tolerate Artic conditions and wind chill factors.

Although migration of the grease or its components is not expected at low temperature, it is essential that the grease retains its structure and protective film characteristics.

Should the structure or protective film be broken or irreversibly damaged when subjected to an extreme low temperature, the ability of the grease to provide an effective barrier against the ingress of moisture and prevent corrosion would be compromised.

Evaluation and approval of low-temperature stability is achieved by subjecting the grease to a low temperature adhesion test. This consists of a steel plate being coated

Maximum temperature The maximum temperature is specified to represent the highest theoretical temperature that the conductor will be subjected to during its service life. This value includes the theoretical post fault temperature, which is calculated in some instances to be as much as 40°C above the line’s maximum operational temperature.

Although post fault—or power surge condition as it is sometimes referred to—can generate heat over and above the maximum operational temperature, the frequency and duration of this condition is extremely limited. It has been calculated that the maximum duration of exposure to this condition over a 50-year period would be less than 1000 hours.

With distribution networks and utility providers specifying maximum temperatures from 80°C to 230°C, raw material limitations and commercial awareness do not allow the grease formulator to offer a single universal grease to cover the full temperature range.

Raw material limitations are based on the fact that as mineral oil technology will start to decompose at temperatures in excess of 180°C full synthetic technology has to be employed to ensure stability and reversibility characteristics of the grease are met.

In depth testing and raw material selection has shown the optimum step from natural (mineral oil)-based technology to full synthetic technology to be for conductors rated above 150°C. Although synthetic technology could be used for all conductors with no performance limitations, it would not only be over engineered but also commercially unacceptable.

Two methods, the Drop Point and the Oil Separation tests, are used to verify the maximum temperature rating of either technology.

Drop Point (test method ISO 2176), although essential for the test and control of hot-applied grease, is not as important for cold-applied. It does, however, provide a clear and defined high temperature value and is commonly used by inspectors when testing complete conductors during manufacture. Certain cold-applied technologies, such as that employed to formulate Metalube’s OCG range, do not actually have a drop point, thus eliminating the risk of the grease turning to a fluid and flowing from the conductor.

Oil Separation is an extremely important test as it demonstrates the ability of the grease to retain its form within the conductor at the maximum specified temperature overtime, with absolute minimal oil bleed.

When excessive amounts of oil or components separate from the grease structure in service, they migrate to the

AUGUST 2010 | 77

TECHNICAL PAPERS

With these finite points in mind, the grease formulator has the responsibility to not only supply a product which is capable of satisfying all of the performance requirements and is ultimately fit for the purpose, but must also demonstrate compliance with recognized standards.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

outer surface of the conductor. There, they attract dust and atmospheric pollutants, and as these build up a corona is formed. When this occurs the level of noise generated by the line will increase significantly, as lines are designed to operate with minimal noise to comply with environmental regulations. Excessive noise could potentially result in the conductor being classified as unfit for use. A corona can also reduce the ability of the conductor to transmit power.

The oil separation test is a modified version of the IP 121 test method. It measures the mass fraction of oil that separates from the grease when held at the maximum temperature over a given time period. Temperature is simply related to the specified temperature, however the time will vary depending on whether the test is to demonstrate compliance with a particular specification—such as Standard EN50326:2002, which requests one hour with a maximum mass fraction of 0.2%—or if it is part of a type approval process or development program by the grease formulator to test and demonstrate line conditions in service. One such test is that 1000 hour exposure to maximum temperature over the conductor life can be achieved with absolute minimal oil bleed.

Corrosion As previously documented the primary function of the grease is to protect the conductor against corrosion and by doing so extend service the life. The requirement to demonstrate long-term protection in such extreme conditions requires meaningful and representative testing to justify the benefits over and above that of an unprotected conductor.

The test format documented in sub-clause 6.12 of EN50326:2002 were adopted because they challenge the anti-corrosion protection in all environments at excessive levels to reflect the specified life of the conductor and are internationally recognized.

The substrates for which the grease must provide protection are steel, galvanized steel, aluminum and aluminum alloy in any combination.

With corrosion potential known to be highest when steel or galvanized steel and aluminum wire combinations (ACSR) are exposed to a salt atmosphere, the focus here is predominantly on this scenario. The protective grease is applied to the conductor so that it completely fills the interstices between the steel core and adjacent layer of aluminum wires, and if there is more than one layer it also fills the interstices between the subsequent layers to the penultimate layer. The grease is applied by the conductor manufacturer to achieve the required fill weight with no air pockets or voids that would weaken the protective film and enable the corrosion process to commence.

To recreate this scenario in a laboratory an extremely arduous test is conducted. A three-wire combination of steel, galvanized steel and aluminum that have been individually and uniformly coated with grease to a thickness of 100 μm and bound together is suspended vertically in a sealed cabinet and subjected to a water spray solution with

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a mass fraction of 5% NaCl at a temperature of 35°C, in accordance with EN 60068-2-11, for a minimum of 1000 hours.

Performance and acceptance that the grease has the ability to provide a protective film and prevent corrosion is granted only when the wires are cleaned and examined to show that there are no signs of corrosion, etching, pitting or discoloration of the wires.

When considered individually, the substrates’ aluminum, aluminum alloy and galvanized steel all have good resistance to corrosion. Aluminum and its alloys generate a protective oxide layer which prevents corrosion. The electroplating process used to galvanize the steel wire is a known anti-corrosion system, whereas unprotected steel is considered highly susceptible.

Having identified the risk to unprotected steel, a test is employed that subjects a greased steel plate to an extreme combination of all potential exposure conditions. Three steel plates are coated with a 100 μm layer of grease. The test pieces are then aged by placing them in a chamber where they are subjected to three cycles; each cycle is run for 168 hours and includes: dry heat (relative humidity <30%) at 70°C; wet heat (relative humidity >90%) at 55°C; and cold -20°C. The test pieces are then suspended vertically in a chamber where they are exposed to a sulphuric acid atmosphere with a relative humidity > 90% at a temperature of 40°C for 168 hours.

Following this, the test pieces are suspended at an inclined angle in a sealed cabinet for 168 hours and subjected to a water spray solution with a mass fraction of 5% NaCl at a temperature of 35°C in accordance with EN 60068-2-11.

Performance and acceptance that the grease has the ability to provide an effective protective film and limit corrosion is granted when the test pieces are cleaned, visually inspected and compared to a grading index.

Grease application When formulating conductor grease, consideration has to be given to the various physical demands placed upon it, not only during application but also when applied to the conductor.

Various methods are employed to apply the grease, from the most commonly used grease pump method to the tank application. Whatever application method is employed, the grease must be of a consistency that can be pumped and will retain its form when applied to the conductor. If the grease is too stiff it will be extremely difficult to pump and would channel during application to the conductor. If the grease is too soft it would fail to hold its concentric form when applied to conductor and there would be a tendency for the grease to migrate to the lowest point, thus in effect compromising the level of protection.

The ability of the grease to resist shear and hold its form is required to ensure that its physical properties are not impaired during multiple applications, or while the conductor is in service where in certain conditions it has to tol-

TECHNICAL PAPERS

erate mechanical loading generated by oscillation of the conductor.

Practical experience and close cooperation with the conductor manufacture has established that the optimum consistency of grease for application to all conductor types is, as defined by penetration to be within the range 230 to 290 (0.1 mm) NGLI grades 2 and 3.

Summary Having worked closely with both conductor producers and distribution networks for many years, valuable knowledge and experience has been gained by all parties.

Conductor grease selection should not be compromised as it is an integral component of the conductor.

The use of a properly fit, highly-effective, anti-corrosive grease will protect the conductor, extend service life and reduce line maintenance.

The use of an unapproved, untested product could potentially result in an ineffective or sub-standard product that fails to deliver any commercial or technical advantage, and in extreme cases, if the product fails and migrates to the outside of the conductor, additional costs could well be incurred.

Objective testing against meaningful specifications to demonstrate and justify inclusion of a grease within a conductor is essential. As it makes both technical and commercial sense, it should always be requested. â&#x2013;

Molloy

Lee

Albert Molloy is the general manager of Metalube Ltd., Manchester, U.K. Prior to joining the company in 1993, he worked for a company that specialized in the manufacture of natural and polycrystalline diamond wiredrawing dies. David Lee is the managing director of Metalube. Trained as a chemist, he has spent the last 40 years involved in the development, marketing and sales of lubricants and specialized products, especially nonferrous metals for various applications. He also formed Metalube Shanghai, a company in China, four years ago. This paper was presented at WAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Technical Conference, Istanbul, Turkey, November 2009.

AUGUST 2010 | 79

TECHNICAL PAPERS

TECHNICAL PAPER Dry, chemical-free surface treatment in continuous copper-alloy production Plasma surface and heat treatment processes offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wet, chemical surface treatments, and can be used for a wide range of wire, strip, foil and tube applications.

By Primoz Eiselt, Peter Ziger, Igor Rogelj and Willy Hauer

Surface treatment processes can be found in virtually every metal workshop, and the production of continuous copper alloys such as wire, strip, tube and foil is no exception. In the production of continuous copper alloys, one comes across three distinct types of surface treatments: lubrication and delubrication (degreasing), deoxidation, and surface activation.

The traditional surface treatments processes for continuous copper alloy applications are almost exclusively wet treatments. These involve various chemical components, such as oils and emulsions as lubricants, emulsions as cooling agents, acid and alkaline solutions for surface cleaning, as well as fluxes used for surface activation.

Lubrication and degreasing Wet lubricants are commonly used for drawing of continuous copper alloys, usually emulsions. After drawing, the material has to be degreased to prepare the surface for the next process step. Alkaline solutions such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are commonly used for degreasing of copper alloys. Alkaline substances are effective in removing organic substances such as oil and emulsions. Delubrication immediately after drawing is the easiest method and may require only mild alkaline solutions. If a lubricated surface undergoes heat treatment without precleaning, dry hard-to-remove deposits are formed on the material surface. In such cases a more aggressive, acid or alkaline treatment is required to clean the surface.

The same applies for removal of cooling agents. Water cleaning and rinsing may be adequate for removal of cooling emulsions, if removed immediately after application.

Otherwise, more aggressive cleaning agents have to be used, such as when emulsion, lubricant or a cooling agent is present on the surface, and when the material is heat-

80 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

treated or annealed, stiff and difficult-to-remove deposits may be produced on the surface of the material.

Other non-conventional surface cleaning/degreasing processes are ultrasound cleaning, cotton yarn cleaning or brushing. These methods are rarely used in continuous production of copper alloys.

Deoxidation Oxide layers on copper alloys are relatively thin (less than one micron) compared to oxide layers that form on the steel surface. Copper alloys oxides have traditionally been removed with acid. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and many other acid solutions are commonly used for deoxidation of copper alloys. All acid treatments are followed by rinsing processes/water treatments units.

Acid- and alkaline-based processes carry health safety and environmental risks and require proper handling. Acid and alkaline solution manipulation and disposal add to the cost of the process operations. Moreover, acids and alkaline substances cannot be completely removed from the metal surface. Very small amounts of chemicals may remain on the wire surface even after rinsing, and act as catalysts for further oxidation. Chemically cleaned wire will inevitably encounter accelerated oxidation during subsequent storage or whilst waiting for further processing.

Surface activation Surface activation is a term that describes the ability of a surface to stick or adhere to a chosen substance. In simple terms, an “active surface” would bond with another substance while a “passive surface” would not. The terms “surface wettability” or “surface energy” are also commonly used to describe the level of surface activation. The higher the wettability or energy of the surface, the better the adhesion of a chosen substance to the surface.

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 1. The diagram (left) and the photograph (right) of plasma chamber used for surface treatment of copper alloy wire utilizing a low-pressure nitrogen atmosphere.

The most common way of increasing surface energy is to simply increase the surface area by making it rougher. That means increasing surface micro roughness. Surface roughness can be increased by etching, which usually involves high concentration ammonia or acid solution.

Deoxidation and degreasing can be described as a form of surface activation. For example, oxide layer on a copper alloy surface will reduce surface energy by changing the chemical composition and physical properties of the surface. Similarly, lubricated surface will prevent direct connection between the surface and the chosen substance.

This, in turn, will prevent good adhesion between the substance and the surface of the material. For example, to achieve good adhesion in plating, the surface must be as clean and oxide-free as possible. Only a clean and oxidefree surface will allow a proper inter-metallic bond between the substrate and the plated metal. Thus, acid treatment is an integral part of most conventional plating processes. In cases such as hot-dip tinning of copper, acid and alkaline pre-treatment alone do not suffice. Fluxing is introduced prior to plating bath to improve the bond.

There are a wide range of fluxes available on the market.

They are hazardous substances and require appropriate manipulation and disposal procedure. Fluxes can have other side effects. They contaminate plating bath, which increases the frequency of bath changeovers, adding to the cost of operations and materials.

Plasma process: how it works/treatment Plasma has been applied in the metals industry for almost three decades, used for surface treatment, surface cleaning, and surface activation. Gradually, plasma has been applied also into continuous processes, such as production of wire, tube foil or strip. Three types of plasma have been applied in continuous metals production: RF plasma for low temperature applications, electrolytic plasma for surface treatment applications, and glow discharge plasma in low-pressure atmosphere for high-temperature heat and surface

treatment applications. This article focuses on the latter type.

Glow discharge plasma in a low-pressure inert gas environment can be used for surface treatment of copper alloys.

Nitrogen gas is most commonly used, although argon, helium and hydrogen can also be used in certain instances.

Glow discharge plasma is applied in electric field between the plasma chamber and the material. See Fig. 1.

An electric field accelerates the movement of nitrogen ions to the material surface, resulting in bombardment on the substrate. The effect of this movement is twofold. The ions colliding with the substrate release energy into the material, which makes an efficient heat treatment. Similarly, ion bombardment results in effective surface treatment.

The effect of glow discharge plasma on copper alloy surface is threefold: Plasma deoxidation. Under the ion bombardment in the plasma chamber, the oxide layer breaks up. Plasma effectively removes surface oxides from copper alloys, making it a dry cleaning alternative to traditional acid based deoxidation.

Plasma degreasing and surface cleaning. In low pressure, plasma chamber wet lubricants disintegrate and evaporate, leaving the metallic surface dry and free of lubricants.

Plasma treatment removes organic and inorganic surface deposits, leaving the surface free of agents that act as catalysts for surface oxidation. This in turn slows down the process of subsequent surface oxidation. A plasma-treated surface, therefore, is considerably less prone to subsequent oxidation. This was confirmed in an experiment in which acid- and plasma-treated samples of copper were stored in equal conditions. An acid-cleaned and rinsed sample visually oxidized in two weeks while the plasma-treated copper wire reached the same level of oxidation in six months, a rate that is 12 times longer.

Surface activation. Ion bombardment in a plasma chamber increases a surface energy to prepare the surface for

AUGUST 2010 | 81

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 2. Views of vertical PlasmaPREPLATE machines for hot-dip plating of wire, strip and tube.

plating. With the right selection of process gas and power input, plasma treatment increases surface roughness to further increase surface wetability, and in turn strengthens inter-metallic bond in a subsequent plating process.

Plasma heat treatment process elements Heat treatment (annealing effect) can be achieved if sufficient power input is supplied to the plasma. The degree of annealing can be controlled by power input to achieve any required softness. Plasma annealing can achieve complete re-crystallization that is equivalent to annealing in a traditional bell annealer. Highly accurate annealing can be achieved, which can benefit many applications. For example, a final drawing or skin pass to target required tensile strength can be avoided when the plasma process is used to target appropriate tensile in the last stage of the production process. Production of silicon bronze welding wire and brass battery pin wire are two such examples.

In-line product and process control. The plasma process is powered by a high-voltage power supply, which results in current flow between plasma chamber and the material (i.e., wire that runs through the chamber). The plasma is ionized gas, which under normal operation takes the form of glow discharge plasma, the conductive gas in the chamber. Contamination in the chamber initiates arc discharge, which is demonstrated in a form of current bursts between the plasma chamber and the wire. Any occurrence of arc discharge is clearly visible as a dip on the voltmeter, hence indicating compromised surface quality or unusually high contamination in the plasma chamber.

Surface quality control. Frequent measurements of voltage during the plasma process (usually 30 times per second) are an effective indicator of surface cleanliness.

Surface quality of the material can be measured in-line during the process. A computer alerts the operator when the surface quality of the material is compromised. The sections of the finished product are logged by the computer and can be subsequently examined for quality if required. This provides the quality control manager with a computer-based, in-line surface quality control. Such in-

82 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

line quality control is not possible in a traditional chemical-based surface treatment.

Material softness quality control. Wire softness is a function of how much power supplied to the plasma. Hence, constant control of power input allows for in-line targeting of specified softness. The degree of heat treatment can be adjusted in-line to meet specific product requirements.

Similarly, the required softness level must be maintained during acceleration and deceleration to minimize scrap. In practice, plasma heat treatment allows wire softness (elongation and tensile) to be targeted to Âą 1% accuracy.

Machine maintenance alarms. Plasma heat and surface treatment machines can be equipped with computer controlled alarms, alerting the operator of required maintenance. The frequency of maintenance is subject to applications, but in most cases allows machine up-times to be more than 95% on a 24/7 operation.

Hot-dip tinning of copper strip, wire and tube The plasma heat and surface-treatment process can be incorporated into hot-dip plating lines. The process replaces acid/alkaline cleaning, rinsing and fluxing. It runs in-line with the tinning bath as per diagram below. The process, which includes computer-controlled in-line surface quality control, begins with a payoff, then the PlasmaPREPLATE unit, a hot-dip tin bath, tin-coat drying and then goes to the spooler. Fig. 2 shows a vertical Plasma PREPLATE model for hot-dip plating.

The plasma process in a hot-dip tinning line includes the following features: dry surface preparation for plating process without acid or alkaline treatment; flux-free surface activation; no flux contamination in a tin bath; no rinsing, no drying, no waste disposal, no water treatment required; increased plating speeds, up to 4 m/s, subject to application; production uptime above 95% for 24/7 operation; simultaneous annealing to any degree of elongation to 45%; reduction in tin bath temperature due to superior surface quality; lower contamination of tin bath with copper due to lower tin temperature; low operation and maintenance costs compared to chemical processes; computer-

AUGUST 2010 | 83

TECHNICAL PAPERS

without acid or alkaline treatment; no rinsing, no drying, no waste disposal, no water treatment; in-line with electroplating process and drawing if required; production uptime above 95% for 24/7 operation; simultaneous annealing to any softness with high degree of softness accuracy; low operation and maintenance costs compared to chemical processes; and computer enabled, in-line process and surface quality control.

Fig. 3. Horizontal PlasmaPREPLATE system for electroplating.

Below are examples of applications of horizontal Plasma PREPLATE machine.

Battery pin wire. Plated 1.4 mm enabled, in-line process and surface quality control. Below brass or bronze wire; material, brass or Si-bronze; type of are examples of applications of a vertical Plasma PREplating, tin or zinc.

PLATE plasma process.

Nickel-plated copper conductors. For high-temperature Photovoltaic ribbon. Tinned copper strip for solar panels. applications, e.g., aviation; material, copper or copper Strip size range: widths of 1.5 mm to 6 mm; thickness from alloys; plating type, nickel, typically 2% to 27% coating.

[0.06 mm to 0.6 mm; tin-coat thickness to 50 micron, subSilver-plated, copper alloy conductors. These typically ject to product; elongation, to 45%), subject to product are used for electronics. requirements.

Capillary tubes. Tinned copper tubes used in refrigerator, Degreasing and deoxidation of copper alloys air conditioning, heat exchange and hydraulics systems.

Plasma surface treatment is an effective alternative to Tube size ranges from 1 mm to 3.5 mm; tin-coat thickness 2 acid or alkaline based cleaning. The process includes comto 25 micron; yield strength, max 140 N/mm ; tensile 2 puter-controlled, in-line surface quality control. strength, 220 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 270 N/mm ; yield strength [Rp 0.2%] Plasma surface treatment machine designed for surface between 60 MPa and 100 MPa; and elongation, 40 %. cleaning and deoxidation of nonferrous wires, tubes or strip can be used in a number of applications. Below are Electroplating of copper alloys two examples.

The horizontal plasma heat and surface treatment process Superconductor wire. Material, NbTi copper superconwas designed for electroplating lines, and is used to anneal ductor diameter 0.7 mm; highest material temperature durand clean the surface prior to plating. Plasma-treated wire ing process, below 300°C; process speed, 6 m/s; output, 74 requires no acid/alkaline cleaning and rinsing prior to eleckg per hour; power consumption, 0.053 kWh per kg of troplating. A horizontal machine runs in-line with an elecwire; 100% HVC Test, passed; electrical properties test, troplating line and a drawing line, if necessary. The passed; and bend test, passed, improved adhesion of process, which includes computer control for in-line surextruded insulation due to surface cleanliness and surface face quality, starts with the payoff and drawing, then the PlasmaPREPLATE unit, followed by electroplating and then goes to the spooler. Fig. 3. shows a horizontal PlasmaPREPLATE model for electroplating.

The plasma process in an electroplating line include the following features: dry surface preparation for plating process Fig. 4. PlasmaCLEANER for copper strip and superconductor wire.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

activation. See Fig. 4.

Copper alloy strips or foils. Material, copper or copper alloys; strip size range, widths from 1 mm to 30 mm; thickness, from 0.05 mm to 1 mm; surface requirement, complete degreasing and deoxidation.

Summary Plasma surface treatment is an effective alternative to either acid- or alkaline-based cleaning. The process, which uses computer-controlled, in-line surface quality control, results in a dry and environmentally friendly process that poses no danger to the operater and requires no handling of hazardous substances.

The technology can be used in a wide range of applications, from hot-dip tinning of PV ribbon (see Fig. 5) and capillary tube; production of Si bronze welding wire; battery pin brass wire; degreasing and deoxidation of copper alloy superconductor wire; and others. ■

Eiselt

Fig. 5. PlasmaPREPLATE tinning line for production of PV ribbon.

Ziger

Primoz Eiselt is managing director of Plasmait GmbH, Lebring, Austria. He introduced glow-discharge plasma to the wire industry 10 years ago. He holds a degree in physics science from Graz University of Technology, Austria. Peter Ziger is founding technical director of Plasmait, and is responsible for the company’s technology aspects. He is a physicist who studied at Graz University of Technology and holds a number of patents related to plasma technology. Igor Rogelj, also a company founder, is head of Plasmait’s sales and marketing. Over his 12-year career he has held a number of sales and marketing positions in the technology and 84 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Rogelj

Hauer

manufacturing sectors. He holds an M.B.A. degree from the Manchester Business School, U.K. He graduated from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, with a degree in physics. Willy Hauer is president of Howar Equipment Inc., Concord, Ontario, Canada. He is a 32year veteran of the wire and cable industry. With a background in industrial engineering, he has spent most of his time in the industry dedicated to rotating and wiredrawing machinery. He has written and co-authored a number of papers and articles. This article was presented at WAI’s 79th Annual Convention, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, April 2009.

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PRODUCTS & MEDIA

PRODUCTS & MEDIA PROD DUCTS MI insulated cable comes in expanded range of sizes and sheath materials U.S.-based ARi Industries, Inc., reports that its AerOpak mineral-insulated (MI) thermocouple cable is available in an expanded assortment of sizes and sheath materials.

The MI cable, a press release said, offers “a unique solution to the challenges of temperature measurement and electrical signal-sending in harsh, corrosive and other hazardous environments.” The AerOpak products include thermocouple or conductor wires insulated with compacted ceramic powder, drawn and encased in a seamless metallic sheath material, with standard thermocouple or conductor cables up to 10-wire configurations available in various stainless steel, Hastelloy and Inconel sheath materials in OD sizes ranging from 0.020 to 0.750 in., it said.

The product range is outlined in company brochure (4.0).

The cable can be supplied for temperatures up to metal melt points of 2600ºF and over 1000 ft in length, making these products suitable for all types of process operations and very large equipment, the release said.

Contact: ARi Industries, Inc., tel. 800-237-6725, www.ariindustries.com.

Shielded cabling systems can meet current and future networking needs Belden announced the introduction of Belden Shielded Systems, a new offering developed specifically for use in office networks, designed to perform in challenging highnoise environments and worst-case installations.

The technology includes a shielded “tool-less” modular jack that is easy to install, reduces installation time and provides superior shielding performance from EMI and RF interferences without compromising the size and ease of use of the UTP connector, a press release said. Other system components include Belden’s Cat. 6 and 5e cables, which are ideal for networks where noise and interference is high; modular cords and pigtails for optimum electrical performance at the component level; and 24 or 48 port KeyConnect shielded patch panels for horizontal distribution or equipment termina86 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

tions for applications such as data centers and telecommunications rooms, it said.

The release notes that the company held extensive internal testing procedures in line with relevant standards, with more than 100 different cabling configurations, including short links, long links, worst cases and demanding four-connector channel configurations. These tests, it said, were performed at frequencies of up to 250 MHz, and all transmission parameters were tested, including attenuation, NEXT, FEXT and Return Loss. The results were good, and externally verified in both channel and link configurations by Delta Laboratories in Denmark, it said.

Contact: Belden, www.beldensolutions.com.

Tag printer provides high performance at high temperatures at a low price U.S.-based InfoSight Corporation announced that “after two years of thorough product design,” it has introduced the JM410 tag printer for the asset ID market.

A press release said that the printer “reduces the initial cost of a genuine CO2 laser printer to a bare minimum.” This, it said, “allows small quantity users of high durability metal tags the ability to afford a cost-effective solution.” The JM410 offers a wide marking area (4 in x 4 in.) and a 10-watt high quality laser at a price that is almost half that of a competing printer, it said.

The printer can be used for small quantity production of Pic-Anneal® tags, using the same technology as the larger KE28xx/LL28xx printers, the release said. They are ideal for retagging of wire cable bundles, it said, noting that the acidresistant, stainless steel Pic-Anneal tags were specifically developed for use as a barcode tracking tag to withstand the rigors of pickling and/or annealing processes. The printer’s LabeLase® Producer™ software makes it possible to create fully customized ID tags that contain UID, Data Matrix, and GS1 compliant barcodes, it said.

Contact: Rebecca Dolan, InfoSight Corporation, tel. 740642-3600, sales@infosight.com.

2 new compounds are ideal for wind turbines, other outdoor cable uses U.S.-based Teknor Apex Company has introduced two new Apex® PVC compounds that are designed to withstand the harsh conditions that wind turbines can be sub-

Cables have been approved for use in underground stations jected to as well as other outdoor control and power cable applications.

A press release from the company’s Vinyl Division said that the Apex 70001 and 70002 jacketing compounds exhibit low brittle points of -46°C and -56°C, respectively, pass stringent tests for oil resistance, and meet appropriate UL and CSA standards for flame performance.

“The low-temperature flexibility of Apex 70001 and 70002 compounds provide the cold-bend and low temperature impact performance required in wind turbine nacelle applications in extremely cold environments,” said Mike

U.K.-based Webro Cables and Connectors reports that it is offering an extensive range of Section 12-approved cables that have undergone extensive safety tests to ensure they do not emit toxic fumes or smoke in case of a fire.

The company noted that it has worked closely with the London Underground Limited (LUL), which has strict safety standards for its deep-level tube stations where it is essential that in case of a fire, passengers will be able to find a clear exit path. Following a bad fire in 1987, fire precautions, commonly known as “the Section 12 regulations,” were introduced that set high requirements for cables in terms of flammability, flame spread and smoke emissions. The Webro’s cables, it said, are fully Section 12-approved and can be used for all station communica-

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PRODUCTS & MEDIA

Patel, wire and cable industry manager. “Their durability under extremely harsh conditions enables cable manufacturers to supply the growing market for alternate energy sources like wind power.”

Contact: Teknor Apex, tel. 401-725-8000, vinyl@teknorapex.com.

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

tions such as passenger display boards, fire alarms, CCTV cameras and public address systems. To date, it said, the firm’s cables are used in more than 100 underground stations, and two new cable designs will soon be added.

“We are in a unique industry position in that we are the only U.K. firm able to provide the full range of products required for London Underground stations and we’re constantly looking to expand our range,” said Webro Managing Director Roger Webster.

Contact: Webro Cables and Connectors, sales@webro.com.

System can test the working condition of ropes by non-destructive methods Konecranes Inc., the U.S. business of Finland’s Konecranes PLC, a manufacturer of overhead cranes and other lifting equipment, reports that it has introduced RopeQ, a reliable and practical system that evaluates the working condition of wire ropes using advanced, proprietary non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.

A press release described RopeQ as a diagnostic tool that uses electromagnetic technology to assess the inner and outer wires and strands of a wire rope, including flaws that are not visible on the surface. This testing method, it said, achieves reliable, accurate and repetitive inspection results that ensure safe use and may improve total life cycle cost.

The RopeQ diagnostic tool fastens to wire rope assemblies and records a series of interior images along the entire length of the wire rope, and the survey produces data that pinpoint all areas and degrees of degradation. Those precise results, it said, help to determine whether the wire rope is safe or needs to be changed.

The testing device can improve the total life cycle costs of equipment by optimizing wire rope change intervals in process duty and critical equipment, the release said, noting that routine maintenance often relies on pre-determined replacement intervals regardless of the actual condition of the wire ropes. With RopeQ, the verifiable condition assessments can be compared against discard criteria to prevent premature changing of wire ropes that are still compliant with lifting regulations, it said.

Contact: Konecranes Inc., tel. 800-934-6976, www.konecranesamericas.com.

OSP copper cable offers superior DSL performance U.S.-based Superior Essex has released a Tight Twist (TT) 200-Pair Outside Plant (OSP) copper cable that improves Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) performance.

The new cable, a press release said, is placed between cross connect cabinets and Remote Terminals (RT) cabi88 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

nets, where DSL access modems are typically located. The tightly twisted pairs in the cable are designed to minimize the negative effects of crosstalk interference that typically occurs in DSL wire bundles, and in a recent customer trial, the new cable that was used to replace a standard OSP cable “resulted in substantially improved DSL data rates where DSL concentration was high in the RT,” it said.

Other complementary products include 25-Pair Cat. 5e shielded cable, unjacketed core cable and cross connect wire, the release said. Collectively, these tight twisted cable and wire products make an excellent choice for tying together broadband equipment during deployment of DSL services, it said.

Contact: Superior Essex, www.superioressex.com.

Subsea cables okay for applications at depths as deep as 2000 meters U.K.-based cable manufacturer Tratos Ltd. reports that it is offering a line of subsea cables suited for installation at depths as great as 2,000 meters, and with select umbilicals, are qualified for depths to 3,000 meters.

Through its group website, the company notes that the cables can enable hydraulic and injection fluids to be transmitted, as well as power and data, depending on the cable type. The cables have been tested extensively both in laboratory trials and actual installations and have proven to be exceptionally reliable, it said. The company, it added, offers an extensive range of hydraulic, electrohydraulic and electrical umbilical cabling for subsea oil and gas extraction, designed and manufactured with reliability and durability as key or such demanding environments.

The website also notes that Tratos Ltd. recently won the world’s largest order for reeling cable for high-speed cranes. The Tratosflex-ESDB cable is to be used by 38 ZPMC cranes at the latest terminal in South Korea’s Busan Port terminal.

Contact: Tratos Ltd., www.tratos.co.uk.

New ship/marine cable line offered U.S.-based Eutex International, Inc., part of the Eutex Group, has introduced the “Euflex” line of smoke/halogen-free shipboard cable.

Euflex Cable, a press release said, combines Class 5 conductors for greater flexibility with an easy-to-strip ripcord for quicker installation times. “The product will be of tremendous value to shipbuilders, engineering/design companies and installers in the electrical cable field,” it said, noting that the cable has been approved by bodies such as ABS, DVS, Lloyds, Rina and more. Uses include marine and offshore environments for power, signal, telecommunication and lighting applications, it said.

Software provides more value to cable industry manufacturers Germany’s Advaris GmbH recently introduced software with relevant industry-specific ERP functionalities that provide a start-to-finish, length-based system in a complete modular solution.

for the flexible integration of measuring instruments, machine control units (PLCs) and sensors.

The company noted that it also offers an RFID pilot project for spool monitoring of the manufacturing stage in the production process, making it much easier for the operator and decreasing error susceptibility.

Braid wire spools can be very difficult to monitor, but the transparency of the process as a whole increases and every individual manufacturing length can now be traced without interruption, the release said.

Contact: Advaris GmbH, www.advaris.de.

MEDIA Updated computer program for die design is free to customers at website The Esteves Group has released a major update to its existing DRAWING DIE WIZARD computer program, which is used to design the optimal wire die.

A press release said that the program, available to customers as a free download from the Esteves Group web site (www.estevesgroup.com), is the company’s latest tool “in its ongoing effort to provide the best customer service in the industry.” The goal, it said, is to help customers fully understand the thought process behind the design of

In addition to new software functionalities for cable design, manufacture and warehouse management, Advaris said it can offer complete representation of the CAQ process chain, from the preparation of test plans during design to the automatic capturing of measured values during manufacture as well as an innovative interface solution

AUGUST 2010 | 89

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“This is a cutting edge product superior to anything in the marketplace,” said Eutex Managing Director Tommy Sutherland. “From initial market studies and research, we received a tremendous reaction to this product and now have in-house stock in our Houston facility for fast turnaround in the Gulf States, combined with a four to six week manufacturing lead time for larger project orders.”

Contact: Eutex International, Inc., www.eutexinternational.com.

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

the best die for each application and selecting the most cost-effective die blank.

Highlights, the release said, include: the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first real-time 3D view of the inner profile of the designed die; a computer-generated microscope view with realistic light reflections that simulates looking at an actual die with a real microscope and makes it easy to view and discuss various profile shapes before the die is made; animation that simulates wire drawn through the die over time, which makes it possible to see the location and growth of a wear ring for the particular profile; support of 10 languages; easier functionality to print, send and export PDFs; improved reduction cone angle suggestions; and improved blank suggestions that make it easier to select the right blank for the chosen die profile.

Contact: Esteves Group, www.estevesgroup.us.com.

White Paper: the role of agency certifications for new cable products U.S.-based C&M Corporation, a vertically integrated manufacturer of bulk cable, coil cords and cable assemblies, reports that it is offering a new white paper focused on understanding the role agency certifications play in the development of new cable products.

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90 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

â&#x20AC;&#x153;While many clients understand the intricacies of cable design and manufacturing relative to expected design and development time lines and manufacturing lead times, few fully appreciate the time that must be allocated if a new certification is required based on a unique cable construction or new intended use,â&#x20AC;? a press release said. It added that many cable consumers are unclear about how the certification process works and what the findings of a regulatory agency actually mean.

In response, the C&M paper answers these and other issue, â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the hopes of providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of this somewhat elusive topic,â&#x20AC;? the release said.

Contact: C&M Corporation, tel. 860-774-4812, www.cmcorporation.com.

Web site makes it much easier to find/buy sheaves and cable guides U.S.-based Sheaves, Inc., reports that it has a new web site (www.processsheaves.com) dedicated to process sheaves and cable guides that is specifically tailored to the requirements of wire and cable manufacturers.

A press release said that the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total sheave business has steadily grown in recent years, dominated by sheaves for the lifting industry. Wire and cable manufacturing sheaves have unique requirements, such as light weight, high speed capability, and wear resistance and subsequently require different materials, designs and bearings than do most sheaves used in lifting or power transmission applications, it said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We decided the wire and cable industry deserved a dedicated website,â&#x20AC;? company President Stew Walton said, adding that the new site not only makes it simpler for wire and cable customers to find sheaves and cable guides, it offers easier navigation to get information, request quotes and make purchases. Users will find the information they need to help them understand the various factors and to choose the best solutions, he said.

If a visitor knows what is needed, one click will take them to a catalog or RFQ page, and orders and RFQs for custom sheaves can be submitted directly from the web site, the release said.

Contact: Stew Walton, Sheaves Inc., tel. 860-449-1128 or 866-344-6774; stew@esheaves.com. â&#x2013;

WIRE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS seeking positions are entitled to free “Position Wanted” classified ads. Limit: one ad per issue, three ads per year. This benefit is not transferable to nonmembers or to companies.

days after receipt. Responses to Blind Box ads should be addressed to: Wire Journal International, Box number (as it appears in print or on-line), P.O. Box 578, Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA.

CLASSIFIED AD RATES: • $1.30 per word for WJI and on-line classifieds at wirenet.org (20 word minimum). • Blind box numbers, add $25. • Boldface headlines, add $6 per line (up to 18 characters per line). Specify category.

PAYMENT POLICY: All ads must be pre-paid.

BLIND BOX INFO: Blind box numbers assure the confidentiality of the advertiser in both the WJI and the on-line publication. Responses are mailed out within two business

POSITION WANTED POSITION SOUGHT BY MEXICAN ENGINEER. Mexican engineer with 24 years experience in products, process and equipments for low and high carbon steel wires, two years experience in drawing and thermal treatment of Stainless Steel fine wires for mesh filters, seeks position.

Knowledge and experience has been primarily in the operation part of the organizations. Production, Maintenance, Project and Product Development). Philosophy is to look for the full satisfaction of internal and external clients, to foment the continues improvements, the collaboration, the communication and the team work in order to make the administrative and operative process as simple as possible. Also, additional knowledge and experience in development and implementation of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO/TS 16949 Quality System, 6 Sigma Philosophy, 5`S, Lean Manufacturing and Balance Score Card tools.

Please email atcelis@yahoo.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES SALES. Established European supplier of Wire Drawing, Extrusion and Cabling equipment is seeking a proven sales professional to join our team as a Sales Area Manager. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 - 5 years of technical selling experience in the wire and cable

DEADLINES: Copy is due a full month in advance, i.e., it must be received by March 1 for publication in the April issue. Classifieds booked on-line, run for at least one-month on-line, from the date of booking. Wire Journal International “Print classifieds” booked on-line as an “add-on” to an “online classified” booking will run in the next available issue.

industry and would be expected to have a broad knowledge of wire and cable manufacturing process and related equipment.

Extensive travel throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico is required.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Please forward all inquiries to Box 8-1.

CONTRACT SALES REPRESENTATIVE. Measurement instrument supplier seeking technical sales representatives for a variety of territories in North America. Technical and process knowledge of wire and cable manufacturing a plus. Commission based compensation. Respond to beansteve@gmail.com.

COMMISSION BROKERS, INC. EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRE & CABLE INDUSTRY APPRAISERS • COMMISSION BROKERS • INDIVIDUAL PIECES OR ENTIRE PLANTS

FOR SALE

1 - HALL 500’ Vertical Accumulator, 1997 3 - NEB 48-Carrier CB-1 Cable Braiders 2 - WARDWELL 24-C Speedmaster Braiders 7 - WARDWELL 12-Carrier Braiders 10 - NEB #2 Braiders, 12-C, 16-C, 44-C, 96-C 1 - FRIGECO 800mm D.T. Buncher 13 - LESMO 630mm D.T. Bunchers 1 - WATSON 36” Rotating Cabler Line 1 - EDMANDS 37-Wire 16” Planetary Cabler Line 2 - NEB Model C62-2 12-Wire 8” Vertical Planetary Cablers, 1987 1 - CEECO 6-Bobbin 60” Closer w/ 96” Caterpuller, 120” Take-up 1 - DAVIS ELECTRIC Model CAT-TRAK 22 Caterpuller Capstan 1 - VITECK 24” Horizontal Belt Wrap Capstan 2 - NEIHOFF MultiWire Drawers, 14 and 16Wire Model MMH121 3 - DAVIS STANDARD 3.5”, 2.5” 24:1 L/D Extruders 2 - D/S 2.5” 24:1 L/D, 2” 30:1 L/D Hi-Temp Extrusion Lines 1 - D/S / KILLION 1” 24:1 Extruder L/D, 2001 2 - TULSA 24” Motorized Shaftless Payoffs,

Model HSPO-1, 12/02 1 - EJR 18”, Model 260FWPPO, Motorized 1 - EUBANKS 6415 Prefeeder, Model 6415-03 1 - NEB 54-Wire, 12+18+24, 22” Rigid Strander Line 2 - MGS 18-Bay 10” Tubular Stranders 5 - DAVIS STANDARD Dual Reel Take-ups, 36” (1), 30” (4) 1 - DAVIS ELECTRIC Model TAP30 Parallel Axis Dual Take-up 5 - NOKIA Model EKP50 Parallel Axis Dual Reel Take-ups 1 - CLIPPER Model SP16 Dual Spooler 1 - DAVIS ELECTRIC Model CRS30 Respooler 2 - WATSON/AFA 84” Rewind Lines, 6,600lb cap.

2 - TEC Model 24STC Hi-Speed Twisters, rated 1300rpm w/2-Wire Payoffs 1 - EUBANKS Model 4000-04 Cutter & Stripper w/HUESTIS 36” Payoff 1 - AUTOJECTOR HCS-40 Injection Molder 1 - IMAJE Inkjet Printer, Model Jaime 1000 S4, ‘98 29 - 48” x 32-1/4” ID x 25” Barrel x 3” Arbor Toroidal Reels

Contact: Martin Kenner

COMMISSION BROKERS, INC. P.O. Box 8456 • Cranston, RI 02920-0456 • Tel. (401) 943-3777 • Fax: (401) 943-3670 WEB: www.commissionbrokers.com • E-MAIL: marty137@aol.com

AUGUST 2010 | 91

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFIED AD INFORMATION NAME _________________________________________________________________________TITLE _________________________________________________ COMPANY ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY ________________________________________STATE _______________POSTAL CODE _____________________COUNTRY _______________________ PHONE ______________________________FAX________________________________EMAIL _______________________________________________________ AD CATEGORY____________ ISSUE YOUR AD BEGINS___________E-mail NUMBER OF ISSUES RUN _______LAST ISSUE ________________RUN TILL FURTHER NOTICE? YES____ NO ____ FULL RUN (WJI & ON-LINE) YES____ NO ____

BLIND BOX? YES____ NO ____

WAI MEMBER? YES____ NO ____ WAI MEMBERSHIP # ______________________ (Applies only to “Position Wanted”)

Please e-mail the requested information to: WAI’s Cindy Kirmss at ckirmss@wirenet.org.

For more details, you can call her at 203-453-2777, ext. 116.

SALES REP AVAILABLE

PERSONNEL SERVICES

DIES

SALES REP AVAILABLE. Do you need an experienced sales representative in Mexico, Central, or South America? Someone with strong industry experience in both ferrous and electrical segments? If so, e-mail cablesyalambres@gmail.com.

“LET OUR SUCCESS BE YOUR SUCCESS” Wire Resources is the foremost recruiting firm in the Wire & Cable Industry. Since 1967 we have partnered with industry manufacturers to secure the services of thousands of key individual contributors, managers and executives. For corporations we provide recruitment, outplacement, and salary assessment functions. For the professional exploring a new opportunity, we provide career evaluation and guidance. Our services are performed in absolute confidence.

Contact: E-mail Peter Carino at pcarino@wireresources.com or Jack Cutler at jcutler@wireresources.com, or visit the Wire Resources website at w w w. w i r e r e s o u r c e s . c o m . Wi re Resources, Inc., 522 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830, 203-622-3000 or 800-394-WIRE.

WE WANT YOUR DIES! Precision Die Technologies. Do you have a surplus of unwanted or unneeded dies? If you do we can take them off your hands. We are looking to buy any Natural Diamond dies and/or PCD’s.

Contact our Sales Department at sales@pdtinc.com or call any of our sales reps at (260 )482-5001.

MARKETING SERVICES

Manufacturers of both

‘HUSH’ & ‘LOCK ON’ PULLING IN DOGS T: +44 (0)1527 570977 F: 882423 E: sales@locton.co.uk www.locton.co.uk

92 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

FREELANCE MARKETING for the Wire & Cable industry.

Specializing in event planning, tradeshow graphics, brochures, direct mail, content development, copywriting, advertisements, promotional items, turnkey creative management, presentation development, multimedia and more. Call TERRI TERRY at 828.238.1959, or tterry@charter.net.

DS HAI, LLC IS A NEW and growing diamond die maker with locations in the United States and Korea. We can supply high quality Diamond and PCD dies at very competitive prices. A few of our specialities are dies for high performance bunching (silver/nickel etc.), dies for hard drawing material, and dies that combine Carbide coating with PCD which can be very efficient on a long order for big cables. DS Hai services wire manufacturers in the United States as well as Internationally. We also provide very competitive recutting services. We are looking for sales agents in Europe to assist in our growth.

Attractive commissions. Please contact Simon Farjoun by e-mail at either simonfar@yahoo.com or Simon@dshaidies.com, tel. 860-8841270.

AJEX & TURNER WIRE DIES CO. offers a wide range of PCD/ND/ Carbide Dies, Extrusion Tools, Die Polishing Machines, Ceramic & Diamond Tools. www.ajexturner.com.

Send inquiries to ajexturner@ gmail.com/sales@ajexturner.com

recut tapered nibs. Fast turn-around.

Quality service since 1985. Tel. 904388-3654.

SANCLIFF SHAPED WIRE DIES. All sizes and shapes R2 to R12. Highest Quality, Shortest Lead Times, Lowest Cost and Superior Customer Service.

60+ years of quality products and service to the wire industry. Contact Bill Drumm at 1-800-332-0747, or E-Mail at sales@sancliff.com.

MACHINERY

APOLLO DIA-CARB COMPANY. Buy & sell new/used Natural and PCD DIAMOND DIES. Fair prices and excellent lead times. Contact Paulette, Owner-Sales, by telephone at 1-508226-1508 or by e-mail at apollodie@ wmconnect.com.

MOLONEY DIE COMPANY. Low prices on all sizes of new, used and recut carbide dies. We also

VERTICAL SPOOLER. Koch KVS1000 spooler manufactured in 2005, complete with in-line dancer, electric panel, 45 kW motor and drive. Capacity two metric ton. 40 Italian spools for the spooler and spool lifting device. Please email to amksa@aol.com.

WWW.URBANOASSOCIATES. COM. For New (Hakusan Heat Pressure Welders, Ferrous & Non-ferrous; Marldon Rolling Ring Traverses) and Used Wire & Cable Equipment.

Available (Cleaned, painted & checked operational) Buttwelders: Micro Models E1S, J4S, J5S, J6S, THD, J45C, GP-0 and AD-5. Coldwelders:

Koldweld Models KBM-5 & KBM-9.

Babcock Models CBW-2, CBW-10 & CBW-20. Printers: Gillies Models GS500 & GS100HD. Roll Pointers: Morgan Models #250 and Hand Operated. Inquire on other used equipment. Please contact by telephone at #727-863-4700 or by e-mail at urbassoc@verizon.net.

WIRE PLANT SOUGHT WANTED LRPC PLANT, 10,000 tons capacity per year. With or without wire drawing. Please contact M. Sarkar, e-mail at msarkar@mikisteel.co.in, mobile no+91-9342543555. â&#x2013;

e-mail Dave.Evans@george-evans.com

AUGUST 2010 | 93

CLASSIFIEDS

A-53, G.T. Karnal Road, Delhi-33 India. Ph: 0091-9811078882 (Ravi Bansal).

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX ADVERTISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE

ADVERTISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE

Amacoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 3

Eurolls SpA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Anbao Wire & Mesh Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

George Evans Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Beta LaserMike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Flymca & Flyro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Bongard Trading GmbH & Co KG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Fushi Copperweld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Cable Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

GCR Eurodraw SpA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29, 31

Carris Reels Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Gem Gravure Co Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Cemanco LC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

W. Gillies Technologies LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Chicago Association of Spring Manufacturers Inc (CASMI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Howar Equipment Inc/Unitek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Huestis Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 63

Commission Brokers Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Jinyoungtech Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Esteves Group USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

MIND THE GENERATION GAP

Great minds are developing. Engineers. Metallurgists.

Innovators. The future of the industry depends on them.

Find them online. Connect with them. Influence them.

And meet them halfway through WAI.

The Wire Association International, Inc. 1570 Boston Post Road | P.O. Box 578 | Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA | Telephone: (001) 203-453-2777 | Fax: (001) 203-453-8384 | www.wirenet.org

94 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

ADVERTISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE

Keir Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

SIKORA AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Lamnea Bruk AB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Sjogren Industries Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Locton Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

SPX Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Madem SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

SuperPower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Micro Products Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Teknor Apex Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 2

O’Hare Spring Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Talladega Machinery & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Paramount Die Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Pittsfield Plastics Eng Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Tubular Products Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Pressure Welding Machines Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Unitek/Howar Equipment Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Queins & Co GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Vandor Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Rosendahl GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Windak AB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

WAREHOUSE SPACE AVAILABLE: PAWTUCKET, RI - ATTLEBORO, MA - MONROE & MORVEN, NC - BONHAM TX

RECENT PURCHASES — INVENTORY HIGHLIGHTS OPTICAL FIBER: TIGHT BUFFER LINES / S-Z STRANDING/RIBBON STRANDING/LOOSE TUBE/REWIND LINES CBR852 SETIC 4 pair 560 mm Group Twinner, CBR989 TEC 36” S.Twist w/4 pair Group Twinner SKALTEK 1.2, 1.6, 2, 2.2, 2.6, 3 Meter Portal Traversing Payoff’s/Take ups DRUM TWISTERS:96” CEECO(1), EDMANDS(2); 84” CEECO; 78” CARTER/CORTINOVIS; 72” CABALLE(1), TEC(2), EDMANDS(3); 60” POURTIER, CEECO; 48” POURTIER, EDMANDS (3).

BARTELL TUBULAR STRANDERS 6, 12 wire 6.5”/10” (50+) (3) NIEHOFF 800mm DROPCOILERS (Yr. 2000), ENDEX 16”, BONGARDS 18” & 42, SAMP 820 mm, SYNCRO 18”, 30”, 36” BRAIDERS: WARDWELL 16C/24C Wire/Textile Braiders (500+) New Speedmaster 150 Heads (30).

BRAIDERS: SPIRKA 16C/24C OMA Hi Tech 16C/24C, NEB, TMW Braiders.

EXTRUDERS: DAVIS STD. 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, 2”, 2 ½”, 3 ½”, 4 ½”, 6”,

Plastic & Rubber.

DUAL TAKE UPS: CLIPPER PA-16, PA-24, PA-30, PS-24, PS36, PS-50 Dual Parallel Axis.

EXPL351 NEXTROM 80 mm 24:1 Ext Line w 500mm Split Capstan, S.S. trough, 1200 mm BCA-12 Belt Cat (New). Yr Mfg 1999.

CBR984 WATSON 19 wire 22” Planetary cabling line (still installed).

WRD831/WRD678 SAMP 8 wire MT8.2.4.21 drawing machine/SAMP 14 wire MLS/5.T.14.

COOK CABLERS 48” BH-48 S.T., Cook BH-36, BH-30, BH-24, BH-22, BH-16.

NEXTROM TAKE UPS EKP-63 Yr. 2000 Never used.(4) EKP 50, Yr. 1998, EKP-5, Yr. 2001.

WRD890 (3) SAMP TR2TP Wire Drawing/Annealing/Preheating Yr. 2000 Never Used.

MGS/BARTELL PAYOFFS: 60”, 72”, 84”, 96”. Take ups 60”, 72”, 84” 96” (some rebuilt).

ALWAYS LOOKING TO BUY/TRADE GOOD SURPLUS MACHINERY PREOWNED HIGH QUALITY WIRE, CABLE & OPTICAL CABLE MANUFACTURING MACHINERY AVAILABLE EX-STOCK FROM EIGHT US WAREHOUSE LOCATIONS.

AUGUST 2010 | 95

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

ADVERTISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

ADVERTISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE Wire & Plastic Machinery Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Wyrepak Industries Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Yuen Neng Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

October 2010 WJI • The ‘Green’ Role in Manufacturing ADVERTISING DEADLINE: SEPT. 1, 2010

Zumbach Electronics Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 4

WIRE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL ADS Global Continuous Casting Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Interwire 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35 WAI Webinars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52, 54 WAI Monterrey ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46-47 WAI Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Interwire 2011: Call for Papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66-67

WIRE JOURNAL I N T E R N A T I O N A L

NORTH AMERICA

EUROPE

Robert J. Xeller Anna Bzowski Wire Journal International 1570 Boston Post Road P.O. Box 578 Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA Tel: 203-453-2777 Fax: 203-453-8384 sales@wirenet.org

U.K., France, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Denmark & Scandinavia Jennie Franks David Franks & Co. 63 St. Andrew’s Road Cambridge CB4 1DH, England Tel/fax: 44-1223-360472 franksco@btopenworld.com

96 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

SALES OFFICES ASIA/WAI INDIA OFFICE Germany, Austria, & Switzerland Dagmar Melcher Media Service International P.O. Box 103 D-82402 Seeshaupt Germany Tel: 49-8801-914682 Fax: 49-8801-914683 dmelcher@t-online.de

India Wire & Cable Services Pvt. Ltd. (WCS) 501, Rainbow Plaza, S. No. 7 Pimple-Saudeagar Vil. Rahatani, Pune - 411017, India Huned Contractor mobile - +91 988 1084 202 hcontractor@wirenet.org

Wind up with an Amacoil/Uhing assembly for perfect pitch every time Pitch is adjustable (10:1) without requiring gear changes or adjusting motor speed. A single Amacoil/Uhing assembly may be used for winding many different diameter materials. Automatic reversal of the traverse is mechanically controlled – without clutches, cams or gears. No electronics or programming needed.

FEATURES • Zero backlash.

• Automatically synchronizes pitch with take-up reel rotational speed.

• Traverse drives with up to 800 lbs. axial thrust.

• Smooth, unthreaded shaft won't clog or jam – no bellows assembly needed.

• One inexpensive, unidirectional motor drives both the traverse and take-up reel.

• Free movement lever – no need to "jog" system on and off to position linear drive.

• Options and accessories for every winding situation.

• Light, medium and heavy-duty systems.

For Brochure or CD-ROM Call toll free 800-252-2645

email: amacoil@amacoil.com

www.amacoil.com AMACOIL, INC. PO Box 2228 • Aston, PA 19014 • Phone: 610-485-8300 • Fax: 610-485-2357

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