Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009 Preview by Wire Journal International, Inc.

WIRE JOURNAL AUGUST 2009

INTERNATIONAL

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

CONTENTS

Volume 42 | Number 8 | August 2009

F EATURES

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Asian Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Fiber Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Fastener Update . . . . . . . . . 24

wire Southeast Asia 2009 . . . . . . . .34 This preview of the October 13-15 Bangkok show includes booth descriptions, an alpha exhibitor list and more.

Middle East Outlook . . . . . . . . . . .44

WAI News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Chapter Corner . . . . . . . . . . 30 Technical Papers . . . . . . . 66-85 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

A range of perspectives on how well the Middle East region can avoid the global economy doldrums.

Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009 . . . . . .52 This international technical conference, to be held November 2-3 in the thriving city of Istanbul, is organized by a cooperative effort of four wire and cable industry groups.

T ECHNICAL P APERS Career Opportunities . . . . . . 91 Advertisers’ Index . . . . . . . . 94

Qualitative and quantitative identification of oxides on metallic surfaces Yea-Yang Su, Robert M. Shemenski and Rosario A. Gerhardt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Improving wiredrawing efficiency with UPCAST® Cu-HCOF rod Juan Carlos Bodington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Analysis of different equations for calculations of wire tensile strength after patenting and drawing Bogdan Golis, Jan W. Pilarczyk, Danuta Jama, Rafał Włudzik and Michał Kobylinski . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Cover: Istanbul, a city rich in history, commerce and industry, will host Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009, November 2-3. See p. 52.

AUGUST 2009 | 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE RETURN TO

B ANGKOK . . . . . .32

T HE

VIEW FROM

T URKEY . . . . .46, 56

CONTENTS

T HE

Dignitaries gather before the official opening of the 2007 staging of wire Southeast Asia, which marked the first time the event was held in Bankok, Thailand. Organizers believe that, despite the overall weak global economy, the Bangkok venue remains vital, and they expect that activity at the October 13-15 event at the BITEC Exhibition Centre will reflect the continuing potential of the Asian emerging markets.

4 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Adnan Bahar, copper casting plant production and planning manager, inside the Corlu factory of Vatan Kablo A.S., which will host a Nov. 3 plant tour for attendees of Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009. The plant produces low- and mediumvoltage energy cables up to 35 kV as well as oxygen-free copper rod. The facility, which has some 334,000 sq ft of covered space, is well known in the Middle East but has focused on competing abroad.

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EDITORIAL WIRE JOURNAL

EDITORIAL

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

2010 calendar update: a few reasons to add Wire Expo/Milwaukee in May

Publisher | Steven J. Fetteroll Editor-in-Chief | Mark Marselli Senior Graphic Designer | Bill Branch Director of Sales | Robert Xeller

This difficult economic cycle has been described by some as the worst period in the past 50 years. Certainly some sectors, such as automotive and housing, are suffering more than others, like medical and defense, but everyone is anxiously waiting for sales to improve and the recovery to get underway. The question is: What will the future hold? Change is a given. Capacity, like payroll, has been removed for cost reasons, and some will be shifted to other regions, and some will be removed completely. Mergers will be used to better position companies, such as the proposed Prysmian-Draka deal that would create the world’s largest cable maker. Further, product enhancements and new product introductions will be evident in all segments as companies work to ensure value for their current and potential customers. The Wire Association International, in many ways, mirrors the industry it serves. We have reduced expenses to offset revenue declines and we have asked a now-smaller staff to do more. We have found ways to take advantage of technology to provide efficiencies and we are constantly evaluating our products for improvement opportunities. One such opportunity, approved by WAI Board of Directors, is the co-location of the Wire Expo event with the National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo. These two events will be run side-by-side on May 12-13, 2009, at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (See p. 26). With the co-located event serving the wire harnessing and electrical wire processing segments, this is a strategic linkage that serves the stakeholders of both shows by providing quality cross-over attendance and a more diverse educational program. I am pleased that we can provide greater value to those that participate in this event, especially considering the difficult economic conditions. And, while the industry landscape continues to evolve, I can assure you that the Association is continuously searching for further improvement opportunities.

Steve Fetteroll WAI Executive Director

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. © 2009 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.

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CALENDAR

CALENDAR Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2009: Electrical Manufacturing Coil Winding & Coating Expo Nashville, Tennessee, USA. This event is to be held at the Opryland Convention Center. Contact: Jo Thurman, tel. 619-435-3629, fax 619-435-3639, jothurman@emcw.org. Oct. 13-15, 2009: Wire Southeast Asia Bangkok, Thailand. To be held at the BITEC Exhibition Centre in Bangkok. Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312-781-5180, fax 312-781-5188, info@mdna.com, www.mdna.com. See p. 32. Oct. 24-27, 2009: Exhibition & Conference for Wire & Cable New Delhi, India. The 9th International Exhibition & Conference for Wire & Cable will present wire and cable, fasteners and springs and more at the Pragati Maidan. Contact: www.intechtradefairs.com. Nov. 2-3, 2009: Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009 Istanbul, Turkey. This biennial conference is jointly

organized by IWMA, CET, ACIMAF and the WAI. Prior conferences were in Bologna, Italy (2007); Prague, The Czech Republic (2005); and Stresa, Italy (2003). Contact: WAI, tel. 203-453-2777, www.wirenet.org. See p. 52. Nov. 8-11, 2009: 58th IWCS Conference™ Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The 58th Annual IWCS Conference will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center. Contact: IWCS, www.iwcs.org., phudak@iwcs.org, tel. 732-389-0990. Apr. 12-16, 2010: wire Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany. To be held at the Messe fairgrounds. Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312-781-5180, info@mdna.com. May 12-13, 2010: Wire Expo 2010 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. To be held at the Midwest Airlines Center, this event includes the WAI’s 80th Annual Convention, trade show and technical program. It will be co-located with The National Electrical Wire

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Sept. 2010: wire China 2010 Shanghai, China. Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312-781-5180, fax 312-781-5188, info@mdna.com, www.mdna.com. May 2011: Interwire 2011 Atlanta, Georgia, USA. WAI returns to the Gerogia World Congress Center for the trade show and the Association’s 81st Annual Convention. Exact dates to follow. ■

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WIRE ASSOCIATION I NT ’L EVENTS For more information, contact the WAI, USA. Tel. 001-203453-2777; fax 001-203-453-8384; Internet www.wirenet.org. Sept. 17, 2009: 15th Annual New England Chapter Golf Tournament Boylston, Massachusetts, USA. Contact WAI’s Chip Marsh, cmarsh@wirenet.org, tel. 203-453-1748.

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Oct. 15, 2009: 8th Annual Southeast Chapter Golf Tournament Conover, North Carolina, USA. Contact WAI’s Chip Marsh, cmarsh@wirenet.org, tel. 203-453-1748. Oct. 26, 2009: 9th Annual Wild West Shootout Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA. Contact WAI’s Chip Marsh, cmarsh@wirenet.org, tel. 203-453-1748. Nov. 2-3, 2009: Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009 Istanbul, Turkey. This biennial conference is jointly organized by IWMA, CET, ACIMAF and the WAI. Prior conferences were in Bologna, Italy (2007); Prague, The Czech Republic (2005); and Stresa, Italy (2003). Contact: WAI, tel. 203-453-2777, www.wirenet.org. See p. 52. May 12-13, 2010: Wire Expo 2010 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. To be held at the Midwest Airlines Center, this event includes the WAI’s 80th Annual Convention, trade show and technical program. It will be co-located with The National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo. Contact: WAI, tel. 203-4532777, www.wirenet.org. May 2011: Interwire 2011 Atlanta, Georgia, USA. WAI returns to the Gerogia World Congress Center for the trade show and the Association’s 81st Annual Convention. Exact dates to follow.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS Prysmian and Draka mull merger With the global backdrop of overall weak cable demand, Italy’s Prysmian has entered into preliminary talks with Draka Holding N.V. (Draka) to consider a possible combination between the two companies. Per a Dow Jones report, Prysmian, whose main shareholder is Goldman Sachs Group, which has a 32% stake, has some 12,000 employees and 53 plants worldwide while Draka has about 10,000 workers and 40 plants. A Bloomberg article cited analysts as favoring the deal. “It makes sense that there’s further consolidation in this fragmented industry,” said Maarten Bakker, an analyst at Fortis Bank Nederland with a “buy” rating on Draka, said the article. “I wouldn’t even rule out Draka coming in sight of other cable makers when Prysmian’s price offers an insufficient premium.” The report noted that buying Draka would boost annual sales by 53 percent at Pirelli & C. SpA’s former cable business, and that Prysmian’s scale would help it bargain for better prices of copper and plastics. In the WJI January 2009 article on the top cable companies, Prysmian was listed as the world’s second largest cable company (Nexans is first) while Draka was listed as eighth. The 2007 cable revenues for the two combined businesses top that of Nexans.

requires a special design to reduce the Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) values. Completion is scheduled for October 2010. “The specific knowledge of the local circumstances in combination with the necessary engineering skills made us successful in acquiring these projects,” said Gert Hoefman, CEO of Prysmian in The Netherlands.

Austria’s Rosendahl celebrates 50th The 50th anniversary of Rosendahl Maschinen GmbH was recently celebrated at an impressive event where more than 150 customers and partners from 25 countries were invited to share the achievement with the Austrian machinery company’s management and employees. Rosendahl, founded in Switzerland in 1959, has been based in Pischelsdorf since the 1960s. In 1997, it came under majority ownership of Knill Technology Holding in Weiz, near Pischelsdorf. Knill CEO Georg Knill and Knill General Manager Siegfried Altmann greeted the guests. Both speakers emphasized the significance of Rosendahl for the international wire industry and pointed out that its decades of investment in technological development has paved the way to Rosendahl’s market-leading position in the wire and cable industry. They observed that continued develop-

Prysmian unit reports 3 contracts Prysmian announced through its Dutch subsidiary the awarding of three new contracts worth about US$26 million to upgrade and develop extra-high voltage power transmission systems in The Netherlands and Germany. A press release noted the following. The first project, with Dutch state-owned power transmission system operator, TenneT, calls for upgrading an existing 380 kV cable interconnection that runs across two canals in the outskirts of Rotterdam. It will require “turn-key service” to provide and install the 13.2 km of underground HV cables with separate optical fibers for temperature monitoring. Completion is scheduled by year’s end. The second project from Eneco and DONG Energy, a Dutch power company and a Danish energy company, respectively, calls for 36.9 km of a 380 kV cable system to connect to a power grid for a new gas-fired power plant to be constructed soon in Rotterdam. Completion is scheduled for May 2010. The third project, to be installed in Germany, calls for 8.4 km of cable to connect to a power grid for a new gasfired power plant the client, Dutch energy company NUON, is about to construct, outside the city of Frankfurt. The project, to employ a 380 kV cable system,

Rosendahl staff celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary included, at left table (l-r), Managing Directors Josef Altmayr, Gerhard Jakopic and Siegfried Tieber.

ment has always been important for the company for it to be able to offer solutions tailored to the increasing demand of customers. In this anniversary year, the office and production facilities were also expanded to 12,500 sq m, which especially benefitted the technical center for R&D, they said. The event included extensive tours of the company, with visitors able to see both the Rosendahl plant in

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

10 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

INDUSTRY NEWS

Pischelsdorf as well as the Knill Group headquarters in Weiz, where company specialists explained the broad range of products. Following the guest tours, Managing Director Josef Altmayr, joined by fellow directors Gerhard Jakopic and Siegfried Tieber, greeted participants once again at the opening of a pavilion that had been erected specifically to offer visitors a stylish dinner in a pleasant ambiance. A local jazz band and humorous entertainment provided amusement and created a relaxed mood.

Rochester Wire & Cable reduces its workforce in Culpeper plant Rochester Wire & Cable, part of Tyco Electronics, has laid off an unspecified number of employees in June at its plant in Culpeper, Virginia. Some 150 people work at the 400,000-sq-ft plant, which manufactures steel wire and electro-optical cable, the Culpeper Star-Exponent reports. It cited a spokesman who said the layoffs were made due to a reduction in product demand. “Back in late fall when we started downsizing, we were forecasting a 16 to 19 percent reduction in sales, and that certainly came to pass. Sales have continued to be soft,” the spokesman said. He added that there were no plans for further layoffs although the company will monitor product demand and adjust to it accordingly. The article said that Rochester was among the area’s top 20 employers, according to a 2008 report from the Virginia Employment Commission. In 2001, the company announced a $10 million expansion to the Culpeper manufacturing operation, adding 35 jobs, it said.

More layoffs likely at Corus plant Tata Steel announced that another 366 jobs at its Corus unit’s Scunthorpe plant may be cut as an effort to adjust workforces to meet steel demand. Corus had previously reported its intention to cut about 2,000 jobs in Britain and The Netherlands, including 500 white-collar jobs at Scunthorpe, part of some 3,500 jobs to be cut worldwide, Reuters reported. Corus, the single largest producer of steel for Tata Steel, one of the world’s largest steelmakers, operated at 60 percent of its 20 million metric ton capacity for the first six months of 2009, the article said. The Scunthorpe plant, part of the long products division, makes sections, wire rods and plates, used mostly in construction.

Continued market weakness to result in further cuts for Sweden’s Sandvik Sweden’s Sandvik, whose operations include Sandvik Materials Technology, which includes wire in a wide range of stainless steel grades and sizes, plans to permanently close 10 production sites as part of a major costreduction program.

AUGUST 2009 | 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

The report in International Longwell News did not cite which plants were to be closed, but the Sandvik website notes that the company produces wire in Spain, Sweden, the U.S. and Brazil. The company has already cut its workforce by some 6,000 jobs since the beginning of the downturn, and noted that another 12,000 to 14,000 people are having work hours cut by 15-20%, with a corresponding salary cut. “The current market situation is very weak, which has a substantial effect on a business like Sandvik’s,” Sandvik President Lars Pettersson said in the report. In it, the company said that low sales and production rates forced the need for the various measures, which are expected to reduce costs by US$766 million. While the short-term outlook is not good for earnings, the report observed that,“… it is satisfying that the favorable trend in cash flow, inventory reductions and demand in parts of the energy sector that we observed in the first quarter are continuing.”

China easily drives by U.S. in setting its latest ‘world best’ hallmark Strong auto sales in June in China helped total sales for the half-year mark easily top that of the U.S., and give the economic giant another claim to fame: most auto sales in the world. An article in Manufacturing.Net, citing a report from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), said that vehicle sales in June in China totaled 1.14 million, up 36.5% from a year earlier. Passenger car sales, it said, at 872,900, had set a monthly record, with first-half year results totaling 6.1 million, up 17.7% Those numbers easily exceeded those of the U.S., where its numbers slid to 4.8 million. The article said that China’s auto sales had been bolstered by a Beijing stimulus package that provided sales tax cuts and subsidies (to trade in older cars and other incentives.) A CAAM statement observed, “It was really hard for our auto industry to achieve such a proud result against a backdrop of general gloom in the international auto industry.” Vehicle sales in China are expected to top 10 million for

the year, and possibly reach 11 million, the article said, while those in the U.S. are not expected to reach 10 million, far short of the 16 million sales in 2007. The Chinese sales, however, have also been a plus for U.S. auto makers, as General Motors Corp. saw its China sales in the first half soar 38 percent from a year earlier and those of Ford rise 14 percent, the article said.

First Ethiopian cable plant launched Euro Cable Plc., announced that it has launched production of electrical cables as a private company, an accomplishment that was described as a first for Ethiopa. An article in the Ethiopian Review said that the factory’s general manager, Saed Ibrahim, noted that the new plant, when fully operational, will have the capacity to produce six metric tons of electric cables a month and have more than 120 employees. The company, with capital of about US$8 million, is a joint venture with Demes Kablo San.Tic.Ltd.Sti, a Turkish company, he said. Ibrahim said in the article that the establishment of the company here in Ethiopia would also help reduce foreign currency expenditure of the country as imported cables are substantially more expensive. He added that the domestic production will also help efforts to expand electricity in the country, contributing to further housing development in the country. Beyond domestic production, Euro Cable Plc will also seek to export cable production, which is being aided by expertise from its Turkish partners, Ibrahim said in the article. The plan is to produce and supply large size cables for telecommunication applications as well as, eventually, for TV antennas, satellite dishes and various telephone installation works, he said.

Environmental concerns are a key to new Baosteel plant in Ganzha District The Baosteel Group announced at its website that, following up on its promise to move its existing plant in downtown Shanghai to ease environmental concerns, it is building a plant in the Ganzha District, Nantong, that will produce 180,000 metric tons of steel a year. A press release said that the company was moving that capacity from its operation in Shanghai, Baosteel Metal No. 2 Corporation, and moving it to the Gangzha District, Nantong, an industrial center in east-central China. The new business, to be called Baosteel Nantong Wire Fabrication Corporation, will produce PC steel wire (170,000 mt) and steel strand (10,000 mt).

Leoni buy related to robotics field

Visitors at a car show in the Guangdong Province in China.

12 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Germany’s Leoni AG announced that it has acquired Valentine Robotics, a U.S. company that provides customized training classes for a variety of automation systems and robots. The move, the company said in a press release, was made to broaden the company’s scope of systems expertise.

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“With (this) acquisition …, Leoni is further expanding its portfolio in the field of innovative, integrated system solutions with a high proportion of engineering and services for industrial robots as well as its position in the North American market,” the release said. It noted that

approximately 350 km of low-voltage (LV) power cables in only five months, with over one hundred different product references. The cables were manufactured by Nexans production facilities in Belgium, located in Dour and Buizingen, it said.

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Leoni AG says it has acquired Valentine Robotics to further diversify the company’s focus beyond automotive. Valentine Robotics has provided its services for technology for companies that include Fanuc, ABB, Nachi, Kawasaki, Motoman, Kuka, Allen-Bradley and others. The release said that Valentine Robotics is active in high-growth niche markets: programming and commissioning of industrial robots, including for the automotive field, a key market for Leoni. It offers turn-key solutions such as image processing and measuring systems as well as related application training. The company, founded in 1996, has some 20 employees. “With (this addition to) the Industrial Solutions business unit of the Wire & Cable Solutions division, we are broadening not only our footprint in North America, but also again our systems expertise,” said Leoni President and CEO Klaus Probst. Valentine Robotics, the release said, has broadened its customer base to include fields such as aviation, food production, metal processing, special machinery making, furniture production and health care sectors. “This therefore underpins Leoni’s strategy of expanding the proportion of its business outside the automotive industry,” it said.

Nexans reports ‘sweet’ cable deal Nexans reports that it has won a US$1.3 million contract to supply low-voltage power cables for a project for the Südzucker Group, a leading European sugar producer. The BioWanze project, a new plant producing bioethanol from wheat and sugar beet, is located in Wanze near Huy sur Meuse (Belgium), and will produce half of the annual bioethanol volume for the Belgian market, or 125,000 cubic meters a year for the next six years, a press release said. It noted that Nexans entered a frame agreement with Siemens NV/SA, the contractor in charge of project engineering and management, for the supply of

14 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Southwire Company has filed suit against two competitors, alleging that they have infringed on one of its patents relating to electrical cable having a “reduced required force” for its installation. An article in the Dallas Business Journal reports that according to court papers, the two companies named in the complaint are Encore Wire Corp., McKinney, Texas, and Cerro Wire & Cable Co., Hartselle, Alabama, a division of Marmon Wire & Cable LLC. Both companies manufacture building wire. The article says that Southwire, which owns more than 400 patents, claims that Encore’s infringement is related to its line of “Super Slick” electrical cables. It added that Cerro is also violating the patent in one of its lines of electrical cables, but the story did not identify which one. WJI sought comments about the case from the companies, but all declined. However, Southwire did provide the following statement: “We invested a significant amount of time and research in developing Southwire’s innovative SIMpull product line, which has changed the way wire is installed. At the same time, we made sure a patent was in place to protect our interests.”

‘Taxing’ press conference leads to other topics for Nigerian cablemaker Speaking recently to media about a tax matter, an official of Nigeria Wire and Cable (NWC) Plc used the forum to ask the government to protect domestic cable makers and end-users, reports The Guardian in Nigeria. “I think this is the time for the government to protect indigenous cable producing companies,” Managing Director Lateef Bakare was quoted as saying in the report. “In doing this, government should ensure total enforcement of all the necessary laws capable of protecting the indigenous cable manufacturing industries, especially by banning importation of domestic cables into the country.” Bakare said that Nigerian cable makers have the capacity to meet cable demand and can also improve their operations, the article said. Further, the imported cables include more counterfeits, a trend that he said that the government should use decisive action to check, it said. While the press conference had been called to discuss a temporary closing of the company over a tax bill, a matter that Bakare had described as unnecessary, he also reported that the company has plans to begin producing fiber optic cable for local consumption.

LS Cable has won a US$200 million order to provide and install a communication network in Iraq. Under the contract from Sinatel, the Korean cable company will set up the network for broadcasting, Internet and fixed-line mobile telecommunication services in several key Iraqi cities by mid-2012, reports the Korea Times. The article cited a company spokesman, Kim Dongyoung, as saying, “The deal is the first struck by a South Korean company in network-related fields in the Middle East. We will further explore African, South American and Eastern European markets.” It noted that LS Cable is focusing on telecom technology for future growth engine projects, especially for emerging markets.

Wire rod line started in China Liaoyang Steel Co. has launched a wire rod production line in Liaoyang, where it is now the city’s largest privately owned steel company, with annual capacity of 800,000 metric tons. Multiple wire reports, citing www.ln.gov.cn, say that the company will focus on special steel products for use in railways and automotive applications. The reports said that the company, founded in 2003,

will have capacity of 500,000 mt of wire rod for its production line from Italy, “which has succeeded (a) test run and started ... service.”

ITC sides with PC strand dumping complaints on 1 of 2 such cases; Chinese say it’s all ‘protectionism’ The United States International Trade Commission has determined that there is a reasonable indication that imports of prestressed concrete steel wire strand from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the U.S. at less than fair value, do represent a material threat to domestic producers. The unanimous vote by the six commissioners means that the U.S. Department of Commerce will now continue to conduct its countervailing and antidumping duty investigations on imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about August 20, 2009, and with a preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about November 3. Even before that ruling, articles in China Daily have criticized three anti-dumping and countervailing investigations into imports of Chinese steel products, claiming

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AUGUST 2009 | 15

INDUSTRY NEWS

LS Cable reports Iraqi cable contract

INDUSTRY NEWS

that the actions stem from rising U.S. protectionism against China. A statement from the Ministry of Commerce expressed its concerns on the protectionism trend. “China is shocked at the frequency of the cases and the strength of the targeting,” the statement said. “These actions are sending the wrong signals about trade protectionism within the United States and to the international community.” In one article, Fu Donghui, identified as a lawyer with the Beijing-based Albright Law Office, said that the U.S. government and industries are showing an inclination of rising trade protectionism since the financial crisis expanded to more industries. “During the economic downturn, the industries usually push the government to adopt remedial measures.” He noted that punitive duties made on certain steel imports from China, “would be a big blow to exporters, who are already faced with dwindling orders.” He suggested that the Chinese government should hold more high-profile talks and negotiations with the U.S. and other governments. The article also cited Ye Yu, identified as a researcher with Shanghai Institute for International Studies, saying that protectionism has been on the rise because the economic downturn has hit the real economy. Steel and automobile sectors have become the new victims of protectionism, he said. The debate is over two cases, the first one, cited above, was filed by U.S. producers of PC strand seeking dumping margins ranging from 140.31 to 314.99%, with an average margin of 223.47%. The second case, yet to be ruled on as of press time, was filed by U.S. producers of wire decking products seeking dumping margins ranging from 116 to 312%, with an average margin of 218%. The two cases, and a third case filed for steel gratings, allege that Chinese exporters have been given significant subsidies.

Italy’s PS Costruzioni reports additional Electrocab contract Italy’s PS Costruzioni Meccaniche Srl announced that it has been awarded another large contract with Electrocab, a well-known UAE cable manufacturer. The contract, a press release said, includes four automatic winding machines, both coiling and spooling. Two of the machines are to be located at Electrocab’s branch in Saudi Arabia, while the other two will go to Cablet Djazair’s plant in Algeria. The contract includes a double-headed spooler for wire AWG 19 to 9, (4 spools per minute, 100 m long), and two automatic coilers for flexible cables from 2 mm to 8 mm, (6.5 coils per minute, 100 m long) and 5 mm up to 16 mm (3 coils per minute, 100 m long)/ solid cables from 5 mm to 10 mm, (3 coils per minute, 100 m long).

16 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

RichardsApex:Thermcraft is new rep RichardsApex has named Thermcraft Inc. as its exclusive worldwide distributor for the lubricant company’s RAQ-TWT2 quenchant. A press release noted that RichardsApex developed the RAQ-TWT2 product in conjunction with Thermcraft Inc. and Tire Wire Technology, specifically for use in Thermcraft’s Patented LQF (liquid quench fluidized bed) system. The LQF technology, it said, offers many advantages over traditional quench technologies. Thermcraft, headed by Thomas Crafton, can be contacted at tcrafton@thermcraftinc.com, www.thermcraftinc.com.

MEPS: global steel output to decline 12% in 2009, some good signs seen U.K.-based MEPS projects that total world steel manufacturing for 2009 will be 1,165 million metric tons, a figure that represents a 12% decline from 2008. In its press release, the company observed that there are some positive signs, although it is uneven in scope from a global view. “Steel stock levels at both the distributors and mills are extremely low. The savage cuts in steel output over the past nine months have partly rebalanced supply and demand by eliminating overblown inventories in the supply chain. Moreover, steel consumers, including OEMs, building and construction companies and distributors were also carrying substantial stocks of their goods and raw materials in the boom market conditions.” Automotive production across the world has showed some improvement, the release said, citing scrappage schemes and tax incentives. Construction demand also appears to be improving in China and some emerging nations, and tax incentives to purchase white goods are also being signaled in several countries, it said. “These should lead to inventory rebuilding and higher real consumption of steel,” the release said. “Construction activity is, however, slow to revive at the moment, despite government investment in infrastructure projects. The impact on steel demand from the building segment will take more time to come to fruition, particularly in the industrialized nations.” MEPS reports that quarterly crude steel production in the 27 EU member states fell to around 30.5 mmt during the first half of this year, a decrease of approximately 43% to 45%. “Some producers are starting up previously closed plants, particularly to produce material for the automotive sector. Steel buyers are starting to reorder because inventories have dropped to very low levels. However, they remain cautious about building up stocks to anywhere near pre crisis levels.” Outside the EU countries, other Western European countries have started to recover, the release said. “As a consequence, we have made a small upward revision to our earlier forecast for steel output in 2009, mainly as a result of improvements in Turkish mill activity.”

Steel output is expected to be 3% lower. A revival in construction in many parts of the region is underway. Government stimulus measures have also assisted in maintaining a reasonable level of demand in these difficult global economic conditions.” ■

AUGUST 2009 | 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

MEPS has upped its forecast for CIS crude steel production in 2009 to 93 mmt, which still represents a decline of 18.6% from the prior year. The NAFTA area has been acutely impacted by the poor global economy, the release said. “Weak market conditions have prompted us to downgrade our previous forecast for crude steel production to just below 83 mmt, (which) represents a decrease of one third on the 2008 figure.” Steel demand, it said, is flat in all the major steel producing nations in the region. “However, we believe that the worst is now past and steel output will begin to turn up in the second half of the year.” South American steel production dropped significantly in the first quarter of this year, but since has seen steady albeit slow improvements, it said. “We now expect 11 million tonnes, down by 23.5% Year-on-Year in supply from local mills in 2009.” In South Africa, the release said, the projection is for steel output in 2009 to be down approximately 10% from 2008. “Some North African markets are picking up, particularly for residential building. This should lead to a better second half performance.” One strong sector is the Middle East, which is expected to see its iron and steel production rise in 2009, the release said. “Ironically, construction demand has fallen across most of the region but new capacity has come on stream and output is being ramped up at existing units." MEPS further added that "Total Asian iron production is forecast to decline by 2% in 2009.

ASIAN FOCUS

ASIAN FOCUS Malaysia supports business zone, updates hydroelectric power project The country of Malaysia is seeking to support investment from outside its borders as well as pursuing a policy of providing power for future needs by hydroelectricy. A move to liberalize rules governing both the financial sector and 27 service sub-sectors has made it more attractive for investors to be active in Malaysia, a trade official observed at a press conference held following a groundbreaking ceremony for a new wire plant in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ). In an article in Malaysia’s The Edge, Malaysia Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said that there has been more contact following

The country of Malaysia is encouraging business growth. policy liberations that have made it easier for foreign companies to invest in the country. Despite the weak global economy, he said that many companies, including those from the West, were more interested to explore opportunities in the 27 recently liberalized service sub-sectors. One key initiative is the PKFZ, which the article noted is a controversial and expensive project that includes open space for factories and warehouses, 512 units of light industrial units and office space and a business-class hotel. One company attracted to the PKFZ was SIMS Copper Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of SIMS Group, which found the location of interest for several reasons, the article said. In it, SIMS Group’ Managing Director Rajiv Singh explained that his company had been looking for a “very efficient logistical solution, which is very important for the copper business as you need to be in and out very quickly.” Singh said in the article that SIMS Copper expects to start production of copper wire in the fourth quarter of this year, followed by copper rod production in the second quarter of 2010. The report said that SMS Copper plans to invest approximately US$28 million over three years, during which it hopes to produce 36,000 metric tons of copper wire and rod. In another account, Singh said that he was also looking at developing markets such as India, ASEAN coun-

tries, the Middle East and Africa despite the current economic woes. “We are okay on the demand side. At our (groundbreaking) event, for instance, there will be 40 to 50 customers flying in from India, and they are 100 percent small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the wire and cable industry,” he was quoted as saying. He added that the company’s location in PKFZ is a plus for delivery of copper sheets as they can be melted into wires and sent the next day. Singh said that global demand for copper now stands at 18 million metric tons and is growing at an annual rate of 3 to 4%. Some 70% of global consumption is used in the form of rod and wires and another 20% in air-conditioning and refrigeration, he said in the article. In other news, the country of Malaysia continues work on expanding hydroelectric power. BERNAMA, a press agency of the government of Malaysia, reports that plans call for an open international tender to be made early next year for a contract to lay submarine cables to ship electricity generated by Sarawak’s Bakun hydroelectric dam to Peninsula Malaysia. In the report, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said the international bidding to lay 675 km of undersea cable from Pueh in Lundu to Tanjung Leman in Mersing, Johor, was required because of the high level of expertise needed for the project. “The first undersea cable is expected to be ready for transmission by end of 2015 and the second by 2017,” he told reporters after attending a briefing on the state’s power generation by officials from Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). The report said that the cable project involves laying a 730 km high-voltage, direct-current transmission line and a 675 km undersea cable for the 2,400 MW Bakun hydroelectric dam. Kui said the dam, which is 90% complete, will start generating electricity in the later part of next year.

Hydroelectric power has been a focus for Malaysia.

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

18 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

JSW focus shifts from flat steel to long products The Business Standard reports that JSW Steel, India’s largest private steelmaker by capacity, is shifting focus to long products as demand for flat steel remains low. In March, the company commissioned a 0.9 million metric ton bar mill in Vijayanagar to take its total long products capacity to 2.5 mtpa, it said. JSW, which has a 0.9 mtpa long steel unit in Salem, has commissioned a 0.6 mtpa wire rod mill the report said. In it, the company noted that, “With the wire rod mill and a bar mill commissioned in March, we plan to increase our long products’ portfolio to 2.5 mtpa. India is a developing nation with a lot of focus on infrastructure. Therefore, this has been a well thought-out strategy.”

China Telecom to upgrade province network The China Telecom Group has signed a long-term strategic cooperation agreement with Shaanxi Province, located in northwestern China, to accelerate the information industry in the province, reports seekingasia.com. Per the report, China Telecom Group has agreed to invest nearly some US$3billion within five years on Shaanxi’s communications infrastructure to improve its comprehensive

information service capability. The telecom giant plans to begin investing in Shaanxi this year to improve the quality of wire and wireless wide band services in the province, it said. Shaanxi was described as a large agricultural province.

Taipower seeks bids for high-voltage cable grid China Post reports that state-run Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) has offered up for bid orders for some US$9 million worth of 345KV super-high voltage cable for the first time ever to domestic suppliers. Bidders for the project, it said, include Hua Eng Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. and Ta Ya Electric Wire and Cable Co., Ltd. Taipower, the article said, used to open the tender to foreign suppliers, but the company has decided to allow only domestic suppliers to join the bid after both Hua Eng and Ta Ya won technical evaluation approval and production certification from the state-run power concern last year. The story added that neither cable supplier met Taipower’s floor price range, so “further negotiations are needed to determine which of them will win the project.” Rising copper prices were cited as a problem in the process. The article noted that the 345KV super high voltage cable, the highest power transmission cable available in Taiwan, is suitable for underground power transmission. ■

AUGUST 2009 | 19

ASIAN FOCUS

ASIAN NEWS BRIEFS

PEOPLE

PEOPLE John Fairchild has joined Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corp. as a technical sales and engineering consultant with the Wire Products Group. He has more than 40 years of experience in wiredrawing, including more than 20 years in wire manufacturing before going to work in sales and engineering for a supplier of ceramic process items for wire. A part of John Fairchild Kyocera North American Group, Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corp. is a manufacturer of technical ceramics for sectors that include the wire and cable industry, with production facilities located in North Carolina. Tree Island Wire Income Fund reports that former President and Chief Executive Officer Theodore Leja will assume the duties and responsibilities of Interim CEO for Tree Island Industries as well as continue to serve on the Fund’s Board of Trustees. He is tasked with re-focusing Tree Island on its core strengths and to guide the company through the current economic climate. He replaces Daniel McAtee. Based in Richmond, British Columbia, Tree Island Industries, owned by the Tree Island Wire Income Fund, produces wire products for a diverse range of construction, agricultural, manufacturing and industrial applications. Industry veteran Lou Arcuri has joined Pinnacle Metals, Inc., as a sales executive, based out of New Jersey. He has more than 45 years of experience in the wire and cold finished bar industry in product design, engineering, production, management and sales. He most recently worked for E.C.D., Inc. Based in Freeport, Illinois, USA, Pinnacle Metals, Inc., supplies cold drawn wire and bar products in stainless steel and nickel alloy grades for a wide range of applications. Elgin Fastener Group (EFG) announced new positions for two current employees and the hiring of a new sales representative. David Schulte has recently been named national sales director, responsible for managing sales representative activity. He most recently held the position of sales manager for Leland Powell Fasteners, a division of EFG. He also has past experience in private business and as a sales representative for

20 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Lou Arcuri

David Schulte

the HVAC industry. Kent Carter is now a sales engineer with national territorial responsibility. He most recently worked in China for 33 months where he developed the Elgin Fasteners International division of EFG. With 26 years of experience in the fastener industry, he has also held sales and manufacturing positions with Ohio Kent Carter Rod Products, another division of EFG. New to EFG is Tim Donahue, named as a technical sales representative. He will handle design and assembly questions in the industrial, automotive and distribution markets nationwide. He has 25 years of sales experience within the fastener industry and has previously worked Tim Donahue for Acument Global Technologies, Textron and Camcar. Based in Versailles, Indiana, USA, Elgin Fastener Group’s operations include four domestic industrial fastener manufacturers. Tim McElhany has joined Tulsa Power, Inc., as an outside sales engineer who will help provide service to customers worldwide. A wire and cable industry veteran, he most recently completed 15 years as a sales engineer and industry manager for Process Control Corporation. He previously worked seven years with Essex in process engineering, and Tim McElhaney eight years with Pirelli as a project engineer. He is a charter member of the WAI’s Southeastern Chapter since its inception. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, Tulsa Power, Inc., provides equipment to the wire and cable, oil and gas, hose, pipe and tube industries. Greg Donato has been chosen for the newly created position of executive vice president of sales operations for Omni Cable. He has more than 25 years of experience in the electrical distribution industry managing inside and outside sales teams, including positions ranging from district sales manager to region vice president. He holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Widener University and has also completed executive training programs at MIT School of Management, Villanova University and Kellogg University. Based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA, Omni Cable, is a distributor of specialty wire and cable. ■

FIBERWATCH

FIBER WATCH Sterlite wins FTTH network contract India’s Sterlite Technologies reports that it has won a contract from Indian telecoms operator BSNL that calls for it to provide a fiber-to-the-home network based on Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology. The contract, a press release said, will enable BSNL to provide high-speed internet, IPTV, VoIP, and other value-added services to about 500,000 subscribers. BSNL, it noted, plans to implement similar FTTH networks covering two million subscribers in 25 other cities across India by 2012. “India is at the crossroads in telecommunication technology, with networks being rolled out for 3G, WiMax, next-generation networks, and FTTH,” said Sterlite Chief Executive Anand Agarwaal. “We believe FTTH will offer subscribers limitless possibilities by serving the requirements of bandwidth-hungry applications and this would revolutionize the way subscribers work, live, and play.” The contract calls for the work to be completed by 2010.

‘Dark fiber’ a selling point for Mexico Telecommunications firms will be able to lease capacity on the fiber optic network of Mexico’s state-run electric utility Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE). In May, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said that CFE would make unused fiber capacity, known as dark fiber, on its 21,000-kilometer fiber optic network available to private investors to boost competition in the telecom sector, said a report in Dow Jones Newswires. That process has now been spelled out, with the ministry and CFE citing the responsibility of each government body in the auction process, specifically the bidding rules, staging of the auction and determining the winners. CET, the report said, has leased excess capacity on a portion of its network to telecom firms since 2007 under a carrier-of-carriers agreement. This process, however, marks the first time that it will offer use of the unused fiber on its network. The article, which did not include projected revenues from the auction, said that analysts believe making the fiber available could help smaller carriers that do not have a national network compete with fixed-line operator Telefonos de Mexico SAB, which has a nationwide network and controls about 86% of fixed phone lines, with 17.5 million lines.

Cambodia and China cite completion of first phase of telecom project Phase 1 of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Information Highway Project in Cambodia was noted in a ceremony by China’s Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Telecom Cambodia. The first phase of the GMS Information Highway Project, started in December 2007 and was completed June 25, 2009, required laying an optical fiber cable over a total distance of

22 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

just under 650 km, with equipment upgrades for the 11 stations as well as the construction of 15 new stations along the route within Cambodia, said a report in www.chinaview.cn. That project has resulted in an optical transmission system in the Mekong Basin that has a high-capacity backbone in addition to interconnection with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, the report said. It said that it will bolster the construction level of basic communication networks of Cambodia and prepare the Cambodian communications industry for further growth. The project has also furthered interaction between countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion, all of which will benefit from the enhanced technology, it said. “I strongly believe that the development of telecommunication sector, GMS-IS, in Cambodia will strengthen the longlasting cooperation between Cambodia and China as well as the cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion for sustainable economic growth and prosperity of all countries in the region,” Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Keat Chhon was quoted as saying.

Squabble over fiber access in Boston results in little progress, harsh words The move to fiber optics for Verizon Communications, which provides FiOS TV and Internet services, has run into problems in some locations where it is difficult to get permissions and/or tax breaks it says are necessary for it to invest in expanding its fiber technology. That situation is the case for the city of Boston, Massachusetts, which one article in The Boston Globe described as “a fiber-optic wasteland.” Verizon has sought to expand its FTTH network to Boston, but the going has been tough, with the company upset over potential changes that could result in additional taxes, the article said. It noted that Verizon is making fiber-optic inroads in New York City, Washington, Pittsburgh, and other big cities, along with smaller cities nearby, including Lawrence and Lynn, but not Boston. The article cited William Oates, Boston’s chief information officer, as likening the city to “a copper hole in the fiber donut.’’ In it, Oates said that Boston is willing to discuss an expedited licensing process for FiOS, but that it has not gotten firm commitments from Verizon. The topic has been a hot one as it strikes residents directly at home. At one blog, frustrated residents said they wanted action. “Honestly, what is taking FiOS so long to get into Boston/Cambridge/Brookline!? We’ve been waiting patiently for years. I would really like to know the truth of why it isn’t yet available in Boston. I’ve heard all kinds of stories, from it costs too much to install (yet Manhattan has FiOS) to (Mayor Thomas) Menino sleeps with Comcast and is not allowing Verizon in. I wish some place had the answer!” A Verizon spokesman was quoted in an article as saying that the company had good relations with the city. ■

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FASTENER UPDATE

FASTENER UPDATE Aerospace fasteners still flying relatively high in parts of the U.S. The aerospace fastener manufacturing industry generates some $6.5 billion in global sales, with nearly half of that production and distribution located in Southern California, states an article from PR Newswire, which notes that the result is a need for more skilled workers in the field. The story said that more than 10,000 people in Southern California are employed by local aerospace fastener manufacturers and distributors. With many of these veteran workers due to retire in the next five to 10 years, that has led to projections that the aerospace fastener industry in Southern California will need 200-400 skilled workers over the next five years, it said. In response, The Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) at El Camino College, Cerritos College, North Orange Community College District, and Los Angeles Community College District have developed a unique training program to assist California-based aerospace fastener manufactures in finding solutions to the skilled worker shortage, the article said. CACT, the article said, teamed with industry partners that include the Industrial Fastener Institute (IFI), Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS), Bristol Industries, B&B Specialties, Click Bond, California Screw Products, LISI Aerospace, Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, PB Fasteners, Cherry Aerospace, and The Young Engineers. The result is an eight-week, for-credit training program that includes a total of 96 hours of industry-paid internship at a local aerospace fastener manufacturer, which allows people with virtually no manufacturing skills to achieve good paying jobs quickly, it said.

2 Anixter businesses are combined to form Anixter Aerospace Hardware Anixter reported that it has combined its Anixter Pentacon and Anixter Eurofast business to unite them under a single company brand called Anixter Aerospace Hardware that will be based in the U.S. with its European headquarters in France. U.S.-based Anixter Pentacon is Anixter’s military/ aerospace fastener distribution arm while Anixter Eurofast is a French-based aerospace fastener distributor. Anixter Aerospace Hardware remains a division of Anixter. A sister company, Anixter Fasteners, represents the company’s industrial (OEM) fastener business. “Because we previously operated as two companies, we feel it is important to present ourselves as unified.” A press release said. “By unifying under a strong, unchanging brand identity, we are simplifying the way we do business with our customers and suppliers.”

24 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

The Aerospace Hardware division has some 375 employees, more than 1,100 customers and 90,000 part numbers from 2,000 suppliers throughout the world, the release said. It added that further information can be found at its new website, www.anixter.com/aerospace.

Fastener event okay despite economy Organizers of FASTENER TECH™ ’09 termed the June 8-10 event in Rosemont, Illinois, USA, a success, with total registration of 1,900 people. FASTENER TECH™ ’09 featured a two-day exhibition with 127 exhibitors, two education seminars, a reception and other networking opportunities, said a press release from the organizers, Fastener Technology International Magazine and the Mid-West Fastener Association. Other trade associations and industry publications that helped organize and put on the event included: ASM Heat Treating Society (HTS); Chicago Metal Finishers Institute; China Fastener; Distributor’s Link magazine; FastenerNews.com; Fastener Training Institute; Fastener World; the Industrial Fasteners Institute; the Los Angeles Fastener Association; the National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA); and the Western Association of Fastener Distributors. The next staging of the fastener event will be in June 2011.

Fastener company may expand in U.S. The fastener industry may be undergoing harsh times, but a German-based fastener company fully expects to expand its U.S. plant in Mayfield Township in Michigan. A report in The County Press said that Kamax LP, part of Kamax GmbH & Co. KG, has the potential to bring more than 250 new jobs to the area over the next five to seven years. Kamax, which manufactures fasteners for the automotive industry, has been shipping U.S.-made products from the U.S. since 1995, when it acquired the operation from bolt manufacturer GB Dupont, the report said. It noted that the parent company, which has more than 2,500 employees in nine countries, also maintains facilities in Troy and Hamtramck. The Mayfield Township facility has some 125 employees, and if “all goes according to plan, … more than 250 jobs could be added locally, with a wide range of skills and salaries…to fill for everything from toolmakers and engineers to purchasing agents and hi-lo drivers,” the report said. The Kamax facility, 134,000 sq ft, is located on a 30-acre parcel next to the Dupont Lapeer Airport, the report said. It added that the company is completing its second phase of expansion with the installation of heat-treating furnaces. The parent company notes that, “With sales of over 420 million euros, we are now one of the leading global suppliers for both the automobile and heavy truck industries.” ■

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Dates set for Wire Expo 2010, co-located trade show to be 2-day event The dates have been set for the next staging of Wire Expo, which will be held May 12-13, 2010, at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The event, which includes the WAI’s 80th Annual Convention, trade show and technical program, will be co-located with The National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo. The WAI’s Fundamentals Course will be held Tuesday, May 10, but all other events will be held on either Wednesday, May 12, or Thursday, May 13. The Awards Breakfast and Opening Reception are both scheduled for May 12. Most exhibitors will be able to move in on Tuesday, May 10, but those who need more time can begin on Monday, May 9. “The WAI Board of Directors are very excited to have the two events side-by-side in 2010 as it enhances the value for attendees as well as exhibitors, which is critical in today’s difficult economic times,” said WAI President Antonio Ayala. “The Wire Expo schedule will be compressed, and as a result, time out of the office and associated expenses will be less.” As in past WAI co-located shows, attendees will be able to visit both events. Further details are being finalized, but the

Volunteer Sp✹tlight This occasional section will provide readers a better idea of what WAI’s committees and board do.

Volunteer spotlight: WAI’s Education Committee The Education Committee is the driving force behind WAI’s technical and educational products and services. The group, which has 16 members, organizes courses and workshops for WAI’s annual convention; develops online learning opportunities, such as WAI’s array of webinars; and produces media such as handbooks and instructional DVDs that are available for sale through the WAI Store. The committee meets twice a year in person and twice more by teleconference, with further work done independently by members of subcommittees for other projects, such as revising the Ferrous Pocket Guide. “I see our mission as putting all our collected knowledge to good use beyond the walls of our own companies,” said chairman Donnie Norton, Phifer Incorporated. “The people on our committee represent a solid collection of experience and expertise from across the industry. When we have discussions, we’re lucky because we get a real variety of opinions. It makes for some lively discussions, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” The committee organizes and updates the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing course, to be held for the seventh time at Wire Expo 2010. Many committee members have also served as Fundamentals instructors. The panel also developed the Production Solutions series of on-floor demonstrations at Interwire and Wire Expo. The practical “how-to” demos give exhibitors another way to communicate directly with customers while helping them learn how to improve their own work processes.

26 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

The group also sets the course for WAI’s expanding stable of online educational offerings. The result was a series of successful webinars that are now offered free to WAI members. “Under the guidance of the Education Committee, WAI’s educational programming has evolved at a rapid pace in recent years,” said WAI Director of Donnie Norton Education Marc Murray, staff liaison to the committee. “We’ve seen the old short courses given at the shows develop into a regular curriculum of core courses. Our first tentative steps into online courses grew into our expanding archive of webinars. And a number of books and technical reports have been published, revised, or updated.” Education Committee Members Donald Dodge, Calmont Wire & Cable Joseph Domblesky, Marquette University Mark Garretson, Bayshore Vinyl Compounds Inc. C. Richard Gordon, Gerdau Ameristeel Katherine Helmetag, Henkel Technologies William Jarae, ArcelorMittal Georgetown Erik Macs, Fine International Corp. Richard Medoff, Ace Metal Inc. Ralph Noonan, Etna Products Inc. (Vice Chairman) Donnie Norton, Phifer Wire Products Inc. (Chairman) Dale Olp, MLP Steel Paul Pawlikowski, Delphi Packard Electric Systems Horace Pops, Horace Pops Consulting Inc. Peter Power, Power Innovative Technology Robert Shemenski, RMS Consulting Inc. Bhaskar Yalamanchili, Gerdau Ameristeel

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August 09 International Technical

Conference Proceedings

WAI NEWS

Dynamic search tool gives online visitors real-time industry data The Virtual Trade Show (VTS) is one of the most convenient and increasingly popular information search tools that WAI offers. This portion of the Association website provides all visitors with online access to the data published in its annual Wire Journal International Reference Guide. Participants can easily choose from numerous search parameters, submit a customized search, and extract real-time information directly from the Association’s files.

Virtual Trade Show (VTS) search page. Unlike general searches, a simple product search using the VTS vertical search tool allows users to sift through more than 1,100 product types ranging from wire and cable

supplies, to machinery, to finished goods with the results indicating the companies that manufacture or supply those products. Similar searches identify companies by geographical location and business type, right down to zip or postal codes. Another helpful feature is the ability to use multiple search parameters to further refine search results. Results pages provide a list of the companies that match the supplied parameters. One additional click reveals contact information, web site links, and further detail about each company. “We’ve seen a 10% increase this year in the unique visitors to the VTS site and a great deal of interest when we demonstrated it earlier this year,” said WAI’s Marketing Services Director Janice Swindells. “It is a powerful tool to find products and the companies that make them throughout the world. It’s easy to use. And because the company profiles are updated as changes happen, the VTS product is always vibrant.” Product banner ads are offered within the search result pages of the VTS where ads can be linked directly to the advertiser’s web site. “Savvy advertisers are taking advantage of the prime ad locations that exist on the results landing pages,” Swindells said. Free profiles can be created online at http://www.wirenet.org/vts/admin/search.cfm. For more information about advertising, contact Bob Xeller or Anna Bzowski at bxeller@wirenet.org or abzowski@wirenet.org, respectively.

Wanted: industry professional for Wire Link Traveling Scholarship program The WAI is seeking applicants for the Wire Link Traveling Scholarship, a program that sends a wire professional to Europe where the winner can see how different companies operate as well as attend the wire Düsseldorf show. The WAI is looking for ambitious wire professionals who have been employed for at least three years in the wire and cable (or related) industries, including manufacturers and suppliers. The program alternates between a U.S. representative going to the U.K., and a U.K. representative going to the U.S. through the program’s co-sponsor, the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers of England. The 2010 scholarship will be awarded to the candidate who best demonstrates to the judges how the award will help him or her grow professionally, gain a broadened

knowledge of the industry and share those benefits with his or her company. All expenses will be met by the sponsors during the trip to the U.K. The only cost on behalf of the employer will be the employee’s time in relation to the overseas stay and travel to and from the departure airport. Candidates must be: involved in the wire and cable or related industries; employed full-time in the U.S. for at least three years with a U.S.-based company; and a Wire Association International member in good standing at the time of application and travel. Applications must be sent to the WAI by December 1. For more details, along with rules, regulations and an application form, visit WAI’s website at: http://www.wirenet.org/technical/wirelink.htm. ■

AUGUST 2009 | 29

CHAPTER CORNER

CHAPTER CORNER Midwest Golf Tournament: elements added up to an all-around success The combination of a good golf course, cooperative weather and lots of camaraderie could only result in one outcome: “It was an excellent day for golf,” event co-chair Kevin Sopczak of Leggett & Platt Shaped Wire said of the WAI Midwest Chapter’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament, held Monday, June 15, 2009, at the St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago, Illinois. “Not only was the weather great,” he said, “We had a better turnout than expected with 52 golfers!” The scramble format tournament turned in several low team scores, with the first place team of Dane Armendariz, Michael Brewer and Dave Dohman of Henkel Corp along with Michael Malwitz of Metal-Matic, Inc., turning in a tourney best score of 60. The individual prize winners included Closest-to-the-Pin shotmaker John Knoch of JOMB Corp., Britt Stone of Fort Wayne Metals who launched the Longest Drive, and Putting Contest winners David Gillespie of Krueger Steel & Wire, Jim Thome of Charter Steel, Doug Hoersten of Shaped Wire and Rod Tucker of Fort Wayne Metals. “The Midwest Chapter outing was a huge success,” said Chapter President John Kukalis of Henkel Corp. “There is no other way to put it. Everyone left with a gift and a smile on their faces. There was a lot enthusiasm and the upbeat attitudes around the course which allowed us to put aside the economic struggles for a day and just enjoy.” Tournament support in the form of company sponsorships including $10,000 hole-in-one sponsor Fort Wayne Metals and Closest-to-the-Pin sponsor AIM, Inc., as well as hole sponsors D & S Wire, Inc., Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc., Henkel Corp., Krueger & Co., Inc., Sonoco Crellin and Worth Steel and Machinery, Inc. “I want to thank all of the companies in our region that sponsored our outing,” said Kukalis. “They are key to making this chapter run and really do a great job all year round in support of this industry.” The real beneficiary of the tournament is the WAI Midwest Chapter Scholarship Fund, which, in conjunction with the Wire Foundation, provides two $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors whose parent or guardian is a WAI Midwest Chapter member in good standing.

Sponsorship opportunities remain for New England Chapter golf tourney The WAI New England Chapter will have a new setting for its 15th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 17, 2009: the Mount Pleasant Country Club in Boylston, Massachusetts. The scramble format tournament will include a variety of skills contests, from the elusive $10,000 hole-in-one and the long and accurate drive opportunities, to the closest-to-the-

30 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

From l-r, 2008 Tourney Co-Chairman Mike Mathiasen and the winning Davis-Standard team of Chris Johnson, Ken Deremiah, Rick Stannard and Mark Daniels. pin shots and popular chipping and putting contests. Exclusive sponsorship opportunities exist for all of the skills contests, the snack shack and pre-tourney breakfast, among others. Non-exclusive corporate hole sponsorships will continue to be available for $100 for companies looking to gain exposure at the event. Tourney fees remain at $135 per golfer and include greens fees, cart, driving range, breakfast and the awards dinner. The day will begin with check-in and continental breakfast at 8:15 a.m., with the shotgun start set for 9:30. Following the day’s golf, the chipping and putting contests will take place as well as the reception and awards dinner. The tournament will continue to support the WAI New England Chapter Scholarship Fund with raffle prizes and drawings. Prize donations are encouraged to help ensure a great variety of prize opportunities as well as to ensure the continued excellent support of the scholarship program. A block of 20 rooms will be held until Sept. 3, at a $59 per night rate, single or double, at the Boston Marlborough Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, located about 15 minutes away from the course. Call 508-480-0015 for a reservation, and mention your involvement with the WAI New England Chapter. The registration form is available as a downloadable pdf at www.wirenet.org/members/chapters/ne.htm or by contacting WAI’s Chip Marsh at cmarsh@wirenet.org or tel. 203-453-1748.

Southeast Chapter faces a new challenge for its golf tourney The WAI Southeast Chapter will hold its 8th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 15, 2009, on a new course at the same great location. The event switches this year to the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed course at Rock Barn Golf and Spa in Conover, North Carolina, the site of the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour Greater Hickory Classic. “We are really excited to be playing the Jones course this year,” said Chapter President Steve Vannais of Davis-

Western Chapter has set October 26 as the date for its annual golf tourney WAI’s Western Chapter will travel to Rancho Palos Verdes, California, where members and guests will challenge the Los Verdes Golf Course (www.losverdes.americangolf.com). The October 26 event, the chapter’s 9th Annual Shootout, begins with a 9:30 am check-in and warm-up, with tee off starting at 10 am, followed by the reception and a Western BBQ dinner and awards presentation. Players can sign up as teams of two or four or individually for the best-ball scramble format event. The $90 registration fee covers the full day, including greens fees, range balls, cart and awards dinner. A range of sponsorships are available, including premium sponsorships, such as the $10,000 Hole-in-One hole, and skill contents such as the Most Accurate Drive, Closest-tothe-Pin Hole (3), Long Drive and putting challenge. Corporate hole sponsorships are also available for $100 each. Items for raffle prize drawings also encouraged. All sponsors get recognition at the tournament, in the WJI, and on signage at the course. For more information, e-mail Shootout Chairman Michael Howard at michael.howard@coastwire.com or call him at tel. 310-639-9473, or contact WAI’s Chip Marsh at cmarsh@wirenet.org, tel. 203-453-1748. ■

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CHAPTER CORNER

Standard. “It will offer morer of a challenge, yet should also be even more fun.” The day begins with check-in and box lunch at 11:00 a.m., followed by the high noon shotgun start. After the golf concludes, there will be an awards reception and dinner where prizes will be presented to the winning teams and contest winners. The $130 registration fee covers the entire day’s activities, and non-golfers are encouraged to join in on the reception and dinner for $35. A variety of exclusive sponsorships are available for the skills contests, beverage cart, lunch and dinner, as well as the non-exclusive corporate $100 hole sponsorships. Raffle prizes are encouraged. All sponsors are recognized at the course, in the WJI wrap-up article and on course signage. “The companies who support the tournament through their sponsorships are greatly appreciated,” said tournament cochair Tim McElhany of Tulsa Power, LLC. “They really help make the day enjoyable for all who attend.” Deadline for registration is October 8, 2009. For more information contact Steve Vannais at tel. 704-7992258, svannais@davis-standard.com; or Tim McElhany at tel. 864- 223-6146, tmcelhany@tulsapower.com. For information and registration forms, go to the Southeast Chapter webpage at www.wirenet.org/members/chapters/ southeast.htm or contact WAI’s Chip Marsh at cmarsh@wirenet.org or tel. 203- 453-1748.

FEATURE In Bangkok, dignitaries gather before the official opening of wire Southeast Asia in 2007.

wire Southeast Asia 2009: Bangkok venue is a plus Organizer Messe Düsseldorf has high hopes that positive direction and action in Thailand will make the October 13-15 return to the BITEC Exhibition Centre in Bangkok a good one for wire Southeast Asia, which will once again be co-located with Tube Southeast Asia. The combined events will feature more than 300 exhibiting companies, including national groups from Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, U.K. and U.S. “With the recovery of the global economy in sight, the role that Asia will play in this impending recovery is becoming increasingly apparent by the day,” a press release said. “Put simply, Asian countries such as Thailand will be responsible for the major proportion of global growth in the immediate and long-term future as the world rises up from recession and, importantly, countries that have strong manufacturing bases will continue to attract investments and grow stronger.” It notes that manufacturing in Thailand represents about 40% of the country’s GDP, compared with 25% in emerging Vietnam, and approximately 28% in neighboring Malaysia. “Forecasts point to a 42% contribution in Thailand by 2012, while economists expect growth in manufacturing to return in the second half of 2009 and continue through 2010. Thailand’s manufacturing sector is anticipated to do

32 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

particularly well in 2011 and 2012 when growth in output is forecast to reach and then exceed the long-term average. The smart operators will thus be looking to invest in new capital equipment and machinery sooner rather than later. They will do so in anticipation of a firm recovery in 2010 led by exports.” Long-term forecasts, meanwhile, continue to point to Thailand expanding its role as a key base for global vehicle manufacture and supply backed up by an increasingly diverse and competent multi-tiered component supply segment, and the government is doing its utmost to facilitate this. Thailand, the release said, is noted for its strong manufacturing base and mega infrastructure projects particularly in the transportation, telecom and public utility sectors. The country is a key entry point into developing Indochina markets such as Vietnam and hence, locating in Bangkok presents regional opportunities for exhibitors, it said, adding that Thailand and Vietnam have also actively sought multinationals by tax incentives and the opening of its markets, thus providing opportunities for more manufacturing clusters to be set up. One positive aspect is that capital investment is expected to rebound from a second infrastructure-focused Thai

AUGUST 2009 | 33

FEATURE

government financial stimulus package valued at US$44 billion, a press release said. It noted that the investment is expected to create 1.6 million jobs over three years starting in 2010. Some of the projects include U$32 billion for infrastructure development, and when investment plans of state enterprises such as energy giant PTT are included in the stimulus package, there will be from US$19 billion to US$25 billion invested each year for the next three years, it said. The release noted that investment applications during January and February 2009, for example, totaled US$3 billion from 141 projects. Organizers hope the 2009 event will match the successful 2007 wire Southeast One action that should bolster Asia show. infrastructure investment is the approval by the National Economic and Social Booth Descriptions Development Board (NESDB) of the second development For booth locations see the Show Program phase of Suvarnabhumi Airport, the release said, noting at the event. that the US$2.12 billion construction project will take place from 2009 to 2014. Thailand also expects to see AESA S.A./Switzerland considerable investment in power plants, on average one A leader in cable measuring technology, AESA Cortaillod or two large power generating units constructed every will show its comprehensive line of test equipment for both year for the next 15 years, it said. Further, Thailand’s high-tech LAN/data-,coaxial and telephone cables. This Board of Investment (BOI) is supporting foreign direct includes automatic test equipment for parameters of alien investment in the Kingdom in six key industries, includcross talk. For energy cables, information for AESA’s coming broadcasting and telecom equipment, rail (including plete offering of on- and off-line material saving resistance electrification), and steel pipe. measurement equipment will be available. The most special The release said that regional activity is also good, with adapted quality management system for the cable industry, the Malaysian government’s US$16.2 billion stimulus the CIQ including the online data acquisition system package, that is expected to promote investment in power SoftDLC will also be demonstrated. projects generation, transmission and distribution projAjex & Turner Wire Dies Company/India ects. A significant portion of Indonesia’s U$6.3 billion Ajex & Turner Wire Dies, a pioneer in manufacturing stimulus package has been allocated to infrastructure wiredrawing dies in PCD/ND/carbide, also supplies diaprojects and rural development programs encompassing mond tools, ceramic tools, die polishing machines, lubrisuch areas are roads and irrigation; and Vietnam is giving cants. Visit the company’s booth (G-07) and see all of its priority to its shipbuilding industry in its stimulus packproducts and discover the wire and cable-related solutions age. “Demand for wire and tube products in these that are Ajex & Turner’s forte. Southeast Asian nations, therefore, is anticipated to be strong,” it said. Alliance Technology Co. Ltd./Thailand Some 8,000 trade visitors are expected for the combined Suppliers of machinery complete with technical assiswire and tube events, the release said. The events will be tance for the wire and cable industry. It supplies continuopen from 10:30 am to 6 pm on October 13 and 14 and ous casting line, drawing machines, stranding machines, from 10:30 am to 5 pm on October 15. Visitor registration extrusion line, measuring and testing equipment. is now open and visitors can pre-register online at either Anbao (Qinhuangdao) Wire & Mesh Co. Ltd./China www.wire-southeastasia.com or www.tube-southeastaAnbao is a leading manufacturer and exporter of steel sia.com. For exhibitor information, contact Beattrice Ho, wire and wire product in China. It specializes in exporting Senior Project Manager, Messe Düsseldorf Asia Pte Ltd., various kinds of high-quality wire and wire mesh prodin Singapore, at tel. 65- 6332-9620, wire@mda.com.sg, ucts, including: galvanized wire, black annealed wire, rewww.wire-singapore.com. drawn galvanized wire, stainless steel wire, cable armoring wire, ASCR wire and strand, Galfan wire, spring

FEATURE

wire, PVC and nylon coated wire, CHQ wire, welding wire, various nails, woven wire mesh, welded wire mesh, hexagonal wire mesh, decorative wire mesh, knitted wire mesh, demister, folding wire container, wire mesh belt and other wire related products. Anhui Changjiang Jinggong Wire & Cable Machinery Co. Ltd./China ACJ, a leading company specializing in R&D and the manufacture of machinery and equipment for electric wires and cables in China, provides various types of stranders (planetary, rigid and tubular); a drum twister laying up machine, a copper rod drawing machine; an aluminum or aluminum alloy rod drawing machine, and extruders and relevant auxiliary equipment. AWCMA/Austria The Austrian Wire and Cable Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (AWCMA), which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary, has 20 member companies, 11 of which will exhibit at Bangkok. The Austrian Pavilion, jointly organized with WKO (Austrian Federal Economic Chamber), will host 12 companies in total. AWCMA will present information on Austrian companies and their products, particularly non-exhibiting member companies. Beta LaserMike/U.S. Beta LaserMike will present its complete line of products, including its: DataPro series industrial process controllers, which offer automatic process control, touchscreen navigation, tolerance checking and alarms, SPC and printing, and data logging; its AccuScan 5000 series diameter gauges, with capability of 2400 measurements per second, unique facet calibration enabling accurate highspeed scanning flaw detection; LaserSpeed, which measures both forward and reverse from zero speed, enhancing length measurement accuracy to better than 0.05%; and new for 2009, Centerscan 2000, a noncontact eccentricity gauge that combines optical and magnetic technology to measure diameter and eccentricity of insulation. Also, preheaters, spark testers, capscans, lump and neck detectors and ultrasonic gauges, SRLPro and BenchMike. Britx Wire Rope Ind. Corp./Taiwan Britx Wire Rope Ind. Corp., founded in Taiwan in 1987, is a well-known rope manufacturer focusing on high-quality products in various fields including industrial rope, control cable for automobiles, elevator ropes, etc. Currently 34 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

more than 70% of its products are for overseas markets and annual production capacity exceeds 35,000 tons. Certifications: ISO 9001, JIS G 3525 and ISO/TS 16949 C.M. Caballé, S.A./Spain C.M. Caballé, which provides a wide array of stranding, twinning, bunching and cabling machinery, is constantly developing new, high-quality equipment to meet the everchanging needs of the wire and cable industry. At wire Southeast Asia, it will highlight the following products: upgraded rigid stranders and drum twisters for HV energy cables (Milliken conductors); a new range of double-twist stranders to manufacture compacted conductors of Cu and Al up to 400 sq mm; a new design of tubular closers for reels up to 1250 mm for steel ropes; high-speed bow skip stranders; and its latest improvements in existing stranders for all type of cables. Candor AB/Sweden Candor AB specializes in processes and equipment for the surface treatment and metal finishing industry. It supplies both single- and multi-strand systems for ferrous and nonferrous materials, having supplied over 300 plants to more than 25 countries. It will highlight technology for: plating of brass, copper, chromium, nickel, silver, tin and zinc on ferrous and nonferrous wire; single- and multistrand cleaning systems, including its patented Candojet hot water cleaning system for high wire speeds in line with drawing process and its Copperjet system for highspeed, copper-coating of carbon welding wire; and pickling lines using hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, in line with hot dip galvanizing, phosphating and electroplating. Condat/France Condat will display its extensive range of lubricants covering all the industrial needs in the field of wire rod, cold rolling, wiredrawing, and drawing of bars and tubes with wellknown brand names such as: VICAFIL®, one of the industry’s largest ranges of lubricants for wiredrawing applications; STEELSKIN®, very specific high-tech dry lubricants; GALVASMOOTH®, for galvanizing wires for hot-dip processes; and CONDACLEAN, a range of cleaners for all applications. Also, new dry draw-

CPA/Austria Founded in 1977 as CPA Wire Technologies GmbH, CPA provides engineering and construction services for the galvanic plating of wires and belts, as well as take-up and payoff systems and automated solutions for the wire industry. Due to its unique plating technology, plated wire products of unprecedented quality can be produced at considerable cost savings. Its technology to be displayed includes: plants for the galvanic plating of wires used in the production of steel tire cord, hose-wire, bead-wire, etc.; its newest takeup and payoff equipment; double-twist cabling machines; automatic bath analysis, dosing and control system – ABACS; and software: IMPERIO Control system. Daloo/China Daloo offers low-cost self-traversing take-ups and payoffs ranging from 1600 mm up to 3600 mm. Machines are equipped with AC motors for reduced maintenance, such as two-gear motors with brake and screw for easy handling during loading and unloading reels operation. The heavy-duty framework enables machine rolling on rails placed on the ground and supports the control panel, a user-friendly solution for practical operator control on the two sides of the machine. The take-up has two vertical rollers with adjustable width and horizontal roller. Daloo, one of the first low-cost wire and cable machinery manufacturers in China and rich in European experience, is a new autonomous company that was launched by the Gauder Group in 2008. Eder Engineering GmbH/Austria With more than 60 years of experience and a website that presents information in six languages, Eder Engineering offers the wire and cable industry efficient standard, semiautomatic and fully automatic machines for both the reconditioning and production of ultrahard precision tools made from tungsten carbide, natural diamond and synthetic PCD, drawing dies, as well as technical assistance for all Eder die-tool working equipment. It will also have

Exhibitor perspectives Moving the show to Bangkok was an improvement, both in terms of the quality and quantity of attendees. This is definitely a show for Southeast Asia. The last show was held before the global economic meltdown, so it is hard to predict what this show will be like. We are not expecting a lot of visitors but hope to be surprised. Some Southeast Asian economies, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and The Philippines, are not doing too badly, expecting modest growth of 2.5-4%. Unfortunately, the IMF is predicting negative growth for Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore in 2009, and those countries are where most of the visitors to this show normally come from. Still, one or two good, new contacts can pay the cost of attending. Plus, there is no better way to stay in touch with current customers in the area than a face-to-face meeting at a venue like this. Fort Wayne Wire Die, Inc. For Gimax, this is the first time we are exhibiting at this show. We are continuing our presence in the major shows in India and China as we have always done in the past, and we are investing in forms of advertising in general in this period in order to further strengthen or confirm our position on the market in Southeast Asia in general. We were always present at the old Singapore wire show, but when that show died its own natural death, we were left without a substitute. We feel that this show in Bangkok could well replace the Singapore show. We have numerous customers in the area and we will be inviting many to come to see us. We will judge future participations by the reaction of our customers to the show. Gimax Group. Enkotec has been participating in the wire Southeast Asia show since the ‘80s, because we see this region becoming more and more important within the fastener business, as emphasized by our current order for Indonesia. Even though the current business climate is far from ideal, we will be participating in the 2009 event, not with the highest expectations for getting business in the short run, but more for the long haul and to show our dedication to the industry. There seems to be some light at the end of the “crisis tunnel” now, and we trust that this will have a positive effect on the number of people attending the show and, more importantly, will soon lead to investment picking up within the nail business. Enkotec A/S. wire Southeast Asia has always been an important venue to keep updated with the latest trends on the Asian market. It has always shown a big interest in our products. Despite the global financial meltdown we expect the same situation this year, especially since we are introduc-

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ing lubricants to meet new regulations, without borax, or with very limited amounts.

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ing some new machines such as an automatic precision layer winder for welding wire and a new no-twist coiler (pail packing machine). Lämneå Bruk AB. We really appreciated wire Southeast Asia in Bangkok in 2007. The show was quite technical, with a lot of European participants. Show attendance was good, with people coming from India and China, and the organization was very good. For 2009, we hope to have the same attendance, even if it seems to be complicated with the actual situation. There are actually a lot of investments in China, India and Vietnam, and Bangkok is well situated in between those three countries, so we hope to meet contacts who have new projects in those countries. Condat. information on ancillary equipment, diamond powders, pastes, suspensions, grinding pins and more.

We have participated at the wire Southeast Asia exhibitions for more than a decade, since the first one was held in Singapore. We had good results at the last venue, in 2007, when it was moved to Bangkok, although the economy was at its best at that time. We still feel positive about returning there for 2009. In spite of the tough economic conditions worldwide, the Southeast Asia markets are still doing better than other regions. We expect visitors from Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, and even from China and other Asian countries. Esteves Group. The market in this area has been up and down over the decade. We have seen a good increase in demand at the 2007 show, where more than 50 customers stopped at our stand. At this time, expectations have to be put in perspective in view of the financial crisis. However, past success coupled with some returning demand, especially for energy cables, are reasons enough to justify our participation. We believe that Maillefer’s advanced technology will continue to draw customer interest. Maillefer SA.

Enkotec AS/Denmark Enkotec will demonstrate its brand new MI01 nail machine model, for producing nails with shanks from 2.33.8 mm and lengths from 50-90 mm at speeds to 1,000 nails per minute. The MI01 machine, intended for small and midsize capacity needs, features Enkotec’s latest production technology, such as a tooling ring that uses a reduced number of dies. The machine features a simple and sturdy transmission system, mainly based on belt drives, with a more mechanical adjustment set-up than Enkotec’s high-capacity NX models. The MI01 is user-friendly with an ergonomic working height, foot-controlled wire feeding, easy access for cleaning and service, efficient active nail ejection, and possible connection to exhaust ventilation. Erocarb SA/Switzerland Erocarb SA is a provider of crossheads and tooling for the wire and cable, pipe and tube industries. The company will present its extrusion equipment for various applications including: insulation, sheathing/jacketing, fillingsheathing, triple layer CV line or dry silane, flat ribbon insulation, medical and irrigation tube. It will demonstrate the advantages of its short conical crossheads, achieving a high concentricity in fixed-centering and an ingenious fine tuning processes. A complete range of accessories allowing huge time savings during start up will also be shown during the exhibition. Esteves (Shanghai) Diamond Dies Co. Ltd./China The Esteves Group is present in more than 90 countries worldwide. Strategically located fully equipped factories

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FA.IN.PLAST - Faraotti Industrie Plastiche Srl/Italy Fainplast produces thermoplastic and crosslinkable halogen-free, flame-retardant compounds (LSZH). Energy, telecom, marine, safety, photovoltaic cables and fiber optics are some of the many applications for which Fainplast compounds can be used. Fainplast also produces specialty PVC, PE and PP compounds for cables and tubes manufacturing. Its advanced R&D laboratory develops daily specific grades according to customer request. FLYMCA Sl/Spain FLYMCA produces new rotating equipment for the cable industry. Its range includes stranders (rigid, tubular, planetary and bow); double-twist bunchers; drum twisting lines, payoffs and take-ups; capstans, caterpillars; taping heads; and more, to produce cables for power, telecom, instrumentation, steel, offshore, umbilical, etc. It offers high technology, heavy designs, low maintenance, and

E-mail: fukaseco@ja2.so-net.ne.jp http://www.fukase.co.jp

easy/operator minded functioning. Also, second-hand equipment for wire and cable industry all over the world. Fort Wayne Wire Die/U.S. Along with showcasing its full line of diamond wiredrawing dies, FWWD personnel will provide details about the company’s unique die inventory management program. It is designed around the customer’s operation and expected die life cycles, the goal being to maximize die utilization by managing the inventory to demand. The company’s cost-effective, die-recutting services optimize ROI for customers, extending die life through timely, precision recutting, increasing the number of recuts and decreasing the need for new die purchases. FWWD staff will also be prepared to discuss the numerous cost-efficiency benefits of its matched elongation die sets for high-speed multiwire drawing applications.

Sk Bldg #1 2- 6 -1 Hamada Mihama -Ku Chiba Bhiba-Ken 261-0025, Japan FAX 81-43-276-0463 TEL 81-43-276-0630

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in the U.S., North and South America, Europe and Asia bring the Esteves Group close to the customer. Over the past 100 years, the Esteves Group has earned a reputation for innovation, precision, quality and value in the field of wire die manufacturing. It constantly strives to adapt its products and services to the latest requirements of a changing market.

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T Fukase & Co. Ltd./Japan The Nami Jet Wipe will be demonstrated using a specially built unit to show the path of the air used to remove the liquid from the wire/cable passing through it. Its efficient wiping performance exceeds line speed 400 m/min. By using its extended exhaust pipe, the wiped liquids drain off directly to the undertrain silently and it does not cause mist to appear around the wiping area. Gauder Group/Belgium Gauder Group is among the world leaders with technology from its Pourtier and Setic rotating machines developing innovative solutions for the production of telecom and power cables. These include LV, MV, high and extrahigh voltage (Milliken) power cables, OPGW cable, LV electric cords and cables, LAN cable, magnet wires, telephone cable, loose tube, tight buffer and ribbon, as well as proposing services and high technology bows. The Group is also a leader in second-hand machines for all wire and cable works with its Gauder 1000+ resale equipment on offer. GCR Eurodraw/Italy GCR Eurodraw will present literature and computer presentations of its wide range of equipment for the ferrous wire industry. GCR representatives will be available to provide detailed information about GCR products and services. It is a major supplier of plant and machinery for production of bare and plated steel wire and cord; in particular steel cord for radial tires, a sector in which GCR is a worldwide leader, with advanced design and integrated production processes. Also, machinery and complete plants for production of PC and PHC wire and PC strand, hose wire, bead wire, wire ropes, welding wire, staple wire and stainless steel wire. It will be joined by its associated company, DEM, at the Italian Pavilion. Gimax Group/Italy Gimax will present its full range of technology with videos, brochures, etc. As this is an important show, the

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company will have two Gimax staffers there (as well as local representatives) the entire time to offer constant and immediate response to any visitors to the company’s booth. One system to be promoted is Gimax’s digitally controlled respooler model, Polidigital (pictured), which is a very compact unit, a highly competitive and extremely versatile system as it can handle a range (size and type) of wires, far greater than other machines on the market. Gwo Lian Machinery Industry Co. Ltd./Taiwan Established in 1968, Gwo Lian designs and constructs payoffs, rod cleaning preparation, drawing machines, spoolers, take-ups, drawing accessories and services. It offers complete turnkey plants for metal wire from 45 mm to 0.25 mm. Cold-rolling advantages include: small wire diameter production; increased wire production and efficiency; longer wire production runs (around 3,000 to 5,000 tons); fewer line stoppages; reduction in lubricant consumption/pollution; reduction in power consumption; and higher working speeds. Hefei Smarter Import & Export Co. Ltd./China Hefei provides better service to overseas customers. It is specialized in selling cable machinery and providing professional technique consultation. It has a commercial and cooperative relationship with more than 30 companies in over 20 countries, selling products such as: continuous casting and rolling machines, drawing machines, bunching machines, rigid frame stranders, tubular stranders, planetary stranders, drum twisters, extrusion lines, armoring and screening machines, etc. Hsiang Chuan Machinery Co. Ltd./Taiwan Hsiang Chuan has specialized in producing and developing braiding machines for more than 35 years. Its product range includes: pipes; high/low pressure hoses; safety conducting cord; cotton thread; electrical cord; stainless steel wire; steel wire; copper wire; fiber wire; nylon wire; and imitation gold thread. India Steel Works Ltd./India An ISO 9001 certified company, India Steel uses worldclass equipment to produce high-grade steel/stainless steel. It has a customer base in several countries and a growing domestic market too. The company aims to be the largest producer and exporter in India of high-grade steel/stainless steel products. International Machtronic Co. Ltd./Taiwan International Machtronic’s main products are SFS extrusion lines and FEP extrusion lines. The company has eight mechanical designers and two electrical designers, hence its ability to meet customers’ requirements for quality, service, and trust.

ISA TECHNOLOGY PTE Ltd/Singapore ISA is a respected regional distributor of products for the automation, photonics and wire industries. It is a partner of Germany’s Uhing, the originator of the Rolling Ring Principle (friction converts the constant rotation of a plain round shaft into a recriprocating motion). ISA offers quality products such as linear traversal units, capable of fine pitch adjustment with high dynamics at reversal points; linear drive nuts that are backlash free and quiet in operation; and fast action clamping systems for rolls and spools. Kyoeisha Chemical Co. Ltd./Japan Kyoeisha Chemical’s metal processing chemical agents are widely used in the plastic forming process including pipe stretching, wiredrawing, metal rolling, press working and forging. The machining process includes cutting, grinding and polishing, and the surface treatment process includes degreasing and rust prevention. Kyoeisha Chemical has earned a significant share in the Japanese market for chemical products used in the plasticity-based processes such as pipe stretching and wiredrawing. Lämneå Bruk AB/Sweden Lämneå Bruk specializes in the design and manufacture of machines for the ferrous and stainless steel wire industry. It is a reliable supplier of payoffs, mechanical descaling equipment, drawing machines and take-up units. For the solid welding wire industry, it supplies complete lines, including payoffs, cleaning equipment, drawing machines, copper coating and take-ups. For flux/metal cored wire, it supplies strip rewind lines, strip payoffs, forming-filling-closing machines, drawing machines and take-ups. Also, high-speed rewinding lines, including a new automatic precision layer and drum packer (no twist coiler) for both solid and tubular wire. Finally, for low/high carbon and stainless steel wire, it supplies rotating and/or over head payoff systems, mechanical cleaning units (for carbon wire), drawing machines and take-ups. Maillefer SA/Switzerland Maillefer will exhibit manufacturing solutions for wire and cable such as its optimum CV line curing components for high-energy cables, a talc-free solution for building wire, and the Supersteam system for rubber cables. From the fiber optic team, there are lines for tight buffering, secondary coating, SZ stranding and jacketing. It will present its catalog, which includes telecom cable

equipment for multi-layer striped LAN constructions and micro coax cable with insulated wires as thin as hair. Medek & Schoerner GmbH/Austria Medek & Schoerner will present its range of cable marking equipment and optical fiber coding systems. These include: top performance optical fiber color coding systems, including ring marking, tight buffering, prooftesting, etc.; fiber ribbon production line, including inline coloring, tandem ribbon take-up; hot-foil meter/ footage marking; ring markers; gravure printers; custom cable marking systems; UV coating systems for copper wire and steel wire; and a new manufacturing concept for flat flexible cables (FFC). It covers virtually the entire spectrum of machines for marking cables and coding optical fibers. Menam Stainless Wire Public Co. Ltd./Thailand Menam Stainless Wire, a leading Thai company, provides premium stainless steel to countries all over the world. It also gives advice to customers and provides technical support. Its main stainless products are wire, bar, welding consumable TIG and MIG and profile wires. It also launched new carbon materials this year. Nevatia Steel and Alloys PVT Ltd./India Nevatia Steel & Alloys manufactures stainless steel wires and bright bars (9,000 MT per annum). The majority of its products are exported to over 35 countries in Europe as well as the U.S., Argentina, Australia, Canada, Korea and Vietnam, among others. Nevatia Steel produces wire in a variety of grades from 0.10 mm to 10.0 mm for manufacturing springs, screws and fasteners, staples, kitchenware, EPQ for baskets and trolleys, MIG/TIG welding wire, etc. Its wire is also used by the automotive, marine, petrochemical and food industries. Niehoff GmbH/Germany Niehoff will present a D 801 type one-bow, double-twist bunching machine to produce strand (0.25 sq mm to 16.0 sq mm cross section) at speeds to 5000 twists per minute with infinitely variable lay length of 15 to 160 mm. Maximum production speed is 300 m/min. The D 801 is part of a series of six differently sized models in left and right-hand versions that cover the cross-sections from 0.013 sq mm to 50 sq mm. With the optional Niehoff Bunching Automatic Traverse (NBAT), the D 801 buncher can automatically detect spool flanges and controls the traverse width of empty and full spools by means of optoelectronic sensors, automatically and perfectly, without machine operator intervention. AUGUST 2009 | 39

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International Wire & Machinery Association/U.K. The IWMA is the world’s largest and most influential corporate membership associations for the wire, cable and wire products industry, providing a unique range of benefits for its members. To mark its approaching 40th anniversary in 2010, the IWMA is offering two years’ membership for the cost of one year for both renewing members and new applicants. Stop by to learn much more about what the association can do to help you in the global market.

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Prasum Metals Pvt. Ltd./India Prasum Metals, an emerging leader in the stainless steel wire and bar industry, supplies stainless steel wires, 1.8 mm to 18 mm, in multiple grades and in different finishes and conditions; stainless steel cold heading wires, 1.80 mm to 18 mm, in multiple grades and conditions; stainless steel core wire, from 1.80 mm to 5 mm, in multiple grades and finishes; stainless steel TIG wires, from 1.8 mm to 5 mm, in multiple grades; and stainless steel spring wires, from 1.8 mm to 16 mm, in multiple conditions and grades. Pressure Welding Machines (PWM)/ U.K. PWM, which celebrates 25 years in business this year, will showcase its comprehensive range of high-performance manual cold welders, with capacities from 0.10 mm to 3.60 mm copper and 5.00 mm aluminum. Clean, “green” and easy to operate, PWM cold welders produce reliable welds stronger than the parent material. The range includes lightweight, hand-held machines ideal for welding in confined spaces; robust low-maintenance bench-mounted models; and the best-selling M101 cold welder, which can be bench- or trolley-mounted. All PWM machines are made to stringent quality standards in PWM’s own workshops by skilled craftsmen. PTCA Technologies SDN Bhd/Malaysia Taihong Wire Cable Machine’s expertise is in LAN cable equipment (complete plant), high speed bunchers (for superfine wire and others) and extruders for PVC, PE, Nylon, PFA, FEP, ETFE, three-layer extrusion physical foaming lines, superfine coaxial cable extrusion lines, HDMI wire insulation lines and high-temperature fluoride extrusion lines. Taihong’s high speed buncher for producing superfine wire is widely used by HDMI wire, hightemperature fluoride wire manufacturers. PWT Ltd./New Zealand PWT Ltd. focuses on industrial process technologies for the galvanized wire industries. Its technology includes Electro Magnetic Wiping (EMW) to provide increased production efficiencies, product quality and profits. Its Quantum-EMW system was proven and launched in 2003. PWT works with customers in China, Japan, Korea and North America. To date, 29 EMW systems have been sold worldwide. These systems work with both zinc and zinc aluminum, and can be designed for new galvanizing lines and also retro-fitted onto existing lines. Qunye Electrical Machinery Factory Yangzhou/China A leading specialized manufacturer in China, QEM designs and manufactures reels for wire and cable, including plated flange reels, I-shaped steel wire reels, delivery reels and various varieties of plastic reels. Manufacturing 40 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

is done to DIN46395, DIN46397, GB4004-83, and JB/T8997 standards, with customized services for nonstandard products for specified customer requirements. Rautomead Ltd./U.K. Rautomead Ltd. will promote specialist continuous casting equipment and technology for processing copper and copper alloys. High-quality continuous cast rod produced by upward casting may be used for the production of copper strips for transformers, enameled wires, data communication wires, house wiring or power cables. Fully automated casting machines are available from 6,000-30,000 mt per year production. For smaller-scale production, Rautomead has introduced the RSCC range of casting machines, which is designed to minimize investment costs and offer production from 1,000-3,000 mt per year. Roblon AS/Denmark Roblon will introduce a new glass strength filler that can be used as a highly flexible cable center or replace standard “dummy” cable fillers. These fillers, which can add strength to the cable construction, can also be supplied as water-blocking, impregnated with hot-melt or PU-coated. Sheng Chyean Enterprise Co. Ltd./Thailand Sheng Chyean is one of the largest combined drawing machine makers in the world. With attractive pricing strategy, durable quality and rapid services, it has many repeat clients from Germany, USA, Japan, Korea, Turkey, South Africa, India, China, Taiwan and many other countries. Products include: peeling machines, two-roller vertical or horizontal straighteners, cold rolling mills, drawing benches and other steel work equipment. Shenyang Tianrong Cable Materials Co. Ltd./China Shenyang Tianrong is a leading manufacturer of water blocking tape/yarns and semi-conductive shielding tapes for power and optical fiber cables. It will introduce some of the latest material developments for water blocking HV and EHV power cable, especially for under corrugated aluminum sheath. Siam Charn Co. Ltd./Thailand ISA Technology is a respected regional distributor of automation, photonics and wire industries related products. It is a partner of Germany’s Uhing, the originator of the Rolling Ring Principle: friction that converts the constant rotation of a plain round shaft into recriprocating motion. Featuring quality products such as linear traversal units, capable of fine pitch adjustment with high dynamics at reversal points; linear drive nuts that are backlash free and quiet in operation; fast action clamping systems for rolls and spools. Sinoleader Industries Group Co. Ltd./China SIG supplies and exports various machines and materials, including CCV, CCR, Al/copper RBD, UP casting, drum twisters, drawing machines, laying-up systems, stranders, lead extrusions, sheathing and insulation lines, enamelling machines, corrugated lines, plastic extruding lines, GSW for armoring, payoff and take-ups, rewinding

Solvay Padanaplast SpA/Italy Solvay Padanplast is a market leader specialized in LSOH compound and offers thermoplastic, moisture crosslinkable LSOH compound (Sioplas) and rubber moisture crosslinkable compound (Sioplas). The company’s product range meets all major standards in the market and is well known for its oil and fuel and high heat resistance. SPX Precision Components Fenn Division/U.S. SPX Precision Components, Fenn Division, is a global supplier of metal forming machinery. Established over 100 years ago, it has a solid reputation and customer base built on decades of engineering and machine building experience. Its extensive product range includes: rolling mills; wire flattening and shaping lines; Turks Heads; capstans; spoolers; wire and tube machinery; drawbenches; swaging machines and feed units; impact cutoff machines; and Torin CNC spring coiling machines. Taymax Wire Rope Industry Corp. Co. Ltd./Thailand Taymax Wire Rope’s product range includes steel wire rope, control cable, conveyor belt cord, etc. Annual production capacity is expected to reach 6,000 tons in 2010. The management team has more than 20 years of experience in wire rope production and its quality has been widely accepted in Taiwan and Western Europe.

Tongming Metal Work (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd./China Tongming Metal Work is a service-oriented manufacturer of carbon, free-cutting, alloy, steel wires and steel bars. It provides annealing, pickling, wiredrawing and bar processing for a diversified customer base. It can process your rods or supply the rods from their extensive inventory. Troester GmbH & Co. KG/Germany Troester is a world-leading supplier of machines and complete lines for the cable manufacturing and rubber processing industry, comprising CV Lines for XLPE and rubber cables, silane lines, sheathing and insulation lines. It will present its technology/developments for: continuous vulcanization lines for XLPE and rubber cables (CCV and VCV lines); TWINROT system for producing high-voltage cables on CCV lines; sag control TRISAG for CCV lines; and sheathing lines for high-voltage cables. Stop by to learn more about Troester’s “Excellence in Extrusion” and to discuss current requirements.

Threesixty Parkgate Technology Ltd./U.K. Threesixty supplies the unique Metalmorph range of continuous rotary extrusion technology, which is used in industries that include wire and cable. Its technology, which includes patented dynamic shoe positioning, can produce extruded products such as ACS wire, OPGW, busbar, trolley wire and more. It offers a full range of equipment and services to meet customer needs.

UPCAST Oy/Finland The UPCAST® upward continuous casting method offers advanced GREENerCAST technology for nonferrous applications. A wide range of single- and double-furnace casting lines up to 40,000 tpa capacities are available offering easy variation of product mix and unique upgradability. UPCAST® copper wire rod is well-suited for all electrical applications and due to its superb ductility and surface finish characteristics it has become the preferred feedstock for fine and multi-wire drawing machines, magnet wire production lines and continuous rotary extrusion machines.

Tien Dat Company Ltd./ Vietnam A pioneer in manufacturing and trading stainless steel in Vietnam, Tien Dat has three modern factories in Bac Ninh, Hung Yen Provinces (North Vietnam) and Long An Province (South Vietnam) with annual production capacity of 40,000 tons for products such as pipe, wire, round bar, coils and sheets. It has a big market share in Vietnam and is now entering other countries in the region as well.

Weihai Hongda Trading Co. Ltd./China Weihai Hongda specializes in scientific R&D, manufacturing and marketing. It is located in Shandong China, where its facility covers more than 40,000 sqm. Its product range includes non-woven products, waterblocking tape, semi-conductive waterblocking tape, semi-conductive laminated waterblocking foam tape, semi-conductive nylon tape and semi-conductive non-woven tapes.

Tigges Fastener Technology (M) SDN Bhd/Malaysia TFT is a German fastener and cold formed parts manufacturer with production facilities in Germany and Malaysia. It specializes in custom-made quality fasteners for the automotive (bicycle), sanitary, construction and electronic industries among others. Its modern facilities use equipment from 1-die, 2-blow formers up to 6-station part formers. With more than 80 years of experience, the company is able to supply high quality fasteners to the Asian customer at a competitive price.

WICA Machinery Co. Ltd./China WICA is mainly involved in technical exploitation on metal producing equipment. Main products include steel wire surface treating lines; payoffs and take-ups; wet and dry drawing machines; stranding machines and closers; electro galvanized, hot-dipped and heat treatment equipment; hexagonal netting machines; gabion mesh machines; and other related equipment for the steel wire and mesh industry.

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machines; optical fiber cable, messenger wire; galvanized stranded steel wire, steel wire and tapes, copper, Al rod/tapes, CCS, PVC, resin, aluminum copolymer tape, FEP rod, etc.

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Wuxi Quantong Cable Materials Co. Ltd./China A leading supplier of raw materials for the wire and cable industry, Wuxi produces copolymer-coated aluminum tape, aluminum polyester tape, polyester tape, stainless steel tape, plastic clad steel tape, plastic clad copper tape, copper tape, etc. It has annual output of around 20,000 mt. Its coated metals ensure the best protection for cables in direct burial, underground, aerial, and marine applications. Global partners include Condumex, Prysmian, LTK Cable and Draka. Ya Sih Technology Co. Ltd./Taiwan Ya Sih specializes in manufacturing coiling and packaging machines for the wire and cable industry. With continuous R&D, it supplies cable manufacturers worldwide with the most up-to-date solutions to pack their cables in a coil/reel/heat shrinkage or box format with high automation efficiency. Visit the company at the event before planning your new packaging line. Zhangjiagang Sanfeng Mach. & Electric Dev. Co. Ltd./China The Sanfeng company, with more than 45 years of experience, provides state-of-the-art machinery, whole plant planning and consultancy. Its main products are wiredrawing machines, stranding machines, extruders and tincoating machines, etc.

Alpha list of exhibitors The below list was provided by the organizers. Aesa s.a Agir Technologies (Mouton) Ajex & Turner Wire Dies Company Alliance Technology Co Ltd An Chen Fa Machinery Co Ltd Anand Arc Ltd Anbao (Qinhuangdao) Wire & Mesh Co Ltd Anhui Changjiang Jinggong Wire & Cable Machinery Co Balloffet Beta LaserMike BLS Polymers Ltd Borouge Pte Ltd Britx Wire Rope Ind Corp Caballe S.A. Candor Sweden AB Ceeco Bartell - Bartell Machinery Systems LLC Changzhou Wujin Hengtong Metal Steel Wires Co, Ltd Cheng I Machinery Co Ltd Chengdu Centran Industrial Co Ltd China Fastener Info Chyau Long Machinery Co Ltd Cogebi Asia Sdn Bhd Condat Construcciones Mecanicas Caballe SpA Dalian Field Manufacturing Co Ltd Dee Tee Industries Ltd DSR Wire Corp

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Enkotec A/S Enshiang Machinery Enterprise Co Ltd Erocarb SA Esteves (Shanghai) Diamond Dies Co Ltd Eunsund Ind Co Fa.In.Plast - Faraotti Industrie Plastiche Srl FIB Belgium SA Flymca Flyro Used Cable Equipment FMS Force Measuring Systems AG Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc Foshan Shunde Kindme Electric Industrial Co Ltd T Fukase & Co Ltd Gauder Group GCR Eurodraw Gimax Srl Golden Spot Industry Inc Golden Technologies Wire & Cable Equiptment Co Ltd Gwo Lian Machinery Industry Co Ltd Hangzhou Sanp Machinery Co Ltd Hanwha Chemical Corporation Hanyu Cable Materials Co Ltd Hefei Smarter Import & Export Co Ltd Hsiang Chuan Machinery Co Ltd Huestis Industrial India Steel Works ltd International Machtronic Co Ltd International Wire & Machinery Association Intras Publications Isa Technology Pte Ltd Ito-sin (Deyang) Wire & Cable Equipment Co Ltd J+J Alloys Jagular Industry Ltd Kalpena Industries Ltd Kolon Industries Inc Kyoeisha Chemical Co Ltd Kyoudo Engineering Co Ltd Lamnea Bruk AB Liwei Electrical Machines Co Ltd Locton Ltd Maillefer SA Medek & Schoerner GmbH Meltech-Confex Ltd Menam Stainless Wire Public Co Ltd Mohindra Stainless Ltd Nevatia Steel and Alloys Pvt Ltd Niehoff GmbH Pan-Pioneer Pioneer Machinery Co Ltd Prasum Metals Pvt Ltd Pressure Welding Machines Ltd Proton Products International Ltd PTCA Technologies Sdn Bhd PWT Limited Qingdao Xite Carbon Co Ltd Qunye Electrical Machinery Factory Yangzhou Raajratna Metal Industries Ltd

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Rautomead Limited Rik (Thailand) Co Ltd Ringier Trade Publishing Ltd Roblon A/S Sanxin Wire Die Schlatter Industries AG Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute Shanghai Nanyang Electrical Equipment Co Ltd Shanghai Wangxun New Material Co Ltd Sheng Chyean Enterprise Co Ltd Shenyang Tianrong Cable Materials Co Ltd Sinoleader Industries Group Co Ltd SK Dies Co Ltd Smart Trade Publications Co Ltd Solvay Padanaplast Spa Spring Tooling Ltd Spx Precision Components Fenn Division Sumon Industrial (Jiashan) Co Ltd Taymax Wire Rope Industry Corp Co Ltd Thai Trade and Industry Media Co Ltd The No 23 Research Institute Threesixty Parkgate Technology Ltd Tien Chen Diamond Industry Co Ltd Tien Dat Company Limited Tigges Fastener Technology (m) Sdn Bhd

FEATURE

Middle East Outlook T

here may be no avoiding the woeful state of the global economy, but the Middle East, which had been experiencing very impressive growth, may be better posed

for the coming years than in past down periods. This feature looks at financial aspects as well as industry comments, both ferrous and nonferrous.

this year, governments will continue to invest in much-needOne cannot talk about the Middle East outlook without ed development projects as inflation declines and construcfocusing on oil, for it has been the driver, the source of much tion costs fall, reports the Middle East Business Intelligence wealth and resources, for its oil-producing countries. (MEBI). The numbers, both positive and negative, are huge: A recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as of mid-July, the MEED Projects Index placed the value of projects the region’s GDP for 2009 to grow less than the Gulf projects at nearly US$2.59 trillion, with the value of sparkling 7.7 percent growth in 2008, but notes that it will projects on hold at US$535 billion. still be much better than the negative 1.4% overall projected “Economic growth throughout the Middle East is expected global growth, and as much as 7.5% negative growth for the to drop sharply this year, but at least there will be growth,” a world’s most developed economies. July MEBI article said. “The economic lessons learned in Still, there are questions about whether Middle East govprevious slumps appear to have paid off for Middle East ernment spending, which has offset much of the global econgovernments, most of which are better prepared for a downomy woes to date, will continue if oil prices slide further for turn than they were in the past.” an extended period of time. The UAE alone was projected to The MEBI article cited IMF’s projection that total writespend US$127 billion in capital projects this year. Already, downs of assets around the world could reach $4 trillion, the impact can be seen, especially in Dubai, where high-promuch of which will hit banks, the remainder being insurance file construction projects that have epitomized the impressive companies, hedge funds and other financial firms. “In this growth in recent years have been put on hold or cancelled. context, most governments in the Middle East could be forIn a June 21 article in the Los Angeles Times, architecture given for thinking themselves either lucky or wise to have critic Christopher Hawthorne wrote that a staggering avoided the worst of the crisis. But the overall figures for the US$335 billion in projects have been either stalled or canregion mask significant variations,” it said. celled in the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai cited as especially hard hit. “If the endless rows of stalled towers now resemble mere shells, perhaps shells are all they were ever meant to be,” Hawthorne wrote. The work includes the Trump International Hotel and Tower site that was to be the center piece of the ambitious Palm Jumeirah project. Although economic growth is predicted to drop in Construction in Dubai, UAE, had been going on at a feverish pace prior to the global economy meltdown. the Middle East 44 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

for example, has put in place a $5.2 billion package to encourage bank lending.” Government spending has led to some budget deficits, the article said. It noted that Saudi Arabia has a 2009 budget of $109 billion, and spending of US$127 billion, and that Qatar projects a deficit of an oil price of $40 a barrel. The article cited one analyst as saying that policymakers have taken good steps at maintaining stability. “They have stopped the slowdown from becoming a derailment. There were some very unrealistic expectations around the region that the governments could take measures to keep the good times going,” said Simon Williams, a Dubai-based economist at U.K.-based HSBC bank. Another positive has been that inflation has generally fallen, the article said, noting that Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Syria and the UAE all had double-digit inflation in 2008. One possible although not likely outcome could be a period of deflation, it said. Iraq, however, is expected to see its inflation rate rise from a low of 3.5 percent in 2008 to 13.8 percent due to the spending needed to rebuild the economy, it said. Overall, the question for the Middle East appears to be whether the bottom has been reached, the article said, citing an analyst from NCB Capital as saying, “We have come down to levels where it is not possible to keep declining at the same pace.”

Editor’s note: Turkey shares borders with three major Middle Eastern countries: Iran, Iraq and Syria, and while often discussed is not technically considered part of it. For details on Turkey, see p. 52.

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The article noted that Qatar is expected to see its GDP grow by 18 percent this year, and 16.4 percent in 2010, making it the fastest-growing economy in the world, but “at the other end of the scale, the GDPs of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are all expected to contract this year.” The economies of the Middle East’s oil-exporting countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the UAE and Yemen) as a whole grew nearly 6 percent a year between 2004 and 2008, according to the IMF. But given the lower global demand for oil, the IMF expects the collective GDP growth rate to decline to 2.3 percent this year, from 5.4 percent in 2008. The combination of lower oil prices and continued high spending can be seen in the oil-producing countries’ external current account positions, the MEBI article said. It noted that the countries went from a surplus of US $400 billion last year to a deficit of nearly $10 billion in 2009, based on oil prices averaging $50-55 a barrel. An extended period of weak demand and low prices could have a decided impact, it said. Lower oil prices are a plus for oil-importing countries, such as Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia, but those regions still have to deal with lower tourism revenues and foreign direct investments, the MEBI article said. Demand for their exports is similarly under pressure from their main trading partners: the U.S., Europe and the GCC, and real GDP growth for these countries is projected to drop to 3.2 percent in 2009 from 6.2 percent in 2008, according to the IMF, the article said. Other than Qatar, Yemen and Mauritania, all countries in the region are expected to suffer a drop in GDP growth this year. For some countries, such as Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, this will continue into 2010. Middle East governments are faced with the same problems as their European and US counterparts in trying to stimulate economic activity, the MEBI article said. “Many are in the fortunate position of having large reserves, which means they can afford to support struggling businesses and invest in much-needed infrastructure. Kuwait,

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Middle East: Ferrous view The below information is from Murat Eryilmaz, CEO of SteelOrbis, www.steelorbis.com, which provides steel news, sector analysis, trade statistics on steel, market pricing and more as well as a secure e-trade platform for steel buyers and sellers. The steel industry in the Middle East experienced very strong growth from the beginning of the new millenium until mid-2008, predominantly on the back of the huge boom in the construction industry. However, things have turned upside down since then. The credit crunch and the following global economic crisis have caused a big collapse in commodity prices worldwide, and also brought an end to the real estate bubble. Inevitably, the construction business in the Middle East has experienced a sharp downturn, business has slowed down and, subsequently, the steel industry, in general, had to suffer. The huge demand from the construction industry in the UAE has been the main driver behind not only the growth in the regional steel business but probably also the huge increases in steel prices, particularly the long products. By June 2008, long product prices in the region hit $1,500 per metric ton level. Despite such increases, the market was flooded by orders as almost the entirety of the market players had been blinded by the overwhelming demand. Then the global crisis hit and the aftershocks started the global collapse of steel prices. I had the opportunity to talk to executives of leading market players of the region during the 59th IREPAS meeting in Hamburg back in October 2008. The general mood then was very pessimistic as huge stockpiles (particularly in the UAE) and vanishing demand were not only causing the steel prices to slide rapidly, but they also jeopardized the existence of many market players. The prices dropped down to a third of what they were in mid-2008 and nobody was able to tell when a recovery, or even an end to the sharp downfall, could be seen. We have seen an enormous decline for both production and consumption during the fourth quarter of 2008. A huge level of inventories of steel products carried forward to the year 2009, worsening a condition that had already been overburdened during 2008. Of course, the situation has improved since then. At the next IREPAS meeting, sixth months later in Athens, IREPAS Chairman Ugur Dalbeler said that the worst is over now. To me, that does not mean that the steel industry is on the verge of an upward trend but that the most dangerous period for the steel industry in the region is over, and companies have finally started to operate in the new environment. Although the industry no more feels itself in a survival mode, the global crisis had led to several investors taking some precautionary measures regarding new upstream and/or downstream steel investment projects in the region. Iran, for instance, is expected to postpone, if not cancel, some of the plans that called for quadrupling the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steel production capacity in the next five years time. Qatar 46 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Steel and the Saudi Iron and Steel Company have cancelled their plans to invest in direct reduction pelletizing project in Mauritania. There are many other downstream projects either put on hold or cancelled throughout the region, both for long products and flatrolled products as a result of the global crisis and the subsequent diminishing demand Murat Eryilmaz and sliding prices. That said, the Middle East remains a leading importer of both finished and semi-finished steel products and will continue to be one of the primary destinations for the international suppliers, particularly under current worldwide market circumstances. Since the worldwide demand remains weak, there are not a lot of alternatives for the major suppliers of steel in the international market. It is also quite likely that the inevitable competition among these suppliers will result in a price ... that does not war that may tempt governments mean that the steel in the region to industry is on the take some measures, such as verge of an upward increased or newly trend, but that the imposed customs duties on steel most dangerous imports in order to period ... is over ... . protect their local producers. We have already seen many examples of such, including but not limited to the re-imposition of the 5 percent customs duty in the UAE on reinforcing bars and the recent anti dumping investigation in Israel against imports from Italy, Spain and Turkey, and the huge amount of temporary deposits introduced. Of course, these kinds of measures can only provide temporary relief and will remain far from being of structural support to any industry. Notwithstanding what has been going on during the past 12 months or so, the longer-term outlook for the Middle East steel market is more promising. Oil prices are expected to rebound in 2010, triggering economic growth as well as enabling a new wave of capital accumulation that will certainly boost new investments in the region. The increased construction activity on the back of new infrastructure or private projects is set to increase the demand for steel in the region. The major government-backed players in the Middle Eastern steel industry are very much safe from the effects of the crisis, and are looking forward to the recovery in

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healthy conditions. Other privately owned main players have mostly survived the crisis by reducing output drastically and becoming even more flexible in surviving their customers. On the other hand, relatively smaller privately owned companies in the industry are still feeling the harsh impact of the global crisis and look vulnerable should there be another global meltdown wave. As mentioned above, the fundamentals of growth still exist for the Middle Eastern steel industry. There are many pending government development projects out there that would stimulate the economy and trigger growth in addition to the private projects for which the finances should not be a problem. We still expect to see the continuation of at least some of the new investments, which would expand the steel output capacity in the region. There is certainly a lot more in the Middle East compared to other regions of the world to be optimistic about from a steel industry point of view.

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Middle East: Nonferrous view, one companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industry business plan Below are responses to questions that WJI posed to officials at UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dubai Cables (Ducab) about the outlook for their company and their business plans. WJI: How has the Middle East wire and cable market held up during this period of a weakened global economy? Has domestic demand waned or has the Middle East fared better than most regions? Dubai Cables: Although there has been a marked reduction in construction activity, the Middle East has held up relatively well during the current economic crisis. At present, demand in the wire and cable market has declined but there are still large numbers of projects that need to be completed. The oil and gas industry in the Middle East slowed down due to the decrease in oil prices. New projects were suspended but with oil prices recovering to nearly $70, there are signs that shelved projects are being reconsidered again.

in the coming few months to produce customized instrumentation and control cables primarily targeting the oil and gas sector. In addition, we established several new cross-functional teams to focus on improving cost efficiency across all processes, better scrap recycling and reduction of material over-usage amongst other initiatives.

WJI: Has the company put any long-term projects on hold? Has it changed its long-term business plans? Ducab Cables: No, none at all. In fact we recently announced plans to open a 22,000 sq m high-voltage cable systems manufacturing plant (Ducab-HV). The new plant, which is a joint venture with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), will open in late 2010 and is being built next to our facility in Jebel Ali. DucabHV will supply the region with 30,000 tons of high voltage cables in the range 66kV to 400kV per year. We are also expanding into the regional market as we have recently opened an office in Saudi Arabia as well as announced plans for a new factory and WJI: Does Dubai sales office in Qatar. Cables export to any Despite the financial degree outside the crisis, our long-term Middle East, and if so, business plan has not how have those marbeen changed; neikets held up? ther have our quality Ducab Cables: Yes, standards. As recent Ducab has always winners of the 2009 exported outside the Mohammed Bin Middle East to places Rashid Business Representatives from Ducab Cables accept the 2009 Mohammed Bin like Europe, Far East, Excellence Award, Rashid Business Excellence Award. India and Africa. Now we are committed to that the local UAE maintaining our market has slowed down to a normal pace, we have the emphasis on quality and operational excellence as we opportunity to explore new export markets. Even within move forward. the Middle East, certain markets continue to be insulated to the economic downturn and thus appear promising for WJI: Are there other aspects not covered by the above power cable supplies. questions that are important to your company and/or the Middle East outlook? WJI: Has Dubai Cables had to cut back on its workDucab Cables: There are five things we would like to force or R&D program? If not, has it taken other steps to point out. reduce its expenses? 1. Hannover Exhibition: We were an exhibitor at the Ducab Cables: At Ducab, we firmly believe that the Messe Hannover Exhibition 2009 held in Germany in best way out of the recession is to sell more. We have April. As this was our first exhibition outside of the been fortunate that we have not had to lay off any of our Middle East, attending the exhibition was a key part of workforce, nor have we had to cut back on R&D. We are our long term goal to highlight our business to new marnot replacing staff lost through natural attrition, i.e. those kets and to showcase our latest products. As we look to that have resigned to return home, retirement, etc. In the penetrate new markets beyond the region, exhibitions like last eight months we have had even more emphasis on Messe Hannover 09 are a unique opportunity to access R&D. This has been mostly due to our new projects, in customers and potential partners throughout the world, particular our Special Cable Unit, which will be launched and increase awareness and visibility of Ducab to the

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world’s leading market players. 2. “Superbrand” of the year: Ducab was voted as a Superbrand for 2009. Having worked extremely hard over the past 30 years to create and maintain a brand that is renowned throughout the region for quality and excellent customer service, the award was a milestone for Ducab. 3. Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Excellence Award: As one of the most modern industrial units in the region, we have acquired many awards in the fields of business excellence and quality. Our latest award was the Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Excellence Award 2009 for our achievements in the manufacturing sector. 4. Copper rod plant in Mussaffah. In June 2008, we opened the first-ever copper rod factory in the UAE. Today, one year later, we are now selling copper rod and drawn wires to other cable makers, both in the UAE and outside. 5. Dubai Metro: The recent contract to supply FRCables, (among other LV cables as well) to the ETA group for the Dubai Metro project is another prestigious landmark in the UAE for which we have supplied cables and accessories.

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The UAE highway to opulence and high profiles: the Seikh Zayed Road If there is one stretch in the Middle East that epitomizes the stunning growth the region has seen in recent years, it is E 11, better known as Sheikh Zayed Road, a highway that forms the main artery in some emirates’ main cities, where it assumes various alternate names — Sheikh Maktoum Road in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, and Sheikh Muhammed bin Salem Road in Ras Al Khaimah. Simply put, it is known as the landmark business address in Dubai. Wikipedia notes that the highway, formerly known as Defence Road, was expanded 30 km between 1993 and 1998, and was renamed after then UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The first stretch of the highway between Trade Centre Roundabout and Interchange 2 is home to most of Dubai’s skyscrapers, including the Emirates Towers and the Burj Dubai. The highway also connects other new developments such as the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Dubai Waterfront Sheikh Zayed Road accounts for 17 of 60 five-star hotels, including The Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel,

Outlook: Vatan Kablo A.S. Turkey’s Vatan Kablo A.S., which will host a tour of its Corlu plant (see p. 58), is very active in the Middle East. The company is generally positive about its outlook for business. Below are comments from Adnan Bahar, copper casting plant production and planning manager. Almost all the countries’ economies in the Middle East have been affected by the global crisis. The European market has felt the crisis deeper compared to other areas that we are working with. The Eastern and Central European markets are almost approaching zero. If you look through the Middle East market, one of the most affected locations is Dubai, although the situation is bit different for other cities of the UAE. Even though the financial situation has been bad for much of the world, Vatan Cable was able to increase its global sales in the first half of 2009. We have been especially busy in the Libyan and Iraqi markets, and some others have been added to our country/customer portfolio during this term. We are exporting our products to countries in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Middle Asia. We are seeking to increase our international sales, and I must note that our export team has done a very good job in a relatively short period of time. That’s why we now are able to export to 35 countries. Every company must take care during such a crisis period to reduce expenses, but our strategy was different from most other companies. We have actually made

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A view of the skyscraper-studded Sheikh Zayed Road. also referred to as Emirates Tower Two, a 56-floor business hotel that stands 1,014 ft, ranking as the 33rd-tallest building in the world and the world’s 4th-tallest all-hotel building; and the Kempinski Hotel Mall, which is attached to UAE’s first indoor ski resort and the biggest

some investments. We bought new updated machinery lines and established our copper-rod production facilities. With very modern machinery lines we nearly doubled our line speeds. We felt that it was important to invest in our facilities and increase our sales while (those

Adnan Bahar at Vatan Kablo’s plant in Corlu, Turkey. of) others waned. We believe it has been a good decision as we have grown and are now better positioned for when the economy improves and business gets better. That is our approach to the Middle East market and beyond. Adnan Bahar, Vatan Kablo A.S.

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shopping mall outside of North America. The staggering magnitude of the projects has been a source of pride, YouTube videos and some detractors, who note that one now also sees more and more projects that have been halted. “Hundreds of abandoned construction cranes languish above Dubai’s gated communities and beach-side developments and, most dramatically, up and down Sheikh Zayed Road, its high-rise spine,” architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne wrote in a June 26 article in the Los Angles Times. “Along Sheikh Zayed Road, the rows and rows of skyscrapers don’t just suggest or symbolize a Manhattan-like scale, they match that scale tower for tower.” Hawthorne observed that, “Instead of building a monumental city hall or war memorial, Dubai builds shopping centers and office towers at a monumental scale.” He described the collective efforts as “an experiment in a new kind of urbanism here, one that has both winning and alarming elements and that is likely, for a range of reasons, to outlast the current (economic) crisis.” ■

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

Cable & Wire P R E V I E W

Joint organizers ACIMAF, IWMA, CET and WAI are cooperating once again, this time in Istanbul, where their international technical conference, New Technology for Global Markets, to be presented November 2-3, 2009, will provide value to attendees through both the technical

Alberto Cervino, GCR Eurodraw SpA, discussed equipment for manufacturing steel strand and rope at wire Bologna 2007.

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T E C H N I C A L

C O N F E R E N C E

papers as well as the opportunity to make contacts in the region. The event will be held in the WOW Hotel and Convention Center, a new world-class facility in a quiet area close to the international airport and near four- and

Attendees heard presentations from authors from 12 countries at wire Bologna 2007.

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five-star hotels with special delegate rates. Location matters, and in this case, Istanbul’s geographical location, with a foot in both Europe and Asia and ease of access from all points of the compass, makes it an ideal choice for the event to attract delegates from Europe, the CIS and former Soviet Union republics, the Arab States and the Middle East, India and Africa. The conference includes the technical program on Tuesday, November 2, with separate ferrous and nonferrous presentations made in English with simultaneous translation into Turkish and Russian. The program will include a special presentation on Tuesday afternoon by Dr.

Some of the 2007 event planners included, from l-r, WAI’s Steve Fetteroll, IWMA Director Phillip Knight, Continuus Properzi President Giulio Properzi, NV Bekaert’s Walther Van Raemdonck, SAMPSISTEMI’s Andrea Camparada, ACIMAF’s Ferruccio Bellina and IWMA’s Peter Large.

THE FOUR CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine Per Filo

The Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine Per Filo (ACIMAF). ACIMAF was founded for the purpose of promoting the image of Italian technology in the sector of machines and products for the wire and cable manufacturing industry. The 75 member companies of ACIMAF offer the wire and cable industry an unequalled range of machinery and products capable of satisfying all manufacturing requirements.

International Wire & Machinery Association

The International Wire and Machinery Association (IWMA). The International Wire and Machinery Association (IWMA). IWMA is the world’s largest corporate membership association for the wire, cable and wire product industries and offers a unique range of benefits and events to promote business opportunities, technical exchange and development within this broad sector of the engineering industry. The IWMA provides valuable assistance to its nearly 300 member companies as they develop their businesses within the international marketplace.

C.E.T.

Comité Européen de la Tréfilerie

Comité Européen de la Tréfilerie (CET). CET is the representative association of steel wire drawing in Europe. It promotes exchanges between its members, in particular, on common topics (environment, standardization, best practices...), with the aim to achieve high quality level and performance of wire and wire products on the European stage.

The Wire Association International, Inc.

The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc. WAI is a worldwide technical society for wire and cable industry professionals that is governed by volunteers from around the world. Based in Guilford, Connecticut, USA, WAI promotes, collects, and disseminates technical, manufacturing, and general business information to the ferrous, nonferrous, electrical, fiber optic, and fastener segments of the wire and cable industry.

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Schedule of events Sunday, November 1

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15.00 – 19.00

Registration & Welcome

Tuesday, November 7 08.00 – 14.00

Tour - Vatan Kablo Facility. lunch included

Reception

Monday, November 2 08.00 – 18.00 09.00 – 09.10 09.10 – 12.25 12.25 – 13.45 13.45 – 17.15 18.45

Registration Opening Remarks Technical Sessions Lunch Break & Tabletop Displays Technical Sessions Gala Dinner - Binbirdirek Cistern

About Istanbul Below is a brief look, courtesy of Wikipedia, of the city of Istanbul, which will host Istanbul Cable & Wire 2009.

ucts include metals, leather, chemicals, oil products, rubber and automotive. It is also a wealthy city, according to Forbes magazine, which as of March 2008 cited Istanbul as having a total of 35 billionaires. Istanbul generates 55% of Turkey’s trade and 45% of the country’s wholesale trade, by itself accounting for

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and fourth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million has also been known in different eras as Byzantium and Constantinople. Today, it is a megacity, and considered the cultural and financial center of Turkey. The city, which is composed of 27 districts, is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosphorus, which gives it standing as the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman The city of Istanbul is not only rich in histry, large and incredibly diverse, it is a major Empire (330–395), the East contributor to the economy of Turkey. Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the more than 21% of Turkey’s GNP as well as 40% of all Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire taxes collected in the country. (1453–1922). Most recently, the city was chosen as joint Beyond commerce, Istanbul is also a major tourism European Capital of Culture for 2010. spot, with thousands of hotels and other tourist oriented Istanbul, which has long been the center of Turkey’s industries in the city. In 2006, more than 23 million economic life because of its location as a junction of tourists visited Turkey, and Istanbul has over the years international land and sea trade routes, is also the counbecome one of the world’s major conference destinations try’s largest industrial center. It employs some 20% of and a popular choice for the world’s leading internationTurkey’s industrial labor and accounts for 38% of its al associations. industrial workspace. Some of its major industrial prod-

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concurrently with the technical program. The cost for a tabletop, which includes one full registration, is €580 for members, €610 for all others. European and Asian companies wishing more information about tabletop opportunities can contact the IWMA at info@iwma.org, and in North America they can contact sales@wirenet.org. An optional plant tour will be held on Wednesday, November 3, of Vatan Kablo A.S., a leading Turkish cable company. The cost for that is €35. The tour is limited to full-registration delegates only, and is to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. See related stories on p. 50 and 58.

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Heinz-Jürgen Büchner, vice-president, economics and research, at the IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG in Düsseldorf. His presentation, “Recovery of the world economy: consequences for capacities and prices of metals,” will provide delegates with his latest outlook for how the metals industry will fare. A social event will be held Tuesday night, with delegates and speakers joining those from a concurrent tube conference being held at the same venue to experience the famous Binbirdirek Underground Cistern near the Blue Mosque in the old city. The evening will include a four-course dinner Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Büchner and traditional Turkish entertainment. The cost to register is €245, €225 for speakers at the event and for members of the organizing bodies, with special rates of €150 for students and non-member academics. Attendees will receive a CD-ROM of the presentations as well as a delegate list that will be sent post-conference. The program also features tabletop exhibits that will run

FEATURE

The organizers would like to thank the following companies that as sponsors have been a key element in the planning and development of Istanbul Cable & Wire 09: Sarkuysan, IWCEA, Er-Bakir, Messe Düsseldorf, ACIMAF, Niehoff, IWMA Educational Trust, and Locton Ltd.

Monday, November 2 Session 1: Ferrous Track 9:10 - 9:35 “Development of high-strength steel wire rod for

Istanbul Wire & Cable 2009: Outlook Istanbul Wire & Cable 2009 is being organized by the IWMA, ACIMAF, CET and WAI. The organizations have teamed before to put on similar technical conferences in Bologna (2008), Prague (2006) and Stresa (2003). WJI asked IWMA Executive Secretary Phillip Knight for his thoughts on the locations and what attendees could expect. WJI: Why do the organizers favor this location? Knight: The strategic location of Istanbul as a gateway to all points of the compass and its convenience as a central location for easy access from key wire and cable markets in the Middle East, Gulf States, CIS, India, Central and Western Europe as well as the very important local industry made this potential venue “tick all the boxes.” In addition, two high-profile member organizations in Turkey, IWMA Executive Secretary Sarkuysan and ER-Bakir, Phillip Knight. offered to lend their considerable support to the event as major sponsors. WJI: Do you still consider this a timely location? Knight: Yes, very much so. It has been geared up and planned as a conference to support the industry’s recovery from recession and to minimize the delegate’s time away from factories and offices. WJI: What can attendees expect from the technical program, “New Technology for Global Markets”? Knight: The co-organizers are confident that a high-class technical program has been compiled and that delegates will leave the event armed with new information and stimu-

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bridge cable wire with 1870 N/mm,” by Toshiyuki Manabe and Shingo Yamasaki, Nippon Steel Co. Ltd., Japan. Applying DLP (Direct in-Line Patenting) facilities using molten salt, a wire rod for galvanized wires with tensile strength of 1870 N/mm2 for a 5-mm diameter for bridge cables has been successfully developed. Reheating and lead-patenting treatments are unnecessary, so applying this wire rod contributes to the lead-free process and energy savings. Further, the wire produced experimentally showed superior characteristics for bridge cables; notably, delamination under torsion testing did not occur.

lating ideas. In addition, the market overviews will be very important supplements to the event and, of course, the value of networking in a global industry event should not be underestimated. WJI: Why would potential tabletop companies want to be here? Knight: At a very low cost a tabletop exhibitor will have a potential audience from many parts of the world. The tabletops will be positioned right in the heart of the conference in the refreshment break area just outside conference rooms thus offering a tremendous captive audience. WJI: How can being here help companies from outside the Middle East find ways to do business here? What type of contacts could companies hope to make here? Knight: Like all business development it depends on good personal contact, establishing mutual trust and having products to satisfy customer needs. Some of the countries likely to be attracted to the event are not really affected so much by the world recession. From discussions that the organizers and indeed some speakers have had with organizations in the region there appears to be considerable interest in the conference not only in Turkey but also in the Russian speaking world, Middle East and India. WJI: How is this event being publicized to area manufacturers? Knight: There will be an extensive marketing campaign involving mail shots, email blasts, publicity in trade magazines and the IWMA newsletter WCN. Some marketing will be done in both Turkish and Russian languages and possibly Arabic. A local organization in Turkey, the Ilhas Fuar Group, will be marketing the event to its extensive wire database in the country. We expect both Sarkuysan and ER-Bakir also to promote the event locally, and the Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau will be carrying free promotional articles in its September digital newsletter that goes to more than 60,000 contacts worldwide.

10:00 - 10:25 “Wiredrawing machines and their influence on the properties of spring steel wire,” by Kersten Liebermann, Ulf Kletzin, and Peter Beyer, Ilmenau University of Technology, Germany. Increasingly demanding quality requirements for spring steel wire necessitate improvement of all wire manufacturing steps including drawing. In addition to achieving a specified wire diameter, drawing also influences the constancy of geometrical properties, strength, and surface of the wire. This paper explains how several wiredrawing parameters have been set to produce

FEATURE

9:35 - 10:00 “On the risk of fatigue in extension spring hooks,” by Mark Hayes, Institute of Spring Technology Ltd., U.K. This paper describes one of the results of research conducted with the European Collective Project “Techspring.” Extension springs with integral hooks were manufactured and tested so as to establish the hook diameter at which the hook is not vulnerable to fatigue failure. These results have been integrated into spring design software and will be useful to all manufacturers and users of extension springs.

Attendees at Wire Bologna 2007 had ample opportunities to visit the tabletop displays.

improved spring steel wire. Parameters discussed include lubrication, coating, and positioning of drawing dies. 10:25 - 10:45 Break

WHEN IT COMES TO TROUBLE-FREE

MULTI-WIRE STARTUPS,

WOODBURN IS THE PERFECT MATCH!

AUGUST 2009 | 57

FEATURE

should obtain high strength without compromising the toughness of drawn wire. This paper discusses some data and technical issues related to progress among steel producers and steel rope makers.

Technical presentations at Wire Bologna 2007 were made in four sessions held over two days.

10:45 - 11:10 “Development of high-strength steel wire products,” by Tan Dianlong, Zhengzhou Research/Fasten Group, China. Approaches to achieving higher-strength steep rope

Plant tour: Vatan Kablo A.S. Conference attendees are being an offered an opportunity to tour the Corlu factory of Vatan Kablo A.S., a leading cable company in Turkey that uses modern technology to produce a very wide range of low- and medium-voltage energy cables up to 35 kV as well as oxygen-free copper rod. The company, with more than a quarter century of experience and knowledge, produces not just for the domestic market but for export as well. It prides itself on providing quality products and supporting it with equally commendable service. The factory strives to use machinery that is up to the newest technology standards and to keep its operators well trained. The facility has some 334,000 sq ft of covered space, in which the products are under tight control throughout the entire production process, especially for the final stages, to ensure products are high quality. The company also offers halogen-free cables, which are required in Turkey for areas with high population density. Vatan Kablo is well known in the Middle East, but the company is focused on competing abroad, and that has led to success in its export sales to countries in Europe, Africa and Central Asia. Its goal now is to take its place among the leading cable manufacturers, and this it will seek to do through a professional working approach,

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11:10 - 11:35 “Delamination behavior of drawn pearlitic steels during drawing and Zn coating,” by Lee Choong Yeol, POSCO, South Korea. This paper investigates microstructures and mechanical properties to understand the effect of alloying elements and drawing strain on the delamination of drawn pearlitic steel. Delamination is a key factor in acquiring higherstrength wire. A method for suppression of delamination by controlling the Zn coating process was also investigated. Strain aging or spherodization during Zn coating process was found to affect the occurrence of delamination. 11:35 - 12:00 “Evaluation of high-temperature behavior of Zn and ZnAl coatings on core wires and strands for ACSR, ACSS, and alike overhead power conductors,” by Charles Coffin, Dale King, Hans Depamelaere, and Walther Van Raemdonck, NV Bekaert SA, Belgium.

dynamic employees and modern production facilities. With its extensive product and system certificates (TSE, HAR, TS EN ISO 9001:2000 Certificate of Quality Management System, GOST-R,UKR-SEPRO and ISO 14001 Certificate of Management System), Vatan Kablo creates confidence for its customers. For

An inside view of Vatan Kablo’s plant in Corlu, Turkey. more information on the company, see p. 46. This tour, open only to full-registration delegates, is limited to 45 people, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

At Wire Bologna 2007, Olaf Greshake, Reber Systematic GmbH & Co. KG, spoke about lubricant filtration.

For aluminum conductor steel supported designs with average working temperatures of 80°C, the drive to increase a conductor’s current carrying capacity by enabling it to operate at higher temperatures results in emergency peaks up to 250°C. Galvanized (zinc) coatings are generally limited to a maximum service temperature for extended times of 180-200°C. This paper describes

12:00 - 12:25 “Overview of zinc coating monitoring system achievements,” by Michael West, Cape Gate (Pty.) Ltd., South Africa. This paper gives an overview of transition from H2S gas wiping to nitrogen wiping and the eventual installation of a zinc coating monitoring and control system. It discusses the improvements and advantages realized after installation and presents graphs indicating the level of control that was achieved. Experiences gained in the production of Galfan coated wire and “mid-range” zinc coatings are discussed. It also discusses experience gained in the production of high-carbon zinc-coated products utilizing the same technology. 12:25 - 13:45 Lunch

Session 2: Nonferrous Track 9:10 - 9:35 “Introduction and nonferrous market overview,” by

AUGUST 2009 | 59

FEATURE

how Bezinal® ZnAl coatings resist to temperatures as high as 350°C with no significant negative effects on either coating ductility or salt spray corrosion resistance.

FEATURE Medek & Schoerner’s Werner Lichtscheidl presented a cable marking and fiber coating system at Wire Bologna 2007.

Attendees heard presentations from authors from 12 countries at Wire Bologna 2007.

Hatrettin Çayci, Sarkuysan Electrolytic Copper Co., Turkey.

In addition to energy savings during the manufacturing process from rod to cable, the wire maker should be aware of the impact and importance of product quality to securing and increasing his market position. This paper focuses on developments in the multiwire drawing and bunching processes to improve product quality while taking into consideration production costs savings. Quality stranded product spools are critical for a successful extrusion process as they considerably reduce scrap rates.

9:35 - 10:00 “Aluminum wire rod produced with Upcast® technology,” by Matti Nordman and Juan Carlos Bodington, Upcast Oy, Finland. The main application area of Upcast® technology today is the casting of copper and copper-based alloy wire rod. The wire and cable industry is a major user of this process. As aluminum has recently gained more footing in cable production, Upcast has embarked on an R&D program applying its technology for producing aluminum wire rod (e.g. 1350 and 8176 alloys) for electrical applications. This paper discusses encouraging results from this development work.

SEPTEMBER 2009

10:00 - 10:25 “Reducing production costs while improving quality— from multiwire to high-quality strands,” by Bernd Lohmüller, Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.

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10:25 - 10:45 Break 10:45 - 11:10 “Leonardo Power Quality Initiative (LPQI) and Leonardo Energy as applied to Turkey,” by Ahmet Tepiroglu, Sarkuysan Electrolytic Copper Co., Turkey. The Leonardo Power Quality Initiative (LPQI) is an international educational program regarding power quality (PQ) that aims to provide end-users and business decision makers with facts and best practices to improve PQ. It is a global network and extended to Leonardo Energy as a

RE :

W IRE & F A STENER M ACHINERY - PART 2

FEATURE TKT Group’s Giancarlo Arrighetti presented the future of wiredrawing at Wire Bologna 07.

global community for sustainable energy professionals. It was started in Turkey in 2001 by members of industry, academia, and the media. The Institute for Turkish Electrical Quality, ELENKE, was later established as the Program Coordinator. 11:10 - 11:35 “Fire performance of cables,” by Terry Journeaux, Prysmian, Italy.

commodity and the focus in this segment is on short-term cost savings and less on factors that influence the total lifetime costs of a cable. But recent developments have shown that wet aging properties can be combined with cost-effective high-productivity extrusion performance in a water-free retardant XLPE insulation compound, which has proven to be a reliable, long-life solution. This paper discusses the speed of extrusion and crosslinking as well as wet aging characteristics of this compound.

11:35 - 12:00 “High productivity and reliability of XLPE insulated medium-voltage cables,” by Paul Laurensson, Borealis Polymers NV, Belgium, and Jan-Ove Boström, Borealis AB, Sweden. XLPE medium-voltage insulated cables are seen as a

12:00 - 12:25 “Anti-corrosion grease for overhead line conductors,” by Albert Molloy and David Lee, Metalube Ltd., U.K. The life and performance of an overheard line conductor is greatly influenced by its ability to resist corrosion, particularly in environments of high humidity, salt, and acid

WIRE JOURNAL

INTERNATIONAL

MARKETING EXPOSURE. It’s one way equipment suppliers stay viable despite cloudy business conditions. The September WJI will showcase wire, cable, and fastener equipment. And for an added twist on a traditional feature, editors will investigate what other tactics keep these companies radiant. Strategic lighting makes all the difference. Don’t miss this opportunity for your products to sparkle with a display ad in September. Contact WJI’s sales team today.

Contact WJI’s Sales Team: Tel.: 001-203-453-2777 Bob Xeller E-mail: bxeller@wirenet.org Anna Bzowski E-mail: abzowski@wirenet.org

AUGUST 2009 | 61

All tracks - Special Presentation

FEATURE

13:45 - 14:10 “Recovery of the world economy: consequences for capacities and prices of metals,” by Heinz-Jürgen Büchner, IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG, Germany. This presentation provides expert opinion on how the severe economic downturn of 2008-09 is expected to affect the metal industry.

Session 3: Ferrous Track

The tabletop displays offered a good networking venue.

pollutants. Application of a protective grease during construction of the conductor is an effective means of reducing corrosion potential to maximize service life. 12:25 - 13:45 Lunch

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14:10 - 14:35 “A new system for laboratory experimentation for the profile, geometry, and degree of finish of a die for optimum wiredrawing of ferrous wires,” by Giancarlo Arrighetti, Koner SpA, TKT Group, Italy. This method uses specially designed and constructed equipment for precision laboratory measurement of wiredrawing force as wire passes through the die. Consequently, it is possible to compare the results obtained for different characteristics of the drawing die and establish the technical specifications of dies based on the specific material to be drawn. This study defines and analyzes criteria for evaluating the most appropriate dies

FEATURE

by using the data provided by the testing equipment, which allows wire to be drawn at a controlled and constant rate through different types of die subject to experimentation. 14:35 - 15:00 “New technology for lubricating cold extrusion materials and cold heading wire,” by John Cunnington, Chemetall, U.K. It is increasingly difficulty to deal with the contamination of waste water from zinc phosphate or zinc-calcium phosphate coatings. This paper describes a conversion coating process involving the electrolytic deposition of a calcium phosphate carrier coat. The process is efficient, free from heavy metals and sludge, and well suited for wiredrawing, cold heading, and extrusion. The paper highlights the cost savings, environmental benefits, and productivity improvements that can be achieved by a combination of calcium phosphating with a polymer coating. 15:00 - 15:25

Refreshment Break

15:25 - 15:50 “Bonderlube FL—a new way to approach surface treatment,” by Emilio Bucci, Henkel Italia SpA, Italy. This paper discusses the introduction of an innovative process for steel surface treatment in cold forming. This new polymeric-based technology has been developed with the aim of replacing zinc phosphates and reactive soaps. It is designed to improve production, reduce complexity, and save on costs, while being environmentally friendly. 15:50 - 16:15 “Integrated one-step high-speed production line for ‘low-relaxation’ PC wire,” by Lorenzo Facchinelli, GCR Eurodraw SpA, Italy. This paper describes an integrated one-step high-speed production line for “low-relaxation PC wire” in bars and coils starting from high-carbon wire rod. 16:15 - 16:40 “Quenching in fluidized bed for high-carbon wire from 0.6 to 14 mm,” by Rene Branders, FIB Belgium SA, Belgium. The use of the fluidized bed in the wire industry was one of the major technological turning points of the last 20 years. At first considered a difficult technology to carry out, fluidized bed quenching has established itself as a reliable industrial solution. Today, covering applications for wire from 0.6 to 14 mm, quenching in fluidized bed is highly controllable and the most developed environmental technology in the industrial wire industry. This paper discusses the principles behind the application and exploitation of a quenching fluidized bed.

AUGUST 2009 | 63

FEATURE

15:25 - 15:50 “Productivity—how do you measure it?” by Stuart Duff, Kuwait Petroleum International Lubricants, U.K.

Dieter Mangold, l, and Egon Horn, CeramTec AG, were first-time participants in the tabletop displays. Mangold also presented a technical paper on precision-applied ceramics.

16:40 - 17:05 “The history, present situation, and future trends in ensuring constant and consistent wire tension in stranders,” by Jörg Inhelder, Force Measuring Systems AG, Switzerland. This paper demonstrates possibilities for making the best use of sliprings or radio transmission to enable communication between rotating parts and master unit in a stranding operation. It highlights potential quality improvements as well as ways to identify and isolate problems or quality zones in wire. It also addresses what productivity increases can be achieved with open- or closed-loop tension control systems depending on machine age and condition as well as processed material.

Session 4: Nonferrous/Electrical/General Track 14:10 - 14:35 “Reducing cost in manufacturing compact conductors using roll form stranding,” by Sean Harrington, Ceeco Bartell Products, Bartell Machinery Systems LLC, Canada. The roll form stranding process combines the advantages of two highly productive processes, namely: roll forming and double-twist stranding. These two systems are forged together to create one high-speed continuous manufacturing cell. This system not only produces compact strand at high speeds, but allows significant savings to be made throughout the stranding process, from wiredrawing all the way through to the extrusion process. 14:35 - 15:00 “New technology in rod and wire production,” by A. Poma and Enrico Conte, Sampsistemi, Italy. This paper addresses technological optimizations for the production of wire in the wiredrawing chain. 15:00 - 15:25 Break

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15:50 - 16:15 “Development of an apparatus for determining the free tin thickness on tin-plated copper wire,” by Sevim Ozaltun, Er-Bakir, Turkey. The presence of sufficient free tin on the wire surface is essential in terms of solderability and crimpability properties. Therefore, reliable measurement of free tin on finished products such as multiwire or stranded conductors is extremely important to meet both customer’s requirements and for controlling production costs. This paper describes the steps of development for a measurement device and related verification studies. 16:15 - 16:40 “Ceramics in the wiredrawing process,” by Dieter Mangold, CeramTec AG, Germany. This paper shows the possibilities of using technical ceramics in the wiredrawing process. It describes the influence of surface and the crystalline structure of the ceramic tool on the wire. Further, it shows a series of tests that have been carried out to prove scientifically the long-term experience of the wiredrawing industry. 16:40 - 17:05 “Heat-resistant parameters of AlZr electrical alloy wires for HTLS conductors,” by Tadeusz Knych, Andrzej Mamala, and Piotr Uliasz, AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland. High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors are a new generation of conductor for a temperature range with a maximum of 240°C. Traditional conductors are made of aluminum and are characterized by temperatures at a continuous running level of 80°C, which is limited by the potential for mechanical properties degradation. The addition of zirconium to aluminum not exceeding 0.3 mass fraction considerably increases the recrystallization temperature of alloys, which permits high-temperature conductors without considerably increasing wire resistivity. 17:05 - 17:30 “Analysis of surface flaws on drawn wire and wire breaks,” by Kazunari Yoshida and Tetsuo Shinohara, Tokai University, Japan. Using experiments and finite element method (FEM) analysis, this paper examines whether surface cracks on wire rods grow or are removed during drawing. The deformation behavior of V-shaped, concave, and Ushaped transversal cracks were observed upon repeated drawing. The authors clarified the conditions under which these transversal cracks are removed in order to achieve a surface condition similar to that of the area without cracks. ■

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

T E C H N I C A L

C O N F E R E N C E

New Technology

for Global Markets TWO DAYS. TWO CONTINENTS. ONE STOP. Take a look at developing industries in the wire and cable sectors as you join colleagues, presenters, and exhibitors at this educational conference and marketplace 2-3 November 2009.

SAVE THE DATE: 2-3 NOVEMBER 2009 | ISTANBUL, TURKEY

EXHIBITORS NOTE:

Set in Istanbul, Turkey—one of the largest cities in Europe, which is also the only metropolis situated on two continents—the event is next in the series of anticipated conferences by the WAI, ACIMAF, CET, and IWMA sponsors designed to surface big ideas and relevant dialogue.

TABLETOP SPACE AVAILABLE FROM € 630. Details and registration information are forthcoming online at: www.wirenet.org or www.iwma.org.

For more information contact: Marc Murray, Director of Education, The Wire Association International, Inc., 1570 Boston Post Rd., P.O. Box 578, Guilford, CT 06437-0578 USA, Tel.: (001) 203-453-2777 ext. 121, Fax: (001) 203-453-8384, E-mail: mmurray@wirenet.org.

Conference organized by: Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine Per Filo

C.E.T.

Comité Européen de la Tréfilerie

International Wire & Machinery Association

The Wire Association International, Inc.

LV E R TE A C I F I CE RT AWA R

Qualitative and quantitative identification of oxides on metallic surfaces

TECHNICAL PAPERS

TECHNICAL PAPER

This study explains why oxide layers on metallic surfaces have been misunderstood, resulting in incorrect use for industrial applications, and explains a process whereby different process factors can be considered to result in precise measurement and correct identification of such layers.

By Yea-Yang Su, Robert M. Shemenski and Rosario A. Gerhardt

Oxides form naturally on most metals when a bare metallic surface contacts the environment1-3. Oxide film on the metal surface not only provides the necessary barrier for further corrosion, but also supplies adequate vacancies and electronic holes for industrial applications such as adhesion of elastomers4-8, increasing the efficiency of solar cell9-10, reduction of friction during wet drawing11-12, sealing of electronic packaging13-14, and the efficacy and biocompatibility of biomaterials15-25. For pure copper, the ionic state can be either monovalent (Cu+) or divalent (Cu++) due to the duel oxide phases formed (Cu2O and CuO). Thermal oxidizing of copper could produce dual oxide phases26-31, viz., an outer layer of cupric oxide (CuO) and an inner layer of cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Cuprous oxide (Cu2O), which is a p-type semiconductor17-18, has excess electronic holes and such vacancies are the favorable sites for an electrochemical reaction to take place19-21. Therefore, it is important to have good qualitative and quantitative control of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) during oxidation. Qualitative analysis of copper oxides can be executed by various methods such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA), x-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and infrared absorption spectroscopy. Electrochemical cathodic reduction and voltammetry can offer quantitative and qualitative assessments. Since the first introduction of copper oxide analysis by cathodic reduction in 1937 by Miley26, controversial results regarding the sequence of reduction of two-layer copper oxides has jeopardized academic research and promoted incorrect industrial application. The controversy was based on which oxide was first removed by hydrogen during the cathodic reduction. Miler and other authors, including ASTM Standard B49-50, proposed that the reduction of Cu2O

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occurred first and then was followed by the reduction of CuO26-42. No convincing evidence of their claim was presented. Several authors claimed that CuO is reduced first by hydrogen during measurement33-43.

Table 1. Statistical analysis of oxide thickness as a function of deaerated electrolyte chemistry at a current density of 0.75 mA/cm2.

Table 2. Statistical analysis of oxide thickness as a function of electrolyte concentration for deaerated 0.1M NaHCO3 at a current density of 0.75 mA/cm2.

Table 3. Statistical analysis of oxide thickness as a function of current density for a deaerated 0.1M NaHCO3 electrolyte.

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 1. Typical oxide thickness measurement by cathodic reduction on oxidized copper and associated SEM morphologies at successive steps.

Reliability of rubber adhesion to bead wire or steel cord is heavily dependent of the quality and quantity of oxide films on copper alloys4-7, so a correct identification of oxides and calculation of each specific quantity is strongly recommended.

Materials and methods Materials. As-drawn, oxygen-free, high-conductivity copper (OFHC) and solid brass wire (63% Cu + 37% Zn) with a diameter of 0.5mm and 0.96mm bead wire and 0.30mm filament were used in this investigation. All samples were polished with 1200 grit sandpaper to remove the surface oxide before performing oxidation. The thin bronze (Cu + Sn) oxide film coating on the bead wire samples was cathodically reduced before oxidation. Oxidation and annealing condition. All oxidation of oxidefree samples was performed in a muffle furnace at 250oC for five minutes. The as-received, cold-worked copper and brass wires were annealed at 400oC for 60 minutes. Electrolytes. Two types of electrolytes were used in this investigation: (1) non-buffer electrolytes; and (2) buffered electrolytes. Non-buffered electrolytes, such as KCl, NaCl, and NH4Cl were compared to the buffered electrolyte such as

Fig. 2. Difference in oxide thickness measurement for copper wire oxidized at 250oC for five minutes in deaerated KCl and NaHCO3 solutions.

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TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 3. (a) Nyquist diagrams of two electrolytes (KCl and NaHCO3), (b) differences in phase angle measurement between these two electrolytes.

NaHCO3 Na2CO3, NaH2PO4 and Na2HPO4 and CH3COONa. Various concentrations of each electrolyte were also employed. Methods/Cathodic Reduction. The electrolyte used in the investigation was purged with ultra-high purity nitrogen for at least two hours prior to the cathodic stripping and continuously purged during the measurement. Various current densities were used to optimize the cathodic process. The electrode potential of the sample was measured with respect to saturated calomel electrode (SCE) and the variation with time during the test was recorded. The oxide thickness on pure copper can be calculated by using the Faraday equation and expressed in

Angstrom units (Ă&#x2026;). However, it would be very difficult to calculate the exact oxides thickness formed on copper alloys; therefore, all oxide thicknesses were expressed as millicoulombs per centimeter squared (mC/cm2) instead of Ă&#x2026;. This value of oxide thickness is obtained by multiplying current density (mA/cm2) used in the test and the total time (t, sec) to remove all oxides. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). An AC impedance measurement technique was employed to investigate the electrochemical kinetics at the oxide-electrolyte interface. The measurement was performed at an open-circuit potential and the frequency was varied in the range of 105 Hz

Fig. 4. Nyquist diagrams for NaHCO3 at open-circuit potential and at an applied potential of -0.5V (Fig. 4a) Fig. 4b shows the presence of inductance for KCl electrolyte at -0.5V, indicating the possible electrochemical reaction. 68 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Results Fig. 1 shows a typical oxide thickness measurement by cathodic reduction on oxidized copper and the associated SEM morphologies at successive steps. Two-layers of oxides were observed before cathodic reduction, where cupric oxide (CuO) formed as the outer layer and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) occupied the inner layer. The thickness of each layer shown in scanning electron micrograph corresponded to the cathodic stripping

TECHNICAL PAPERS

to 10-3 Hz with an imposed AC voltage of 5 mV (EG & G, USA, Model 6310). By imposing a small AC voltage and by varying the frequency during the measurement, electrical properties, such as capacitance and resistance, of the oxide films on wires in an electrolyte were measured. X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction experiments were performed using a Philips Diffractometer (PW 1800). The operating parameters for diffractometer were an operating voltage of 40kV, an operating current of 30 mA, a Cu K source, a step size of 0.01o, and a sampling time of 5 s. Peak positions were calculated and plotted at the conclusion of the experiment. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Samples were examined with scanning electron microscope (Hitachi model S-800, San Jose, USA), operated at 15 kV, to characterize the surface morphologies. Representative SEMs were taken in a secondary electron imaging mode.

Fig. 5. Effect of electrolyte concentration on Cu2O/CuO ratio measurement at constant applied current density of 0.75mA/cm2 in deaerated NaHCO3 electrolyte. time. CuO was initially reduced and was removed completely at -0.8V (SCE). The CuO layer was absent in the structure observed by SEM after the sample was stripped and stopped at -0.8V (SCE). As the reduction continued, the thickness of

Fig. 6. Effect of oxidation rate on cold-worked and annealed copper and the associated x-ray diffraction patterns.

AUGUST 2009 | 69

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 7. EIS measurement in different concentrations of deaerated NaHCO3.

Cu2O decreased proportionally to the reduction time in the cell. The surface was free from oxide after reaching hydrogen potential. There was a difference in oxide thickness measurement for copper wires oxidized at 250oC for five minutes in deaerated KCl and NaHCO3 solutions. See Fig. 2. The oxide thickness was 40% lower measured from the NaHCO3 electrolyte in these cathodic reduction examinations. Statistical analysis of oxide thickness as a function of deaerated electrolyte chemistry at a current density of 0.75 mA/cm2 is shown in Table 1. EIS measurements for oxidized copper wires in these two electrolytes showed that the time constant was lower in

NaHCO3 solution as judged from the Nyquest diagram shown in Fig. 3a. A higher phase angle in the lower frequency zones of KCL electrolyte (See Fig. 3b) indicated that capacitance of the surface layer was unique, possibly due to hydroxyl species present during cathodic reduction. In addition, electrochemical reaction happened inside the KCl electrolyte during cathodic reduction of oxide as judged from the Nyquest diagram. Fig. 4a shows the Nyquist diagram for NaHCO3 at open-circuit potential and at an applied potential of -0.5V. The inductance found for KCl electrolyte at -0.5V indicated that a possible electrochemical reaction could occur when the scanning potential during cathodic reduction

Fig. 8. Effect of applied current density on the precise oxide thickness measurement on oxidized copper in a deaerated 0.1M NaHCO3 electrolyte.

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TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 9. Effect of applied current density on the Cu2O/CuO ratio on oxidized copper wires in a deaerated 0.1M NaHCO3 electrolyte.

Fig. 10. Effect of applied current density on the oxide thickness measurement of bead wire in a deaerated 0.1M NaHCO3 electrolyte.

reached -0.5V and beyond (Fig. 4b). Fig. 5 shows the effect of electrolyte concentration on the oxide thickness measurement at constant applied current density of 0.75 mA/cm2 in deaerated NaHCO3 electrolyte. Optimum concentration was found at 0.1 mol/l. Not only are there differences in oxide thickness due to electrolyte concentration, but also in the Cu2O/CuO ratio. Statistical analysis from this measurement is shown in Table 2. Fig. 6 shows the effect of oxidation rate on cold-worked and annealed copper and the associated x-ray diffraction patterns. The annealed copper showed more oxide and a higher ratio of Cu2O/CuO. Fig. 7 shows the results from a typical EIS measurement for

oxidized brass in various concentrations of deaerated sodium bicarbonate electrolyte demonstrating that the value of time constant was lowest for the 0.1 mol NaHCO3 electrolyte. The effect of applied current density on the oxide thickness measurement on copper is shown in Fig. 8 (linear and log scales). Lower current density would result in longer oxide thickness measurement; however, lower current density yielded the lowest standard deviation and a higher ratio of Cu2O/CuO. See Fig. 9. Conversely, a higher current density could not yield the correct deflection point to distinguish the end point for CuO. For example, in Fig. 8 there were two end points for CuO (Pt-1 and Pt-2). The transient region between

Fig. 11. Effect of applied current density on the oxide thickness measurement of steel cord in a deaerated CH3COONa electrolyte.

Fig. 12. Effect of applied current density in an aerated electrolyte for oxide thickness measurement.

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TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 13. Effect of agitation on oxide thickness measured in an aerated NaHCO3 electrolyte at a current density of 2.15 mA/cm2. PT-1 and Pt-2 represented the possible reduction of CuO and Cu2O at the same time due to the applied current density. Statistical analysis of oxide thickness as a function of current densities is shown in Table 3. The effect of applied current density on the oxide thickness measurement of bead wire is shown in Figure 10. The deflection points were very clear when the cathodic reduction was performed at a current density of 0.75mA/cm2. Fig. 11 shows cathodic reduction of oxide on steel cord with various current densities. The optimum current density was 15 µA/cm2 because of the clear and prominent deflections shown. Fig. 12 shows the effect of aeration on the oxide thickness measurement with different applied current densities. The

cathodically produced hydrogen might be consumed by the presence of oxygen in the electrolyte so that oxide could not be stripped without proper cathodic current density. At a constant current density of 2.15 mA/cm2, even a slight agitation of the stirrer inside the electrolyte increased the oxide thickness by about 50% as shown in Fig. 13. A significant difference in oxide thickness on steel cord was found in the buffered electrolytes. The oxide thickness was measured at 45 µC/cm2 and 82.5 µC/cm2 in 0.1 mol/l sodium bicarbonate, and in the same concentration of sodium acetate electrolyte at a reduction current density of 15 µA/cm2. See Fig. 14a. The difference in oxide thickness measurements originated from different reaction kinetics between the oxide layer on steel cord and the electrolyte, Fig.14b, as measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cumar coating on the bead wire has to be removed by a suitable solvent prior to the cathodic reduction. There was an approximately three-fold difference in oxide thickness if cumar was not properly removed from the bead wire. See Fig. 15. Surface roughness also played an important part in the precise oxide thickness measurement as shown in Fig. 16. A rough surface created during dry drawing prior to the bronze coating bead wire could yield two end points on the analytical curve.

Discussion A theoretic calculation based on thermodynamic theory for the reduction potentials for cupric oxide (CuO) and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) in water at 25oC can be expressed as: 47-48 Potential equilibrium between solid copper and solid Cu2O at 25oC: E (V, NHE) = 0.224-0.0591(pH)

Eq. (1)

Fig. 14. (a) Oxide thickness on steel cord as a function of electrolyte chemistry, (b) significant interfacial differences due to electrolyte chemistries found in EIS measurement. 72 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

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Potential equilibrium between solid Cu2O and solid CuO at 25oC: E (V, NHE) = 0.422-0.0591(pH)

Eq. (2)

The relationship between applied cathodic current density and the corresponding overpotential can be expresses as50: η = α + b log I

Eq. (3)

where α is a constant at constant temperature, independent of pH value of the electrolyte, and a function of electrolyte chemistry, and for cathodic polarization, b ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 at intermediate current density determined from various authors50-51. A lower applied cathodic current density would result in more positive overpotentials both in the initial and final reduction. An intermediate current density could have reduction of CuO and Cu2O at the same time during the final stage of CuO reduction. A high current density could result in lower reduction potential which could have simultaneous reduction of CuO and Cu2O and no clear deflection point could be found on the cathodic stripping curve. Not only does the applied current density have a significant influence on the overpotential, but also it plays a very important role in the determination of the Cu2O/CuO ratio in the oxide film. Cathodic reduction with a lower current density would yield a higher Cu2O/CuO ratio than at a higher current density. The cut-off current density would be approximately 0.75 mA/cm2. In order to get the correct qualitative and quantitative analysis of oxide film, a lower current density is essentially required even though the cathodic stripping process takes a longer time. If the applied current density is too high, the electrolyte may heat up so that a cooling system for the stripping cell might be necessary for small diameter steel cord. Reduction kinetics between oxide layer and the presence of hydrogen in the electrolyte can be enhanced by a higher transfer rate. To achieve this higher transfer rate, the time constant which controls charge transfer rate must be lower. Charge transfer rate can be expresses as:

Fig. 15. Oxide thickness measurement as a function of coating on bead wire and steel cord.

of oxides. This study clearly shows that there were differences in the determination of oxide thickness using non-buffered electrolyte or buffered electrolyte, as well as a difference in the quantitative analysis of oxide thickness between buffered electrolytes, such as sodium bicarbonate and sodium acetate. Lower oxide thickness was obtained from the sodium bicarbonate electrolyte. The relationship between electrolyte concentration and current density was found to be a positive parabolic curve. Electrolyte at 0.1M concentration was found to have a maximum current density53-54. This study was confirmed by the current EIS measurement of different concentrations. Electrolyte concentration at 0.1N (or 0.1M) had the lowest value of time constant. The amount of hydrogen generated inside the electrolyte is related to the applied cathodic current density53 and is expressed as: Eq. (5)

Eq. (4)

where Q is the amount of charge, k is the rate constant, and l is the time constant. Measured oxide thickness could vary or be unrealistic due to the different values of time constant. A high-phase angle in the lower frequency zone could imply the presence of hydroxyl/hydrate on the oxide layer once samples contact certain and higher concentration electrolytes, such as KCL solution, as judged from the phase angle of Bode diagram from impedance measurement. The inductance found during the EIS measurement of oxidized brass wire inside the KCl electrolyte agreed with the published data52. An electrolyte with higher value of time constant not only yields false quantitative measurement, but also presents incorrect qualitative interpretation

where jo is the current density and α is the hydrogen concentration. Since concentration of electrolyte at 0.1M was found to yield the maximum current density, and the amount of hydrogen is linearly proportional to the current density, it is important to use the proper critical current density for a precise qualitative and quantitative analysis of oxide thickness55-57. To get a precise oxide thickness measurement and prevent hydrogen consumption by the depolarizing oxygen in the electrolyte, ultra-high purity nitrogen was used to purge the electrolyte before and during cathodic reduction. A theoretical study by Hickling and Salt showed that limiting current density for diffusion of a depolarizer in an unstirred electyrolyte at room temperature is given by58:

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Eq. (6)

where D is the diffusion coefficient of the depolarizer, C is the oxygen concentration in aqueous solution and n is number of faradays used up by the reaction of 1gmole of depolarizer at the electrode. The calculated limiting current density for the diffusion of oxygen to a cathode would be approximately 10-4A/cm2. For a polarizing current of this magnitude, the hydrogen at the cathode can be used as fast as it is formed and no overpotential would be developed. Oxygen accounts for only 10% of the polarizing current for a cathodic stripping current density of mA/cm2, and contributes significantly if the cathodic current density is in the range of ÂľA/cm2 for the analysis of oxide thickness on filament of steel cord. Dissolved oxygen concen-

trations in the electrolytes used in this work were not measured. In addition, it was found that electrolyte agitation significantly influenced oxide thickness measurement. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that a closed cell has to be used for the cathodic stripping to prevent any possible mistakes during measurement. Polycrystalline metal is an aggregate of grains in various lattice orientations. Crystals rotate to certain stable orientations depending on the degree of plastic deformation, and new crystals form and grow preferentially at the expense of deformed crystals during recrystallization. Crystal orientation in each process is a function of material mechanical and thermal history. The anisotropy of oxidation rates on different planes was reported in 1922 by Tammann59, who suggested that different rates of oxidation occur on iron crystals with different orientations. In a recent study, Uhlig suggested that work function of a metal face influences the oxidation rates60. This idea implies that the crystal face that is densely packed should have

Fig. 16. Precise oxide thickness measurement as a function of surface roughness.

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Conclusions A simple methodology, a combination of cathodic reduction and SEM, was applied in this study to determine whether cupric oxide (CuO) was reduced in the first stage of reduction, and which parameters might play a vital part in the precise measurement of oxide thickness. Oxides on OFHC copper wire, bead wire, and steel cord were studied by cathodic reduction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A buffered electrolyte provided lower oxide thickness measurement than a non-buffered electrolyte. Electrolyte with a low time constant yielded lower oxide thickness. Optimum current density yielded adequate quantitative analysis of oxide film and provided precise qualitative analysis of Cu2O/CuO ratio. A correct analysis of oxide films is critical for rubber adhesion to steel reinforcement and for many other applications in different fields.

References A copy of the references for this paper can be obtained by sending a request to editorial@wirenet.org. â&#x2013;

Yea-Yang Su is the technical director at Amorphous Oxide Technologies, Inc., Marietta, Georgia, USA. He previously was principal metallurgist at Amercord, Inc., Lumber City, Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. degree in materials science and engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Robert Su M. Shemenski is president of RMS Consulting, Inc., North Canton, Ohio, USA, which provides a range of metallurgical and corrosion engineering services. He has taught corrosion science and engineering as an adjunct professor at the University of Akron, USA. He has long been active in several professional societies, including Shemenski the WAI, where he served as president in 2000. Rosario A. Gerhardt has been a full professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, since 2001. She joined Georgia Tech in 1991 as an associate professor. She previously worked as an assistant research professor at the Center for Ceramics Research at Rutgers University from 1986 to 1990 and as a post-doctoral Gerhardt research associate at Rutgers for two years and at Columbia University for one. Her research focuses on what effect microstructural factors have on physical properties of all classes of materials, in particular electrical and optical properties. This paper, which was presented at WAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 78th Annual Convention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, June 2008, won the Silver Certificate Award in the Ferrous Division. AUGUST 2009 | 75

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a greater work function than a face with less dense packing. For example, rate of oxidation varies with crystal orientation, decreasing in the order (100) > (111) > (110) > (311) for a F.C.C. crystal structure such as copper. The preferred orientation for cold-worked copper was reported to be {110} and {100} for recrystallized copper60-64; therefore, fully annealed copper would develop more oxide thickness than a coldworked copper, However, anisotropy of the oxidation rate with respect to crystal orientation could cause patch-like nonuniformity of oxide layer thickness65. This phenomenon could happen when there was excessive localized heating during wet drawing of steel cord filaments. Cumar coating on bead wire serves two purposes: the first one is to provide adequate adhesion for green-tack adhesion, and the second one is to prevent any further oxidation during storage or transportation. Cumar is a co-polymer of cumarone and indene. Cumarone is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound formed from a benzene ring and an oxygenated cyclopentene ring (C8H6O). Indene is a polycyclic hydrocarbon (C9H8) composed of a benzene ring fused with a cyclopentene ring. These chemicals can increase the interfacial value of time constant, even if the electrolyte has the optimum concentration and the process has the correct current density. So, it is advisable to clean the coating with concentrated isopropyl alcohol thoroughly before cathodic reduction. Surface roughness and deep cracks are the common defects found on metallic wire, expecially from dry drawing. Depending on the width w and depth d of a crack, the secondary end point in oxide measurement on bead wire is a function of ratio w/d. Miscalculation of oxide thickness and the ending potential are likely if this ratio is high55-56. When all the oxides on copper coating of bead wire were reduced completely, hydrogen generated by the applied cathodic current density would go inside crack cavities to react with oxide there. It is, therefore, suggested that the actual oxide thickness should be calculated from the first end point if there were two end points shown on the potential-time plot.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

TECHNICAL PAPER -Improving wiredrawing efficiency with UPCAST® Cu-HCOF rod Developed technology can enable manufacturers to produce cost-effective, high-quality rod that reduces energy consumption rates and helps reduce the likelihood of wire breaks. By Juan Carlos Bodington

Fine and ultra-fine copper wire production is a very competitive niche that is well-known to pose technical challenges. The role of good machinery maintenance, lubricant status and drawing die settings and conditions has been clearly established1-2 as key factors. Equally important, however, is the quality of wire fed to the drawing lines, as well as that of the wire rod fed to the rod breakdown machines. These factors collectively define process efficiency and feasibility2. Use of high-conductivity, oxygen-free (HCOF) UPCAST® Oy rod for such challenging wire production represents an advantage compared to electrolytic-tough-pitch (ETP) rod. The HCOF rod offers more than 1.5 times better results in

terms of kg per break in ultra-fine wire, and four or more times better performance in terms of productivity and machine efficiency in fine multiwire drawing. Moreover, use of HCOF is mandatory when workability and conductivity are critical, such as in the growing hybrid automotive industry4 or processes where hydrogen embrittlement may occur. This significant difference in rod behavior may be explained by the presence of a large amount of copper oxide (Cu2O) in ETP rod. The ETP production process is more complex, which results in the potential for a wider diversity of casting and rolling-related rod defects. Nevertheless, HCOF rod may not be free of defects either. Even though the process is much simpler when the hot-rolling step is excluded, which minimizes the amount of variables to be controlled, a process “recipe” must be followed closely to guarantee an optimal quality product6. Getting the most out of HCOF rod does require some fine-tuning in drawing, especially in the breakdown machine. This paper reviews the main variables.

Process overview

Fig. 1. Simplified schematic diagram of key UPCAST® process elements. 76 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

The UPCAST® process was invented by Finland’s Outokumpu Oy in late 1960s. Since then, this technology, based on the submerged die casting technique, has evolved into very sophisticated computer-controlled, automatic casting systems for copper and a number of alloys. Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of key process elements. These include the graphite casting die, the bottom part of cooler (water-cooled copper jacket) where the die is inserted, the traction shaft and the pinch roller. The solidification front as well as the relative melt level are also shown. The casting process starts with the insertion of a steel “fishing” rod with a detachable copper or steel tip (bait). Upon its insertion, the melt solidifies against the bait and the fishing rod is pulled upwards in strokes by the withdrawal machine traction shaft and pinch rolls. When the cast rod passes the withdrawal machine, the fishing rod is removed and the bait is cut away. From this point, the process is self-maintained, with the produced rod usually coiled in baskets6.

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 2. UPCAST® rod:1-2 ppm O2 showing single-phase material (α-dendrites). Impurities are in solid solution.

Fig. 3. ETP rod: 200-400 ppm O2 showing α-dendrites + eutectic (Cu2O) along α-dendrite grain boundaries.

Besides offering the advantages of an economical small-to medium-scale production unit (2000 to 40000 TPA) for the wire and cable industry, the produced rod—high conductivity, oxygen-free rod—is highly utilizable. Oxygen-free copper is, metallurgically speaking, the most ductile and therefore drawable copper grade, and benefits can be seen when reviewing productivity results with producers using Upcast®5-6.

Rod quality The produced rod is as-cast and oxygen-free. The excellent drawability of oxygen-free rod is well known and is mainly attributed to the following metallurgical and manufacturing properties: • single-phase structure, with no oxide phases that eventually could decrease the ductility of the material, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. • The absence of (rolling-related) iron inclusions that decrease rod drawability, especially in the finer sizes; From a process point of view, the quality of upward cast rod depends on three main factors: • the quality of feedstock; • the quality of the melting and melt holding process since a low level of oxygen is to be achieved and a stable melt temperature maintained; and • the quality of the solidification process, or how the copper is solidified and the rod pulled onwards and out the die-cooler and finally out of the casting machine. The below explanation summarizes the importance of these factors. Quality of feedstock. As the UPCAST OY process is not a metallurgical refining process—only oxygen is chemically removed by subjecting it to reactions with carbon (charcoal/flake graphite)—the quality of the cast rod will suffer from impurities or irregularities present in the raw material. The raw material must meet the specification of LME Grade A cathode with regards to impurities, and also certain organic compounds, such as wax on the surface of the cathodes, may cause problems in casting or further processing.

Quality of the melting and melt handling process. The UPCAST OY furnaces are dimensioned in such a manner that the raw material can be melted and oxygen removed efficiently. A main design consideration in this respect is the furnace size, which is expressed as the volume of the furnace(s) versus production rate. A certain amount of copper can be molten, deoxidized and stabilized according to the size of the furnace and the power rating of the inductors. It should be noted that having the raw material in a molten state in the furnace does not yet mean it is ready for casting. A certain period of time under a charcoal or flake graphite cover will reduce the oxygen to the desired level of max. 2-3 ppm. From an operational point of view, the protection of the melt from atmospheric oxidation (air) is of outmost importance, and this is taken care of by placing adequate layers of carbon-based material (charcoal, flake graphite) on top of the melt. Solidification process. Continuous casting of copper rod is a sequence of events in which copper first solidifies against the graphite die, and the solidified rod is then pulled upwards in the die and inside the die cooler to be finally collected in the coiler. This process depends strongly on the dynamics of the rod pulling, or withdrawal movement, and on the interaction between the die material and the material being cast.

Table 1. Results from earlier wire drawability studies (publ. Origin. Ref. 11, revised as per newer data). AUGUST 2009 | 77

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Table 2. HCOF rod behavior before and after drawing parameters adjustments.

Results Results obtained from various wire drawers have been published in previous literature11-12. It should be noted that copper rod quality has an effect only on material-related wire breaks, and it may be virtually impossible to produce rod with an absolute guarantee of no breaks in any production condition. UPCAST OY’s “no wire breaks” concept means a normal multi-wire drawing operation, for instance, should be able to run at full capacity without experiencing material-related problems. Table 1 shows the result of a comparative performance study of ETP and HCOF rod.

Getting the most out of HCOF rod Latest figures related to HCOF behavior in drawing are impressive. But even more impressive may be the impact of minor adjustments to drawing process variables on the HCOF drawing performance. Table 2 presents the results of using HCOF rod before and after few drawing process variables were adjusted. It is interesting that most of changes were done to rod breakdown process variables (Table 3), since the “as cast” structure of the 8 mm rod behaves differently at this early stage when compared to ETP annealed structure.

‘Greener Cast’ technology Energy savings are the result of a comprehensive effort to increase implementation and development of energy-efficient practices and technologies in industry. In this sense, several

Fig. 4. A 22,000-tons-per-year capacity UPCAST® plant.

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Table 3. Changes introduced in drawing processes compared to standard ETP drawing settings.

countries are making big R&D efforts and implementing tax cuts to stimulate the development and use of such technologies, aiming at the reduction of green house gas emissions and minimizing dependence on fossil fuels9-10. UPCAST’s innovations in casting technology are not only aimed at reducing energy use, but also at improving productivity, reduce capital costs, reduce operational costs, improve reliability, reduce emissions (both direct and indirect) and improve safety and working conditions. UPCAST®, being a near net shape casting process and an Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)-certified environmentally safe, minimum-pollution rod production system, represents a good example of this. In achieving that, besides the energy saving advantages of net shape casting, the UPCAST OY process take advantage of channel induction heating, the most efficient electrical heating process. In combination with LF fast switching transistor power control, the process converges in what is called “Greener Cast” technology, resulting in energy consumption rates (cathode to 8 mm rod total conversion) of 280 Kwh/ton or less, as shown in Figs. 4-5.

Fig. 5. A 6,000 tons-per-year UPCAST® (upgradeable to 16KTPA).

The UPCAST OY process provides simplicity and machinery design that leads to the production of rod with fewer occurrences of defects in a well-controlled process when compared to ETP operations. Even though drawing operations can profit from UPCAST OY technology that provides high-conductivity, oxygen-free rod advantages using standard drawing settings, getting the most of the rod may require minor drawing setting adjustments. The UPCAST OY technology provides a cost-effective, high-quality wire rod production process that is an excellent choice in terms of environmental signature. Finally, as the tendency for environmental regulations become more stringent and energy costs grow higher, UPCAST OY’s team keeps working on refining process capabilities in terms of products, processes and equipment performance.

Berkeley, California; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), ORNL/CON-476 and LBNL-44029, Nov. 2000. 11. L. Eklin, When highest-quality rod is required by producer and customer alike…the Outokumpu Upcast Oy process, Wire & Cable Asia, 2002. 12. L. Eklin, P. Seppo and K. Hudai, Increased productivity in wiredrawing using UPCAST OY copper rod, WAI Technical Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 2002. ■

References 1. M.J. McNulty, Multi-wire technology: The Advantage and the Challenge, Nonferrous Wire Handbook, Vol. 3, Principles and Practice, Horace Pops, editor-in-chief, Wire Association International, 1995. 2. D.A. Metzler, Ultra-fine Drawing of Copper Wire, Nonferrous Wire Handbook, Vol. 3, Principles and Practice. Horace Pops, editor-in-chief, Wire Association International, 1995. 3. H. Kocabalkanlý, Hudai, then continuous casting manager, SCR contirod and Upcast Oy lines, Sarkuysan Electrolytic Copper Co., Turkey, currently Upcast Oy, technical adviser, personal communication, 2000. 4. H. Nakamoto, Oxygen free copper, Contirod 2008 convention. 5. L. Eklin, Metallurgist, then of Outokumpu Castform Oy, personal communication, 2001. 6. J.C. Bodington, Manufacturing highest quality rod for the production of smallest size wires, Problem Solving in Wire & Cable Manufacture & Processing, IWMA Educational Seminar, Singapore, 2001. 7. G. Panagiotakis and T. DuBois, Copper rod quality and fine wire production, WAI 72nd Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 2002. 8. G. Panagiotakis, V.P. Technology, Sherburne Metal Products. Sherburne, New York, USA, personal communication. 9. E. Worrell and P. Lynn Pric, Chapter 5: The industrial sector, at Interlaboratory Working Group, Scenarios for a Clean Energy Future (Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Berkeley, California; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), ORNL/CON-476 and LBNL-44029, Nov. 2000. 10. M.A. Brown, M.D. Levine and W. Short, Chapter 1: Integrated analysis and conclusions, at Interlaboratory Working Group, 2000, Scenarios for a Clean Energy Future (Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Oak Ridge National Laboratory and

Juan Carlos Bodington is technical advisor for UPCAST OY, Pori, Finland. He is responsible for commissionings, technical service, and is part of the R&D team. He migrated to the newly formed Upcast Oy in 2006, joining his colleagues from Outokumpu. He joined Outokumpu Bodington Castform Oy in 1997, where he worked in the technical area. He has worked in the wire industry since 1987 for numerous companies including Phelps Dodge, Alcatel and Kabelmetal Indonesia. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from Simon Bolivar University, Caracas, Venezuela. This paper was presented at WAI’s International Technical Conference, Monterrey, Mexico, October 2008.

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Conclusion

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TECHNICAL PAPER Analysis of different equations for calculations of wire tensile strength after patenting and drawing An investigation into different equations from eight researchers for calculating wire tensile strength after patenting and drawing helped to determine which ones came closest to actual results for certain steel wires.

By Bogdan Golis, Jan W. Pilarczyk, Danuta Jama, Rafał Włudzik and Michał Kobylinski

The wire manufacturing process is a significant example of plastically worked steel technology. During the patenting of steel wire, a basic heat treatment, the wire is isothermally cooled, most frequently in lead and salts and now also in a fluidizing layer. The wire patenting process is aimed at producing appropriate characteristics that will guarantee ease of deformation at cold drawing and the required high-strength properties. In the literature, various tables are presented that facilitate the determination of a tensile strength after patenting and after drawing. These magnitudes may be also defined by a number of relationships resulting from experiments. This paper focuses on using such information to forecast the strength of patented wire and of finished wire. This goal has been furthered by computer software designed for this purpose.

Studies Tensile strength calculations for patented wire. Technical literature includes many empirical formulae used to calculate the approximate tensile strength of steel wire after patenting. In addition to these formulas, nomographs and drawer’s slide-rules are also used. This paper analyzes the “relationship” formulas devised by various authors1-4. The first set is shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, Formula 1.2.1, commonly used in the past, has a simple shape but is not precise. The most precise results are obtained for steel wires containing from 0.6 to 0.7% of carbon (errors around 2%). From the Formula 1.2.1 structure, wire strength after patenting depends on the percentage of carbon content in steel. Formulae 7.2.1 and 8.2.1

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have a similar structure, where their practical application is related to steel wires of varying percentage manganese content: Formula 7.2.1 at manganese content up to 0.45%, and Formula 8.2.1 above this value. These formulae give average precision with an error range of around 2 to 6%. The most precise results are obtained for steel wires containing approximately 0.65% C. Formula 2.2.1, apart from carbon content, also takes into account the manganese content in steel. This formula allows obtaining results with an average deviation of 4%, while for steel wire containing less than 0.45% C, errors decrease to around 1%. Formula 3.2.1 takes into account the percentage of carbon content in steel and the patented wire diameter as variable parameters. The exact same parameters are taken into account in formulae 4.2.1, 5.2.1, 6.2.1 and 10.2.1. The relationship 3.2.1 gives low deviations (1%), which increase as the carbon content declines below 0.55%. Unacceptably high deviations are obtained already for steel wires containing less than 0.45% C. From relationship 4.2.1 the highest precision (ca. 1%) is obtained for wires made of steel containing 0.6 to 0.65% C. Formula 10.2.1 gives deviations between 3 to 4% in the whole range. Results obtained from calculations according to formula 6.2.1 are within the error range from 1 to 3%. The lowest deviations occur for wires containing 0.55% C. Results of calculations according to relationship 5.2.1 show stable deviations (approximately 2%). For wires above 6.0 mm in diameter (up to 0.65% C), deviations from calculations amount to around 1%.

TECHNICAL PAPERS Fig. 1. A series of formulae (1.2.1 to 10.2.1) in which: Rmp = a tensile strength of wire (rod) after patenting, MPa; C = carbon content in steel, %; Mn = manganese content in steel, %; Si = silicon content in steel, %; and D = patented wire diameter, mm.

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Fig 2. A series of formulae (1.2.2) to (5.2.2), where: Rmk= â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a tensile strength of finished wire dk in diameter, MPa; Rmp = a tensile strength of wire (rod) after patenting, MPa; do = patented wire diameter, mm; Dk = finished wire diameter, mm; Gc = total draft applied in the drawing, %; Gp = value of single draft in the drawing, %; and C = carbon content, %.

Formula 9.2.1 contains as variable parameters: carbon, manganese and silicon. It is the most developed among the quoted relationships. Hence as a result, the deviations obtained in the entire range amount to ca. 2%. Tensile strength calculations for finished wire. In the technical literature, there are numerous formulae related to tensile strength of finished wires patented after drawing. Fig. 2 shows further empirical relationships from various authors1,5,6,7 that have also been analyzed. Formula 1.2.2 belongs to the oldest and simplest ones, but Rmk values calculated from this formula differ from actual Rmk values on average by around 8.35%. Relationship 2.2.2 takes into account the influence of deformation on Rmk values. Results of calculations according to this formula provide an average deviation equal to 82 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

approximately 2.6%. Formula 3.2.2 is relatively developed, but as compared with actual Rmk values it shows large average deviations equal to around 3.6%. Two formulae from M. Baca (4.2.2 and 5.2.2) make Rmk values dependent on rod-cooling conditions. Formula 4.2.2 is used in calculations for the traditional method of rod cooling after rolling. Higher Rmk values are obtained from 5.2.2 calculations for controlled rod cooling (e.g., by the Stelmor method). Both formulae allow calculating Rmk values with a deviation of about 10 %. Analysis of examination results. The above relationships were analyzed, comparing the precision of the calculated results with the actual literature results3,6. Steel wire was considered for diameters from 2 to 8.0 mm (10 diameters)

TECHNICAL PAPERS Table 1. Accuracy of calculations of tensile strength from considered formulae for wire patenting.

Results from the values quoted in Table 1 show that the highest precision is obtained from formulae: - for the range <0.45% C and diameter >6 mm - Manker formula - for the range <0.45% C – 0,55% C and diameter <6mm - M. Baca formula (Uproszczony) - for the range <0.45%C – 0,55%C and diameter >6mm - Manker formula - for the range <0.55%C – 0,60%C and diameter < 6mm - Tulenkow formula - for the range <0.55%C – 0,60%C and diameter >6mm - Manker formula - for the range <0.60%C – 0,65%C and diameter <6mm - Potemkin formula - for the range <0.55%C – 0,65%C and diameter >6mm - Manker formula - for the range <0.66%C – 1%C and diameter <8mm - Potemkin formula

with a carbon content varying from 0.45 to 0.9% (10 contents). Comparison results are presented in Table 1. The narrowing of calculations to four formulae allowed simplifying the computational software, but retaining its high precision of around 1 to 2%. Table 2 shows the deviation values for the four selected formulae. Relationships given in section 2.2 were analysed comparing the calculation results precision with the actual literature results1. The analysis comprised finished steel wire, from .75 to 5.0 mm that had been patented at a size of 2.0 to 6.5 mm in diameter. The data were analyzed mainly for

steel containing from 0.5 to 0.7% carbon. The Tulenkow, Zlotnikow and Babylewai formula (1.2.2) allows calculating the tensile strengths of finished wires after drawing with relatively high deviations (more than 8%), hence this relationship was not taken into account in the computer software. The Petrow relationship (2.2.2) has a complex shape, but gives precise results. For the considered area, an average deviation amounts to around 2.59%. The Potemkin formula (3.2.2) features the largest deviations. For considered cases, the average deviation amounts to 35.93% (and the

AUGUST 2009 | 83

TECHNICAL PAPERS Table 2. Deviations of Rmk specifying formulae used in the software.

minimum 19.36%), hence it has not been further studied. The M. Baca a formula (4.2.2) features a simple structure, the possibility of easy modification and stability of results, with the average deviation amounting to around 3.8%. Because of its precision and ease of use for various drawing conditions, this formula was used in the computing software. The computing software is adapted to determine results in two ways. The user selects whether he is willing to give input data for the wire and determine its final parameters and vice versa, providing the required strength of the finished wire to learn what conditions must be met by the wire after patenting. If the first option has been selected, the input data comprises: patented carbon content, patented wire diameter and finished wire diameter. For the second option, the input data comprises: finished wire diameter, percentage carbon content and the required tensile strength of finished wire. In this option, the scope of achievable wire strength after patenting is determined depending on diameters. It is used by means of formulae to compute Rmp, where the lowest possible diameter is substituted (i.e., the final diameter given by the user) as well as the highest diameter (8.0 mm).

84 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Only then is the data provided by the user entered to the M. Baca formula, from which the strength after patenting is computed for specific wire diameter.

Conclusions 1. The computer software developed allows computing a tensile strength of wires after patenting (Rmp) with average deviation not exceeding 2%. 2. The software allows forecasting the tensile strength of finished wire (Rmk) using the M. Baca formula. 3. The developed software is clear, ergonomic, reliable and may be used for simplified forecasting of the aforementioned values, i.e.: Rmp and Rmk.

References 1. B. G olis, F. Knap and J.W. Pilarczyk, Wybrane zagadnienia z teorii i praktyki ci gnienia. Ci gnienie drut贸w stalowych niepokrytych. Czesc 5, Wyd. Politechniki Czestochowskiej, 1995, (in Polish). 2. A. Robonyi, The Patenting and D rawing of Steel W ire, W ire World International, 1977, vol. 19, p. 70. 3. Z. Steininger, O br贸bka cieplna i powierzchniowa

TECHNICAL PAPERS

drutów stalowych, Wyd., Slask, 1977, (in Polish). 4. M. Kobyli ski, Opracowanie programu komputerowego do okre lania wytrzymało ci drutów po patentowaniu (praca magisterska) Politechnika Czestochowa, 2004 rok, (in Polish). 5. K.D. Potiomkin, Termiczeskaja obrobotka i wołoczenije wysokoprocznaj prowołoki, Mietałłurgizdat, Moskwa, 1977, (in Russian). 6. B. Golis, J.W. Pilarczyk, and Z. Bła ejowski, D ruty stalowe. Seria M etalurgia Nr. 35, Politechnika Czestochowa, Czestochowa, 2003, (in Polish). 7. I.A. Juhwiec, Wołoczilnoje proizwodstwo Iza. Metalurgia. Moskwa 1965, (in Russian). ■

Bogdan Golis is a professor of plastic working in the department of metallurgy and materials engineering at Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. He joined Czestochowa in 1987. He previously worked in Poland’s Central Laboratory where he was responsible for scientific and research cooperation with other countries. He has more than 30 years of experience in the wire and rope industry. He holds a doctor of technology sciences degree and a master of science degree in metallurgy from Czestochowa. He is the author or co-author of more than 200 papers. Jan W. Pilarczyk is a professor in the department of materials processing technology and applied physics at Czestochowa. He works on the development of new technology for wiredrawing and metal products. He holds a Ph.D. degree and a degree in specialty plastic working of metals from Czestochowa. He is the author or co-author of more than 170 technical papers. He is currently president of the Poland Chapter of the Wire Association International. Danuta Jama is a mathematician at the Silesian University of Technology. Rafał Włudzik is a doctoral degree candidate in the department of metallurgy and materials engineering at Czestochowa. He is studying central bursting in wiredrawing. Michał Kobyliński is a graduate of the Department of Materials Processing Technology and Applied Physics at Czestochowa. This paper was presented at WAI’s International Technical Conference, Monterrey, Mexico, October 2008.

Golis

Pilarczyk

Włudzik

AUGUST 2009 | 85

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

PRODUCTS & MEDIA PRODUCTS System can measure a cable’s outside diameter precisely on production line Germany’s Sikora AG, represented in the Americas by Sikora International Corp., reports that its LASER T line of measuring systems, using 3-axis diameter and ovality gauges, can precisely measure the outside diameter of a cable in a production line for products such as optical fiber; LAN, coax, RF and telephone cables; and auto/building wires. The key to the system is the novel combination of a laser diode as a light source with a CCD line sensor that can provide measurement without any moving parts and, consequently, has no need for calibration, a press release said. The system, which comes in four sizes (LASER 2010 T, 2025 T, 2050 T and 2100 T), looks at the information provided by the gauge and calculates the true ovality; not just a difference of the maximum and minimum, but the calculation of the minimum and maximum by a theory of two ellipses, it noted. The gauges, which make 500 measurements per second per axis, guarantee the highest reliability, with exposure time of 1 micro-second, even if the product to be measured is vibrating or moving as can happen during the production process at higher line speeds, the release said. Contact: Jeff Swinchatt, Sikora International Corp., jpswinchatt@sikora-usa.com, www.sikora-usa.com.

Wire pointers are described as operator-friendly Germany’s Bock GmbH, represented in North America by Howar Equipment, Inc., notes that its EMZ wire pointer, suitable for all required wire pointing during the string-up stage, is especially operatorfriendly.

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The EMZ line, a press release said, features an additional string-up capstan that is housed on the side of the wire pointer assembly with the die holder. This allows operators to quickly and safely pull the pointed wire through the wiredrawing die without having to resort to additional apparatus or unsafe string-up means, it said. The EMZ line, which has processing capability from 0.02 in. to 0.55 in. (0.5 to 14 mm), has specially hardened eccentric rollers with a variety of grooves that allow the operator to safely point wires as needed, it said, adding that care is taken to supply precision rollers that are parallel to one another for a clean pointing result. The units are available as fixed or mobile units depending on size and requirements in the application. Contact: HOWAR Equipment Inc., tel. 905-738-4010, sales@howarequipment.com, www.howarequipment.com.

Flat drop technology is suitable for FTTH applications, aerial or buried U.S.-based CommScope reports that its “flat drop” technology includes an all-dielectric cable that is suitable for aerial self-supporting or burial applications and a toneable design that contains a wire used to locate the underground portion of the fiber run. Both cable types, a press release said, are small, lightweight constructions designed for ease of handling and installation, and are compatible with industry-standard hardware. Their dual ripcords also simplify access and installation, it said, noting that the cable designs are suitable for all FTTH applications, including CommScope’s BrightPath® RF over Glass (RFoG) solution. The release added that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Telecommunications Program has accepted the flat drop fiber cable designs, a plus for service providers seeking funding from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). “Acceptance of our Flat Drop cable designs by the Rural Development Telecommunications Program greatly benefits our customers as they look to expand their networks into unserved areas,” a company spokesman said. Contact: CommScope, www.commscope.com.

U.S.-based Beta LaserMike describes the LaserSpeed EFL measurement system, its non-contact differential speed unit, as an easy-to-use device for measuring excess fiber length in a loose fiber buffer tube. A press release explained that placing the right amount of fiber in a loose-tube, optical fiber buffer tube is critical, and that the Beta LaserMike system can reliably do this through the combination of its two LaserSpeed® gauge heads and a LaserSpeed length differential indicator. One gauge head measures the speed of the fiber bundle while the other

measures the speed of the buffer tube, it said, noting that the indicator takes the inputs from both LaserSpeeds and calculates and displays the short EFL ratio. The long EFL ratio, it added, can be monitored through optional SPC software. The LaserSpeed EFL system offers differential speed resolution of 0.01%, has an indicator with an easy-to-read LED display and a serial interface to connect to a PLC or SPC analysis program, the release said. Those features enable it to monitor fiber lengths, simplify line operation and document product quality by importing differential speed data into statistical analysis package, it said. Contact: Beta LaserMike, tel. 937-233-9935, www.betalasermike.com.

Filtration system proved in field test to be a plus for copper rod producers U.S.-based Filtertech Inc. reports that it can provide a filter system that can help optimize continuous-cast copper rod production where caster water soot or graphite levels

CHENG I LLC

Inverted Vertical-type Wire Drawing Machine • Combined wire drawing and take-up functions in one. • Wire drawing and take-up mechanisms are driven by an independent motor. • Designed for various round and hexagonal wires.

• Uniform rolling can be reached by 90 degree swivel device. • Easy to operate. No skilled operator or sophisticated tool is necessary. • Heavy duty construction machine.

New Sales Agent for USA & Canada! Cheng I LLC P. O. Box 935 Lilburn, GA 30048 Phone: 770-601-0988 cell Mr. Philip Wang: philipwang168@hotmail.com Mr. In Wang: chiningx@ms17.hinet.net Website: www.wireworld.com/chengi/

Knott & Company, Inc. 546 Hill Street Whitinsville, MA 01588-1019 USA Phone: 508.234.4710 Fax: 508.519.6333 E-mail: jknott@knottco.com

Taiwan Export Division: 5th Floor, No. 81, Chung Hsueh Rd. Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C. Phone: 886-6-2898013 Fax: 886-6-2896519 E-mail: chiningx@ms17.hinet.net

AUGUST 2009 | 87

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

Measuring system assures proper fiber amount, documents results

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

must be controlled to optimize heat transfer and improve production. To maintain consistent caster water clarity levels, a press release said, the side stream system utilizes a dry clay chemistry to produce a “floc” of the process soot or graphite as well as other contaminants such as dissolved copper. The floc is removed from the caster water by a Filtertech HGF gravity filter for disposal, and the result is very clean water returned to the caster water system to maintain precise desired turbidity, it said, adding that the system can provide significant and continuous cost savings that provide full amortization in less than 12 months. The modular technology, recently installed at Encore Wire’s plant in McKinney, Texas, for its 20 mt/hr SCR mill, resulted in an increase in rod production; improved rod quality; reduced hollow bar breaks; fewer down-stream wire breaks; longer caster wheel and band life; less heat exchange or cooling tower cleaning; fewer high pressure pump rebuilds; zero blow-down water discharge; lower air borne soot levels; and an overall cleaner environment, it said. Contact: Filtertech Inc., tel. 315 682-8815, info@filtertech.com, www.filtertech.com.

Low-profile copper cable idea is called ideal for QSFP assemblies U.S.-based W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., announces general availability of a very low-profile Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP), direct-attach copper cable assembly that it said is “fiber-like” in size for QDR InfiniBand and 40 GbE aggregate applications. The GORE™ Low-Profile Copper Cable meets the needs of dense, higher-port-count switch installations while providing an even more reliable interconnect for high-performance computing (HPC), a press release said. This cable, it said, was provided to major switch vendors

88 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

and computing OEMs for testing over the last six to eight months and was tested for compliance and interoperability in spring 2009. With a diameter of 0.170” for a 4x channel, 8-pair cable, the cross-section savings is 37% compared to alternative Gore cables and 58% compared to typical industry offerings, the release said. This low-profile cable is targeted at high-performance computing applications, where a large percentage of high-density port-count interconnects are 2 meters or less (e.g., in top-of-the-rack switching installations). it said. The reduced bend radius and smaller diameter allow for more aggressive routing as well as cleaner dressing of the cables in high-performance computing (HPC) environments, it added. Contact: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., www.gore.com/electronics.

New laser-measuring head is both economical and effective Switzerland’s Zumbach AG, represented in the U.S. by Zumbach Electronics Corp., reports that its new laser diameter measuring head, ODAC® 14XY-WD, designed especially for wiredrawing or similar applications, is an especially economical and accurate system that can easily be integrated into wiredrawing systems. An integrated CPU (Central Processing Unit) allows communication with a host computer or the USYS MULTILINE processor from Zumbach, a press release said. It noted that an integrated processor allows for single scan measurement processing and filtering and provides SPC reporting capability of a selection of parameters and other functions. Due to its ultra-compact size and IP 65 protection class, the ODAC® 14XY-WD can easily be integrated or retrofitted, it said. Typical mounting configurations, the release noted, include compact drawing/spooling machines where the measuring head will typically be mounted into the machine block between the drawing and spooling area, preferably between two guiding rollers; and separate drawing and spooling machines, where the measuring head can be mounted on a support and measure the wire diameter between the two machines, it said. The dual-axis technology is extremely accurate, highly

Company expands its range of dies and related tooling for customers U.S.-based Guill Tool & Engineering Co., Inc., reports that it has expanded the range of dies and related tooling it can offer following a new equipment purchase that will increase output by up to 20% for larger dies in the 4 to 10 AWG range as well as the required support tooling for customers. A press release said that the purchases have upgraded Guillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facility, expanded to 33,000-sq-ft, which now includes a new CNC machine that reduces tool set-up, as

well as current CAM and DNC software. Guillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s machine programs now in use are synchronized directly from models utilizing the latest 3D CAD and advanced flow analysis software, it said. In addition to the 5-axis CNC milling machine, CNC lathe and EDM machine, other new equipment includes a dual-column band saw for faster, more precise cutting coupled with the CNC hole-popper to enable the most exacting holes (as small as .010 in/0.254 mm) for EDM operations, the release noted, adding that new CRIB vending machines will ensure a supply of disposable tooling to machinists. Contact: Guill Tool & Engineering Co., Inc., tel. 401828-7600, sales@guill.com, www.guill.com.

MEDIA Contractor guide is packed with products, has 10,000+ part numbers U.S.-based Fastenal Company has released its new Contractors Guide, a nearly 500-page guide that it said contains 10,844 part numbers, with call-outs for

AUGUST 2009 | 89

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

immune to dirt, has output for local displays and line speed input, the release said. Contact: Zumbach Electronics Corp., www.zumbach.com.

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

engineering specs (mechanical properties, performance values, etc.), installation steps, applications guidance, and other practical product information. The resource provides commercial contractors, architects and engineers with an integrated catalog/technical reference guide covering a broad range of construction products sold at local Fastenal stores across North America, a press release said. It noted that more than half of the guide is dedicated to fastening solutions, including 124 pages of mechanical and chemical anchoring products. This broad fastener offering is complemented with general construction supplies spanning 14 categories, from measuring systems and cordless tools to safety, electrical and firestop products, it said. Copies are available at Fastenal’s more than 2,300 stores, it said. Contact: Fastenal Company, www.fastenal.com.

RAD-CON launches updated website U.S.-based RAD-CON, Inc., a leading supplier of 100% hydrogen, bell-type batch annealing furnaces, has launched a newly revamped website at www.rad-con.com. A press release said that the company has completely updated its website, which now has an improved look and function and provides users with a simple means of navigating and accessing information that is very specific to their needs. The site, it said, also details RAD-CON’s

90 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

proprietary CAPS optimization software for strip and AC/APEx for wire, both products designed to improve anneal throughput and quality while reducing operating costs. The website presents a range of information about the company’s annealing equipment and optimization software worldwide for processors of steel strip and wire in both the ferrous and nonferrous industries. “Customer feedback played a large role in developing our new website,” said Chris Messina, vice president, sales and projects. “It was a priority to provide our customers and prospective customers with the type of online tools and information that will make their jobs easier. Contact: RAD-CON, Inc., tel. 440-871-5720, www.rad-con.com.

Color brochure outlines company’s range of product capabilities U.S.-based Matrix International, an Altra Industrial Motion company, announced the release of a new, full-color brochure that details the company’s product capabilities and a wide range of industrial applications that can achieve efficiencies from Matrix brakes, clutches, torque limiters and couplings. Product categories detailed include off-highway vehicle brakes, forklift truck brakes, winch, crane and marine products, machine tool face tooth couplings, clutches and torque limiters, servo motor brakes, pneumatic clutches and brakes and custom design units, a press release said. Applications are found in a broad spectrum of industries including material handling, packaging, printing, medical equipment, machine tool, textile, military and defense, offhighway transportation, forklift, semiconductor and general industrial, the release said. The brochure is available at the company’s website at www.matrix-international.com. Contact: Altra Industrial Motion, tel. 815-389-6227, www.altramotion.com. ■

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

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.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

DIES

SALES ENGINEER. Wire manufacturing company located in southwest Florida is looking for a wire and cable sales engineer with bachelor’s degree or equivalent engineering experience. Familiarity with the application of high temperature wire insulations is a must. Knowledge of resistance and thermocouple alloys is desired as well as UL, CSA, CE, and MIL. Must be a team player and have strong customer service skills. Please send cover letter, resume, and professional references to jobs@pelicanwire.com.

MOLONEY DIE COMPANY. Low prices on all sizes of new, used and recut carbide dies. We also recut tapered nibs. Fast turn-around. Quality service since 1985. Tel. 904-388-3654. AJEX & TURNER WIRE DIES CO. offers a wide range of pcd/nd/carbide

APOLLO DIA-CARB COMPANY. Buy & sell new/used Natural & PCD

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

FOR SALE

PERSONNEL SERVICES “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, 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.

dies, extrusion tools, die polishing machine, ceramic and diamond tools. Visit our web site: www.ajexturner.com. Send inquiry to ajexturner@gmail.com. A-53, G.T. Karnal Road, Delhi-33 India. Ph: 00919811078882 (Ravi Bansal).

1 2 2 3 1 1 1

21114 1 1 1 1

22-

NEB 64-Carrier CB-1 Cabler Braider WARDWELL 24-C Speedmaster Braiders STEEGER 16-C Braiders DeANGELI 760mm Bunchers WATSON 36” Rotating Cabler Line NORTHAMPTON ST1000 Cabler, 1999 CEECO 6-Bobbin 60” Closer w/Caterpuller, Take-up MGS Model LC50.4 Caterpuller Capstans DAVIS ELECTRIC Model CAT-TRAK 22 Caterpuller Capstan VITECK 24” Horizontal Belt Wrap Capstan NIEHOFF M15 Wire Drawer, Annealer, SG45 Spooler D/S 3.5” 24:1 L/D Extruders D/S 3” 24:1 L/D Extruder D/S 2.5” 24:1 L/D Nylon Extruder D/S 2” 30:1 L/D Hi-Temp Extrusion Line HALL 36” Motorized Payoff w/Model 4F15 Dancer HALL 30” Drag Payoffs w/Dancers TULSA 24” Motorized Shaftless Payoffs, Model HSPO-1, 12/02

3 - MGS 18-Bay 10” Tubular Stranders 1 - NEXTROM 1000mm Rotating Take-up w/Group Twinner 1 - DAVIS STANDARD 36” Dual Reel Takeup, Model PS36 1 - ENTWISTLE 36” Dual Reel Take-up, Model THE 24/36 4 - D/S 30” Dual Reel Take-ups 1 - DAVIS ELECTRIC Model TAP30 Parallel Axis Dual Take-up 4 - NOKIA Model EKP50 Parallel Axis Dual Reel Take-ups 1 - CLIPPER Model SP16 Dual Spooler 1 - HALL 48” Shaftless Take-up 2 - TEC Model 24STC Hi-Speed Twisters, rated 1300rpm w/2-Wire Payoffs 1 - TEC 600mm Backtwister D.T. Twister 2 - TEC Model 24STC Hi-Speed Twisters, rated 1300rpm w/2-Wire Payoffs 1 - TEC 600mm D.T. Twinner 1 - RAYMOND 3000lb Stacker Forklift 41 - 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 2009 | 91

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”)

DIAMOND DIES. Fair prices & excellent lead times. Contact Paulette, Owner-Sales, by telephone at 1-508226-1508 or by e-mail at apollodie@wmconnect.com. MACHINERY WWW.URBANOASSOCIATES. COM. For New (Hakusan Heat

Pressure Welders, Ferrous & Ferrous; Marldon Rolling Traverses) & Used Wire & Equipment. Tel. 727-863-4700 e-mail: urbassoc@ verizon.net.

NonRing Cable or by

PURGING COMPOUNDS AMERICA’S OLDEST SUPPLIER. Since 1948 we’ve supplied mil-

The ELEKTRISOLA Group is the world’s largest producer of fine and ultrafine copper magnet wire, operating factories in USA (NH), Mexico, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia and China. The group is privately held and employs 2500 individuals worldwide. We seek to acquire the majority share of a

Manufacturer of small wires and/or cables. The ideal company would be a leader in their market segment, manufacturing Specialty wires smaller than AWG 30 and/or specialty cables with ODs below ¼ inch (drawing and/or coating of fine/ultrafine wires and cables).

ELEKTRISOLA offers: -

cash for expansion international production locations (for production close to world markets and/or for low-cost production) international sales organization engineering expertise for fine wire related machinery

- long-term interest and stability Interested parties please contact:

ELEKTRISOLA, Inc. Attn. George P. Downing, VP Operations 126 High Street ● Boscawen, N.H. 03303 ● Tel. (603) 796 2114 e-mail: gdowning@elektrisola-usa.com

92 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

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.

lions of pounds so we know a little bit about JIT deliveries and customer satisfaction. We sell for less because our costs are less. BUY SMART – WE DO. Alan Plastics Co., Inc. PH: (781) 828-0700. FX: (781) 8282087. E-mail: alplas@aol.com, www.alplastic.com. ■

panoramic view of

MILWAUKEE

Wis.

In 10 sq. ft. and a third less time

EXHIBITORS CAN COVER MORE TERRITORY at Wire Expo 2010 CONVENTION & EXHIBITION:

MAY 12-13

2010 MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, USA MIDWEST AIRLINES CENTER

EXHIBITORS TAKE NOTE: POINTS MEETING—OCTOBER 6, 2009

Nobody knows your product better than you and your customers do. But that’s about to change. Because the 2010 Wire Expo expands your territory by colocating with The National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. For the first time the shows will run side by side giving exhibitors and visitors the benefit of crossover participation. The schedule is compact. Just two days. And the audience is specific so you’ll spend less time qualifying leads and more time engaging valuable prospects. Considering the cost of international travel to some of the larger scale shows, the new Wire Expo format offers a friendly, affordable, and efficient option for exhibitors who want both a panoramic view of the wire making and wire processing industries and direct access to these viable manufacturing sectors. Zone in on Milwaukee. Home in on prospects. And begin building new business relationships in an established show setting. Wire Expo 2010. Low cost. Expanded value. A wise marketing decision.

E-mail bxeller@wirenet.org or abzowski@wirenet.org for exhibiting information or find show details online at: www.wirenet.org.

co-located with The National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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

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

Alloy Wire International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Lesmo Machinery America Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

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

Lesmo Machinery America Inc/Appiani . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Anbao Wire & Mesh Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Locton Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

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

Micro Products Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Bongard Trading GmbH & Co KG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Paramount Die Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Cable Consultants Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Pittsfield Plastics Eng Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Carris Reels Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Power Sonics LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Cheng I LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Precision Die Technologies Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Commission Brokers Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Queins & Co GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Elektrisola Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

REELEX Packaging Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Eurolls Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Sanxin Wire Die, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

George Evans Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Sealeze A Unit of Jason Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

T Fukase & Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Sikora International Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Howar Equipment Inc/GMP Slovakia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Sjogren Industries Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Howar Equipment Inc/Unitek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Staku-Anlagenbau GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Huestis Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Talladega Machinery & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Kamatics Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

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

Lamnea Bruk USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

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

94 | 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

Wire & Cable Services Pvt. Ltd. (WCS) sales@wirenet.org

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

Vandor Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

WIRE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL ADS

Wire Machine Systems Inc/Staku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-28

Woodburn Diamond Die Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

WAI ITC: Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Zumbach Electronics Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 4

Wire Expo 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

PLEASE VISIT US AT WIRE SOUTHEAST ASIA BOOTH #B02 SPACE FOR LEASE : INDUSTRIAL/WAREHOUSE/OFFICES PAWTUCKET, RI/ATTLEBORO, MA/MORVEN & MONROE, NC, BONHAM TX

RECENT PURCHASES — INVENTORY HIGHLIGHTS PAY1546 (9) TEC 24” Dual Driven Payoffs w/MGS vertical dancers. RWD491 800mm SETIC S/LRewind Line w/dancer controlled payoff. TKU1140 WINDAK 48” Portal Take up, tire drive. PAY1559/TKU1132 60” BARTELL Shaftless Payoff & Take up. CBR1036 WATSON 1+3 Bar/Tube Twister w/dual 36” capstan, DC drive. CBR1039 AFA 12 Wire Planetary Cabler. PAY1540 CLIPPER Driven Flyer Payoff Jacks, with 24” & 30” dual cone flyers. MGS/BARTELL Payoffs 60”, 72”, 84”, 96” Take ups 60”, 84” 96” (some rebuilt) EXRL38 3 1/2”/ 1 1/4” AMERICAN KUHNE XLPE, CV Line, 2001, Endex CC18 18” Drop Coiler, mutlipass capstan. BPK055 (2) 14” BONGARD TW470-KT Barrel Packers, 1999/2000 PAY1537 (6) 24” MGS Dual S/L driven payoffs w/ vert dancers. EXPL347 2 1/2” D.STD./SAMP Tandem Wire Dwg Insul Line w/2 1/2” & 1 1/4” extruders (2005), 630mm Samp dual T/U. EXPL325 4 1/2“ Jacketing Line w/2) 60” Belt Caterpullers, 96” Portal P/O, T/U, 30” multipass capstan.

EXPL319 (2) DEANGELI/SAMP 45mm Hi Temp Lines w/Zumbach Preheater, SS multipass capstan, 560mm dual parallel axis take ups. EXPL304 ROSENDAHL Skin-Foam-Skin Ins Line, 2000, Henrich annealer, preheater, 60/45/30mm extruders w/gas inj., multi cap, Rosendahl DIN500 dual T/U. HI TEMP EXTRUDERS: (YR 1998): EXP740 1 1/2” D.STD. 30:1, EXP770 1 1/2” D.STD.24:1, EXP666 2” D.STD. 30:1. EXR172/171/168 4 1/2”, 3 1/2”, 6“ D.Std. 20:1 Rubber Extruders, roller feed water cooled. CBR998 (8) SETIC 630mm PA630i D.T. Twinners, 1998. CBR1000 84” CABALLE/KALMAR/POURTIER Drum Twisting Line, 1990’s. CBR995/CBR989 630mm MGS & TEC, 800mm NMC D.T. Twinners. RWD359 2.6m SKALTEK Rewind Lines. A264K P/O, S60/L100 line controls., meas mach. Guide roller assy. U26T T/U. RWD445 (7) CLIPPER Dual S/T Rewinders, SP16, SP18 SP24, SP6.5

PREOWNED HIGH QUALITY WIRE, CABLE & OPTICAL CABLE MANUFACTURING MACHINERY AVAILABLE EX-STOCK FROM SIX US WAREHOUSE LOCATIONS.

AUGUST 2009 | 95

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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

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

Material Savings Gained Through Precise Product Measurement s Fast Return On Investment s Advanced solution for your speciﬁc application s Superior mechanical design

Diameter

Wall Thickness

Eccentricity

With 1, 2 and 3 axis ODAC® Laser Gauges

With UMAC® / WALLMASTER Ultrasonic Scanners

With ODEX® Optical / Magnetic Gauges

repeatability up to 0.05 μm / .000002 in.

s High scan rate, up to 2400/sec. s Worldwide, more than 60.000 gauges sold.

s Up to 8 measuring points s Up to 15.000

s 2400 synchronized

s Convenient transducer

s Compact and robust

measurements /sec. adjustment allows for product set-up with in seconds.

laser diameter and magnetic position measurements / sec. design, no positioning mechanism needed.

s Closed loop inductor control allows for ﬂexible installation.

ZUMB.707.0098.U_WJ

Worldwide Zumbach Customer Service and Sales Ofﬁces in: Zumbach Electronic AG – SWITZERLAND (H.Q.) Zumbach Electrónica Argentina S.R.L. – ARGENTINA Zumbach Electronic S.A. – BELGIUM Zumbach do Brasil Ltda – BRAZIL Zumbach Electronic Co., Ltd. – CHINA P.R. Zumbach Bureau France – FRANCE Zumbach Electronic GmbH – GERMANY

Zumbach Electronic India Pvt. Ltd. – INDIA Zumbach Electronic Srl – ITALY Zumbach Electrónica S.L. – SPAIN Zumbach Electronics Far East – TAIWAN Zumbach Electronics Ltd. – UK Zumbach Electronics Corp. – USA

www.zumbach.com

We Measure Quality

s Highest accuracy,