Economic turmoil? Industry perspectives

WIRE JOURNAL DECEMBER 2008

®

I N T E R N A T I O N A L w w w. w i r e n e t . o r g

Economic turmoil?

Industry perspectives Wrapup: Reconvene

P. 32

• Wire Expo 2010 a 2-day co-location • 2009 ITC to be held in Istanbul

Wrapup: Mexico ITC

P. 42

Perspectives:

P. 50

• CCCA: More efforts are needed to stop bad cables

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WIRE JOURNAL

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

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

CONTENTS

Volume 41 | Number 12 | December 2008

F EATURES

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Asian Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fiber Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fastener Update . . . . . . . . . 30

Mexico ITC wrapup . . . . . . . . . .42 The return to Mexico, the third such WAI event held there since 2000, proved to be highly successful. .

Spring World 2008 wrapup WAI News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . .48

Attendance was lower but there was still good activity at the Chicago show for the spring and wire former sectors.

Chapter Corner . . . . . . . . . . 38 Economic turmoil? . . . . . . . . . .52 Perspectives: bad cables . . . . 50

This feature presents commentary from industry analysts, suppliers and manufacturers and more.

Technical Papers . . . . . . . 62-77

T ECHNICAL P APERS Products/Media . . . . . . . . . . 78 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Career Opportunities . . . . . . 83 Advertisers’ Index . . . . . . . . 86

Aging effects in steel wire processing Roger N. Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Selection of conditions of manufacturing high-quality rolled and quenched nails with flat heads Ryszard Budzik, Bogdan Golis, Jan W. Pilarczyk, Zbigniew Muskalski, Zbigniew Blazejowski and Wieslaw Waszkielewicz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Effects of high-pressure descaling and alcohol on the rod surface quality Selami Elbasi and Halil Göker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Cover: An image of potentially turbulent weather conditions is quite appropriate for this month’s feature, which presents a range of views on how the economic situation affects the wire and cable industry. See p. 52. Photo by Bill Branch.

DECEMBER 2008 | 3

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE WAI N EWS /R ECONVENE . . . .32

M EXICO ITC

Reconvene news included a vote to co-locate Wire Expo 2010 with the National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Show for a two-day event on May 7-8, 2010, in Milwaukee. Below, prior to the vote, Jay Partington speaks to WAI members, inviting them to join the Milwaukee show.

Mexico once again proved to be a very good host for WAI’s International Technical Conference, with a good technical program, speakers and one of the largest-ever tabletop exhibits. Below, Tom Walker, Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, displays his wares to an attendee.

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EDITORIAL WIRE JOURNAL

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EDITORIAL

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

Wire and cable industry continues to be driven by (the need for) change This time last year, gas prices were soaring and consumers were more interested in miles per gallon than at anytime in the past 30 years.

Automakers were forced to adjust their images along with their production lines. U.S. automakers, which had survived over the past two decades on minivans and sport utility vehicles, were now trying to appeal to consumers bent on buying a Prius. While certainly a challenging scenario for the slow moving mature industry, at least consumers were buying.

Fast forward one year and the global economic crisis has touched just about every industry and every region of the globe, with one of the biggest blows being felt in the auto industry. Consumers are uneasy as they digest the speed and magnitude of the downturn that reduced personal savings, limited credit and increased unemployment. Auto purchases have indeed fallen off the proverbial cliff, with producers reporting decreases in sales, some as much as 45%.

American carmakers are not built to withstand one month of bad sales and may not survive a quarter of similar consumer behavior. It is expected that politicians will step in to keep this key economic engine from failing, but the real question is what the long-term implications will be. Can GM or Ford recover from this latest challenge? Can they ultimately emerge able to compete? The short-term goal is certainly focused on survival, but these companies need more than an infusion of cash. They need wholesale reinvention, because there will surely be continuing challenges.

As the feature that starts on p. 52 notes, the automotive segment of the wire and cable industry is far from alone in this downturn. What will be the duration and the damage of this economic cycle, a challenge that is unique from previous downturns because of its global links?

How quickly can the global economy find a profitable balance between supply and demand? There are many outlooks, the most optimistic of which are uneasy at best. For now, 2008 will be remembered by many as the worst finish ever to a good year. Let’s hope that the efforts that are being made to change this trend will work.

Steve Fetteroll Executive Director

Publisher | Steven J. Fetteroll Editor-in-Chief | Mark Marselli Senior Graphic Designer | Bill Branch Director of Sales | Robert Xeller Advertising Sales | Anna Bzowski Director of Marketing Services | Janice E. Swindells Graphic Artist | Adrienne E. Simpson Proofreader | Livia Jacobs Circulation Manager | Jan Valois Publications Advisory Board Antonio Ayala | J.J. Lowe, Mexico Ferruccio Bellina | TKT Group/President ACIMAF, Italy Anand Bhagwat | Wire and Cable Services, India Malcom Michael | Australasian Wire Association, Australia Don Schollin | Q-S Technologies, USA Ken Scott | UK Ralph Skalleberg | Skaltek USA Dave Stackpole | Nutmeg Wire, USA Giulio Properzi | Continuus Properzi, Italy Robert Wild | Niehoff Endex North America, USA WAI Executive Committee Liaison Dane Armendariz | Henkel Corporation Technical Advisors John Drummond | Scotia Group Nate Rosebrooks | Fluid Coating Technology R. M. Shemenski | RMS Consulting, Inc.

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

203-453-2777; fax 203-453-8384; Internet wirenet.org; e-mail mmarselli@wirenet.org. Address all correspondence concerning advertising production, editorial and circulation to the above address. WJI is printed in USA. Subscription rates: $110 per year, USA; $120 per year, Canada and Mexico; other countries, $140 per year (includes air mail). Single copies: $6 in the U.S.; all other countries $7. 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. © 2008 by Wire Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Publisher of WJI assumes no responsibility for the validity of manufacturers’ claims made herein. Back issues of WJI are on microfilm and available from University Microfilm, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA. Phone: 313761-4700.

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

6 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

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CALENDAR

CALENDAR March 2-4, 2009: Cables 2009 Cologne, Germany. To be held at the Maritim Hotel.

Contact: Applied Market Information Ltd., tel. 44-117924-9442; info@amiplastics.com; www.amiplastics.com.

April 25-30, 2009: Interwire 2009 Cleveland, Ohio, USA. To be held at the International Exposition Center (I-X Center), Interwire incorporates the Interwire Trade Exposition, the technical program and the WAI’s 79th Annual Convention. It addresses ferrous and nonferrous manufacturing, and electrical/data/voice segments as well as wire forming and related wire and wire products. Contact: WAI, www.wirenet.org.

May 12-15, 2009: wire Moscow Moscow, Russia. To be held at the Expo Centre Krasnya.

Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312781-5180; fax 312-781-5188; info@mdna.com; www.mdna.com.

8 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

June 22-26, 2009: NPE 2009 Chicago, Illinois, USA. NPE 2009, organized by The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI), NPE 2009 will take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Contact: NPE 2009, www.npe.org.

October 13-15, 2009: Wire Southeast Asia Bangkok, Thailand. To be held at the BITEC Exhibition Centre in Bangkok, this event, formerly known as wire Singapore, is organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia Pte Ltd., Singapore. Contact: Messe Düsseldorf North America, tel. 312-781-5180; fax 312-781-5188; info@mdna.com; Internet www.mdna.com.

October 24-27, 2009: Exhibition & Conference for Wire & Cable New Delhi, India.The 9th International Exhibition & Conference will present wire and cable, fasteners and springs and more at the Pragati Maidan. Contact: info@wireworld.com.

Nov 8-11, 2009: 58th IWCS Conference™ Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The IWCS will hold its annual event at the Charlotte Convention Center. Contact: International Wire and Cable Symposium, www.iwcs.org; phudak@iwcs.org; tel 732-389-0990.

April 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. ■

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.

January 29, 2009: New England Chapter Annual Meeting Uncasville, Connecticut, USA, See p. 40.

March 3-5, 2009: Modern technologies and modelling of drawing and manufacturing processes of metal products Zakapone, Poland, Members of the WAI’s Poland Chapter are among the organizers of this event, which will present theoretical and practical research results. Contact: Dr. Sylwia Wiewiórowska, wiewior@mim. pcz.czest.pl; www.konferencja.mim.pcz.czest.pl.

April 25-30, 2009: Interwire 2009 Cleveland, Ohio, USA. See main listing.

November 2, 2009: New Technology for Global Markets Istanbul, Turkey. See main listing.

DECEMBER 2008 | 9

CALENDAR

November 2, 2009: New Technology for Global Markets Istanbul, Turkey. This biennial conference represents the fourth event to be jointly organized by the IWMA, ACIMAF and the WAI. Prior conferences have been held in Bologna, Italy (2007), Prague, The Czech Republic (2005), and Stresa, Italy (2003). Contact: WAI, www.wirenet.org.

INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS CommScope to close Georgia plant, will transfer production to Mexico U.S.-based CommScope Inc., plans to close its antennaproduction plant in Norcross, Georgia, and move those operations to a plant in Reynosa, Mexico, in early 2009.

Business Wire reports that the Norcross site will close by mid-January, ending the jobs of 55 employees. The company, which notes that it is the world’s largest coaxial cable producer, is also proceeding with plans to consolidate some antenna and cable production in England, the Czech Republic, Australia and Scotland, the report said.

More than 700 jobs could be affected, with most work potentially relocated to other locations, it said.

The decision to discontinue microwave antenna operations in Stratford, Bidford and Long Marston and close the three facilities by the end of 2009 follows completion of the collective employee consultation period, the report said. Positions will be added in Goa, India; Brno, Czech Republic; and Suzhou, China to accommodate work shifted from England into those Andrew Antenna, Cable and Cabinet Group segment facilities, it said.

CommScope is also proceeding with relocation of base station antenna production from Slatina, Brno, Czech Republic to Andrew’s Suzhou, China facility by the end of 2008 and the relocation by early 2009 of connector assembly, accessories and cable assembly operations to other Andrew locations or to vendors, the report said.

“These actions are part of CommScope’s goal to utilize facilities more efficiently, reduce costs and enhance its long-term competitive position in markets around the world,” CommScope COO Brian Garrett said.

Carris Reels buys half-interest in the reel business of J. Hamelin Industries Carris Reels of Rutland, Vermont, USA, and J. Hamelin Industries of Montreal, Canada, announced that Carris Reels has purchased a 50% ownership of Guy Hamelin’s second-generation family business.

Hamelin will retire after more than 50 years of service, a press release said, noting that Harold Stotland, who holds the company’s other 50%, will continue as J. Hamelin Industries’ president and CEO. J. Hamelin Industries’ head office and manufacturing plant is located in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. J. Hamelin Industries also operates repair and assembly facilities in Chambly, Quebec, Bowmanville, Ontario, and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Carris Reels has manufacturing plants in six U.S. states and Mexico as well as a network of assembly/warehouse locations throughout the U.S., a press release said. Carris

Reels became a 100% employee-owned company in January, 2008, and its product line includes nailed wood and plywood, plastic, stamped metal, hardboard and wood-metal reels, it said.

“The combined experience of our two companies, the knowledge, systems and commitment to our customers will better position us to meet the demands of wire and cable packaging,” said Carris Reels President Mike Curran. “The challenge to take cost out of the supply chain will be even better met with cross-border initiatives, including reel recovery, recycling, and raw material opportunities.”

Added Stotland, “By combining our companies, we are better positioned to meet our customers’ growing global needs.”

Wire Expo 2010 to be a 2-day event Wire Expo will be held in 2010 as a two-day, co-located event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For details, go to p. 32.

Cerro Wire layoffs likely permanent Recent layoffs at Cerro Wire and Cable Co.’s Hartselle plant in Decatur, Alabama, USA, will likely be permanent.

The Decatur Daily reports that Doug Chandler, a human resources spokesman at the facility, said that it is unlikely the laid-off employees will be recalled. The company, which had 217 employees at the plant at the time of the October layoffs, manufactures copper electrical wire and cable for electrical wholesalers and home improvement stores. Cerro Wire and Cable, part of the Marmon Group, Inc., has other plants in Carrolton, Georgia; Crothersville, Indiana; and Ogden, Utah.

Cable Connection and Wilco Wire Technology announce merger U.S.-based Cable Connection, a manufacturer of custom cables and wire harnesses, and U.S.-based Wilco Wire Technology, a manufacturer of OEM cable assemblies and harnesses, announced they have merged to become one of the largest such providers on the West Coast.

The business, to be located in the former Wilco Wire Technology facility in Fremont, California, will carry the Cable Connection company name, a press release said.

The companies also announced a strategic representation agreement with manufacturer representative Norcomp that will help Cable Connection in China, PRNewsire reported.

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

10 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

INDUSTRY NEWS

Niehoff Endex hosts open house Niehoff Endex North America (NENA) again this year held its biennial open house event at its facility in Swedesboro, New Jersey, USA. The open house is a tradition that dates back to when Niehoff Gruppe first opened its North American subsidiary in the U.S., a press release said. The event showcases the Niehoff Endex North America facility along with the company’s latest offerings. It also helps Niehoff customers and guests learn more about the Niehoff organizations as well as meet the people they may miss at wire shows, it said.

Despite the economic situation, the event attracted some 40 guests and customers, which Niehoff Endex reported that it considers a great success. Attendees came from the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

A German Oktoberfest was the “hosting highlight” on the first day, while the second day included technical presentations with contributions from RESY, Ford and Okonite as well as NENA. OEM partners attending the 2008 open house included: Chris Hauer, Howar

From l-r, Abel Treviño and Ramiro Garza, Arnecom; Jose Agusil, Niehoff Endex; and Jose Zamudio, Conductores Monterrey, in front of the company’s D631 aluminum buncher.

Equipment; Troy Carr, Etna Lubricants; Michael Waterman, RTD Manufacturing; Mark Watson, Esteves; and Klaus Eichelmann, Reber Systems, it said.

Niehoff demonstrated its latest developments for bunching aluminum wire, which run on a specially prepared ARH800 payoff and D631 double twist buncher, the release noted. A 16-carrier braider also ran aluminum wire, demonstrating its high-speed capability for fine wire production, it said.

“We feel that this type of event is very valuable because our customers get to see what we are doing and let us know how we can better help them, all in a very friendly setting,” said Edmond Torbey, Niehoff Endex. Customers all agreed that this event was the best ever open house for Niehoff Endex, he said.

DECEMBER 2008 | 11

INDUSTRY NEWS The staff (and new owners) of Pelican Wire Company, Inc., which, per the wishes of the late founder, Larry Bill, has become an employee-owned business. Employees donned Mickey Mouse ears, a favorite of the Bills family, during a “thank you” ceremony. Ted Bill is in the front row, holding envelope, and Theresa Bill is to his left, in the striped shirt.

Final wishes of Pelican Wire founder turns company over to employees By all accounts, Larry G. Bill, the founder of Pelican Wire Company, Inc., considered his employees as part of the family. He died April 25 at age 72, and as one of his last wishes, the ownership of the company, based in Naples, Florida, USA, has been turned over to the employees through the formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Technically, the company was sold to the employees, but owners Theresa Bill, Larry’s widow and lifelong business partner, and company President Ted Bill, selffinanced the entire transaction by taking notes from the Larry G. Bill company.

“It was always Larry’s dream to give the company back to the employees who had made it successful,” said Theresa Bill. The initiative, she said, was one of the last actions of Larry Bill, who cared deeply for the family business he started 40 years ago. The company, which specializes in high temperature, fine-gauge, resistance and thermocouple wire, has a full-time engineering staff and a reputation “for solving complex challenges unique to the wire industry.”

There is more to the deal than just making the employees the owners, the release said. “An ESOP has several 12 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

advantages for the company, employees and customers alike,” explained Ted Bill. “The company benefits directly with significant tax breaks, but the big winner in all of this is the employee. They actually earn shares in the company, at no cost to the employee, which are redeemable for cash on retirement.”

Observed Ted Bill, the employees, which include him and Theresa Bill, have even more motivation to do everything possible to increase company value, as that directly translates into increased funds available for retirement. It also gives them extra incentive to stay with the company, thus increasing net employee experience on the job, “a rarity in transient regions like South Florida.”

The advantages go to customers, and the quality of their experience improves when employees are directly motivated by company success, Ted Bill said, noting that this has been the case for other ESOP operations. He cited studies that showed such companies fared better than non-ESOP companies, and they have 2.5 times the retirement assets than non-ESOP companies.

Several other companies, including a few wire manufacturers, had looked into purchasing Pelican, but those offers were turned down because of concerns that the manufacturing would be moved or off-shored, Ted Bill said. Most prospective buyers were interested in the Pelican name and book of business, but could not guarantee that the company would stay whole, he said. “As Theresa put it, ‘Family doesn’t do that to family,’” he said.

“With this transaction, Pelican Wire Company is looking out for the long-term welfare of its employees and the region. Pelican Wire Company, Inc., is proud to announce that it is now 100% employee-owned.”

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Study projects strong growth for U.S. structured cabling through 2013 U.S.-based FTM Consulting reports in its latest study, “U.S. Structured Cabling Systems Market,” that the sector will grow at a compound annual rate of just over 20% in the next five years, with the total market growing from $6.4 billion in 2008 to $16 billion by 2013.

That growth, a press release said, will be fueled by increased use of Structure Cabling Systems (SCS) in data centers and the initial deployment of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems, both of which require enormous amounts of cabling. “Currently, LAN cabling accounts for the largest SCS market. By 2013, it is projected that VOIP cabling will account for the largest market.”

In the release, FTM Consulting President Frank Murawski observed that demand has increased for SCS. “After suffering a downturn during the first part of this century, following the heydays of double-digit growth in the 1990s, the SCS market is now poised for renewed growth. This growth will not come from LAN cabling, as in the past, but from new applications being added onto the existing enterprise’s LAN network. We view these add-on applications as subnets that are interconnected to the enterprise’s primary network. This includes data center interconnectivity, VOIP using the existing network backbone, and video over IP being integrated into the primary network. Other applications that will provide smaller growth include the addition of wireless networks in certain areas of the building.”

One report’s findings is that UTP cabling will remain the largest portion of the market during the next five years, the release said. Fiber cabling, even though increasingly used in applications such as data centers, is expected to be a much smaller market than the UTP cabling during the next five years, it said.

Asked whether this report took into account the gloomy economic picture for most of the world, FTM Consulting President Frank Murawski said that he stood by the findings. See p. 61 for more details.

To purchase a copy of the report, contact Frank Murawski at ftm.consulting@verizon.net, tel. 717-5334990.

Scott Brass closes 2 plants Scott Brass Inc., which was bought last February by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., has closed its two U.S. plants, putting some 200 people out of work.

Per wire reports, Scott Brass, a fully integrated mill producing brass and copper strip, has closed its plants in Cranston, Rhode Island, and Mishawaka, Indiana.

The wire stories cited Joseph Bairos, secretary-treasurer of Local 251 of the Teamsters Union, which represented most of the workers at the Cranston plant, as saying that Scott Brass was “a good employer for a lot of years, (but) they just ran out of money.” A formal notice of the shut-

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INDUSTRY NEWS

down issued by a Scott Brass official in Indiana stated that a “precipitous drop” in the price of copper reduced the value of the company’s inventory and made it difficult to obtain needed credit, the report said.

Back in 2007, Scott Brass CEO and President Barry Golden described the sale of the company to an affiliate of Sun Capital as “a watershed event in the development and growth of Scott Brass...” M. Steven Liff, managing director, Sun Capital Partners, Inc., was cited as saying that, “Scott Brass is poised to capitalize on the improvements implemented by its management team and with appropriate capital, the company can realize substantial growth and profit enhancement.”

The company was founded in 1956 by the Golden family, which last year sold the firm to Sun Capital Partners, which has investments in a wide range of businesses, from American Standard to Friendly’s.

Air Nail Co. files for 2nd bankruptcy USA-based Air Nail Co. Inc., has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which results in liquidation of the company.

Located in Butler, Pennsylvania, Air Nail Co. Inc., is a division of International Staple & Machine Co., also of Butler, a press release said. This marks the second bankruptcy proceeding for Air Nail, which filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2003 as part of International Staple’s Chapter 11 filing, it said, noting that under Chapter 7, Air Nail will be liquidated.

Charter Manufacturing to close 2 Michigan plants, cut 155 positions Charter Manufacturing Co. announced that it will cut 155 jobs and close two of its processing plants in Fond du Lac and Detroit, Michigan.

Citing the sagging U.S. and global economy, the company plans to close the Charter Specialty Steel plant in Fond du Lac and the Charter Steel Processing plant in Detroit, wire reports said. Products include carbon, alloy, stainless steel bar, rod, wire-shaped wire products and engineered automotive components. The job cuts, they noted, include 63 in Wisconsin, 70 in Ohio and 22 in Michigan. The company now has 1,400 employees.

The changes, the reports said, stem from the bleak conditions for much of the manufacturing sector, particularly the U.S. automotive industry.

“Any right-sizing is difficult, but the current economic mess has combined with a massive decline in automotive sales and a softening in steel demand that requires this action," said Charter Manufacturing Chairman and CEO John Mellowes. “This is a tough business decision that will help Charter preserve existing jobs, sustain our market position and continue to provide quality products for our strong customer base.”

Charter Manufacturing, based in Mequon, Wisconsin, includes Charter Steel, Charter Specialty Steel, Charter Wire, and Charter Automotive, which operate steelmak-

18 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

ing, rolling, processing and forming facilities at 10 locations in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Canada and the U.K. Of note is that earlier this year, Charter Automotive (formerly Milwaukee Wire Products), opened a manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facility in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China, to support the rapid expansion of that country's automotive industry.

India’s Sterlite wins power grid order Lanka Business Online reported that wire and cable solutions provider for the power and telecom industry, India-based Sterlite Technologies Limited, has received a substantial order from Power Grid Corporation of India.

Under the contract, the company will supply Sterlite’s ACSR Moose power conductors to Power Grid Corp., Lanka Business Online said, noting that, as per Power Grid Corp’s requirement, about 60% of the contract value would be executed within a year.

Sterlite Technologies, a part of Sterlite group, has a fiber manufacturing plant in Aurangabad, India, and telecom cable and power transmission conductor facilities in Silvassa and Haridwar, India. The company has a strong order book valued at approximately US$304 million to date, the paper reported.

Cable company locates in Mexico to export from industrial park Entrada Group, based in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, announced a strategic contract with U.S.-based Cable Manufacturing & Assembly Co., Inc., and Axiom North America.

TMC.net reports that Entrada Group, in a press release, said the contract will provide integrated outsourcing services to assist in the transition, start-up and management of its new operations at Entrada Group’s Industrial Park in Fresnillo. Both companies plan to use their first Mexican operations to produce products for both re-export to the U.S. and Canada as well as potentially supplying other OEMs located throughout Mexico, it said.

Cable Manufacturing & Assembly and Axiom North America plan to set up new operations in Mexico to produce cable products to re-export to the United States and Canada and also to supply to OEMs, it said.

Bekaert and Angang Steel establish steel cord joint venture in China Following up on an agreement announced in May, wire services report that Belgium’s Bekaert Group and China’s Angang Steel Company have formerly established a joint venture company in China called Angang Bekaert Tire Cord Co. Asked to verify the reports, a Bekaert spokesperson said that it has not provided “further information regarding this topic” beyond the original May announcement and there was no confirmation at the Angang Steel Company

tion with Asia-based Magnify Wealth Enterprise Limited, in which Lihua issued 14,025,000 shares of its common stock to Magnify Wealth in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of Ally Profit Investments Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, with two operating subsidiaries in China.

One of the two subsidiaries, PRNewswire reported, is

Lihua completes wire company acquisition in China Lihua International, Inc. (Lihua), announced the completion of a share exchange transac-

DECEMBER 2008 | 19

INDUSTRY NEWS

website. However, several wire sources reported the creation of the venture, located in Chongqing’s Shuangqiao Industrial Park. The business, they said, will engage in wire rod processing and the production of tire cord for the domestic market, with an annual capacity of 100,000 metric tons, with the first phase of the project scheduled to start production in the first half of 2009.

The wire articles cited the following background about the Chinese tire cord market.

China’s tire output in 2007 was 330 million, an increase of 18 percent. Radial ply tire output was 230 million, up about 29 percent. Due to the accelerated structural adjustment of tire products, the increasing growth of radial ply tire rate reached 74 percent. Production of all-steel radial tires was 50 million, up about 30 percent, with semi-steel radial tire production of 180 million, up 26 percent. Global tire output of tire in 2005 was 1.34 billion and truck tires was 350 million, accounting for 26 percent of total, tire of passenger car accounting for about 60 per cent of total. Therefore, the radial ply tire of passenger car will be the key market of the world tire market in the future; presently, 90% of the investment from the global tire giant in China is radial ply tire of passenger car.

At present, the number of tire production enterprises in China is around 300, but, 70 per cent of them are small factories whose annual output is under 500,000. The average production capacity of China’s tire manufacturer is only 400,000/year, only 15 larger manufactories whose production capacity is over 1 million/year and three “mega manufactories” whose production capacity is over 3 million/year.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Danyang Lihua Electron Co., Ltd. (Lihua Electron), described as a Chinese value-added manufacturer of bimetallic composite conductor wire, such as copper clad aluminum (CCA) fine wire, CCA magnet wire and CCA tin plated wire that sells to distributors in the wire and cable industries and to manufacturers in the consumer electronics, white goods, automotive, utility, telecommunications and specialty cable industries.

The other subsidiary, Jiangsu Lihua Copper Industry Co., Ltd., (Lihua Copper), is expected to begin operations

soon, using refined or recycled copper to manufacture and sell low content oxygen copper cable and copper magnet wire to Lihua Electron’s existing customer base, the article said.

In connection with the share exchange, Zhu Jian Hua, the CEO of Lihua Electron, became chairman and CEO of Lihua International. Lihua International's prior directors and officers resigned upon the transaction’s closing. Prior to the share exchange, the article said, Lihua International was a public reporting shell company with no operations.

3M reports purchase of Italy’s Grafoplsat S.p.A. U.S.-based 3M Co. announced a deal to acquire Grafoplast S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of wire identification systems for the wire and cable market, for undisclosed terms, reports RTT News.

Founded in 1963, Grafoplast’s thermal printers, software and identification systems serve various industries across Italy and Europe, the article said. It noted that 3M’s wire marking and identification systems are used for marking wire and cable of all diameters, distribution panels, repair and replacement parts, wires and hoses in motorized vehicles, terminal strips, motor leads, sub-motor leads, subassembly leads, and control panels.

3M said that complementary acquisitions such as Grafoplast support both the company's core electrical supplies business and its strategy to expand into adjacent markets and accelerate geographical growth, the report said.

Superior Essex among those cutting workforce

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Superior Essex is cutting some 50 positions, including 24 positions at its U.S. plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, reports The Journal Gazette, which cited the company as saying that the poor auto and housing markets were to blame.

The report said that 40 salaried and 10 hourly workers were being laid off throughout the company's North American operations in response to the economic downturn. The wire and cable industry has been seeing a stream of such reports. ■

ASIAN FOCUS

ASIAN FOCUS China a cause of consternation but wire industry remains vital, needed Below are edited comments from Deacero, S.A. De C.V. Director General Raul Gutierrez Muguerza, who served as a keynote speaker at the WAI’s recent international technical conference in Monterrey, Mexico.

I want to talk to you today about China. Why China, you may ask? Because I believe that its unfair (actions) and market-distorting practices represent our most pressing problem right now.

China does not play by the rules; its unfair competition is a great concern, if not the most important, to many of us. We are living right now with a flood of Chinese steel wire and steel wire products being exported to North America and all parts of the world, and I am pretty sure it is the same situation with other types of wires and cables. It continues to emphasize high value-added steel products as strategic levers to promote exports and further its economic goals.

Talking specifically about steel, China employs trade policy tools that include large subsidies that provide significant artificial advantages to Chinese manufacturers and distort trade in external markets, as well as border policies that support the aggressive export of higher-value manufactured products, causing injury to both steel and steel-using industries around the world.

Yet China does not have a competitive advantage in steel production. It must import large amounts of iron ore and scrap steel, it’s not an efficient energy user and its labor cost advantages are more than offset by logistics costs for importing and exporting to overseas markets. Of course, mainly because of the artificial competitive advantages that subsidies confer, China has become the world’s largest steel industry and “the factory of the world,” causing North America and other countries to lose millions of manufacturing jobs. Chinese subsidies are distorting trade and causing injury to NAFTA producers throughout the steel-related value chain. The effects are being felt not only in the products that are made entirely of steel, but also in the many steel-intensive industries downstream, from durable goods and machinery, to motor vehicles, auto parts and bicycles.

This is a problem that not only affects the U.S. or Mexico or world, but a problem that affects us as a whole. We cannot fight and defend ourselves individually as steel wire, copper wire, or cable producers. What we need to do is to join forces and fight together against China for free and fair trade.

In the North American steel industry, we have been work-

ing together with government representatives, being vocal about strengthening trade law enforcement in the NAFTA region, educating them on these issues in order for them to take action in their dialogues and negotiations with China.

Deacero, S.A. De C.V. Director As Deacero, General Raul Gutierrez Muguerza we have filed antidumping cases against China for steel wire-related products such as nails, chains and netting.

But enough about China. Let’s now see the bright side of our industry. The wire and cable industry is a very mature industry with origins that can be traced back to more than 1,000 years ago. Wire and cable arrived long before mobile telephones and hand-held games. It arrived long before the internet and even before the telephone, and the truth is that is makes the airline and automobile industries look young.

And while a mature industry never receives proper recognition for its contributions and ability to stay relevant, the wire and cable industry deserves tremendous credit for continuously reinventing itself. Without that ability to adapt and reengineer, we would not have today’s capability to move energy thousands of miles, converse with colleagues around the globe on crystal-clear telephone connections, transport our families in mobile entertainment centers, fly with 800 other passengers across the globe, or, sadly, receive hundreds of e-mails while on vacation.

The wire and cable industry touches many, many industries, and as a result, has contributed to many advances that impact us personally and professionally. The key to all of this progress has been the employees. The plant operators and engineers who are continuously pushing for production efficiencies, greater speeds and lower costs and the R&D staffs that work with suppliers to enhance existing products or create new ones. Just think about the incremental advances regarding drawing speed or the changes in polymers that we have seen in our careers. This positive change comes from never being satisfied with the status quo. It comes from working to exceed your customer’s needs. It

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

22 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

ASIAN NEWS BRIEFS Chinese mill successfully upgraded Morgan Construction and Siemens VAI report that Wuhan Iron & Steel, China’s largest tire cord producer, has upgraded its operation in a project that will enable it to increase its product mix from 85 percent low carbon and medium carbon steel to 70 percent quality carbon steel grades.

The upgrade, completed in 58 days, included the addition of Morgan’s Reducing Sizing Mill. Production should increase from 700,000 metric tons per year to 850,000 tons per year, the report said.

CommScope unit named China Telecom vendor The Andrew Division of U.S.-based CommScope, Inc., reports that it has been named by China Telecom as an approved vendor for its CDMA wireless network.

Andrew is providing base station antennas and HELIAX® cable and accessories for a portion of the approximately 15,000 China Telecom CDMA network sites under construction through the remainder of this year, a press release said. It noted that Andrew “is the only foreign-based company selected to provide cable products and antennas.” ■

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DECEMBER 2008 | 23

ASIAN FOCUS

comes from taking chances.

It comes from using all available resources, including taking advantage of learning opportunities such as this conference.

This is an exciting time to be in Yes, the global the industry. Yes, financial markets the global financial markets are not are not exciting in exciting in a posia positive way, but tive way, but this this industry always industry always responds to chalresponds to challenges lenges and ecoand economic cycles nomic cycles come come and go. and go.

More optimistically, there are many opportunities that are just in the infancy stage that will require ingenuity on behalf of the wire and cable industry.

This includes the Internet, but it also includes nano technology, the medical field and the alternative energy sector. These and many other sectors will drive our companies in the coming years.

C O N TA C T S C O M ME RC E A

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WIRE, CABLE, AND FASTENERS

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE LARGEST WIRE, CABLE, AND FASTENER MARKETPLACE IN THE AMERICAS CONVENTION: APRIL 25-30, 2009 EXHIBITS: APRIL 27-30, 2009 I-X CENTER CLEVELAND, OHIO, USA

Meet Interwire—the gold standard in wire and cable trade events in the Americas—where inventory and equipment await a global destination.

At Interwire more than 500 exhibiting companies will demonstrate how their supplies, merchandise, and machines can elevate your business operations to the next level.

Interwire 2009 will be back at Cleveland, Ohio’s I-X Center and backed by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program.

We’ll all be focused on U.S. exports around the world. So when you land new contacts and partnerships at Interwire we’ll help ensure the goods you require are homeward bound.

Whether it’s wire to Wales or an order for fence in the Outback, Interwire is a vast marketplace set on an international stage. Educational presentations and networking are another agreeable part of the deal.

The Commercial Service logo is a Registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Commerce, used with permission.

To learn more about the industry’s most anticipated business week in 2009, visit The Wire Association International, Inc. website at: http://www.wirenet.org/events/interwire

S

Supporting Sponsors:

W SWM A A

ORGANIZED BY: The Wire Association International, Inc.

Steel Wire Manufacturers Association of India

Educational Alliances:

INTERWIRE 2009 EXHIBITING COMPANIES as of November 2008 ABC Plastics Inc. ABP Induction Ace Metal Inc. ACM AB - KSM AEB International Inc. AIM Inc. All Forming Machinery Inc. Amacoil Inc. Amaral Automation Associates Ametek Specialty Metal Products Anbao Wire & Mesh Co. Ltd. A. Appiani Srl Arcelor Mittal Aurum Chemicals Corp.

AW Machinery LLC AWPA American Wire Producers Association AXIS Computer Systems Inc. Aztech Lubricants LLC B & H Tool Co. Inc. Balloffet Die Corp.

Bao Zhang Galvanized Iron Wire Co., Ltd. Bartell Machinery Systems LLC Base Ten Consulting Inc. BCS Industries LLC Beijing Holland Trading Co. Ltd. Bekaert Corp.

Besel Basim San Tic Ltd. Sti Beta LaserMike Beta Systems Srl BJ Holland Blachford Corp.

Bongard Machines USA LLC Boockmann GmbH/The Slover Group Boxy SpA Breen Color Concentrates Inc. Brookfield Wire Co. Butt Welders USA Caballe SA Cable Consultants Corp.

Canterbury Engineering Co. Carpenter Technology Corp.

Carris Reels Inc. Cemanco LC Central Wire Industries Ltd. CeramTec AG CERSA-MCI Chin Pu Jir Enterprise Co. Ltd. Cimteq Ltd. Clifford Welding Systems (Pty.) Ltd. Clinton Instrument Co. CM Furnaces Inc. CMEC International Exhibition Ltd. CN Wire Corp.

Coats North America.

Cometo Snc Commission Brokers Inc. CommScope Condat Corp.

Conductix Wampfler-Delachaux Conneaut Industries Inc. Continuus-Properzi SpA CoorsTek Cortinovis Machinery America Inc. CRU North America Inc. Dandong Decheng Chemical Co. Davis-Standard LLC Design & Engineering LLC

Die Quip Corp.

Domeks Makine Ltd. Sti Donnelly Reels Dynamex Corp.

E-Beam Services Inc. Ebner Furnaces Inc. Ebner Industrieofenbau ECD Inc. Engineered Control Systems Inc. Engineered Machinery Group Enkotec Co. Inc. ERA Wire Inc. Er-Bakir Elektrolitik Bakir Esteves Group Etna-Bechem Lubricants Ltd. Etna Products Inc. Eurobend SA Eurodraw Energy SpA Eurolls Group Eurowire Magazine George Evans Corp.

EVG Inc. Exel Fil SA Fabritex Inc. Fenn Technologies FIB Belgium SA Fiber-Line Inc. Fil-Tec Inc. Filtertech Inc. Fine International Corp.

Fisk Alloy Wire Inc. FMS Force Measuring Systems AG FMS USA Inc. Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc. Fortune Machinery Corp.

Frey Group LLC Frigeco Srl Frontier Composites & Castings Inc. FSP-One Fuhr GmbH & Co. KG T. Fukase & Co. Ltd. Garg Sales Inc. Gauder SA Gavlick Machinery Corp.

Gem Gravure Co. Inc. GEMCO Electrical GENCA Corp.

Germ-Allcard (KP America) W. Gillies Technologies LLC Gimax Srl GMP-Slovakia Rudolf Grauer AG Guill Tool & Engineering Co. Hafner & Krullmann GmbH Vom Hagen & Funke GmbH Heacock Metal & Machine Co. Inc. Heany Industries Inc. Hearl Heaton Heatbath Corp.

Henkel Corp.

Heritage Wire Die Inc. Hezel GmbH & Co. KG Gebruder Hilgeland-Nutap GmbH Hofmann Ceramic GmbH Houghton International Inc. Howar Equipment Inc. Huestis Industrial

Huettner Maschineenfabrik GmbH ICE Wire Line Equipment Inc. IDEAL Welding Systems Ideal-Werk India Steel Works Ltd. Industrial Steel & Wire Co. Industrial Heating Magazine Innovites Inosym Ltd. InterWire Products Intras Ltd. Iowa Steel & Wire Italian Trade Commission ITO-SIN (Deyang) Wire & Cable Equipment Co. Ltd. IWE Spools & Handling GmbH IWG High Performance Conductors Inc. IWMA International Wire & Machinery Association Kemaite Optic & Electric Products Co. Ltd. Kinrei of America KMK GmbH Ernst Koch GmbH & Co. KG Albert Krenn Friedr Krollmann GmbH Kuhar Metallizing Co. Inc. Lamnea Bruk AB Lamnea Bruk USA Lang Vision (Shanghai) Cable Material Co. LaserLinc Inc. Laurel Wire Co. Leggett & Platt Wire Group Leoni Wire Inc. Lesmo Machinery America Inc. Lloyd & Bouvier Inc. J.J. Lowe Associates Inc. Klaus Jakob Messlechnik AG M + E Macchine + Engineering Srl MacDermid Inc. Madem Reels USA Inc. Madem SA Magnetic Technologies Ltd. Magnus Equipment MAGPOWR Maillefer SA Mapre Belgium SA Mario Frigerio SpA Markem-Imaje USA Maschinenfabrik Niehoff Mathiasen Machinery Inc. William McCaskie Inc. Merritt Davis Metavan NV MFL USA Service Corp - Frigerio The MGS Group (MGS-Hall-Northampton) MGS Manufacturing - The MGS Group Micro Products Co. Microdia Mikrotek Machines Ltd. Morgan-Koch Corp.

Mossberg Reel LLC /Boxy Group NEPTCO Inc. Nextrom Oy Niagara Composites Industries Inc. Niehoff Endex North America Inc. Northampton Machinery Co. The MGS Group

Northeast Steel Corp.

Norwalk Innovation Inc. NTB Hitech Ceramics NUMAMERICA/NUMALLIANCE Oklahoma Steel & Wire OM Frigerio OM Lesmo OMA USA Inc. OMCG North America Inc. OMCG SpA PA Industries Panchmahal Steel Ltd. Paramount Die Co. Inc. Parkway-Kew Corp.

Pave Automation Design PEKUtech GmbH Phifer Wire Inc. Pioneer Machinery Co. Ltd. Pittsfield Plastics Eng. Inc. Plasmait GmbH Plasticolor/Woywod GmbH Polyone Pourtier SAS Power Sonics LLC Precision Die Technologies Inc. Premier Wire Die PrintSafe Process Control Corp.

Properzi International Inc. Proton Products Ltd. PWT Ltd. QED Wire Lines Inc. Qinhuangdao Yanda-Guohai Stainless Steel Co. Ltd. Qual-Fab Inc. Queins & Co. GmbH Raajratna Stainless Wire (USA) Inc. Rad-Con Inc. Radcliff Wire Co. Inc. Radyne Corp.

Rainbow Rubber & Plastics Rautomead Ltd. Reelex Packaging Solutions Inc. Reel-O-Matic R.G. Attachments Ltd. RichardsApex Inc. Rizzardi Rohmann LP Rosendahl Maschinen GmbH Rosendahl Nextrom Technologies Roteq Machinery Inc. Saarsteel Inc. SAMP SpA (SAMPSISTEMI) SAMP USA Inc. Sanxin Wire Die Inc. SARK-USA Inc. Sarkuysan SA H A Schlatter AG Schlatter Inc. Schnell (Wire System) SpA Schunk Graphite Technology Sealeze Setic SAS Shanghai Nanyang Shanghai Yingong Wire Products Equipment Co. Ltd. Shijiazhuang Kingway Metal Products Co. Shuster-Mettler Corp.

Sictra Srl SIKORA International Corp.

Simpacks Singleton Reels Sirio Wire Srl Sjogren Industries Inc. Skaltek Inc. SKET Verseilmaschinenbau GmbH Sonoco Crellin Inc. Sonoco Products South Fence Machinery Ltd. Staku-Anlagenbau GmbH Steuler Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG August Strecker GmbH & Co. KG Summit City Enterprises T & T Marketing Inc. TAK Enterprises Inc. Talladega Machinery & Supply Taubensee Steel and Wire Co. Taylor Tech Union Ltd. Taymer Industries Inc. Team Meccanica Srl Technical Marketing Services Teknor Apex Co. Tensor Machinery Ltd. Teurema Thermcraft Inc. Timco Inc. Tremefil SA Troester GmbH & Co. KG Tubular Products Co. Tulsa Power LLC Unitek North America Inc. Uniwire International Ltd. Urbano Associates US Synthetic Wire Die Vandor Corporation Vitari SpA Vollmer America Inc. Wafios AG Wafios Machinery Corp.

Wardwell Braiding Machine Co. Wardwell Italy SRL Warner Electric Watson Parts & Service Weber & Scher Mfg. Co. Inc. Wire & Cable Asia Magazine Wire & Cable Technology International Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp. wire 2010/Messe D端sseldorf North America The Wire Association International Inc. Wire Journal International Wire Lab Co. Wire Machine Systems Inc. WireCo WorldGroup WireWorld Witels Albert USA Ltd. Woodburn Diamond Die Inc. World B.C. Co. Ltd. Worth Steel & Machinery Inc. Woywod Kunststoff Maschinen GmbH Wyrepak Industries Inc. Yield Management Corp.

Zapp Precision Wire Inc. Zhejiang Minmetals Zumbach Electronics Corp.

PEOPLE

PEOPLE JoeTools has named Ron Neuman to lead its machine group and special extrusion projects.

Neuman joins JoeTools from CanGen Group, where he was sales manager for both Canterbury Engineering Company and Genca.

Prior to that, he was co-founder and sales manager of Gema Engineering Company, which began Ron Neuman in 1995 and was acquired by Canterbury Engineering in 2002.

Based in Lilburn, Georgia, USA, JoeTools supplies extrusion crossheads, in-line heads, tips, dies, screws, barrels, breaker plates and accessories.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., named Steven B. Hedlund as vice president, strategy and business development, and Earl L. Ward as vice president, mergers, acquisitions and investor relations. In the new position, Hedlund is responsible for strategic planning, analysis and long-term project management. He joins Lincoln after working with operating units of Fortune Brands, Inc. Also in a new position, Ward joins the company from the URS Corp. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Lincoln Electric supplies a range of welding technology, including arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment.

Davis-Standard, LLC, announced that Ken Sweet has joined the company as an extrusion systems engineering manager, covering the Northeast, responsible for day-today operations in the office in Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA. He has 25 years of experience, most recently as a senior manufacturing engineer. Prior to that, he was an engineering product manager for Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Based in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, USA, Davis-Standard offers a range of extrusion technology for the wire and cable industry.

Plastomer Technologies has named Rich Witmer as director of sales and marketing. He previously worked at Hewlett-Packard and ITW in product marketing, sales management, brand development and new product introductions. Brian Burns has been promoted to operations manager, responsible for the company’s tapes, fibers and machining product lines sold under the Plastolon® and Amicon® brand names. Brent Millard was promoted to total customer value manager. Based in Houston, Texas, USA, Plastomer Technologies supplies a range of plastomers and specialty tapes. ■

OBITUARIES Richard John Ulbrich, CEO and chairman of the board of Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc., died Sept. 25, 2008, at age 74.

A longtime Connecticut resident, Ulbrich began his career in 1960 at Ulbrich in Wallingford, a processor and distributor of stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium and other special metals, which his father, Frederick C. Ulbrich, founded. He graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. At Ulbrich, he focused on production control, and together with his father and brother, Fred Jr., raised annual sales from less than $2 million in 1960 to nearly $400 million today.

Richard John He served in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Artillery Corp., and returned to Ulbrich Connecticut to make his home in Cheshire, where he was active over the years in local organizations. He served as president of the Cheshire and Tribury rotary clubs as well as the Cheshire Historical Society. He was also a Life Member of Wire Association International, which he joined in 1960. He is survived by his wife, Diane; two children, Mary Ulbrich Merlini and Anne Bridget Marshall; his brother, Frederick C. Ulbrich, Jr.; and his nephew and godson, Chris Ulbrich, COO of Ulbrich.

George J. Ruetz, who founded All Fasteners Inc., in Franksville, Wisconsin, USA, in 1978 and served as chairman and CEO, died Oct. 12, 2008, in Racine, Wisconsin, at age 82.

He started his career at Oster Manufacturing in Racine, after serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He also launched All Tool Sales Inc., in 1962. He served on several boards in the industrial distribution industry during his more than 50 years in the distribution business. He attended the 40th anniversary celebration at the recent NFDA spring meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.

26 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Personalities: 50 years as company president ... and counting got to work further expanding the company’s line of formulations and acquiring patents for more products, includIn August 1958, upon the death of his adoptive father, ing strip and tube.

Joe Peterson, then 18 years old, took over the operations Perseverance paid off. In 1973, Peterson developed a new of Crown Technology, Inc., a supplier of chemicals based acid recovery system that made it possible for wire mills in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Fifty years later he is still to get money through sales of ferrous sulfate. “There is no at the helm, with no desire to leave anytime soon and legitimate reason to discharge any waste,” he said. “We nobody in the family about to ask him to. helped save some companies a lot of grief, like being shut “I didn’t enjoy some of the years of struggling and wordown by EPA.” rying about where the dollars were coming from, but lookForever a self-starter, he opened a restaurant in 1999. He ing back, I’m still enjoying it,” said Peterson, whose life noticed that commercial cleaners available to the restauchanged forever the day he chose to take over the comparant industry were not especially good, so he had his ny. The business, founded in chemists develop a nucleus of 1946, had just three employees, a degreasers, stainless polishers and limited product line and could laundry chemicals. Crown now not be sold for much, so the only manufactures cook-top, granite and way his mom could get anything tile, and window cleaners. In 2009, out of it was for him to make it the company’s cleaning products work, he recalled. The weeks, should appear in Target, Wal-Mart months and years that followed and Home Depot. were spent developing products, A study in hard work and resolve, sales trips to steel mills across Peterson had a strong sense of the the country, purchasing raw human factor, a philosophy he materials, mixing and testing brought on board when he started products, and packaging and his career. “All employees should loading them on the trucks. A be treated like family,” he said. company executive who handled The family feeling at Crown every job by day, he also went to Technology is infectious. In 1983, night school. the first of Peterson’s children to Joe Peterson Peterson credits the Wire join the business started making Association as being a helpful strategic decisions alongside his place in his early days to “pick the brains of bright father. Today, the company board, with one exception, is people.” He served on the Ferrous Wire Committee and comprised wholly of family members. J. Scott Peterson, the Suppliers’ Management Committee and frequented vice president of the company’s steel mill division, says of wire conventions and exhibits to further his exposure and his father, “He has made the company what it is, and in education. He sat on the Wire Association’s Board of turn, helped make each of his children successful along Directors and was chairman of the Suppliers Management the way.”

Committee.

Peterson’s daughter, Carrie P. Benko, is a controller at Crown Technology recently honored Peterson for a lifethe company. “I can’t imagine the pressure to succeed and time of service. The company has grown steadily in the learn on the go,” she said. “There was no one to teach him last half century, thanks to Peterson’s innovative strategies. anything or to really consult with. He dove in and did Founded in 1946 by his adoptive father, when Peterson everything he could to ensure it succeeded and he suctook over it had $65,000 in annual sales, and just three ceeded with zero help, training, or support.” employees. Today, the company has 38 employees and And despite the inherent challenges that come from a boasts $20 million in annual sales. half-century spent in a cyclical industry, Peterson, who The road to success was not a given. Peterson was a today still averages more than 60 hours a week on the job, young student with no plans to join the family business says he was never tempted to retire. “I always enjoyed when his father died. Family obligation held sway, and as developing new products and solving problems for cusan only son, he took on the challenge. “I was too young to tomers, and I’m still enjoying it,” he said. be afraid,” he recalled.

Back then the wire industry accounted for 90 percent of Know someone who should be profiled in “Personalities”? the company’s sales, but a wider berth was needed, and he Send details to editorial@wirenet.org.

DECEMBER 2008 | 27

PEOPLE

By Kristina Geloso

FIBER WATCH

FIBERWATCH Verizon gambles on FiOS network It’s an expensive gamble on fiber, but Christopher Larsen of Credit Suisse calculates that if U.S.-based Verizon can get at least 20 percent of potential customers to sign up for FiOS video, it will earn an acceptable profit.

David Barden of Banc of America Securities argues that, for new Verizon investors, the return on Verizon’s original investment does not matter.

“If you are an investor today thinking about what the prospects of FiOS are tomorrow, you don’t look at what has been spent. You look at what needs to be spent,” Barden said. “The 2008 investors owe the 2003 investors a debt of gratitude because the 2008 Verizon is in a vastly better competitive position than it otherwise would be.”

Even if Verizon comes out $6 billion behind on FiOS, that amount is almost lost in a company that has annual revenue of “If you are an investor nearly $100 billion and spends $17 biltoday thinking about lion a year on capital what the prospects improvements.

Verizon is dominated of FiOS are tomorrow, by wireless and busiyou don’t look at ness services. Service over wires to people’s what has been spent. homes comprises just You look at what 15 percent of its revenue. needs to be spent.”

One report states that voice telephone lines dropped 8.5 percent in the last year, and the speed of the digital subscriber line technology used to offer Internet service over copper wires has topped out at three megabits a second for many customers. Cable systems, in turn, are cutting prices on voice service and developing new technology that can match the data speeds of FiOS and offer more TV channels.

Marshall Islands to invest in submarine fiber optic cable The Majuro Marshall Islands reports that it will spend nearly $US18 million to install a submarine fiber optic cable that will revolutionize telecommunications in the country.

Pacific Magazine wrote that government leaders and the National Telecommunications Authority say they spent several years debating the project before deciding to make the investment. The U.S. military is funding an underwater fiber optic cable from Guan to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands.

The Majuro Marshall Islands government will spend $17.9 million to extend the cable to Ebeye and Majuro.

28 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Suo Cable Net taps Alcatel-Lucent for GPON deployment in Japan Malaysia-based Alcatel-Lucent announced it has been selected by Suo Cable Net, a Japanese cable-TV operator that provides cable television services in Yanai City, to design, integrate and deploy a Gigabit Passive Optical Network solution.

A press release said that the new network, which will enable Suo Cable Net to roll out high-speed Internet and video services, will be the first commercial GPON deployment in Japan.

Japan has more than 10 million fiber-to-the-home subscribers, the release said, noting that GPON technology will elevate Japan’s end-user broadband experience, supporting downstream capacities of up to 2.5 Gbps. This will outpace the widely-used Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network 1 Gbps downstream bitrates, enabling faster delivery of content and the ability to handle extremely large files such as full-length movies, it said.

Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its 7342 Intelligent Services Access Manager Fiber-to-the-User solution, leveraging GPON technology to multiplex video and data services onto a single fiber.

Liberty Wire & Cable introduces first wire and cable guide for A/V pros U.S.-based Liberty Wire & Cable, worldwide supplier of a broad range of wire and cable products for the audio/video trade, including custom installers and systems integrators, announced publication of its first guide to fiber optic products and solutions.

Designed for A/V and custom installation professionals, Fiber Optic Solutions is a guide to products, solutions and services. Products covered include Liberty’s bulk break-out fiber cables, bulk distribution cables, plenum-rated cables, Organizer Packs of 25 connectors in reusable carrying-cases, a DigitaLinx Fiber Optic Extender, stock and custom wall plates, and more.

Services covered include Liberty’s manufacturing capabilities for custom cable assemblies, with simplex or duplex jumpers, and other additional options. Custom patch cords and custom multi-cable assemblies are similarly available.

For a copy of the guide, contact Liberty Wire & Cable, tel.

719-260-0061, www.libertycable.com. ■

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FASTENER UPDATE

FASTENER UPDATE Precision Castparts Corp. acquires Seattle-based aerospace company

The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2009, Precision Castparts Corp., officials said.

Seattle-based Fatigue Technology, Inc., announced that it is being bought by Precision Castparts Corp., for an undisclosed price.

A press release described Fatigue Technology as a 39year aerospace company that employs 190 people, most working out of a 120,000-sq-ft facility near SeattleTacoma International Airport. The company, it noted, uses a cold expansion fastener technology process invented by Boeing Co. In 1969, FTI pioneered the cold expansion process, which extends fatigue life in both metal and composite airframe fastener holes, it said, adding that the cold expansion process involves radial expansion of an existing hole, imparting residual compressive stress around the hole, and dramatically extending fatigue life.

Precision Castparts Corp., a manufacturer of complex metal components and products, manufactures fasteners for aerospace, automotive, and other markets, and supplies metal alloys and other materials to the casting and forging industry.

NFDA endorses training program, strengthens partnerships with 2 bodies The National Fastener Distributors Association has endorsed the Fastener Training Institute™ - Chicago 2009, produced by the Los Angeles Fastener Association and the Industrial Fasteners Institute.

The Fastener Training Institute - Chicago 2009 is a weeklong intensive version of the LAFA Certified Fastener Specialist™ advanced fastener technical training program.

The program will be held May 4-8, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Illinois, USA. “NFDA has long been dedicated to offering education and training within the fastener industry,” said NFDA President Mark Shannon. “NFDA’s endorsement and support of the Fastener Training Institute is yet another example of our focus on delivering educational programs and opportunities that meet the needs of our industry.”

A press release said that NFDA will continue to work

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IFI’s supplemental book published U.S.-based Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) announced the publication of its new, spiral bound supplemental book of IFI Fastener Standards and Technical Bulletins.

A compilation of 31 IFI Standards and 16 Technical Bulletins not found in the Inch Fastener Standards, 7th edition, or the Metric Standards, 3rd edition publications, the

volume addresses many of the more pressing issues facing fastener suppliers and users today, the IFI notes.

Copies of the book are available for $149 each, ($187 for orders outside North America) plus shipping and handling.

Visit the IFI website www.indfast.org to review a brochure and visit the website bookstore, or call the IFI order desk at tel. 216-241-1482.

Fasteners offer low-weight solution UK-based Ondrives/Rino Industries announced the development of its nonmagnetic fasteners for flat panel displays and semiconductor equipment. Sizes range from M3 to M12 threads, with lengths available from 5 mm to 60 mm.

A press release said that the special low-head cap screw versions are especially suited to applications where cosmetic concerns matter. The height of the head is less than 1.5 mm, and the screw goes unnoticed after installation. The washers with ventilation grooves are suitable for use with both the socket head cap screws and the hexagon head bolt with ventilation holes.

Ventilation fasteners are particularly suited to vacuum chamber applications in clean rooms, flat panel display production equipment and semiconductor devices, the release noted. All are clean washed, minimizing gas diffusion and preventing foreign particle inclusion, it said. ■

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DECEMBER 2008 | 31

FASTENER UPDATE

closely with LAFA “to develop the most comprehensive educational opportunities for the industry, and to enhance the Fastener Training Institute offerings in the future.”

In other news, NFDA announced that it has solidified two key partnerships. Representatives from the Industrial Fastener Institute and BKD, LLP addressed NFDA members in September at the NFDA Fall City Meeting on these initiatives and the benefits now offered to NFDA members.

A press release said that at the Fall City meeting, BKD Partner John M. Mather provided a detailed analysis of NFDA benchmarking data available through the iLumen Financial Analysis & Industry Benchmarking tool.

Joe Greenslade, director of engineering for IFI, said the IFI Technology Connection enables fastener suppliers to obtain all fastener standards data on specific parts within seconds, and the service provides engineering and quality requirement data for any fastener sold, he said.

NEWS

WAI NEWS

WAI

WAI’s Board of Directors decided some key issues, including the location and number of days for Wire Expo 2010.

Reconvene: big decisions announced for Wire Expo 2010 Some key decisions were made at Reconvene, held during IWCS at the Rhode Island Convention Center, led by a vote by the Board of Directors to co-locate Wire Expo 2010 with another show and to make it a two-day event.

Jay Partington, president of Expo Productions, Inc., which puts on the National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Show, shakes hands with WAI President Ron Reed on the co-location with Wire Expo 2010.

Wire Expo will be held May 11-12, 2010, at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, colocated with the National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Show (Wire Processing), which has been held at the location. Wire Processing is a trade show tailored expressly for those in the electrical wire and cable pro-

32 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

cessing industry and attended by people who design, specify, purchase, install, sell, maintain or manufacture electronic manufacturing equipment, or are in the wire and cable processing industry. The event, which has total attendance of about 2,000, has displays, many of which include equipment for crimping, cutting wire, stripping, braiding, soldering, marking, taping and winding wire. It also includes a technical program, with presentations and roundtable discussions.

Speaking to WAI members and staff during a lunch at the convention center, Jay Partington, president of Expo Productions, Inc., which puts on Wire Processing, said there was strong desire to have Wire Expo co-locate with them. He noted that the Milwaukee venue is very friendly to exhibitors. The halls are non-union and there are even carts people can use to haul in their own materials, he said. “We would love to have our show alongside yours,” he declared.

The board of directors accepted the invitation, which had been recommended by several board members who had attended the show earlier this year.

“This was a crucial matter for us, where to hold Wire Expo,” said WAI President Ron Reed. “We will be colocating, which holds costs down and gives more reasons to attendees to come, and we will be going to a two-day format, which reflects the desires of exhibitors. What makes this especially good is that Wire Processing fits quite well with Wire Expo.”

The Education Committee voted to the change the format for the Fundamentals course for Wire Expo 2010.

WAI NEWS From l-r, new WAI Board Member Neville Crabbe, Leoni Wire, looks at a report from Chuck Szymaszek, WAI’s Manager of Information Technology, who is explaining options for the WAI’s association management software.

Next to him are board member Dominique Perroud, SAMP USA, and Second Vice President Dane Armendariz, Henkel Surface Technologies.

WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll discusses the proposed Wire Processing co-location during lunch. Seated, l-r, are board member Erik Macs, Fine International, Jay Partington and WAI President Ron Reed.

The committee agreed that a one-day format, with eight instructors presenting one-hour topics, could be better suited to the shortened Expo event. The original two-day format may be used for future Expos and Interwires.

A second event was also finalized at Reconvene: the official location and date for the 2009 International Technical Conference, which will be held at Istanbul, Turkey, on November 2, 2009. The event, New Technology for Global Markets, will mark the fourth time that the WAI has taken part in a jointly organized conference, joining forces with the U.K.-based International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA), Italy-based Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine Per Filo (ACIMAF) and French-based Comité Européen de la Tréfilerie (CET). Prior conferences have been held in Bologna, Italy (2007), Prague, The Czech Republic (2005) and Stresa, Italy (2003).

In other news discussed at Reconvene, WAI Sales Director Robert Xeller reports that the I-X Center in Cleveland has worked on improving labor regulations/rules for the 2009 show. Specifically, the focus was on the use of EAC (Exhibitor Appointed Contractors) in allowing more flexible labor rates/times and utilization for the contractor. Beyond that, several new pricing schedules have been introduced, including early bird discounts for orders for electrical service and carpeting received two weeks prior to closing of advanced rates getting a 15% additional discount off pricing.

Looking forward, Xeller reported, there has been a recommendation and commitment for Interwire 2011 to be held in Atlanta, its longtime venue, on a one-time cycle at this point.

The Member Relations Committee discussed new ways to provide value to wire and cable professionals, especial-

WAI board members discussed issues ranging from the Association’s home office to its subsidiary in India. From l-r are Ralph Noonon, Etna Products; Don Schollin, Q-S Technologies; WAI Past President Scott Higgins; and Robert Shemenski, R&S Consulting.

At the WAI lunch, l-r, WAI Past President Tom Moran and WAI Second Vice President Dane Armendariz enjoy the unique wit of board member Robert Shemenski.

DECEMBER 2008 | 33

WAI NEWS

ly those new to the industry, in order to attract them to WAI membership. Topics included ways to use technology, including the new webinar program format, to reach a greater number of members and prospects and provide them with a more convenient learning opportunity.

Additionally, the committee discussed the various scholarships being offered by WAI and its chapters, particularly the Wire Link Travelling Scholarship, and doing a better job of identifying potential applicants and showing the benefit to the individual as well as to their employer.

Other discussion centered on finding new ways to reach potential new members, with several ideas being suggested for further consideration.

Some of the other topics that were discussed include greater activity for the WAI’s subsidiary in India, locations for other further out events, ways to further improve technical programs and how to best improve and deploy the Association’s electronic capabilities.

As a sidenote and a sign of the international times, three participants who joined the board meeting did so by teleconference from three different continents: WAI First Vice President Antonio Ayala, who called in from Mexico; Board Member Malcolm Michael, who called in from Australia; and WAI’s subsidiary director, Anand Bhagwat, who called in from India.

34 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

The 2009 Reconvene is tentatively scheduled to be held in Milwaukee in conjunction with Wire Processing’s 2009 event.

2009 Mordica Memorial Award goes to Belgium’s Aernoudt Etienne Aernoudt, a metallurgical engineering professional and prize-winning author, is the winner of the 2009 Mordica Memorial Award.

The Mordica award honors an individual for extraordinary contributions to the technical advancement of the wire and cable industry.

A full professor at Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, Aernoudt has had approximately 220 papers published on subjects related to the mechanical behavior of materials. He has been the supervisor of 20 PhD theses and is a coauthor of nine books.

Etienne Aernoudt Aernoudt’s more than 51

WAI, Bhagwat has been instrumental in the extension of the Association’s activity in India, where he helped form the local chapter. His leadership during his WAI presidency fostered even stronger Asian relationships and cooperative arrangements for WAI’s international mission.

For the Association, he has served as moderator, author, committee member and ferrous chair, a member of the executive committee, strategic plan drafter, web course author, technical counselor, contributor to the Ferrous handbook, on the board of directors for the Ohio Valley Chapter and WAI, and new committee organizer. In 2001, he received the ASM/IIM Visiting Lecturer Award. In 1995, he was honored with The Chairman’s Special Service Award from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

He holds a diploma of engineering from Govt.

Polytechnic, India; a diploma of metallurgy from the College of Engineering, India; a master’s of science diploma in metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Science, India; and a master’s diploma in metallurgy and an MBA in strategy and general management from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Bhagwat’s career began in the 1970s at Bajaj Auto Ltd., and David Brown Greaves, Ltd., both in India, and in 1985 he came to the U.S. Following graduation in 1989, he was named plant metallurgist at TRW, Inc., Valve Division, Cleveland, Ohio. He was principal metallurgist at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 10 years.

For six years, he was vice president of quality and technology at Seneca Wire & Manufacturing Company, Fostoria, Ohio, a producer of ferrous wire for automotive and industrial spring applications.

He was cited as being a dedicated WAI volunteer, contributing countless hours to WAI’s technical programs.

“I have known Anand Bhagwat personally and professionally for more than 20 years, and throughout this entire period have only attained admiration, respect and accolades for his technical, administrative, and leadership skills,” wrote one nominator for his selection.

Bhagwat named winner of the WAI’s 2009 Donnellan award

Association’s first webinar features Fed official, cable industry analyst

Anand W. Bhagwat, managing director of WAI Wire and Cable Services Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India, WAI’s Asia subsidiary, has added to his long list of accomplishments in the wire and manufacturing industry the honor of being named winner of the WAI’s 2009 Donnellan Memorial Award.

The Donnellan award honors an individual for outstanding contributions to the WAI. A native of India Anand Bhagwat and the 2005 president of

The good news was that WAI’s first-ever webcast, produced at Association headquarters on Thursday, November 13, ran nearly flawlessly, and got very good reviews from participants. The not-so-good news was the news itself, presented by a U.S. Federal System Reserve official and a U.K.-based industry analyst.

The coming recession is not going to come in gradually, like a person slowly easing into the water, observed William A. Strauss, senior economist and economic advisor in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. “No, this is going to be more like a cannonball into that frigid pool.”

The economic assessment by Strauss, who holds a B.A. degree in economics and geography from SUNY and an

DECEMBER 2008 | 35

WAI NEWS

years of metallurgical engineering research and development has included focuses on issues of theory and technology of wiredrawing. In the 1960s, while working for Bekaert Steel Wire Corporation, he produced the first 10micrometer stainless steel fibers, a technique which has been further improved by his successors in the Bekaert Corporation, and for which new applications are being invented.

His application of geometric parameters of the tools applied in metal forming processes for the explanation of the origin and development of texture was pioneering research in this field, conducted within his doctoral dissertation, and established a link between mechanics of process and structural phenomena.

Aernoudt has been active as a prominent member of the Metallurgical society of the Royal Institution of Flemish Engineers, the International Committee of the International Conference of Textures of Materials, and the Flemish Council for Industrial Scientific Research at the General Assembly of the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre.

In 2006, he won the Sarton-Medal from the University of Ghent. He has also won the Doctorate Honoris Causa from the Technical University of Czestochowa, Poland, the Francqui Chair at the Universiteit, an Honorary Mention Award from the Wire Association International and in 1963, the Student Prize of the Royal Flemish Engineering Society. He is the chairman of the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering at Catholic University of Leuven.

“Scientific and professional achievements make him the leading authority in the field of metal forming, especially in the field of wire drawing and materials engineering,” wrote one nominator for his selection. “The scope of his scientific activities is very wide and includes not only the research dealing with cold deformations and metal texture but also numerous activities related to such technological issues as extrusion, powder metallurgy, shape memory alloys, composite materials and biomaterials.”

WAI NEWS

MBA degree in economics from Northwestern University, cited problem areas such as the volatile credit markets, ailing housing market, anemic auto sales and rising unemployment rates that are likely to get worse before they get better. His Powerpoint presentation graphically depicted a range of weak areas.

“We are going from a weak economy to one in decline,” Strauss said. However, there are some positives too, he said. For instance, the nation uses less oil than it used to as a percentage of overall expenditures, and as the price of oil has dropped, along with other commodities, so has the danger from inflation, which makes it somewhat easier for the government to focus on measures to boost the economy, with specific attention paid to key economic sectors and indicators.

Also taking part in the webinar was Philip Radbourne, Integer Research, who said that the drop in demand for areas such as housing and the subsequent fall in the price of copper has had a chilling effect on wire and cable companies in some sectors. Even some sectors that were thought to be recession-proof are showing signs of weakness, he said.

As many as 37 people were online at one time during the 90-minute webcast and a half-dozen questions were sent for the speakers. Subsequent e-mails showed that the format had been well received. “I have participated in a number of webinars and I must say this is one of the first that I found very informative,” said Craig Simpson, New England Wire Technologies.

The webinar concept originated with WAI’s Education Committee, which recently agreed to focus its efforts on the venue as its primary educational vehicle not directly associated with a major trade event.

“It was an easy call for us,” said committee chairman Donnie Norton. “Obviously there are tradeoffs when you compare webinars to in-person workshops. But for the convenience and the savings on time and travel, you can’t beat it.”

Murray noted that webinars also offer greater flexibility.

36 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

WAI Director of Education Marc Murray, l, and WAI Manager of Information Technology Chuck Szymaszek, oversee production work for the Association’s first-ever webinar.

“They enable us to reach a much wider audience, literally the world over,” he said. “And we can put together material on a timely topic in relatively short order. Bill Strauss’s program on the current state of manufacturing in the U.S. was just that - the current state of our economy.

He had up-to-the-minute data on an extremely fluid situation.”

November’s program was just the first in WAI’s new series of webinars on both technical and general interest topics.

Presenters have already committed to present on other upcoming topics that include wiredrawing mechanics, lubrication, die maintenance, and straightening.

This first program was available free to everyone as a special introductory promotion. Regular pricing allows WAI members to receive access to two free webinars every year.

Members will pay $55 per webinar after that. The regular price for non-members will be $95 per webinar. ■

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CHAPTER CORNER

CHAPTER CORNER Good day + good course = great time for Western Chapter’s golf tourney A beautiful Southern California fall day greeted 54 golfers at the 8th Annual Wild West Shootout, hosted by the WAI Western Chapter at the Ike Course at the Industry Hills Golf Club, on Wednesday, October 15.

At day’s end, the winning team, with a gross score of 61, 11 under par, was John Van Diepen, Brian Reed, Jeff Hache and Rich Corson. Two teams tied with net scores of 59, with the team of Derrick Stevens of Engineered Machinery Group, Dave Francom of Motion Industries, NEPTCO’s Paul McLaughlin and Dan Carter taking first place after matching scorecards. Taking second place was the team of Keith McCarthy, Darrell Belisle, John Gunson and Dale Johnson.

There were several skills contests during the day, including the chance to win $10,000 with a hole-in-one on the par three 13th. No one aced this hole, which was sponsored by Commission Brokers Inc./Martin Kenner, yet there were plenty of other winners.

38 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

Tournament Chairman Michael Weiss, second from right, with Western Chapter golf tourney winners, l-r, Jeff Hache, John Van Diepen, Brian Reed and Rich Corson.

The three closest-to-the-pin prizes were won by Michael Weiss of Whitmor/Wirenetics, Brian Reed and Joe Monaco. The big hitters of the day were Rick Duray of CMC and Rich Corson, and the accurate drive prize was

CHAPTER CORNER

won by John Gunson. One team that was given a special honor for being the “most honest� (reporting the highest score) consisted of Steve Page, Justin Page, David Rushmore and Larry Meyer. “The opportunity to get out on a great golf course with industry friends and guests made the day a lot of fun,� said tournament Chairman Michael Weiss. “The day was made even better through the exceptional support of our sponsors.�

The closest-to-the-pin contests were sponsored by James Monroe Wire & Cable, Lloyd & Bouvier Inc., and W. Gillies Technologies, LLC. The accurate drive hole was sponsored by Leoni Wire, and the two long drive holes were sponsored by Delaware Marketing Services and James Monroe Wire & Cable.

Corporate hole sponsors for the tourney included: Amaral Automation/PWM Welders, Beta LaserMike, Chromatics Inc., Coast Wire and Plastic Tech, Engineered Machinery Group, F. Camarena Inc., Harbour Industries, James Monroe Wire & Cable, Judd Wire, Manner Plastics, NEPTCO, PMC Technical Sales, RFC Sales Inc., Silver State Wire & Cable, Thermax Wire and Whitmor/Wirenetics. “This year’s ‘Shootout’ drew our largest field in several years,� said chapter President Michael Howard of Coast Wire & Plastic Tech. “Michael Weiss did a great job chairing it, and we already have plans underway for next year’s tournament, which will be held Friday, September 25, 2009, at the Los Verdes Golf Course, a beautiful ocean course on the south bay in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.�

WAI

CONTACT INFO

Steven J. Fetteroll, executive director 203-453-2777 x 115, sfetteroll@wirenet.org David B. LaValley, treasurer 203-453-0593, dlavalley@wirenet.org Mark A. Marselli, editor-in-chief 203-453-7579 x 132, mmarselli@wirenet.org

Volumetric and gravimetric dosing units and mixing stations for all free flowing materials. Gravimetric extruder and haul-off control/ regulation.

Charles H. (Chip) Marsh, membership director 203-453-1748, cmarsh@wirenet.org Marc Murray, education director 203-453-2777 x 121, mmurray@wirenet.org Janice Swindells, director of marketing services 203-453-2777 x 117, jswindells@wirenet.org

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DECEMBER 2008 | 39

CHAPTER CORNER

New England Chapter returns Jan. 29 to Mohegan Sun for its annual meeting The WAI New England Chapter, the first Association chapter to be created, will reach a milestone on Thursday, January 29, 2009, when members return to the friendly confines of the Mohegan Sun Resort Conference Center in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA, for its 15th Annual Meeting.

At the 2008 Annual Meeting, 2008 Chapter President Paul McDermott, front and center, with the chapter’s Board of Directors.

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the past year and introducing the 2009 officers and directors, attendees will hear differentiation expert Duane Cashin deliver the keynote message.

“The annual meeting provides our members and guests with the opportunity to get the year off to a great start in a fun, relaxed setting,” said 2008 chapter President “Cashin draws from Paul McDermott of his 20-plus years of Q-S Technologies, Inc. “With this experience as a top being our 15th salesman and entreannual meeting, we preneur ... on how to want to celebrate the past year’s effectively differentiate accomplishments as one’s offering in well as offer additoday’s marketplace.” tional value with Duane Cashin’s talk.”

Cashin draws from his 20-plus years of experience as a top salesman and entrepreneur to deliver clear insight on how to effectively differentiate one’s offering in today’s marketplace. With a blend of storytelling, humor, passion, and straight talk, he challenges his audiences to rethink everything from their approach to communicating to selling and serving.

The evening begins with a reception at 5 pm followed by a dinner buffet at 6:15 pm and then the program and introduction of 2009 chapter leadership. At the conclusion of the event, guests will be free to enjoy the resort.

The Annual Meeting is consistently one of the best

40 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

CHAPTER CORNER WAI President Ron Reed addresses New England Chapter members at their 2008 annual meeting. attended events of the year, and companies are invited to sponsor the evening at one of three levels: Gold ($300), Silver ($200) and Bronze ($100). All sponsors will be recognized at the event with signage and in the program, as well as in the WJI wrap-up article. Gold sponsors will also be recognized with an individual slide featuring their logo during the evening’s festivities.

Registration is $80, $70 for WAI members and $65 for chapter members and their guests, which includes the

One of the 2008 highlights was the presentation by speaker Leightion Lee IV on renewable energy. entire evening’s activities.

The registration deadline is Friday, January 23, 2009.

Forms may be downloaded from the New England Chapter web page. For more information, contact Chip Marsh at tel. 203-453-1748 or cmarsh@wirenet.org. ■

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DECEMBER 2008 | 41

FEATURE

Wrapup: Mexico ITC

Keynote speakers Hugo Gomez, Dir. Sector Cables del Grupo Condumex, and Raul M. Gutierrez, DeAcero Group Pres.; WAI First V.P./ITC organizer Antonio Ayala; WAI Pres. Ron Reed and ANTAAC V.P. Roberto Ordoñez.

WAI Vice President/ITC organizer Antonio Ayala welcomes attendees.

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he return to Mexico once again proved ideal for the Wire Association International, which in October put on its third International Technical

Conference there since 2000, bolstered by the collective combination of a good technical program, two good keynote speakers, one of the largest-ever assembly of tabletop exhibits, a memorable tour and reception and more than 250 attendees as well as the attractions of the host city of Monterrey.

Mountains loom in this view of Monterrey from the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

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“I am thrilled that we were able to bring together so many people to Monterrey, a city that reflects how vital and able manufacturing is in Mexico,” said WAI First Vice President/event organizer Antonio Ayala, JJ Lowe Associates, who also served as moderator for the opening ceremonies. “The people who came here as attendees have much talent and being able to hear new ideas and meet and network with others, including suppliers, furthers the ability to continue moving forward. And to top it off with our enjoyable reception after a tour of the Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma brewery, where one and all got to enjoy each other’s company over a good beer, makes it even more memorable.”

The event, put on by the Asociación Nacional de Transformadores de Acero A.C. (ANTAAC), the Departsamento de Turismo de Nuevo Leon (OCVMTY), the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterry (ITESM) and WAI, featured keynote speakers Hugo Gomez,

FEATURE Some 200 attendees attended the opening ceremonies, which featured keynote speakers Hugo Gomez, Director Sector Cables del Grupo Condumex and Raul M. Gutierrez, DeAcero Group President.

Director Sector Cables del Grupo Condumex, and Raul M. Gutierrez, DeAcero Group President. In addition to Ayala, WAI President Ron Reed and ANTAAC Vice President Roberto Ordoñez, Villacero, also welcomed the audience at the event, hosted by the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Gomez discussed the need for new wire and cable technol-

ogy for sectors such as automotive, power, infrastructure and telecom. The industry has had sustained growth, but the pace of future development is more muted now because of the recent worldwide economic events that have created much uncertainty. “After a cycle of several years of sustained growth, we are entering a (down) cycle with worrisome ten-

WAI President Ron Reed chats with Leandro Mazzoccato, sales manager for Brazil’s Madem S.A.

Some two dozen technical papers were presented over two days.

DECEMBER 2008 | 43

FEATURE Czestochowa University of Technology’s Prof. Jan Pilarczyk, the president of the WAI’s Poland Chapter, presents one of the three technical papers presented by authors from Poland.

dencies in some of the markets, but with great opportunities at others.” It is up to the industry to adapt to the new surroundings quickly, through creativity, innovation, approach

with clients, for those are the elements that will provide further success,” he said.

Gutierrez recalled how his father founded DeAcero in Monterrey in 1952 as a small wire processor and grew it into an entity that today has 7,000-plus employees and more than 60 facilities across North America. He also used the opportunity to discuss how China has impacted the industry. See p. 22 for his comments.

WAI President Ron Reed said later that he found the event inspiring. “The speakers had good messages and there was a very positive sense about the desire of attendees to learn from the technical programs and to talk to suppliers about what their technology could do. It was quite a strong statement about the Mexican wire industry.”

“These events taking place in Mexico help to motivate the personnel in the wire and cable industry to improve their knowledge on the field,” said ANTAAC’s Eduardo Anaya, a member of WAI’s Board of Directors. “ANTAAC looks forward to further collaborations with WAI to produce such workshops.”

The technical presentations, with some two dozen ferrous and nonferrous presentations, were well attended. Many of the attendees said that they appreciated being able to both sit

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

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FEATURE

in on the papers as well as talk to different industry suppliers.

A total of 257 attendees were at the ITC, which was held at the Crowne Hotel in Monterrey, a city of more than three million people. A range of Mexican wire and cable manufacturers were represented, including dozens of staffers from Conductores Monterrey/Viakable and from DeAcero. The audience ranged from management to research & development to processing level staff.

The technical presentations, with some two dozen ferrous and nonferrous presentations, were well attended, with 60 or more attendees in many of the sessions. Many of the attendees said that they appreciated being able to both sit in on the papers as well as talk to different industry suppliers.

“Thanks again for this nice and helpful conference in Monterrey,” said Elías Fernández, general manager of Conticon SA de CV, part of the Condumex group. Asked why he attended the event, he said, “Because I knew there would be papers which would upgrade my knowledge as well (as the opportunity to) meet people and companies related to my business.” He said he liked the opening session speeches and some of the aluminum and copper presentations as well as the opportunity to talk to suppliers at the tabletops, where he made some good contacts. He added that he would definitely attend another such event.

José Luis Magaña Leon, a chemical engineer for Conticon SA de CV, said that he found the event well organized and worth attending. He said that he liked the papers, but also the ability to able establish closer relationships with representatives at the tabletops. “I would really like to attend future (such) events. It is a welcome opportunity to be in touch with people involved in the ferrous and non ferrous industry.”

The tabletop exhibitors were largely pleased with the event.

“I think the show was a success and Monterrey a great location. I find these tabletop exhibitions very effective in

Many attendees who sat in the technical presentations said that they also appreciated the opportunity to visit industry suppliers. terms of cost and qualified leads. I will plan on attending the next tabletop event and would be willing to consider more throughout the year,” said Bob Brown, president, Yield Management Corporation.

“I thought the event went well. It was as I expected in terms of the quantity and quality of the people attending. I plan on attending future events in Mexico,” said Tino Corral, sales manager, Fort Wayne Wire Die. Any event, however, can be improved. Bill Bender, Worth Steel and Machine Inc., said that he liked the venue but

WIRE JOURNAL

®

JANUARY 2009

S PECIAL R EPORT: T OP C ABLE C OMPANIES – PART 1

INTERNATIONAL

IWCS Wrapup | 2008 WJI Article Index

Hats off to the world’s top cable companies that will be featured beginning in Wire Journal International’s (WJI) January 2009 issue!

WJI editors tip their hats to the best in the industry with a view of the world by region in this two-part series and extention of the 2007 top cable company analysis presented by Integer Research and WJI in 2007.

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To formally reserve ad space we invite you to call us today, before this offer disappears.

Contact WJI’s Bob Xeller or Anna Bzowski today at Tel.: 001-203-453-2777 | E-mail: bxeller@wirenet.org or abzowski@wirenet.org

DECEMBER 2008 | 45

FEATURE ITC attendees on a tour of Monterrey included, l-r: a guide, ANTAAC’s Eduardo Anaya’s wife, Angela; a park ranger; Prof. Ryszard Budzik, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland; Ramona Bouvier, Lloyd & Bouvier; Radha Yalamanchili, wife of 2008 Mordica Memorial Award Winner Dr. Bhaskar Yalamanchili; and Prof. Danuta Jama, Silesian University of Technology, Poland.

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added that he thought there would be more people from the forming industry there. He thought that more work should have been done recruiting attendees in that area.

Robert Wild, Executive Vice President & CEO, Niehoff Endex North America, gave his approval to the ITC. “Despite the very bad business situation, the event turned out to be well attended and the quality of people was excellent. It turned out (not unexpectedly) to be truly a Mexican event.

For us it was an important networking event, one where we made some new contacts. We would return in the future.”

“The show was good for us,” said Leandro Mazzoccato, Madem Reels, who described the event as well organized and added that he had had several good meetings.

“This was the first WAI technical conference that I attended outside of the U.S.,” said Mark Spencer, W. Gillies Technologies LLC. “I had an opportunity to meet with our manufactures representatives in addition to visiting with new and potential customers who attended the conference. For me, it’s important to be visible and accessible at trade shows with the understanding that the results are not necessarily singular but accumulative over time. I would plan to return again

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WAI & ANTAAC ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS TO THE

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

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E C H N I C A L

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O N F E R E N C E

The educational program at the 2008 International Technical Conference was the result of the combined efforts of dozens of experts, volunteers, and special guests. This year’s successful program would not have been possible without their dedication to the Wire Association International’s educational mission.

Sponsored by:

46 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

The Wire Association International, Inc. and

ANTAAC

I

N T E R N A T I O N A L Guest Speakers Hugo Gómez Raúl Gutiérrez

Conference Chairman Antonio Ayala

Authors/Presenters José Agusil Carlos A. Alejo David Alexander Ronald E. Alexander Rick Amaral Eduardo Anaya Alejandro Aragón-Zavala Fredrik Axelsson Andy Blackmore C. Bobadilla Juan Carlos Bodington

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Ryszard Budzik Sergio Castañeda Gerardo Castañón José L. Cavazos Eva Cervantes Mario Confente Enrico Conte Elias Fernández G. Marek Gała Robert Galperin Marco Gerardo Bogdan Golis Jesus O. González Sean Harrington Honorata Howaniec Danuta Jama Magnus Jarl Michał Kobyliski

FEATURE

to Monterrey as a tabletop exhibitor.”

Beyond the technical papers and tabletops, attendees got to enjoy a tour of the Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma brewery and to sample the “end product” at the subsequent reception/dinner on the patio, entertained by a Mariachi group and a guitar trio.

The conference ended on a good note Tuesday, with more than a dozen attendees the next day going on a tour of Museo Del Acero “Horno 3,” a museum built in and around a decommissioned blast furnace that stands 230-ft tall, itself part of a 275-acre industrial campus that is a public park called Parque Fundidora. Beyond that, some attendees went on private tours of the city as well as others to the Whitney Blake plant in Monterrey.

The WAI’s next conference will be part of a multi-organization event to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 2, 2009. See future issues for more details. ■

In front of Whitney Blake’s plant in Monterrey, Mexico, for a post-event tour are (l-r): Jose Ranc, Whitney Blake engineering director; Rich Vester, American Kuhne regional sales manager; Sheldon P. Scott, Whitney Blake president & CEO; Erik Macs, Fine International Corp. vice president; WAI President Ron Reed, Horizon Wire & Cable; WAI First Vice President/ITC organizer Antonio Ayala, JJ Lowe Associates; and Christopher J. Villegas, Whitney Blake, general manager of the Monterrey plant.

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Robert Kruzel Lee Hyong-Jik José Luis Magaña Leon Sergio A. Montes Bill Murphy José Roberto Ordoñez Octavio Parra Mark Patrizzia M.T. Perrot-Simonetta Jan W. Pilarczyk Eduardo Ramírez Raúl Ramírez J. Angelica Ramos Ronald W. Reed Bernard Resiak Saúl Sánchez Ana Maria Sarmiento Edward Steward

O N F E R E N C E Thomas W. Tyl Wieslaw Waszkielewicz Robert Wild Rafał Włudzik

Moderators Eduardo Anaya Antonio Ayala Brian A. Bouvier Dominique Perroud José Ranc Ronald W. Reed Walther Van Raemdonck Bhaskar Yalamanchili

Educational Alliance Asociación Nacional de Transformadores de Acero AC (ANTAAC)

DECEMBER 2008 | 47

FEATURE

Attendance was down about 10 percent from 2006, but the organizer reports that, given the economic climate, the event fared surprisingly well. Artistic effect rendered by Bill Branch.

Spring World: lower numbers — but good signs of life Organizers of Spring World 2008 report that, despite “a sputtering economy with orders for springs slowing, most exhibitors at Spring World 2008 found reasons to be happy with the attendance figures and the quality of those in attendance.”

A press release from the Chicago Area of Spring Manufacturers, Inc. (CASMI), reported that registration and attendance numbers for spring manufacturers and wire formers was down 10 percent from the 2006 show, which it noted had been held in a robust growth economic time.

“Evaluations from the 120 companies exhibiting indicate this year’s show was more active than expected and is being rated as successful by most exhibitors,” the release said. Exhibitors, it noted, reported quality leads and most had either already pre-sold the equipment being displayed or had closed the deal while at the show.

Exhibitors and attendees reported that sales are flat at the moment but that all parties are hopeful that the manufacturing climate will pick up in the coming year as inventories are reduced, the release said. “Exhibitors reported that many attendees came with an agenda to see the new equipment on the market

48 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

and to find specific solutions to their problems. It was reported that many attendee spring manufacturers and wire formers were trying to evaluate their future needs and get ready for the next growth period,” it said.

Exhibitors reported mixed results.

“The numbers of visitors met, or slightly exceeded our expectations,” said John Mahler of U.K-based Bennett Mahler Limited. He acknowledged that his expectations had been reasonably low given the credit crunch, uncertainty relating to forthcoming election, etc. “We expected numbers to be very low but hoped for some good quality leads. We had better quality leads/orders than anticipated.”

Asked whether the event would remain the one his company was active at, even in slow times, Mahler said, “Yes, definitely. We have always seen this as the premier spring-making exhibition in North America and continue to do so.”

Jerry Jacques, NIMSCO, which represents Bennett Mahler as well as Simplex-Rapid and IST, said that the overall results were good. ”Although we felt the attendance was down a bit from 2006, and it being held three weeks prior to our presidential election, with a shaky economy on most people’s minds, we found the traffic to be quite good and the

Activity at the NIMSCO/Bennett Mahler Limited booth at Spring World 2008.

DECEMBER 2008 | 49

FEATURE

inquires to be of high quality. I would have to say that the higher for 2006, when actual attendance (not registration) show turned out better than expected for us, especially during was 1,467 spring manufacturers and wire formers, 738 these unsettled times. NIMSCO has exhibited at the CASMI exhibitors and 12 others. Those same numbers for 2008 were Spring World show for 30 years now and, in all cases, it has 1,317 spring manufacturers and wire formers, 714 exhibitors always reaped significant benefits (sales). We plan to be back and 21 others. in 2010 at the same level.”

“We had a successful Spring World Carl B. Atwater, A.I. Technology, said 2008,” said CASMI Executive Director he was concerned going in to Spring Tom Renk. “While the attendance figures “We were selling World for what would be their 13th time were (down) from 2006, we feared that machines like exhibiting. “The entire economy was they would be considerably lower because shaping up to be similar to 2000. I did of all this recent turmoil in the markets crazy. The only have some good dialog going with a few and the economy as a whole. We are still problem was companies and had hoped to close on a reviewing the exhibitor evaluations that that no one was few machines at the show. However, as have been received both at the show and the financial tsunami was just reaching in a follow-up evaluation e-mail blast. But buying.” shore, it became obvious quickly that thus far, the exhibitors seem pleased with — Carl B. Atwater, everyone was putting everything on the attendance. I think they, too, were not A.I.Technology hold.” expecting to have a good turnout because The results, Atwater said, were as of the lackluster economy and we were all expected. “We were selling machines surprised by the good turnout.” like crazy. The only problem was that no one was buying.

The focus now turns to the next Spring World, said Renk, There are some solid leads but it will take time to culminate noting that that CASMI is accepting space reservations for in a sale.” Despite the lack of quick returns, he said he the next show, which will return to the Donald E. Stephens remains commited to the show. “I don’t think we’ll quit any Convention Center on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, time soon. In my opinion, Springworld is the premier spring October 13-15. and wire forming machinery show in the world.”

Tom Renk can be contacted at CASMI, tel. 630-369-3466, CASMI reported that the numbers were about 10 percent tom@casmi.org. ■

PERSPECTIVES

PERSPECTIVES CCCA: More efforts needed to stop bad cables This section stems from information provided by The Communications Cable and Connectivity Association, Inc. (CCCA). For more on the association, contact Frank Peri at tel. 904-223-4100, fperi@cccassoc.org.

flame test. The failing cables burned the entire length of the A disturbing growing trend of substandard Category cables from certain “no name” cable producers in China and Taiwan test chamber. The worst cable burned beyond the maximum length allowed in 45 seconds, and reached a temp of 2000°F. being sold in the U.S. and other regions has led to an initia• 4 out of 4 CMP (plenum) rated cables failed the NFPA tive by a relatively new industry association that wants such 262 plenum test. The samples showed peak smoke levels at fraud to stop.

The focus is on the role of distributors who, whether know- least 3 times higher than maximum allowable levels.

The worst performing cable had disastrous results. ingly or not, are selling substandard cable that improperly • Peak smoke levels were >4X higher carries either the UL or ETL mark. The than maximum allowable levels.

Communications Cable and Connectivity • Average smoke levels were >5X higher Association, Inc. (CCCA) goal is to drive than maximum allowable levels. improvements in quality assurance pro• Flame spread reached maximum length grams as a voluntary, self-regulating move of the chamber within 6 minutes. among manufacturers and distributors, Speaking at IWCS, CCCA President negating the need for governmental interKevin St. Cyr, president of Berk-Tek, said vention to protect public safety. that counterfeiting has become a big issue.

The CCCA, which commissioned an He cited one cable manufacturer official independent lab to test nine randomly chowho said that his company has a large sen samples of Category cable, all carrymarket share in a certain country—even ing either the UL or ETL mark, reported though the company has no presence there. the findings in a recent press release that Aside from the safety issues, plenum prodcited the following results: ucts must meet the minimum specs as the • 9 out of 9 failed to meet all minimum systems they go into are designed for a cerphysical requirements for communications CCCA Exec. Dir. Frank Peri at IWCS, tain level of fire and smoke, physical, and cable (per TIA 568-B.2 spec). where one of his goals was seeking electrical performance as well as quality, • 4 out of 9 failed to meet all support for initiatives to control the minimum electrical test requirements for flow of substandard cables from China he said. “(Customers) are being cheated,” he declared. communications cable (per TIA 568-B.2). and Taiwan.

In its press release, CCCA notes that all • 8 out of 9 failed to meet the minimum the product samples had either the UL or ETL marks, and flame/smoke safety requirements specified by the National that while the compliance testing agency typically selects Electrical Code (specifications UL 1666 and NFPA 262). products from manufacturing site locations and tests them to Observed the CCCA press release, “We believe that the manufacturers of these failing products are using substandard industry specifications, little or no field testing is performed.

“Our sample test results strongly imply that different products materials for profit motives, without regard to the safety of are being shipped to North America than those that are being building inhabitants.” tested by the testing agency,” it said.

“We were stunned by the results,” said CCCA Executive CCCA recommends a new certification program “to restore Director Frank Peri. “Based on what our members have told confidence that communications products perform as adverus we knew that there was a problem, but we didn’t expect tised.” A critical component would be for testing of products the results to be this bad.” Beyond the likelihood for poor taken from the marketplace, it said. CCCA’s goal is to work performance, he cited the following safety issues: with the two major testing agencies in North America to • 4 out of 5 CMR (riser) rated cables failed the UL 1666

Perspectives is an occasional section that presents commentary/analysis from individuals on different industry topics.

50 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

tainer full of cable. An Internet search of electrical wire and cable distributors found one list with more than 200 such providers. Peri said that he believes the vast majority of distributors are responsible, representing well-known cable manufacturers. However, a few distributors offered both name products as well as “no name” cables that can cost half as much as the premium brands. He did not name the distributors whose products were tested, but said that some of them represented both types of cables.

Who oversees the distributors? Peri notes that the U.S. Customs Department can seize a container of cable, but many containers come through and it is not necessarily easy to detect whether a Category cable is up to the standard. The amount of substandard cable coming through could be in the millions of feet per year, he said, acknowledging that there is no way of knowing for sure.

Asked whether the distributors are, in essence, operating under a quasi- “honor system,” Peri said that he does not know of any official body that oversees them. He added, however, that they do come under The Consumer Products Safety Act, which makes it illegal to knowingly “manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any consumer product which is not in conformity with an applicable consumer product safety standard under this chapter ... .” That act, signed into law on August 14, 2008, increased the penalties for violations to a maximum of $15 million.

Peri said that CCCA wants the industry to work together to resolve the problem without federal involvement. He added that this is an issue that is not going to go away, and that it is possible that some government agency, once aware of the risk to public safety, could take decisive and very public action that makes a clear statement to all concerned how important this issue is. ■ What’s your take on this article? Send your perspective on this issue to editorial@wirenet.org.

A before and after view of plenum cable being tested to see if it meets flammability specifications.

DECEMBER 2008 | 51

PERSPECTIVES

develop a program, one that would initially include copper communications cables, but will be extended to include fiber cable, patch cords and other communications infrastructure products, it said.

Asked about the situation, representatives from UL and ETL both sent WJI details about the degree to which they seek to enforce proper use of their marks. Both organizations said that they would like to be contacted by people who know of cables being sold that improperly carry their labels, as such products would be counterfeit.

UL reports that it conducts an initial product test, and if the cable is found to comply, it is granted permission to apply its mark. The manufacturer has the primary responsibility for making product that fully complies with UL requirements. As part of a long-standing policy, the second phase is follow-up testing and product inspection through random factory visits, four or more times a year, to verify compliance. If there are problems, UL may visit a facility more frequently. Further, UL will randomly purchase product in the marketplace— regardless of point of origin—for testing to make sure product being sold comply with current requirements.

ETL reports that it conducts unannounced factory inspection visits a minimum of four times per year, with a physical examination of the cable being produced at the factory the focus on the use and control of the ETL listing mark. Further, product samples from the manufacturing sites are randomly selected by Intertek field inspectors to have associated flame testing to validate that the cable product does indeed still meet the flame-rating requirements. It also performs tensile strength and elongation (unaged and aged) on the jacket of these randomly selected field samples as well as some checks on thicknesses of insulation and jacket to verify they are in compliance.

While it is in the best interest of UL and ETL to uphold the integrity of their marks, the problem, Peri explained, is that cable coming packed in containers bearing their marks may be counterfeit, coming from a different plant entirely.

The focus then goes to the distributors, who are key to the process as individual projects seldom would call for a con-

FEATURE

Economic turmoil?

Industry perspectives

T

he wire and cable industry has endured down cycles over the years, but the dismal economic picture for the vast majority of manufacturing around the

world has made it harder than ever to figure out what is to come. Are current conditions part of a depressing cycle that will lag on and on? Are the gloomy headlines the reality or is there hope of better days? This feature presents a range of observations from companies as well as “big picture” perspectives.

The WJI contacted dozens of manufacturers and suppliers across the world, asking how they viewed current conditions. Many declined to reply at this time, and maybe that unto itself reflects the current degree of uncertainty.

One typical response was from Italy’s OMD SpA’s Herbert Trumpp, who replied, “The effect of financial/credit markets is for us in the moment ‘too fresh.’ ” Still, those who did respond presented a good sampling of perceptions. And via the Internet, one can find the official views of publicly traded companies in their latest quarterly statements. For instance, Belden President John Stroup reported that, “The weakness in demand that we saw earlier in the year in North America is now apparent throughout Europe and Asia, and distributors have reduced their inventories in anticipation of a weaker global economy. Our North American demand was flat sequentially, but in Europe and Asia the sequential decline in revenue was steeper than historic seasonal patterns.” Observed CommScope CEO Frank Drende, “We have a fundamentally positive long-term view for our industry despite the current financial turmoil. The ongoing need for bandwidth is expected to continue driving network infrastructure investment.”

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It can be difficult to see past the frenzied tone of daily headlines, but on the pages that follow there is a mixture of news, not all of it depressing. On the facing page, IEWC’s Brian Hirt explains how and why the economy crumpled so badly and how this affects the wire and cable industry. Views are also offered by industry analyst Nat Kellogg, Next Generation Research Equity LLC (p. 57), and Frank Murawski, FTM Consulting (p. 61).

On the ferrous end, the tone may have been set by the world’s largest steel maker, ArcelorMittal, which has cut production more than 30 percent, noting that it “is appropriate to pause our growth strategy until we have a more settled economic outlook.” News of more layoffs has also begun to stream in from wire producers. However, WJI Ferrous View columnist Murat Askin (p. 59) sees past the current steel wire rod market and offers reason for hope.

What follows in this article on p. 54 is a series of observations from companies in a half-dozen countries. The consensus, no great surprise, seems to be that these will be tough times ahead, the big unknown being just how tough that will be. But as India’s Ashish Jhunjhunwala, Ramsarup Industries Ltd., noted in one of his responses, “there is always opportunity in problem (times).”

interest rates well into the economic recovery of 20032005, creating easy credit for an expanding bubble. These Below, Brian Hirt, a business analyst at Industrial misguided policies were made even more potent by Electric Wire & Cable, a U.S.-based stocking distributor increased securitization in the financial markets. of wire, cable and wire management products to OEMs Innovations like collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and sub-assemblers worldwide, reviews what has hapallowed banks to take on new loans, profit from the origipened and offers a specific look at wire and cable. Hirt, nation fees, and quickly offload the assets (usually to who holds a master’s degree in economics from the Fannie or Freddie) as part of a mortgage backed security.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, regularly publishes Without the normal exposure to the risk of mortgage the Hot Wire™ newsletter for his company, which can be default, the frontline mortgage brokers lost much of their found by clicking on “news” at www.iewc.com. He can be sensitivity to credit risk, giving way to predatory lending contacted at tel. 262-957-1118, bhirt@iewc.com. and sub-prime loans to borrowers who were well out of their league in owning a home. This game actually worked How we got here: a not pleasant but fine as long as home values continued to rise; borrowers used ARM and interest-only loans to get into homes with practical account of the economy low initial payments, refinanced after the home values The global financial crisis that began in the summer of appreciated, and used the new home equities to make tra2007 has now grown into a widespread economic recesditional down payments and settle into more reasonable sion, leaving few countries and few industries untouched. fixed-rate mortgages. As the home prices began to fall, The U.S., Canada, Britain, Germany, France and Japan all however, foreclosures accelerated, turning the housing crirecorded declining output in recent releases of GDP. sis into a financial crisis.

China, a major driver in the global economy’s previous When mortgage defaults increased, the value of the varigrowth trend, continues to expand output but at a much ous securities that held the mortgages decreased. Because slower pace than in previous years. Equity prices have CDOs are rather opaque and complex, and exchanges do declined precipitously, with the S&P 500 losing nearly 40% of its value in the past six months. The Wire Index, a not occur on an open market, the pricing of CDOs became collection of U.S. publicly traded wire and cable manufac- very difficult as the backing mortgage values declined and buyers of the assets disappeared. While it quickly became turers and distributors, shed an even greater 60% during clear that the credit rating agencies had been too optithe same period. Commodity prices have also been in mistic when rating these mortfreefall, with aluminum down gage backed securities, it was more than 40% and copper very unclear how much expoand oil futures declining sure each bank had to the moriroughly 60% since this past bund CDO market. summer’s peak. UnemployExacerbating the ensuing ment, the more personal side panic was the expanding presto recession, continues to ence of credit default swaps climb as well, reaching 6.5% (CDSs), relatively new derivain the U.S. in October. tives which essentially allowed Today’s pain is real, but this investors to take out insurance destruction of capital is not against the default of a certain without cause – or benefit. bond issuer. CDSs also enabled As many economists have some creative investors to purrightly pointed out, the curchase insurance on bonds withrent crisis is largely rooted in out actually owning them – Brian Hirt, Industrial Electric Wire & Cable. the excesses of the housing akin to buying fire insurance market. Although not deservon your neighbor’s house and ing of the full blame, the hoping that it will burn down. While these innovations can U.S. Government took several actions that facilitated the serve as useful tools for allocating risk where it is most now burst housing bubble. During the 1990s, the U.S. desired, the unregulated and rapid expansion of CDS Department of Housing and Urban Development began issuance created a troubling web of exposure to the housloosening mortgage restrictions and created requirements ing crisis. As the fire spread to the balance sheets of some for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide an increasing percentage of their mortgage financing to low-income bor- over-leveraged CDO holders, it was this web that caused the string of bank failures and government rescues in rowers. While these policies at first seemed like benign September of this year. measures to perpetuate the American dream of homeownAs the financial crisis turned to panic, the economic ership, the unintended consequences are now severe and damage of the fallout became more tangible. With great obvious. Further increasing the U.S.’s appetite for mortuncertainty about the exposure and solvency of various gage debt, the Federal Reserve maintained extremely low

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Economics 101: overall and industry

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Industry perspectives WJI: Has your company/sector been affected yet by the harsh global fiscal conditions, and if so, do you consider them to be “dire” or “just of concern”?

Our industry has been affected significantly. Each of the several components of the global financial crisis has affected our industry in its own way. First is tight credit; well-managed companies with strong balance sheets are able to keep their present credit arrangements, but those not meeting bank covenants face harsh re-negotiation of terms and possibly a drying up of credit. Second is volatile commodity markets; companies with weak hedging discipline have suffered and at least one company has closed its doors, caught with high-priced inventories in a falling marKamesh Chivukula ket. Third is soft demand in many sectors, particularly those related to consumer products, housing and commercial construction. Many customers are expecting further slowing and several having announced extended holiday closings. Most companies are not expecting a quick recovery and so are making painful forced adjustments. At this time I would say we are seriously concerned. Kamesh V. Chivukula, president, Algonquin Industries Div./COO, Rea Magnet Wire Co., Inc., U.S. Certain sectors of our customers’ business are already affected if you consider the volume reduction in the automotive business, not only in North America, as European and Asian car manufacturers also report substantially lower sales figures, and they are forced to reduce their production volumes heavily. The building wire industry in North America has already been down more than half a year. We feel that other areas of the world are more or less concerned, respectively getting nervous. We as equipment suppliers have registered a few order cancelations, postponing of certain expansion projects and, in some areas, there are problems with financing new investments. We have not let this affect the planning of our new factory, which is part of Niehoff’s long-term strategy. We have been careful to divide the huge investment into several steps. The construction of the first phase, covering around two-thirds of our production area, started recently. Of course we have the option, depending on the business development in the forthcoming year, to postpone the following steps. Heinz Rockenhäuser, president, Niehoff GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.

Many of our customers, particularly in the wire and cable market, are experiencing a significant slowdown.

They are very concerned about the current economy and

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more importantly, the short-term future prospects. Most customers do not expect a turnaround until mid to late 2009. That may mean that business will get worse before it gets better. Mike Patel, wire and cable industry manager, Vinyl Division, Teknor Apex, U.S. Like other businesses, we have faced such difficulties and we consider the situation to be a concern. The bearish demand outlook from buyers and the financial uncertainty will probably persist at least till the end of 2009 and this surely affects our sales target and production expansion as well as planning. Ngo Han Joint Stock Company, Vietnam.

Yes, the fiscal conditions are certainly of concern. Our market sector has been affected by the drop in confidence in construction and even more so in manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand and the automotive industry in Australia. In addition the Australian dollar at one stage fell from a peak by 38% against the U.S. dollar, making equipment sold in the U.S. up to 60% more expensive than at the peak. At the moment we are still 30% below the peak. The fall against the euro and sterling has not been so dramatic but it is still substantial. The lack of confidence, tighter credit and higher equipment costs, and in many cases higher material costs as well, has made many manufacturers put investments on hold. Malcolm Michael, general manager, M & F Group Pty Ltd., Australia.

We have seen some softening of wire and cable demand in housing-related sectors and we are closely watching investments in much-needed infrastructure projects. As in every economic revaluation, there will be companies that have the ability to manage the dynamics. With Dow’s global footprint and alignment with industry leaders, there is great opportunity to grow. There are Timothy J. Laughlin many suppliers to this industry that participate on an incremental basis and we expect to see behavior that demonstrates their lack of strategic focus. Timothy J. Laughlin, general manager, Dow Wire & Cable, U.S. Because we are a non-profit corporate membership association the current conditions are not affecting us directly but there are certainly some problems for some of our members. Not enough yet to describe them as “dire.”

Phillip Knight, executive secretary, International Wire & Machinery Association, U.K. The credit crisis and liquidity problems in overseas market have certainly affected the Indian financial sector.

Since August/September this year Indian corporations are

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banks, perceived credit risk spiked, and the cost of bordecisions, specifically in the U.S., allowing the money rowing went with it. By hoarding cash in self-defense, supply to contract significantly and erecting new barriers banks restricted the amount of credit available to business- to trade with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. In response to es and consumers, battering an already wobbly economy. today’s crisis, central banks around the world have coordiWith higher borrowing costs and less access to credit, nated expansions in the supply of money. The U.S. businesses have a more difficult time financing inventoFederal Government has taken a number of flailing actions ries, capital investments and workforce additions. Though to recapitalize banks and support additional lending, even this credit crunch has not directly affected some of the providing direct fiscal stimulus to consumers. Try as they most credit-worthy borrowers, the general state of panic might, no sound government action can immediately has slowed overall business investment and consumer reverse the economic cleansing that needs to take place. demand, an event which can have a spiraling effect. As The broad government measures already enacted have businesses cut back production, more workers are laid off. helped to avoid total collapse, but there is no quick fix for With unemployment on the rise, individuals out of work the destructive events set in place by years of bad policy (or struggling with their mortgage payand poor decision making. Artificially ments) demand fewer goods and servpropping up the housing market will ices, further curtailing new business only delay the recovery, and creating The U.S. Federal orders and production requirements. special loans just for the U.S. auto The reality of this amplified contracindustry will put a dying patient on lifeGovernment has tion is now apparent in stocks and support. The best path to recovery taken a number of commodity prices, as prospects for involves a thoughtful central bank, low future demand and profit are now marginal tax rates and low barriers to flailing actions to much lower than they once were. trade, traits which are already adequaterecapitalize banks Without further consideration, it ly present throughout much of the would be easy to presume that this industrialized world. and support addiself-perpetuating economic decline I believe the worst period of the recestional lending … Try will eventually lead to the close of the sion is with us at this year end. As New York Stock Exchange and a delayed economic statistics become as they might, no return to subsistence farming, but this available for the previous months, it is sound government thought process leaves out the presclear that the contraction accelerated action can immedience of innovation and technological during the third quarter and will likely improvement. A recession like we are continue through the beginning of next ately reverse the ecoin now is a purging of bad investyear. Even with this gloom ahead, hownomic cleansing that ments. Unsavvy home purchases are ever, there is good reason to believe that airing out, as home prices readjust this recession will not be excessively needs to take place. down to more justifiable levels. Overlong or deep. For starters, the jump in leveraged and covetous banks are takcredit risk embodied in the TED spread, ing large write-downs and facing the the interest rate spread between riskconsequences of their irrational behavior. Poorly managed free U.S. Treasuries and the LIBOR, has already abated to businesses are liquidating and closing their doors. Such more acceptable levels, signaling progress in lending mareconomic restructuring is a distressing process which kets. The growth of international trade, though tying many claims many victims, but the progression is a necessary fates together, also creates a more diversified portfolio of condition for the more robust economy that emerges on trading partners, allowing the most troubled countries to the other side. Eventually, home prices will fall to a level offset their domestic decline with exports to other, less that will attract more buyers, stabilizing both the market affected countries. The rapid drop in commodity prices is for homes and the mortgage securities that finance them. a mixed bag of effects, providing fiscal stimulus to buyers Those bankers that stuck with more conservative business of these products, but at the same time constricting new models will be handsomely rewarded with their competidemands as the manufacturers and distributors of the tion’s former book of business. The most efficient busiworld seek to unload their higher-priced inventory of nesses in each sector will emerge well-positioned for metal-based products before turning upstream for more. growth and will do so with a discounted and skilled labor With inventories already fairly thin by historical standards, force. The latest technology and inventions will create new this further depletion of inventory will lend itself to a industries altogether, tapping into demands that consumers quicker recovery as new orders come in next year to backdidn’t even know they had. fill reduced inventory and meet current demands.

Although the current financial crisis is indeed the worst In these times of trial, purge what is misallocated in since the Great Depression, the recession we’ve your life and in your business, and prepare yourself for the approached now will not be nearly as bad. The Great economic recovery to come. Things will get worse before Depression was a financial crisis followed by poor policy they get better, but they will get better.

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witnessing the tighter money market and regime of higher interest rates. The credit flow is not smooth and the lending by the banking sector is restrictive. In spite of the numerous measures take by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and assurances given by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) the situation is not normal. It might take a longer period before normalcy returns. The situation has resulted in a reduction in orders from overseas market and to some extent from local buyers. Some of the sectors, like housing and automotive, are down badly, which has also affected business. The current situation should improve with the measures taken by the RBI and return of business confidence. Lowering of interest rates and smooth credit flow will improve the situation. Deepak K. Chhabria, managing director, Finolex Cables Ltd., India.

Yes, our company has been affected by the harsh global fiscal conditions. Credit flow in the economy is like oxygen to the lungs. Non-availability of credit is leading to a slowdown in infrastructure projects, and consequently this will lead to lower growth in GDP of both India and the world, which will lead to lower demand for steel and Ashish Jhunjhunwala wires. However, I don’t consider the conditions to be “dire” as India’s story is very much intact. Though India’s economy is not decoupled from the rest of the world the impact on the Indian economy will be less as compared to other economies of the world. Ashish Jhunjhunwala, Ramsarup Industries Ltd., India.

WJI: Do you believe this period of uncertainty (whether it be a “slowdown” or “recession”) will be worse than past such times, and if so, why?

Only time will tell. The down cycle we experienced in 1997 was mainly in the Asian area, which affected Australia and New Zealand due to our proximity and exports to this area. We also had a downturn in 2001 but this was not as dramatic on our industry sector as 1997.

The main difference is that this time it is a worldwide phenomenon and we do not know the end result at this stage. Malcolm Michael, M & F Group Pty Ltd. It is genuinely hard to predict if this uncertain period will be worse than in previous recessions. The crisis had been brewing for some time but its final onset was very rapidly driven by fear and loss of confidence.

Governments of major economies (led by the U.S.), working in concert, may succeed in rapidly restoring confidence and making credit flow more easily. If they succeed, it is possible that a recovery of sorts may happen as early as the second quarter of 2009. If they don’t succeed,

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this could be among the three worst economic upheavals of the last 80 years. Kamesh V. Chivukula, Algonquin Industries Div. Yes, I do believe that this slow down will be worse than past times. It will be very close to the great depression of the 1930s. During the earlier recessions, the entire world was not affected. During year 2000-2001, the problem to a large extent was restricted to the Dot Com business and to the U.S. The Asian crisis of 1997 was restricted to Southeast Asian countries and to a certain extent Far East countries. During most of the 1990s and late 1980s, there was a recession in Japan due to its property meltdown, and consequently the banking sectors there faced a crisis.

During 1987, the U.S. and part of Europe was in recession but most of the Asian economies were doing well. It is important to note that during the 1970s and 1980s, the engine of growth for the world was Japan, and from the late 1990s up to now, China had taken this role. However, during the current recession the entire world is facing problems and I do not see any one country being able to take the role of engine of growth. Ashish Jhunjhunwala, Ramsarup Industries Ltd. While the U.S., Europe and Japan might witness the recession the same will not happen in India as India is expected to register growth of over 7%. There might be a slowdown in India for some time, but since the Indian economy is not export-driven the effect of the recession in other parts of the world will not be felt as much by India. Deepak K. Chhabria, Finolex Cables Ltd. It is difficult to predict at this time. The rate of decline of raw material prices indicates that business is slowing dramatically across many markets. We are all very concerned about the next threefour months, which are traditionally a slow period for our customers. The information we hear would tend to indicate that the downturn will be Mike Patel worse than past slowdowns.

This is caused by the significant slowdown in the key market segments of building and construction as well as automotive. Mike Patel, Teknor Apex.

Difficult to say. A lot depends on how quickly the markets in the hitherto fastest growing economies like China, India and Russia pick up. Phillip Knight, IWMA. This period of uncertainty has dramatically affected the global economy, especially the big-scale economies, namely the U.S., Europe, Japan, Korea and emerging

but such a rapid, downward change in cost structure is a net industry loss.

For the wire and cable industry specifically, the immediOn the plus side, the collective industry is very well ate term presents a number of challenges. Products made diversified, insulating the effects of severe depression in largely of copper, aluminum, tin, nickel, silver, steel and certain sectors. various oil-based insulating compounds, have been greatly Wire and cable products find their way to end users in affected by the latest dive in commodity prices. marine, automotive, construction, oil and Outside of the incentive to draw gas, energy and utilities, aerospace, down higher-priced inventories to telecommunications, machining, consumer satisfy market demand more in line The shrewdest of goods, agriculture, medical, and just about with depressed commodity prices, every other industry imaginable. The strict players can profit this rapid fluctuation in product contractions in the automotive, construction costs is disruptive to business. from the pricing and appliance industries certainly spell Contracts have to be renegotiated, trouble for individual wire and cable comconfusion, but such price points require adjusting and panies more specifically devoted to those many sales/purchasing agents need a rapid, downward sectors, but the combined industry performan extra layer of coaching. ance will be offset by growing pockets of change in cost The swift upward trend in comactivity in renewable energy and medical modity costs over the past few structure is a net equipment. years had a substantial positive With such a wide range of applications industry loss. effect on industry profitability, as for wire and cable products, the industry’s manufacturer and distributor martotal exposure closely shadows that of the gins grew in value, but this new entire global economy. The industry as a whole cannot downward shift will have much of the opposite effect. The expect to avoid the recession then, but at least we have shrewdest of players can profit from the pricing confusion, company in the immediate misery. - Brian Hirt

History favors cable outlook Analyst Nat Kellogg, Next Generation Research Equity, LLC, officially covers General Cable, Belden, CommScope and Anixter. He also follows Nexans, Houston Wire & Cable, Encore Wire, Thomas & Betts, Prysmian Cable, and WESCO International. He recently shared his thoughts on the economic outlook for cable companies with WJI. WJI: Do you see the volatility in the stock market for the wire and cable industry as part of an overall desire from investors to flee the market because of its outlook, or is it just part of the general panic to reduce exposure?

Kellogg: I think it is both. If you look at earnings expectations for the wire and cable group next year, pretty much without exception, analysts are expecting earnings to decline. And given the uncertainty in the overall economy most investors are willing to pay less for each dollar of earnings because of the uncertainty surrounding those estimates (and the broader economic outlook). So it makes sense for the stocks to be lower than they were 6-12 months ago. But I would argue that there is also a fair degree of panic/forced selling which has driven many of these stocks to levels below the intrinsic value of the companies.

WJI: If the industry entered a down cycle, is it likely to be different than prior ones, and if so, how and why?

Kellogg: It is pretty clear the industry has entered a down cycle. One of the biggest differences is that all the companies I follow have much more international exposure than they did during the 2001-2003 downturn.

Normally that would help but given the strengthening U.S. dollar, the weakness in Europe we saw in the third quarter, and the perception that this is a global slowdown, it may not help as much as most management teams hoped/intended. Also, the rapid decline in metal prices is unique this time around. We have never seen $4/lb copper before so it is unclear how pricing will react on the downside given the size of the drop in raw material prices.

WJI: From a historical perspective, has the wire and cable industry - largely a cyclical sector - shown an ability to recover well from such downturns? How does consumer/business confidence play a role?

Kellogg: Historically, I would say these businesses do very well once the economy turns. Most of the wire and cable companies I follow have a lot of operating leverage and once demand for their product returns, and top line sales growth kicks in, earnings can grow very rapidly.

Business confidence is important in that a fair amount of wire and cable demand is tied to business capex and project spending. In downturns management likes to focus on the MRO/replacement part of their business but the large growth usually comes from projects and business capex spending.

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Economic focus on wire and cable

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countries like China, India and Vietnam. The problem involved all the international financial organizations and economies. This forced them to take significant efforts and decisive actions with interest rate cuts to the lowest level for the time being, steps that were not completely taken in past such times. Ngo Han Jt. Stock Co. It is very difficult to give a prognosis as to how long the period of uncertainty will last, as it will depend very much on how fast our politicians around the globe will be able to find new rules to stabilize the financial markets and by this way bring back trust into the financial system.

The definition of a recession is, according to my knowledge, when we have four subsequent quarters of a year with a reduction of the GDP growth, meaning “negative growth” figures. Hopefully, leaders will provide solutions soon and the International Monetary Fund will find a wider support/more solid foundation (for example, being joined by Russia, China and the rich people in the Middle East). I can imagine that the actual sharp slow-down may not turn into a recession, which means that we'll come back to positive growth rate before the end of 2009. Heinz Rockenhäuser, Niehoff GmbH & Co. We remain optimistic about the medium-term prospects for the wire and cable industry. As we consider the global investment moving forward, there is ongoing need for infrastructure investment because the fundamental requirements of renewing aging infrastructure in mature markets, installing new infrastructure Jonathan Penrice in emerging markets, and investments in new low-carbon alternative energy sources will not change. The last industry slowdown was a result of the telecom bubble burst and significant over-investment in capacity. As governments around the world look to stimulate their respective economies, we forecast more investment in power and telecom capabilities. Jonathan Penrice, global director of marketing, Dow Wire & Cable, U.S. WJI: Is this slowdown comparable to past down periods? Has it affected your short-term or long-term decisions or do you intend to follow through with your existing business plans?

We are currently not changing our business plans as a result of the economic environment. However, we had a conservative business plan for this year and are currently closely scrutinizing all spending. It has not affected any decisions but we are taking a second look at each decision to see if it is the correct action to take at this time.

Mike Patel, Teknor Apex.

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Our aim is to hold steady on our plans but we are also acting decisively to maintain our costs at a level that can be sustained in a recession. In other words we are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Kamesh V. Chivukula, Algonquin Industries Div. We will continue to invest to grow in both the hardware of assets and the software of innovation and services. As a solutions provider to the wire and cable industry, we are actively seeking acquisition and alliance opportunities to take advantage of our channel access, technology capability and brand strength. We anticipate that the financial crisis may accelerate such opportunities and we will be increasing our focus here. Timothy J. Laughlin, Dow Wire & Cable.

This period feels different from past down cycles.

Orders have plummeted and we are unlikely to be ordering any wire rod before the end of the year. I flat out don’t know what’s going to happen, but if the U.S. government tries to spend its way out of this situation, the results are going to be a lot worse. Letting the market right itself would be painful, but would likely result in a shorter down period. If the government primes the pump we could be in for a long-term problem (like the Great Depression). Somewhere along the line we’ve lost any concept of personal responsibility and a sense of willingness to accept suffering for making bad decisions, and there have been bad decisions, by both individuals and government. John Martin, president, Mar-Mac Wire, U.S. What is not comparable with the past down periods in 1992/93 and 2002/03 is the quick reaction of major industries to the crisis of the financial system. This is different from the former down periods but it still might end in a more serious downturn. Heinz Rockenhäuser, Niehoff GmbH & Co. This is not the normal boom or bust time as the conditions are different. The financial sector in the world is in turmoil and commodity prices are witnessing downward trends. There is a loss of confidence in the financial sector. Deepak K. Chhabria, Finolex Cables.

We don’t think this period is comparable to the previous one. The downside risks to growth remain and have not yet bottomed out. The recent data have showed a different, unprecedented pace of downside from past down periods. This turmoil has affected both our short-term and our long-term decisions. In the short-term, we have to adjust our targets of sales and profit, cutting expenses. In the long-term, we have to keep going through the existing plans, however, there may need to be a little bit of delay for some investment projects till the signal of demand recovery is seen as we expect by the end of 2009. Ngo Han Jt. Stock Co.

WJI: To what degree are wire and cable companies outside the U.S. facing these challenges? Are there any countries where these companies are any better off?

Kellogg: Overall, companies with emerging market exposure are a little better off provided that they have the same financing capabilites and access to capital that companies in the U.S. do. Typically they do not. From what we hear in the marketplace Europe is even worse than the U.S. so companies with the majority of their exposure in Europe are likely to struggle the most.

WJI: At current market valuations (as of press time), how do you see the long-term potential for the wire and cable sector?

Kellogg: The long-term drivers remain intact but that doesn’t mean business won't be very challenging for most of 2009, at the very least. For data cable the never-ending desire for greater bandwidth will slow during a recession, but won't reverse. On the electrical cable side there continues to be growth in electricity demand and there is a dire need to update our electrical grid and to transmit power from new generation sources (like wind) to where it is needed most.

Given that the long-term outlook remains intact and these companies are likely to do well once the economy rebounds, I think it would behoove investors to focus on the companies with the best balance sheets and strongest free cash flow. The companies that have the strongest financial position are most likely to come out on the other side of this mess in good shape, with the flexility and strength to grow and take market share.

any panicked business person does is stop buying, whether he needs the product/service or not. However, I believe Below, Murat Askin, general manager for SteelOrbis in panic is only a passing phase in our current saga. I am the America’s region, explains why he believes that the very hopeful, as time goes by, that our state of panic will bleak times we are in may get better sooner than pesshift to a more manageable, “careful” state, in which you simists fear. will stop hearing dreaded words like “We won't buy anything, no matter what the price” or “We have a freeze on I will spare you all the analysis about why it all hapspending.” Right now, all costs, even for the most essential pened. The fact is, it happened, and you can’t really call it anything less than a “crash.” The question is: where do we supplies to run businesses, are reviewed before the purchases are made. go from here?

The days of excess are over. However, as our minds Steel people tend to go with today’s psychology. If the adjust to the recession, we will realize that life still goes markets are up, everyone joins the hysteria and we think on and our businesses still need to spend in order to functhe good times will last forever. And if the opposite is true, tion. These are actually good times to we tend to make the market more depressing weed out the bad from the good. than it usually is. But today, some of our worries Businesses have to be even more aggresare probably well-founded. Under normal condisive in finding new customers and supplytions, when we have a contracting economy, we ing them with good service. All of this know there will be eventually an end to the doesn’t happen automatically; it happens down cycle. I think we still have plenty of bad only if you keep investing in human news ahead of us, but nevertheless, I am still resources, efficiency through innovation pretty optimistic about 2009. and information technologies, and brand Let me start with the bad news. We haven’t making through personal sales, marketing seen the U.S. economy along with the other and advertising.

So, within the next three world economies hit bottom yet. The economic months, the knee-jerk reaction of freezing Murat Askin numbers are not yet out for the most of the horall buying activities should be behind us, rible slide which started in September. The we should be buying and selling steel unemployment rate is rising but we have yet to again, and buying services and products see the massive layoffs that is prompted by this that make our businesses run. sudden and dramatic a contraction. So, no doubt, more bad That’s my take on the macro factors. Turning now to the news about company earnings and higher unemployment micro issues of steel wire and wire rod, there is only one rates are ahead, which will cause, you guessed it, even picture that has emerged throughout the world: business more disastrous company earnings and more layoffs. stinks.

There is not a single shining star anywhere in the Still, I do believe that we, as a business community, and world that can lead us to believe that our market is doing even as consumers are overreacting to the financial crisis alright.

From Asia to Europe, customers have stopped buythat is going on. This is happening because all of us, probing or they are only buying when they really, really have ably for the right reasons, lost our confidence in the systo.

U.S. demand for wire was never strong in 2008, and tem and the panic spread like a brush fire. The first thing

Shock! Better ferrous times in 2009?

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History favors...continued

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Again, only time will tell. Australia is in a much stronger position than in 1997 and 2001. Predictions one month ago were made due to Australia’s strong banking system, low unemployment levels, relatively high interest rates (able to be reduced considerably) and strong exports to China. On that basis, Australia was unlikely to go into a recession. However, as the market continues to fluctuate, that opinion is now being debated further. China has just this week announced their US$800+ billion spending package, which we expect will have a positive effect on the Australian market due to the resulting ongoing level of ore and gas export demand by China. Malcolm Michael, M & F Group Pty Ltd..

It is comparable to past recessions. The IWMA will continue with both its short- and long-term plans. Phillip Knight, IWMA. WJI: Do you envision any way your business could benefit from this period?

Dow has a strong financial position and is likely to withstand turbulent market conditions far better than less well-financed competitors. Because we can help customers and end users maximize lifecycle and total system cost, we expect to benefit from this period. From a competitive perspective, those who are not focused on technology and the industry will suffer as their management reviews options to reduce fixed costs, streamline operations and reduce working capital. Timothy J. Laughlin, Dow Wire & Cable.

Beneficial for the industry (and the world’s financial system) might be that in the future, fewer people will try to take advantage in speculation. If investors need to put up a certain percentage of equity, that would bring back some trust in the whole system of loans/credits and financing may become more solid . A worldwide target of reducing deficits in government budgets would be helpful as well. Finally, some customers are aware that investments decided in times when there is a market recession have several advantages. Pricewise, the conditions are good, there is a short delivery time and production will be able to be increased when the market continues growing.

Heinz Rockenhäuser, Niehoff GmbH & Co. Yes, there is always an opportunity in problem (times).

Maybe we will take over some of the existing wire units that may be available for sale due to the recession. Ashish Jhunjhunwala, Ramsarup Industries Ltd. In Vietnam, we are the leading company, and can drive the market. Backed by strong management, we can take advantage to gain more market shares from other local smaller competitors who are surely facing financial distress now as well as the need to maintain normal operation with much less working capital, by half. Ngo Han Jt. Stock Co.

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No. There are more competitors vying for less business and we are working very hard to maintain our current business. We have been working to develop new products for future business which we anticipate will position us for future growth. We hope to maintain our current business and expect that we can benefit from growth when the economy turns around. Mike Patel, Teknor Apex.

Not really. Phillip Knight, IWMA. The current situation will make companies re-evaluate their business plans and manufacturing processes to become more competitive. If the Australian dollar continues to remain low against the U.S. dollar, there will be real benefits for local manufacturing due to the higher cost of goods from China and the increased competitiveness of our manufactured goods for export. This should drive the demand for better production equipment and processes. Whether this will be seen as a benefit is debatable. Malcolm Michael, M & F Group Pty Ltd. WJI: Are there any other aspects not covered by the above questions that you feel should be included? If so, please cite them: In quick slow-downs as we have now, there are always overreactions. We already can feel that customers are thinking over reactivating orders that they canceled after the first shock. There are still important markets around the world that will hopefully continue doing further infrastructure investments, such as Russia and Eastern Europe, Middle East, China, India, Brazil, etc. Heinz Rockenhäuser, Niehoff GmbH & Co. This period will allow us to focus on internal efficiencies in manufacturing and logistic which will help us to improve our competitiveness. Deepak K. Chhabria, Finolex Cables.

The strength and support provided by industry associations like the IWMA and WAI are even more vital in such difficult times, providing their members with information, networking, promotional and marketing opportunities in very difficult trading conditions. Phillip Knight, Executive Secretary, International Wire & Machinery Association.

Phillip Knight

One thing that has come out of the current fiscal situation is that the world has learned that, “Yes, what happens in the U.S. does affect the rest of the world.” John Martin, Mar-Mac Wire. ■

Demand for technology remains The Industry News section (see p. 16) includes a report about a new FTM Consulting study, “U.S. Structured Cabling Systems Market,” that calls for the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of just over 20% in the next five years, with the total market growing from $6.4 billion in 2008 to $16 billion by 2013. WJI asked FTM Consulting President Frank Murawski if he still feels confident in that prediction. Below is his response.

We do factor in known economic conditions but do not normally project future economic conditions. The current conditions are indeed unique but the important issue is how long will this fear exist. Potentially, in six to 12 months we will be looking back at this time as past history and move forward.

We know that over the past two years many new cabling applications have been postponed due to budget restric-

tions caused by the economic uncertainty. These projects will eventually have to be implemented for reasons of economics ( VOIP) or to improve the firm’s competitive position via new technology.

I believe that the economic situation at the moment looks bad but the press is really Frank Murawski making it worse than it is. I also think that the investor confidence will grow as quickly as the current decline.

In other words, the current situation evolved within the past 30 to 60 days. It may recover in the same timeframe as the fear is emotion-based and is not based on the U.S. sound business performance.

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starting in September and accelerating in October, the actually raised their offers, citing rising scrap prices. It is a already-slow demand dropped like a rock. Some of the bit too early to tell if the attempts of these mills will preTurkish wire rod producers that I talked to in October told vail, because the end-use demand has not yet recovered me that this is the first time they have not been able to sell and probably will not recover fully in 2009. But I do their product at any price. One mill executive told me that believe we are at a breaking point and that the markets they had only two weeks worth of backlog and after that should soon start to rebound. The capacity cuts were so they would be forced to close shop. These mills had to cut drastic that the scenario of not having enough steel in production, not because they wanted to maintain prices, 2009 is not such a silly proposition. Although it is hard to but solely because there were not enough orders. So, most imagine now, we might find ourselves in a tight market mills were forced to cut production once things slowly get back to nordeeply, which the industry desperately mal again.

The bleeding is now needed. However, when mills cut their To sum up, despite our current output, they also need to cut input. depressed state of mind, there are controlled, and the Therefore, scrap and raw materials many things that we can be opti“patient” is in a demand plummeted, and scrap prices, mistic about. Steel is more affordstable condition. It within a three-month period, lost 80% of able now, which somewhat mitigates their peak value. Since most steel guys the impact of the credit crunch on is time to get him follow the scrap prices very closely the industry. Companies can buy healthy again. nowadays, the falling scrap prices further more steel even if their credit is cut. curtailed the steel buying activity. Maybe There is nothing in the world that the fast-moving information flow is also can effectively replace steel. The to blame. Buyers and sellers all across the globe have world is still in a development mode and there is still a lot almost instant access to information on where the transacof work to be done. Consumption will not only come from tion prices heading in the major markets, and they make developing nations like China and India, but even develbuying and selling decisions simultaneously. Too many oped nations like the U.S. will be spending a lot of money people moving in the same direction at once is a big prob- for infrastructure and road construction in order to create lem and could be one of the reasons why we are seeing jobs and keep their economies running. Governments and this unprecedented volatility in the steel markets. central banks will work together to stabilize the financial As of mid-November, it is clear to me that we have over- systems and economies of the world. And finally, steel corrected and there are first signs of scrap and wire rod producers, big or small, have all cut production to counterprices hitting rock bottom and finally rising again. Signs balance the lack of demand. The bleeding is now conare coming primarily from Turkey and Europe, where the trolled, and the “patient” is in a stable condition. It is time mills are not entertaining low offers anymore and have to get him healthy again.

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TECHNICAL PAPER Aging effects in steel wire processing While it diminishes toughness and ductility, aging boosts strength and resistance to stress relaxation. It is important that the extents and values of these factors be weighed before blaming aging for an applications limitation or failure, or before employing it to achieve enhanced properties.

By Roger N. Wright

As a metallurgical term, “aging” usually refers to an increase in strength and hardness, coupled with a decrease in ductility and toughness that occurs over time, at a given temperature. In some cases, these changes will achieve a maximum or minimum at a certain time, with conditions at later times being referred to as “overaged.”

Such aging is usually attributable to changes in the state or location of solute elements. There are two major modes.

In one case, aging involves precipitation from a supersaturated solid solution, and is referred to as “quench aging.” In a second case, aging involves the redistribution of solute elements to the strain fields of dislocations. This second case is referred to as “strain aging.” When strain aging occurs in the absence of concurrent plastic deformation it is called “static,” and when strain aging occurs concurrently with plastic deformation it is called “dynamic.”

Generally, the rate of aging increases with temperature, unless the solubility of the solute element changes substantially. In the temperature range of dynamic strain aging, the aging response is quite rapid. Finally, it should be noted that quench aging and strain aging may coexist.

In steel, the practical aging responses involve the role of carbon and nitrogen in ferrite (or in martensite, if tempering is viewed as an aging process). There are many nuances

Table 1. Approximate temperatures for 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 w/o solubility limits of iron carbide and nitrides in ferrite1.

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of such aging in steel wire processing and related mechanical properties. It is the objective of this paper to review the engineering science of carbon and nitrogen aging in steel, and to discuss several important roles of aging in ferrous wire processing.

Quench aging in steel Quench aging in steel involves rapid cooling so as to substantially supersaturate carbon and nitrogen in ferritic iron.

Such a condition results in the precipitation of carbides and nitrides in the ferrite, over time, substantially reducing supersaturation. This precipitation relates to the limited amount of carbon and nitrogen that can be soluble in ferrite, and not the much larger amount of carbon and nitrogen soluble in austenite, which results in the development of pearlite and bainite.

In the case of carbon, the maximum solubility of Fe3C in ferrite is 0.021 weight percent (w/o) at 727ºC (1340ºF).

The solubility progressively declines with temperature, as indicated in Table 11. The marked decline in solubility indicates potential for supersaturation and subsequent aging below, say, 500ºC (932ºF). Certain “metastable carbides” can be expected to show similar behavior below

Table 2. Approximate times for aging to maximum hardness, as a function of temperature, for a 0.06 w/o carbon steel quenched from 720ºC (1328ºF)1.

Eq. (1) where G is the shear modulus, b is the Burgers vector (or displacement) of the dislocations, and τo is shear strength2.

Table 3. Approximate times for full strain aging in carbon steels at different temperatures1.

For carbon steel, G is about 69 GPa (104 ksi), and b is 0.248 nm, and the hardnesses in Table 2 suggest a range of shear strengths centered about 200 MPa (29 ksi). On this basis, the critical spacing of precipitates is projected at roughly 40 nm, only a little more than two orders of magnitude higher than the diameter of the iron atoms. This suggests that there is a potent quench aging effect near the very outset of carbide and nitride precipitation, consistent with the marked appearance of aging at modest times, even at low temperatures. This finely distributed precipitate is unstable, regarding size, and its subsequent coarsening is associated with “overaging.”

As an aside, it is worth noting that as-quenched martensite has high levels of carbon in a structure that might be considered supersaturated ferrite. Actually the face-centered-cubic austenite, with stable dissolved carbon, undergoes a diffusionless shear transformation to an unstable body-centered-tetragonal martensite with carbon still in solution. As the martensite is tempered, carbides emerge, and the body-centered-tetragonal structure shifts to simple body-centered-cubic ferrite, with little carbon in solution.

The emergence of the carbides in the martensite tempering cycle involves some transient age hardening, and at short tempering times one can often observe a slight increase in the hardness of the tempered martensite.

Strain aging in steel Strain aging in steel involves the positioning of carbon and nitrogen atoms that are actually in solution in ferrite.

As shown in Table 1, the population of such atoms should be quite low at ambient temperature, especially for the case of carbon. Nonetheless, the phenomenon of strain aging is marked, even at ambient temperature.

Basically, any interstitial solute carbon or nitrogen atom exerts a certain compression on the surrounding crystal structure. Moreover, dislocation stress fields involve regions of tension. Thus, the mechanical energy of the steel can be lowered if carbon and nitrogen atoms migrate into

Table 4. Flow stresses at 5% stain and ultimate tensile strengths, at 20ºC (68ºF) and 200ºC (392ºF), for hot rolled (HR) rounds of 1008, 1020 and 1035 steel in the as-received and as-dynamically-strain-aged (DSA) conditions.

Dynamic strain aging was achieved at 200ºC (392ºF)with a strain of 5% and a strain rate of 1.75 x 10-4 s-1 5.

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300ºC (572ºF)1. The nitrides, Fe4N and Fe16N2 , show behavior similar to that of Fe3C in Table 1, except that the regime for supersaturation and aging is below, say, 200ºC (392ºF). The higher solubility of nitrogen in the lower temperature range implies that nitrogen, as opposed to carbon, dominates quench aging at lower temperatures, despite the fact that overall carbon contents in steels are normally much higher than nitrogen contents.

The times for quench aging to peak strength vary substantially with temperature, as shown in Table 21. Slower and faster quench aging responses than those of Table 2 are demonstrable at lower and higher temperatures, respectively.

At times longer than the times cited in Table 2, hardness and strength decline, and the steel may be said to be in an “overaged” condition. The increase in hardness and strength with aging is accompanied by a decrease in ductility and toughness, although the loss of ductility and toughness may be restored somewhat in the overaged condition.

The increase in strength associated with quench aging has been explained by way of dislocation theory.

Dislocations are line defects in the steel crystal structure that, upon their motion, allow plastic deformation to occur.

Anything that impedes dislocation motion reduces the ease of plastic deformation and therefore increases strength and hardness. As carbides and nitrides precipitate during the quench aging process, they create stress in the surrounding crystal structure, and this stress interacts with the stress fields of dislocations, thus impeding their motion. Such phenomenology is called precipitation hardening, and classical analysis predicts that the hardening will be maximum when the critical spacing of precipitates, is given by:

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the regions of tension associated with the dislocations.

Since energy is lowered, this migration occurs naturally, with time. However, the dislocations must now increase the mechanical energy of the steel if they are to move away from the preferentially located carbon and nitrogen atoms.

This requires extra stress for dislocation motion, and means that the steel has a higher yield strength. The increase in yield strength associated with strain aging is manifested in an upper yield point, as shown in Fig. 1 at about 240 MPa (35 ksi)3. The data in Fig. 1 are from a boxannealed steel, where the slow cooling ensures a pronounced strain aging. As the tensile stress reaches the upper yield point, dislocations presumably are able to move away from their “atmospheres” of carbon and nitrogen. The moving dislocations multiply, as well, and a large population of unencumbered dislocations allows deformation to occur more readily, resulting in a drop in stress to the lower yield point shown in Fig. 1 at about 225 MPa (33 ksi). This shift occurs in stages, involving Lüders bands in the steel. Eventually, the yield point elongation is achieved and normal strain hardening ensues. The magnitude of the upper yield point depends on the stiffness of the testing machine and the strain rate of the tensile test.

The yield point phenomenon can be a major nuisance in many forming operations (Lüders lines or stretcher strains, “fluting,” discontinuous yielding, etc.). The yield point can be removed by deforming the steel to just beyond the yield point elongation. This is especially common with sheet and strip processing for deep drawing purposes, for which a light “temper” rolling pass is used. In wire processing, a light sizing pass or a straightening pass may accomplish the same objective. It is essential to remember, however, that strain aging will not stop, and within a relatively short time, the yield point will be observed again. That is, there will be a time window for any yield-point-free forming to be accomplished.

The time for strain aging is a strong function of temperature. The degree of strain aging represented in Fig. 1 can be achieved in about 1½ hours at 100ºC (212ºF), and Table 3 provides some time-temperature relationships for substantial aging1. In this context, it is important to note that strain aging does not continue into an “overaged” mode, and, as full strain age strengthening is achieved, no subsequent decrease in strength can be expected with time.

The strain aging behavior described above can be called static. It occurs inexorably with time. However, extrapolation of the data of Table 3 to higher temperatures indicates that times can be so short as to involve strain aging concurrent with plastic deformation, even at practical processing and tensile testing strain rates. When strain aging occurs concurrently with plastic deformation, it is called dynamic.

Dynamic strain aging in steel, at processing strain rates, occurs most noticeably in the 200 (392ºF) to 650ºC (1202ºF) range, as displayed in part in Fig. 24. The flow stress or strength data for a strain rate of 6.6 x 10-2s-1 shows a marked peak at about 270ºC (518ºF), and the strength data for strain rates of 10s-1 and 430s-1 show

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peaks at about 400ºC (752ºF) and 500ºC (932ºF), respectively. These peaks result from the inhibition of dislocation motion by strain aging from carbon and nitrogen atoms, with the carbon and nitrogen being so mobile that moving dislocations cannot pull away. The decline in strength with temperature above the peaks in Fig. 2 may reflect the onset of recovery mechanisms.

The impact of strain rate on the peak positions in Fig. 2 creates a region of “anomalous strain rate effect” in the 250ºC (482ºF) range. That is to say, in most cases increased strain rate leads to increased strength, but in this region, the opposite is the case. In the anomalous strain rate region, increased strain rate produces faster average velocities for dislocations and/or increased numbers of dislocations in such a way that the strain aging effects of carbon and nitrogen cannot keep up. Hence the steel has decreased, not increased, strength at the higher strain rate.

Relevance to pearlite-containing steels The above discussions have focused on the state of carbon and nitrogen in ferrite alone, and it is in ferrite wherein the aging processes occur. The dominance of such behavior in the case of very low carbon steel or spheroidized steel is obvious. However, ferrite is also critical to the mechanical behavior of pearlite-containing steels, and such steels display the aging responses. This is not surprising, since fully pearlitic, eutectoid steels are nearly 90% ferrite. Illustrative data are shown in Table 4 for 1008, 1020 and 1035 steels, with respective carbon contents of 0.07, 0.21 and 0.34 w/o, and presumed increases in pearlite content5. For slowly cooled steels, the carbon levels of 0.07, 0.21 and 0.34 w/o correspond to respective pearlite contents of 7, 26 and 45%, based on the iron-iron carbide phase diagram. Residual elements in the steel may increase the pearlite content to somewhat higher levels, however.

Table 4 shows an increase in flow stress, from dynamic strain aging, at 200ºC (392ºF) versus 20ºC (68ºF), of roughly 100 MPa (15 ksi), independent of carbon content, and presumably independent of pearlite content. Moreover, the use of a dynamic strain aging process to increase ambient temperature tensile strength is shown to result in increases of 100, 90 and 70 MPa (15, 13 and 10 ksi) for the respective carbon levels of 0.07, 0.21 and 0.34 w/o, and presumed corresponding levels of pearlite.

Implications for wire processing First of all, all carbon steel wire conditions are prone to static strain aging, and to the consequent appearance of yield point phenomena, and fluting and discontinuous yielding in forming operations. Moreover, any carbon steel wire that has been in service more than a few months at ambient temperature may be assumed to be fully strain aged.

Quench aging responses could only be achieved with non-martensitic wire or rod that was rapidly cooled through the temperature range below the austenite transfor-

detrimental strain aging of the wire.

Detrimentally strain aged wire typically has reduced ductility and increased susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement.

Now, Designation A 648-04a refers to strain aging in general, and lists times at temperature, as would be relevant to static strain aging. However, the implications are that wire drawing, per se, is occurring at higher temperatures than temperatures that would be pertinent to 5 or 20 s duration.

The temperatures for dynamic strain aging in steel wire drawing are dependent on strain rate. The strain rate in wire drawing can be roughly estimated as (Vr)/L, where V is drawing speed, r is the decimal reduction in the pass, and L is the length of the deformation zone in the die. If one considers 0.5 mm diameter wire, drawn with a 15% (r = 0.15) reduction, with a 12º included die angle and a drawing speed of 10 m/s (33 ft/s), then the estimated strain rate is 7.5 x 103 s-1. Moreover, one will find the range of 103 s1 to 104 s-1 to correspond with much commercial steel drawing practice. On the basis of the data in Fig. 2, the indicated dynamic strain aging range would be something like 500 to 650ºC (932 to 1202ºF). While this temperature range is exceptionally high for the average drawing temperature in sophisticated steel drawing practice, it is not high for the wire surface temperature. Projections of wire surface temperatures at this level are easily made, for steel, from conventional drawing temperature analyses of commercial drawing conditions. Such temperatures only exist for a short time, but time is not a variable in the case of dynamic strain aging.

The ASTM Designation A 648-04a guidelines have emerged from carefully developed empirical data bases, and are clearly a basis for careful practice. They likely minimize immediate static strain aging, and may require that

Table 5. Ambient temperature values of total elongation and area reduction, and half-size Charpy test ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures for hot rolled (HR) rounds of 1008, 1020 and 1035 steel in the as-received and as-dynamically-strainaged (DSA) conditions. For the tensile tests, dynamic strain aging was achieved at 200ºC (392ºF) with a strain of 5% and a strain rate of 1.75 x 10-4 s-1. For the Charpy tests, dynamic strain aging was achieved at 250ºC (482ºF) with a strain of 3% and a strain rate of 1.75 x 10-4 s-15.

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mation. While such processing is quite feasible, as en route to the data in Table 2, its use and/or purpose in commercial wire practice would seem limited. Some consideration may be relevant regarding the patenting and controlled-rodcooling technologies. With the objective of developing a fine pearlitic structure, significant time is spent in the 500 to 600ºC (932 to 1112ºF) range, presumably resulting in a carbon solute level of a few thousandths of a percent (Table 1). This should be adequate for quench aging by way of subsequent quenching. So, in principle, a patenting practice involving wire quenching from, say, 500ºC (932ºF) would develop a product prone to quench aging.

Dynamic strain aging is a major consideration in steel wire processing, since thermomechanical heating and limited cooling capability can easily result in deformation temperatures of 200ºC (392ºF) and higher. Moreover, such temperatures are apt to be unstable and result in varying degrees of dynamic strain aging. Much effort has been devoted to this concern, including highly engineered cooling systems, modeling and measurement of average temperatures during drawing, tapered drafting schedules, and so forth. A review of these measures is beyond the scope of this paper. Suffice it to note how ASTM Designation A 648-04a, “Steel Wire Hard Drawn for Prestressing Concrete Pipe” addresses the matter of wire temperature and strain aging. Sub-section 4.3 of Designation A 648-04a is quoted below.

4.3 The wire shall be cold drawn to produce the desired mechanical properties. The wire manufacturer shall take dependable precautions during wire drawing to preclude detrimental strain aging of the wire.

Note 2 – Allowing wire to remain at elevated temperatures, such as 400ºF (204ºC) for more than 5 s or 360ºF (182ºC) for more than 20 s, can result in

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dynamic strain aging conditions be avoided for the bulk of the wire cross section during drawing. However, it seems that the surface of the wire may have been dynamically strain aged in any case.

In analysis of practical situations, the dynamic strain aging of the wire surface must be considered in conjunction with such issues as lubricant breakdown, crow’s feet development, oxidation and even austenitization (and subsequent martensite development). Compromised wire properties from excessive drawing temperature cannot, in these contexts, be attributed solely to strain aging.

It is especially important, however, to note that lower strain rate drawing, forming, fastener manufacturing, and so forth, need not reach the 500 to 650ºC (932 to 1202ºF) range for dynamic strain aging to occur. Indeed, temperatures in the 200 to 400ºC (392 to 752ºF) range will allow dynamic strain aging conditions to occur in operations of modest deformation rate (Fig. 2).

Strain aging is actually usefully promoted by so-called “low temperature” stress-relieving heat treatments.

Technically, a ferrous stress-relieving heat treatment should be a thermal exposure below the austenite range that relieves internal stresses by allowing dislocation motion over time. The dislocations are driven by the internal stresses themselves and move with time, producing creep. The creep strains relieve the driving stresses, and in time the stresses are substantially relaxed. Classical carbon steel stress relieving has involved such treatments as one hour at 540ºC (1000ºF), and so forth. Now in the steel wire industry, it has been common practice to use the term stress

relieving for heat treatments as low as 200ºC (392ºF). Such heat treatments maximize strength and minimize stress relaxation in cold drawn wire. However, it should be pointed out that this property improvement almost certainly results from the rapid static strain aging that occurs with such heat treatments. It is difficult to believe that much dislocation motion occurs at such a low temperature, especially in the context of dislocation immobilization by way of static strain aging. In any event, the low temperature stress relief heat treatment can be beneficial where stress relaxation is a problem in fasteners, cables, reinforcing wires, and other products that bear high sustained stresses.

Fig. 1. Engineering stress-strain curve for boxannealed, rimmed, deep-drawing steel3.

Fig. 2. Stress-strain rate-temperature relations for low carbon steel, from a review of the archival literature4.

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General quality issues The term “aging” has been an anathema to many concerned about carbon steel wire quality, and the term is rarely used as a positive attribute. However, such attitudes are often of little value, and obscure the generality of the aged condition, and its tradeoffs. As stated above, any carbon steel wire that has been in service more than a few months at ambient temperature may be assumed to be fully strain aged.

Certainly aging reduces toughness and ductility. Li and Leslie have published the effects of dynamic strain aging on room temperature steel properties, including the toughness and ductility data shown in Table 5. The elongation data reflect the tendency to neck in tension, and are probably of limited significance unless stretch forming is to be undertaken. The impact of dynamic strain aging on area reduction is modest, although area reduction correlates

ing drawing. More than one mode of aging may be active in a given steel condition.

References 1. “Aging in Carbon Steels,” The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel, 1985, Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA, pp. 1283-1287.

2. N. F. Mott and F. R. N. Nabarro, Strength of Solids, 1948, Physical Society, London, UK, p.1.

3. “Mechanical Testing,” The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel, 1985, Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA, p. 1400.

4. M. E. Gibbons, “The Flow Stress of Low Carbon Steel under Cold and Warm Deformation; a Basic Data Compilation for Process Analysis,” Master of Engineering Project, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 1982.

5. C.C. Li and W. C. Leslie, Metallurgical Transactions A, 1978, Vol. 9A, pp. 1765-1775.

6. L. Roesch, Developments in the Drawing of Metals, 1983, The Metals Society London, London, UK, pp. 210218. ■

Control of aging Certainly one can minimize the development of aging in the short term by avoiding some of the contributing processing conditions noted above. The introduction of a light temper or straightening pass, as noted above, will temporarily remove the effects of aging, although strain aging will soon return, as shown in Table 3.

From a compositional or alloy perspective, it is impractical to reduce aging simply by lowering carbon and nitrogen. However, aging can be greatly reduced by “tieing up” nitrogen and carbon as stable nitrides and carbides. For example, as little as 0.05 w/o aluminum can, with proper processing, tie up nitrogen as AlN, and titanium and niobium additions have long been used to tie up carbon.

Summary The engineering science of carbon and nitrogen aging in steel has been reviewed, and the roles of aging in ferrous wire processing have been discussed. The basic, though often secondary, role of quench aging has been presented.

The more important and problematical cases of static and dynamic strain aging have been set forth in detail. All carbon steel wire conditions are prone to static strain aging, and any carbon steel wire that has been in service more than a few months at ambient temperature may be assumed to be fully strain aged. Dynamic strain aging is active in the 200-650ºC (392 to 1202ºF) range, depending on strain rate (higher strain rates involve higher temperatures), and such temperatures are readily developed at the wire surface dur-

Professor Roger N. Wright, who joined the faculty at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1974, has contributed broadly to the literature in the areas of metallurgy and metals processing, and is active as a short course lecturer and consultant.

He previously worked at Allegheny Ludlum Steel Wright Corporation and Westinghouse Electric. He holds B.S. and Sc.D. degrees in metallurgy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has received The Wire Association International’s (WAI) Mordica Memorial Award and is a four-time winner of the WAI Marshall V. Yokelson Memorial Award. He is a registered professional engineer, and a fellow of ASM and SME. This paper was presented at Wire Association International’s 77th Annual Convention, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, May 2007.

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well with drawability and workability. The effect of dynamic strain aging on ductile-to-brittle transition temperature is of greater concern. However, it must be considered that steel wire will have relatively low transition temperatures in the absence of flaws, owing to basic light section mechanics and fine grain structure. Even the transition temperatures in Table 5, for half-size Charpy specimens, remain well below ambient temperature for the lower carbon cases. Clearly the losses of ductility and toughness must be carefully evaluated, before dynamic strain aging is blamed for a given application limitation or a failure.

On the positive side, there is no question that strain aging improves strength, as shown in Table 4, and resistance to stress relaxation. Roesch has undertaken short-time stress relaxation testing on high carbon steels (0.51 to 0.70 % carbon) with the general result that aging at 200ºC (392ºF) for 30 minutes decreases the rate of stress relaxation from 50% to as much as 90%6.

Returning to the negative side, one must emphasize that variable and uncertain degrees of aging in wire are arguably the greatest problem posed. Unless special processing has been used to achieve full aging or no aging, the extent of aging, even within a coil, may vary significantly.

Such variations should diminish with time, but can confound quality control testing and the piece-to-piece forming response of recently drawn wire.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

TECHNICAL PAPER Selection of conditions of manufacturing high-quality rolled and quenched nails with flat heads Tests identified the ideal temperature for hardening and tempering, and classified the best steel grade to use.

By Ryszard Budzik, Bogdan Golis, Jan W. Pilarczyk, Zbigniew Muskalski, Zbigniew Blazejowski and Wieslaw Waszkielewicz

The building industry continually encourages nails manufacturers to produce new types and grades of nails. In Poland, nails are classified in the PN–67/M-81000 standard, which categorizes them into: groups, according to their basic purpose; subgroups, according to their specific application; and nail types, according to their constructional characteristics.

This classification is useful for determining the symbols that are used to identify nails. For instance, hardened, rolled nails with a flat head are identified as 00.06.03, while those with a conical head, made from medium-car-

bon steel wire, are 00.06.04. These nails, known as “bricklayer’s nails,” are used for joining wood constructions with masonry. They have rolled impressions on the pin, and are hardened, tempered and barrel finished. They are made from 3.8 mm, 4.2 mm and 4.6 mm wire diameters into lengths from 20 to 100 mm. The most common nail size in this group is 3.8 x 70 mm.

This article presents information of the selection of nail heat treatment (hardening, tempering) for steel grades commonly used for producing nails that must be able to meet high quality requirements.

Table 1. Chemical composition of wire rod grades used for tests.

Table 2. The properties of wire rod used for tests.

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The focus of this investigation was to determine the optimum manufacturing conditions for obtaining high-quality bricklayer’s nails. The scope encompasses the testing of the mechanical and engineering properties of 3.8 mm nails that were drawn from a nominal 6.0 mm wire rod, steel grades D35, D40 and D50. The bricklayers’ nails (3.8 mm x 70 mm) were formed in nail-making machines, then heat-treated in hardening and tempering processes.

The heating-up temperature for hardening, made of three steel grades of nails, varied from 780°C to 850°C. The heating-up time was constant at 30 minutes. The temperatures for tempering the hardened nails were 150˚C to 200˚C to 250˚C, with a furnace-holding time of one hour.

Materials and applied technology. The starting material used for making the test nails was 6 mm nominal wire rod, grades D35, D40 and D55. The chemical composition of these grades is shown in Table 1. The average results obtained from testing of the mechanical and engineering properties of wire rods are summarized in Table 2.

The wire rod coils selected for testing originated from

normal supplies used by one of the major Polish factories that manufacture wires and nails. The surface treatment of these wire rods was done by the traditional process of etching in a water solution of sulphuric acid, washing in water and applying a thick sub-lubricant coat of lime.

The drawing process was accomplished on an IP600 single-stage, drawing machine at a speed of V = 2 m/s.

Classical sintered carbide drawing dies (angle of 2α = 12˚) were used in the drawing process, and sodium soap powder was used as the lubricant. The draw sequence was 6.0 mm – 5.0 mm – 4.2 mm – 3.8 mm.

The following characteristics for the finished 3.8 mm wire were determined: tensile strength (Rm), offset yield strength (R0.2), relative percentage elongation (A100), the number of twists (Nt) and the number of bends (Nb).

The results of testing these mechanical and engineering properties under consideration are shown in Table 3.

From the 3.88 mm wire, N6 76.2 mm-long bricklayer’s nails (3.77 x 76.2 mm) were made in three batches, 180 kg in total, 60 kg for each test steel grade. The nails were cleaned and rolled (type R2 mill) and cleaned again after

Table 3. The results of testing the mechanical and engineering properties of 3.8 mm wire made from Polish steel grades D35, D40 and D55.

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TECHNICAL PAPERS

Purpose and scope of investigation

TECHNICAL PAPERS

rolling. The nails were then hardened and tempered. For the steel grades tested, the following temperatures of heating up the nails for the hardening process were adopted: Grade D35: 810°C; 830°C; 850°C; Grade D40: 800°C; 815°C; 830°C; and Grade D55: 780°C; 795°C; 810°C. The hardening process was conducted in a Fiterma-type electric furnace, and water without any softening agents was used as the quenching medium. The nail heating-up time, equal to 30 minutes, was adopted in this process.

The process of tempering the hardened nails was also

carried out in a Fiterma-type electric furnace, with the following tempering temperature taken for each of the steel grades tested, respectively: 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, for one hour. The nails were air-cooled.

As the result of the completed tests, manufacturing variants from 1 to 36 were obtained. After completion of the bricklayer’s nail hardening and tempering tests, a need arose to assess the quality and two criteria were adopted.

The first was that the nail minimum hardness shall be 37 HRC in the engineering test of their cold bending ability at

Table 4. Parameters of the variants of heat treatment of nails tested.

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an angle of 20°); in eight completed variants (namely, variants 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11) there were four cases of variants not meeting either of the criteria – mainly that of the minimum hardness level – occurred (variants 3, 8, and 12).

In variant five, however, a high hardening temperature of 830°C was used (without tempering) and cracks occurred during the bending test. The analysis of the heat treatment conditions and the obtained properties has shown that steel grade D35 guarantees the obtaining of good quality nails at a hardening temperature from 830° to 850°C, and a tempering temperature of 150° and 200°C, while a tempering temperature of 250°C causes an excessive reduction in nail hardness.

Nails produced in 12 variants from the steel grade D40

Fig. 1. Influence of tempering and hardening temperature of bricklayer’s nails manufactured in steel grade D35 on hardness HRC.

Fig. 2. Influence of tempering and hardening temperature of bricklayer’s nails manufactured in steel grade D40 on hardness HRC.

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TECHNICAL PAPERS

an angle of 20° around a diameter not greater that the wire diameter. The second was that the bricklayer’s nails shall not exhibit any cracks during the process.

Table 4 summarizes the average results obtained from the hardness testing of nails and from the engineering test of their bending.

Analysis of the testing results. The results of bricklayer’s nail testing are illustrated in Figs. 1-3, where the solid line represents the minimum hardness criterion, and the broken line denotes the hardness level, presenting the risk of nails breaking. It follows from the analysis of the data given in Table 5 that nails manufactured in 12 variants from steel grade D35 meet both of the adopted quality criteria (minimum HRC hardness and the engineering test of bending at

TECHNICAL PAPERS

satisfy both of the adopted quality criteria in seven cases (variants: 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23); five variants were found not to meet the assumed criteria (variants 13, 14, 17, 21, 24), chiefly due to a high hardness of the nails (variants: 13, 14, 17, 21). In variant 24, an average hardness of 36.4 HRC was obtained (i.e., below the adopted minimum hardness). The data in Table 5 also show that, in applied variant 18, the bending tests have not resulted in any nail cracks despite the occurrence of relatively high hardness values. The performed heat treatment tests and the obtained results have shown that the steel grade 40 should be hardened in the temperature range of 800° to 830˚C and tempered at 200°C. Nails produced in 12 variants from the steel grade D55

satisfy both of the adopted quality criteria in only five cases (variants: 27, 28, 31, 32, 36). The seven cases of nails failing to meet the adopted criteria occurred were variants 25, 26, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35. These negative results were attributed to the nails having too high a hardness value.

The data given in Table 5 indicate that, in order to obtain high quality nails, the heat treatment temperatures for the steel grade D55 should be as follows: Hardening 780° to 810˚C, and tempering at 250°C.

Conclusions On the basis of the investigation it can be stated that hardened, rolled flat-head nails intended for joining wooden constructions with masonry can be made from carbon

Table 5. The average values of bricklayer’s nail hardness and the results of the engineering bending test.

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Fig. 3. Influence of tempering and hardening temperature of bricklayer’s nails manufactured in the steel grade D35 on hardness HRC.

Ryszard Budzik is an associate professor and head of Chair of Management and Logistics at Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. He has practical experience in metallurgy, management, and evaluation of industrial enterprises. He is author and co-author of more than 150 papers.

Bogdan Golis is professor of plastic working in the Department of Materials Processing Technology and Applied Physics at the Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. He joined University in 1987.

He previously worked in Poland’s Central Laboratory for Metals Products in Zabrze. He has more than 40 years ‘ experience in the wire and rope industry. 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 the Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. He works on the development of new technology for wire drawing and metal products. He is author or co-author of more than 170 papers. He is president of Poland Chapter of WAI. Zbigniew Muskalski is an associate professor and vice dean in the Department of Materials Processing Technology and Applied Physics at the Czestochowa University of Technology. He is author or co-author of more than 120 papers. Zbigniew Blazejowski is a lecturer at the same University. He is experienced in the full range of rolling and drawing steel products. He is author or co-author of more than 70 papers. Wieslaw Waszkielewicz is an associate professor at AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland. He is author or coauthor of more than 100 papers. This paper was presented at Wire Association International’s 77th Annual Convention, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, May 2007.

lie in the range from 800° to 830°C and the tempering temperature should be 200°C. For steel grade D55, the hardening temperature should be contained in the range from 780° to 810°C and the tempering temperature should be 250°C. In practice, out of the three steel grades tested, the steel grade D40 is most recommended for the manufacture of the nails under consideration for economic reasons. ■✇

Pilarczyk, Budzik and Golis

Blazejowski

Muskalski

Waszkielewicz

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steels of grades D35, D40 and D55, provided that the strictly prescribed heating-up temperatures and times are adhered to in the hardening and tempering operations.

For steel grade D35, the hardening temperature should be contained in the range from 830° to 850°C, and the tempering temperature should be 150° to 200°C. Nails produced from this steel grade also meet the criteria as hardened at 810°C without tempering.

For steel grade D40, the hardening temperature should

TECHNICAL PAPERS

TECHNICAL PAPER Effects of high-pressure descaling and alcohol on the rod surface quality Emulsion jet combined with alcohol decreases dust values and defect counts of the Foerster instrument, reduces surface oxide thickness, and produces other marked affects on copper redraw rod.

By Selami Elbasi and Halil GĂśker

About 13 million tons of the world’s annual refined copper consumption is used in the form of copper redraw rod.

The specification of the redraw rod is given in the national and international standards. ASTM B49 and EN 13601, the most widely used ones, provide many specific requirements for the most important properties. The test methods given in the standards are well defined to determine parameters, such as surface oxide thickness, surface oxide counts and dust values.

Surface quality as a quality criterion is difficult to express clearly. By now, there is not an internationally accepted standard for definition and methods of measurements. The main surface defects are flakes, slivers, check marks, holes, overlaps, and clusters of oxide in localized areas.

There are many attempts to develop a method for the evaluation of the surface quality of the redraw rod: twist test (10 x 10, 12 x 12, 25 x 25); the surface appearance is inspected and evaluated; surface oxide layer thickness (already a requirement in the standards); the copper oxide layer thickness is determined by coulometric method and surface defect counts by specialized equipment.

All modern rod lines are equipped with an instrument, such as a DEFECTOMAT/FERROMAT model, a device which gives a grading number for surface defects and ferrous defects, dust values and the weight difference as

determined before and after the 10 X 10 twist test. This paper investigates how the surface quality of the rod was affected by high pressure descaling and alcohol concentration of the emulsion.

Research The surface quality of the rod is especially important for magnet wire, fine wire and multi wire applications. Dust measurement featured a 10-in. gauge length rod sample in a 10 x 10 twist test. The difference in weight was measured in milligrams.

Three parameters are used to evaluate the surface quality: surface oxide thickness; surface defect counts; and dust values. High levels of dust are believed to reduce die life, increase contamination rate in emulsion, increase load to the emulsion filtering system and create environmental problems.

Methods of measurements/dust value. Three samples of 12-in. length are taken from the coils of the actual production. The weight of each sample is determined. An electronic balance with 0.1 mg readability is used. The instrument is so sensitive that the weighing is carried out in a special room and the weighing pan must be closed by sliding doors to prevent interference from air currents in the laboratory.

Fig. 1. Example of classifying rod surface quality.

Fig. 2. Comparison of old and new lines.

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Fig. 3. Findings of evaluations of dust range for old and new lines.

dling and the recycling of the increased filter cake and media are additional costs.

Surface quality classification. One method of classifying the rod is based on dust values. In modifying the high pressure nozzles, the number, position and type of nozzles were revised to find the best combination. The original three high-pressure descaling stations were amended to eight.

This classification is in fact an arbitrary one, and is not given in any standard.

Comparison of old and new lines The first step was the evaluation of current status. The results of the old line and the new line showed significant differences. See Fig. 3. The dust values of the old line and new line were 12 to 20 mg and 6 to 10 mg, respectively; the surface oxide thickness of the old line and new line were 1.350 to 2.000 Ă… and 100 to 200 Ă…, respectively; the appearance of the dust particles on the old line was dark

Fig. 4. Effect of HP descaling on defect counts.

Fig. 5. Effect of HP descaling on surface oxide and dust.

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The 10x10 twist test is applied to the samples on 10-in. gauge length, and then the samples are weighed again.

The weight differences are found and then the average is calculated as the dust value of that coil and expressed as mg/10-in. rod. See Fig. 1.

Surface oxide layer thickness and defect counts. The surface oxide layer thickness is determined on the sample taken from the same coil. The measurement is made according to ASTM B49, and expressed in Angstroms.

The numbers of the F1, F2 and F3 are taken from the Foerster defectomat instrument for the same coil.

Effects of high dust values. The higher surface oxide layer thickness and high dust values have many negative effects on the wiredrawing operations and on the wire itself. See Fig. 2. The life of the drawing dies is decreased, the contamination rate of the emulsion system is increased and the emulsion life is decreased, and the load to the filter system of the emulsion is increased. Collecting, han-

TECHNICAL PAPERS

and very fine, whereas the appearance of the dust particles on the new line was bright and coarse. The emulsion of the old line does not contain alcohol. There was not a high pressure descaling application at the old line; any addition of alcohol to the emulsion and high pressure descaling application caused unacceptable cooling of the bar in the rolling mill because of the small cast bar size. The surface oxide thickness and the dust values of the rod from the new line were considerably lower, but the dust values were still not as low as expected.

First trials. Originally, the new line was equipped with six high-pressure descaling nozzles at three stations to apply high-pressure emulsion jet on the stock to wipe out any particles before they are rolled in. In order to improve the dust values, the high-pressure descaling nozzles were altered and the alcohol concentration, but the dust values could not be reduced below 6 mg/10-in. Therefore, the

number of the HP descaling nozzles was increased. See Fig. 4.

Modifications of HP descaling system. The number of the HP descaling stations was increased to eight. The numbers, types and positions of the nozzles at each station were modified to find the best combination. After these modifications, dust values in the range of 1.5 to 3 mg/10-in. were noted. See Fig 5.

Results of descaling effect The effect of the HP descaling on the defectomat readings is very clear and repeatable. Alcohol is an important contributor to high cost and environmental concerns.

Alcohol used in emulsion was 60% of the total alcohol consumption. Trials were applied to determine the effects of not using alcohol in emulsion.

If the HP descaling is stopped, the numbers F1 increase

Fig. 8. Combined effect of alcohol and HP descaling.

Fig. 6. Dust and surface oxide thickness.

Fig. 7. Defectomat readings of alcohol use in emulsion.

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Fig. 9. Dust and surface oxide results with lesser alcohol concentration in emulsion.

Conclusions According to the measurements under operating conditions, the high pressure descaling application of emulsion with alcohol affects the surface quality parameters considerably. Dust values decreased; surface oxide thickness was reduced, and defect counts of the Foerster instrument decreased. Using alcohol in rolling mill emulsion, therefore, seems to be unavoidable, especially when the rod is supplied for magnet wire, fine wire and multi wire. ■

TECHNICAL PAPERS

dramatically. The surface oxide thickness and the dust values increase if the HP descaling pump is stopped. See Fig. 6.

Effects of alcohol in emulsion on the surface quality. The rod produced with the continuous casting and hot rolling technology is quenched in the process in the alcohol solution after the rolling mill for cooling and cleaning the surface by reducing the copper oxide to metallic copper. The use of alcohol here is inevitable.

The addition of alcohol to the rolling mill emulsion has positive effects in reducing surface oxide thickness. But the use of alcohol has two disadvantages: it is a cost factor and the alcohol vapor in the work place can have negative health effects if the concentration is high. This experiment, therefore, tried to find out the role of alcohol in the emulsion on the surface quality of the rod. See Fig. 7.

When alcohol is stopped, the concentration starts decreasing, the surface oxide thickness and the dust values start to increase and reaching values of 700 Å and 14 mg / 10”, respectively, when the concentration falls to zero.

Then the concentration of the alcohol is increased to 0.8 %.

The result is that in a short time, the surface oxide thickness and dust values dropped to normal levels of 100 – 200 Å and to 1 – 3 mg, respectively. See Fig. 8. The same observation is made with the defectomat readings, i.e., defectomat counts increase clearly and repeatable with falling alcohol concentration below 0.4 %. See Fig. 9.

Combined effect of HP descaling and alcohol in emulsion. In normal operating conditions, the HP descaling system is open and the alcohol concentration in emulsion is 0.5 to 0.8 %. In this case, the surface oxide thickness is 100 – 150 Å and the dust values are in the range of 1.5 – 3 mg /10-in. If alcohol dosing is stopped and the concentration is zero, then the surface oxide thickness increases to 300 – 700 Å and the dust values increase to 4 – 6 mg/10-in. If the concentration of the alcohol is in normal range of 0.4 – 0.8 % and the HP descaling system is stopped, then the surface oxide thickness increases to 200 – 350 Å and the dust values increase to 4 – 6 mg/10-in. Finally, if the HP descaling system is stopped and the concentration of alcohol in emulsion is zero, then the surface oxide thickness and the dust values are 500 – 1.000 Å and 9 – 11 mg/10-in., respectively. See Fig. 10. The defectomat readings follow the same pattern.

Fig. 10. Defectomat readings when no HP descaling or alcohol in emulsion is used.

Selami Elbasi is chief of the refinery and continuous casting plants for Er-BakirDenizli, Turkey. He joined the company in 1998. He previously worked in the steel and glass industries as a process engineer. He graduated from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, as a mechanical engineer. Halil Göker is the technical manager of Er-Bakir, where he is responsible primarily for production and maintenance.

He previously was assistant technical manager. He joined the company in 1985. He graduated from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, with a degree in metallurgical engineering. This paper was presented at Wire Bologna 2007, Bologna, Italy, November, 2007.

Elbasi

Göker

DECEMBER 2008 | 77

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PRODUCTS & MEDIA PRODUCTS High-pressure, gas-injection system can deliver precision and speed U.S.-based Davis-Standard, LLC, announces the development of a new, high-pressure gas injection system that operates as a precision pressure and flow generator.

It is designed for 7,500 psi operation and is composed of two elements: a two-stage gas booster system with controls, and an electronic gas delivery system.

A press release said that the system drive is a large piston/valve assembly directly connected to dry-running, hydrocarbon-free dual gas pumping pistons with self lubricating PTFE seals running in stainless steel barrels with integral check valves. The outlet pressure rating is 7,500 psi. All of the equipment downstream of the gas booster is rated to handle a maximum pressure corresponding to the pressure rating. The electronic control package includes all equipment downstream of the gas booster with the outlet pressure controlled by an automatically adjustable pressure regulator. A Programmable Logic Controller is designed to allow either of two operating modes.

The release said there are no risks of spark or electric shock, no contamination, and no special foundations are required, noting that the boosters’ drive sections require no airline lubrication, and can be controlled to stop and hold at any preset pressure and restart under full load. An air drive speed control valve allows for manual control of filling rate, it added, and automatic controls adjust to any pre-selected maximum outlet pressure and minimum supply pressure. There is no dynamic metal-to-metal contact and a minimum number of moving parts, Davis-Standard notes.

Contact: Larry Fitzgerald, tel. 860-599-1010 or 860-599-6258, lfitzgerald@davis-standard.com, www.davis-standard.com.

Automatic modular straightener can process wire from 2 mm to 10 mm Italy’s Vitari S.p.A., part of the Eurolls Group, reports that its new automatic NR222 wire straightening line can process wires from 2.0 to 10 mm, with electronic feeding speeds from 30 to 200 m/minute.

A press release said that the system has an encoder that measures bar length and that wire cutting is done by a brushless servomotor. The NR 222 model is modular in design, with cutting bench elements of 3-6-9-12 meters. It

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comes equipped with a movable stopping device so that a display shows the operator the desired bar length size so it can be manually changed to obtain a precise bar length.

Vitari notes that it has more than 80 years experience in the manufacture of other wire processing machines like nail, chain, gabion, chain-link fencing, high-tensile barbed wire and dress hanger machines.

Contact: Vitari SpA, www.vitari.com.

Feeder offers new design that can speed cleanout and auger change Maguire Europe reported that it has introduced a new modular design of its Maguire® MGF Series gravimetric device for feeding colorants and additives into plastics processing machines that increases production “uptime” while continuing to be more accurate and no more costly than conventional volumetric feeders.

The company notes that in wire and cable production, the feeder provides precise control over dosing of colorant into the extrusion process, preventing over-coloring and contributing to product uniformity and consistency. By exerting good control over color dosing, the feeder helps the manufacturer run longer and thinner.

A press release said the improved design increases uptime (time spent in production rather than changing colors or jobs) by making it possible to remove all main feeder components separately. The basic concept of the MGF feeder is still the same: use of load cells to accurately monitor the loss in weight of colorant in the hopper as the material is fed into the processing machine by an auger, the release said, adding that the only component mounted on the load cell is the hopper, and this is readily removable from the device, as are the auger, the auger tube, the motor, and the load cell bracket.

Contact: Maguire Europe, tel. 44-1827-265-850, paul@maguire-europe.com.

Fiber solutions simplify installation U.S.-based CommScope Enterprise Solutions, a division of CommScope, Inc., announced the dual release of its Uniprise® ReadyPATCH™ fiber solution and Uniprise ReadyPATCH Cu copper solution for data center environments in the North American region.

The pre-terminated fiber and copper cabling solutions,

by decomposing endothermically, releasing water vapors rather than toxic gases. ATH is also safe for disposal in landfills or incinerators, so products containing ATH are not subject to the hazardous materials restrictions of such brominated flame retardants as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, it said.

Almatis notes that existing and pending regulations for product and environmental safety, especially in Europe and North America, and the growing public awareness of the need for these products, are driving increased interest in the use of non-toxic, ATH-based flame retardants.

Contact: Almatis, Andreas Pütz (Frankfurt), tel. 49-6995-73-41-28, info@almatis.com, www.almatis.com.

‘Green’ flame retardant provides alternative to halogen-based products

U.S.-based Wheelabrator announced the development of the MaxMesh™ Belt System, a surface preparation solution for low-profile parts and components that are typically difficult to process on a conventional roller type conveyor or

Germany’s Almatis reports that its new technology, alumina trihydrate (ATH), is an environmentally-friendly flame retardant that provides a non-toxic option to halogen-based retardants.

A press release said that the product works to retard fire

Belt system helps for surface prep

Kinrei is Kabling In fact, Kinrei is your source for the latest technology in cabling, stranding and twinning solutions. Our double twist twinners and cablers produce today’s highest performance data and communications cables. Our complete Stranding Systems output levels are 15 – 40% higher than competitive machines.

And that’s just the beginning — to learn more visit www.kinreiusa.com for product details!

Also representing: Donnelly High Performance ABS Reels Watson Parts and Service Company Featuring OEM Replacement Parts & Rebuilds The Kinrei HK560 Watson Machine Company • Wire Machinery Corporation of America, Inc. The Edmands Company • The New England Butt Company • Peachtree Fiber Optics

Call for a quote, 973-677-9500, ext. 143. Or e-mail shess@kinreiusa.com

Donnelly Reels KINREI OF AMERICA, L.L.C. | 26 NORTH CENTER STREET | ORANGE, NJ 07050 973-677-9500 | WWW.KINREIUSA.COM

Keir Manufacturing, Inc.

1-800-992-2402

(1-828-885-8444) www.keirmfg.com email: mwalters@keirmfg.com

DECEMBER 2008 | 79

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

respectively, are designed to present easy installation in a fraction of the time required by traditional implementation methods, a press release noted. The ReadyPATCH combines pre-terminated, factory-tested hardware and backbone trunk cables with ruggedized MPO-single fiber fanout patch cords, array cords and standard fiber patch cords, enabling fibers to be ready for immediate service, backed by factory-guaranteed performance, it said.

It comes with the option of utilizing Uniprise’s Keyed Fiber LC connectors and adaptors for enhanced network security, helping to reduce infrastructure infiltration from unauthorized connections. In addition, the ReadyPATCH fiber solution brings parallel optics capabilities to data centers wanting to evolve toward faster network speeds, CommScope Enterprise Solutions notes.

Contact: CommScope, Inc., www.commscope.com.

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

tumbling barrel-style operation.

The system comes standard in four model sizes with the manganese mesh belt ranging from 27 to 60 in. wide and featuring up to eight blast wheels, a press release said.

The machine is specially crafted to effectively clean small parts, it said, noting that all it takes is one feed through the system and the wire comes out free of contaminants and ready for fabrication.

Contact: Wheelabrator, tel. 800-544-4144, ext. 2295, Pam.akin@ wheelabratorgroup.com.

Assemblies are being field tested and will allow the cable to either extend three times farther or use a smaller diameter cable than a passive interconnect. .

Contact: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., tel. 800-4454673, 610-268-1930, www.gore.com.

Cable boosts signal reliability

Design ends need to ‘fish’ cable ties

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., (Gore) announces the addition of GORE™ QSFP Copper Cable Assemblies to its line of products specifically designed for the high-performance computing, enterprise network and network storage markets.

Ideally suited for InfiniBand, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications, these assemblies improve signal reliability at speeds over the standard InfiniBand QDR data rate of 10 Gbps/channel. The design and low dielectric materials used in the cable’s construction improve bend radius over longer distances in small, cross-sectional areas.

A press release said that GORE™ QSFP Active

U.S.-based Middle Atlantic Products supplies vertical lacer strips that are designed to eliminate the need to “fish” in cable ties.

The strips, part of Middle Atlantic Products’ comprehensive cable management solution set, provide security integrators with several cable tie points for organizing and arranging cable runs of any size within a fully integrated enclosure system, a press release said, adding that the strips accept up to ¾-in. Velcro® cable ties and are available in 3-1/4-in. and 4-in. widths as well as a variety of heights to fit any Middle Atlantic Products enclosure.

Contact: Middle Atlantic Products, Inc., tel. 800-2667225 or 973-839-1011.

80 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

Belden introduces drop cables for wide variety of applications Netherlands-based Belden has introduced a series of CATV drop cables to provide CATV installers/system integrators with a readily available alternative.

They are designed for cable TV, satellite dish technology and broadband applications. A press release said that the new commodity range comprises four of Belden’s CATV cables: RG59, RG-6, RG-6 Trishield and RC-11.

Key applications include cable TV, satellite dish technology and broadband.

Available in 305 m (1000 ft.) continuous lengths, they are robust and durable while possessing and maintaining high standards of electrical performance, the release said.

The cables are AL-PET shielded and bonded to the dielectric and have an outer braid. The latter is added to provide greater protection against interference and to increase overall tensile strength. The foil/braid shield combines the advantages of 100% foil coverage with the strength and low DC resistance of the braid, the company notes.

Contact: Belden, tel. 31-77-387-8555, www.belden-emea.com.

Indicator provides range of functions The multi-channel digital indicator model 9163 from Germany’s Burster covers a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications in which measuring values have to be acquired, displayed, evaluated and transferred to superordinated controls.

A press release said that the model’s multi-channel ability allows the connection of up to four sensors as well as their association via mathematical functions. With its high measuring speed of 500 measuring values, the indicator model 9163 also targets on-time critical applications requiring fast reaction times. A change of the display color serves as an optical alarm that renders the process evaluation easier and more economical. The indicator is specified with a measuring accuracy of 0.1 % and supports the direct alignment of strain gauge and potentiometric sensors and transmitters with process value output, it said.

A manual linearization that enables the input of up to 64 support values permits the entry of varied sensor characteristics. All instrument settings can be affected alternatively via keyboard, RS232, RS485 or Profibus interface, Burster notes.

Contact: Burster, www.burster.com.

DECEMBER 2008 | 81

PRODUCTS & MEDIA

Cutter processes wire, cable, tuning

MEDIA

U.S.-based The Eraser Company, Inc., reports that its Model HCA20 Wire & Cable Cutter can quickly shear wire, cable or tubing up to 1.25 in. (31.75 mm) in diameter.

The model, a press release said, uses dual electrical finger switches to operate the blade via an air cylinder.

Specs are as follows: maximum blade opening, 1.25 in. diameter (31.75 mm); minimum material size, .010 in. diameter (.0254 mm); powerair operated; 115V 60Hz; or 220/240V 50Hz European Plug.

Contact: The Eraser Company, Inc., tel. 315-4543237, www.eraser.com.

Study covers European cable

Fiberglass-reinforced ribbon can be added to Cicoil cable U.S.-based Cicoil’s reports that its new StripMount™ design allows for holes to be easily punched or drilled through the StripMount cable reinforcement at whatever intervals are needed, using any fasteners to attach the cable to any surface.

A press release explained that StripMount is encapsulated in Cicoil’s exclusive silicone jacketing and provides more than 250 lbs. holding force. Using StripMountequipped cables eliminates the need for conduit and cable tie hardware, Cicoil notes. Cables with StripMount may be installed using self-tapping screws, rivets, or quickoperating metal or plastic panel fastener. Because Cicoil cables are flat, multiple cables can be stacked and attached to any surface, the release said.

Contact: Cicoil, tel. 661-295-1295.

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Dublin-based Research and Markets announced the addition of Screen Digest’s new report, European Broadband Cable 2008, to its offering.

The report contains detailed appraisals of the European cable industry, a press release said. It assesses the industry in terms of market size, revenues, range of services offered, technology adoption, competition from other platforms, industry regulation and future prospects. The report analyzes 120+ cable companies in 27 countries.

Contact: Research and Markets, www.researchandmarkets.com.

Brochures present technology range Germany-based Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH has published a new set of product brochures that present the entire collection of Niehoff technology.

The new leaflets have a standardized structure inclusive of product pictures accompanied by detailed technical data and the essential characteristics of each product are highlighted, a press release said. The brochures are printed in English, German, and Russian. Copies are available at the company’s website as well as its subsidiaries and the sales and service companies.

Contact: Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH, tel. 499122-977-0 (Nuremberg), 856-467-4884 (U.S.), www.niehoff.de, www.niehoff-usa.com.

Report analyzes worldwide demand, trends and outlook for carbon black A new report from U.S.-based Global Industry Analysts, Inc., “Carbon Black: A Global Strategic Business Report,” provides market overview, competitive analysis, markets trend and more for carbon black, which is used for tires but also for cable production.

The report analyzes market data and analytics in volume sales for regions such as the U.S., Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World for the period 1991-2015.

Demand, a press release said, is expected to register healthy growth as most of the demand for carbon black arises from tires as compared to nontire rubber products, GIA reports, adding that the global carbon black market is expected to reach 12.2 million metric tons by 2015.

Contact: Global Industry Analysts, Inc., tel. 408-528-9966, press@strategyr.com, www.strategyr.com. ■

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

CLASSIFIED AD RATES: • $1.30 per word for Wire Journal International 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.

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE. Scapa North America has a need for an experienced Account Executive to service our customer base in the wire and cable industry. The successful candidate will call on communications and power cable manufacturers across the U.S.A. to sell our lines of water blocking and cable wrapping tapes and related products. Preferred location for candidates would be someone living in the South East with ability to travel as required.

Scapa provides an excellent compensation program full range of employee benefits and a company car. Qualified candidates should reply by email, fax or regular mail to: Scapa North America, Inc., 111 Great Pond Dr., Windsor CT 06095. (860) 902 -8275 (fax), humanrec@scapana.com. Scapa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit our web sites at www.scapana.com and www.scapacable.com.

QUALITY MANAGER. This position, in the manufacturing industry, will be responsible for the development and implementation of product quality programs aimed at meeting or exceeding customer specifications while maintaining effective working relationships within the company as well as with customers and vendors. Other responsibilities include the overall process control of the plant, develop process control

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. PAYMENT POLICY: All ads must be pre-paid.

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 of the WJI.

protocols and validation procedures, manage ISO-9002 quality system, and the development of plans and correction actions necessary to remedy variance versus plan.

The position requires a roll-up-thesleeves individual for this “working” job that has quality management experience, is a team player with a “can do” attitude and has knowledge and expertise in operations strategy.

Education requirements are Bachelor’s degree in sciences or engineering, lead ISO-9000 auditor, exceptional organizational skills, knowledge of various software programs, and knowledge of ASTM, ASME, AMS, SAE, and Military Standards.

Please mail resumes to Precision Wire Technologies, LLC, Fort Wayne,

Indiana, or e-mail wfrancey @precisionwiretech.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Wire Manufacturing Partner. Central European wire rope manufacturer seeks a wire manufacturer to join their factory, and install and operate the necessary machinery for wire drawing. All replies held in confidence. Please contact Box 12-1.

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

Serving the non-ferrous and ferrous industries since 1983

DECEMBER 2008 | 83

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

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

BLIND BOX? YES____ NO ____

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

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. E-mail Peter

Carino or Jack Cutler pcarino@wireresources.com or 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.

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.

PURGING COMPOUNDS AMERICA’S OLDEST SUPPLIER. Since 1948 we've supplied millions 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) 821-0700 FX: (781) 828-2087.

Email: alplas@aol.com, www.alplastic.com.

DIES

GAVLICK MACHINERY CORPORATION

100 Franklin St., Bristol, CT 06010 USA Phone: 860-589-2900 Fax: 860-589-0863 email: sales@gavlick.com www.gavlick.com

Buying & Selling Used Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Wire & Cable Machinery JUST PURCHASED: • Vaughn #18 Bullblock; 30"x125hp; 1"start; late model controls-excellent • Vaughn #19 Bullblock; 30"x65/75hp; start .625" • (8) Taiwan Cheng model MDC-10L Descalers; 5.5-10mm, scale breaking, brush, coating-heating • (16) Drawing Deadblocks; Morgans, Macbees, Whitacre; all sizes; 16"-28"; 30-75HP • (5) Wire Lab Model 310 Descalers, reverse bend WIRE DRAWERS: • Vaughn 6/7HIV, 6 block, 7 die; start .130"-.142"; finish .045"-.036"; 6x15HP motors • Frigerio 12- block, model Rt680/9-Rt600/3; 9x680x114.5kw ea blk; 3x600x58.5kw ea blk; start 8mm hi-l.c., finish 1.0-2.6mm; 18M/sec; year 2000; excellent • Tecno Impianti 8 block; model BTR560-8; inlet 7mm, outlet 2.1mm; 560mm block dia; 25M/sec.; air-water cooled blocks; twin payoffs; descaler; spooler; electrics; 1990 • Vaughn model 5HRM w/30" Deadblock; (5) 40/50/69HP motors; (4) 26" blocks; start: .280" S.S.; PLC controls; excellent • Morgan 5BW; 5x22" blocks; start .218", finish .086", 300HP AC • Morgan 6BW; 4x26"/2 x 22" blocks; start .218", finish .076"; 300HP AC STRAIGHT & CUT MACHINES: • (5) Lewis Model 1SHV-HS; .031"-.062" to .135"; 4' runout; 250-400 FPM

• • • • • •

•

•

•

•

• • •

BUTT WELDERS: (5) Micro J6-S Micro T-HD; .125"-.500" (2) Strecker Model 2B Butt Welders; 5-16mm Micro J5S, .060"-.250" BAG-BAR TIE MACHINES: (4) Bag-Bar Tie Machines; 16 ga.; 5"-12" lgths.

(4) Bar Tie Wire Spooling Machines; 3- 3-1/2 lbs.; 16 ga.

TURKHEADS: Fenn Model 5U + 5P tandem, 28" shedding drum, 25/30HP MESH WELDERS: Hurricane Hinge Joint Fence Machine model HJL55"; 11 line wires, 6"-12" stay; completely rebuilt EVG GZN/85; 90"max. width; 85"max weld width; 1,2,3,4,6,8 line spacing; cross wire 1/2" up to 4"; wire dia. 1.4-3.8mm; slitter; nibbler; coiler for rolls; excellent NAIL MACHINES: Vitari V-23; .150"-.251" wire dia.; 1-5/8" to 8" nail; 220NPM -Wafios DSC-29 Fence Staple Machine; .070"-.196" wire dia; 2" staples (2) Waterbury #10 Roll Threaders-nail threading SPOOLERS: Hall; 20"-30"; traverse, 1000 lb. cap; 5002500FPM (2) 30" traverse base; 16" traverse; (4) 280FPM, 5HP EC motors

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR GOOD SURPLUS EQUIPMENT. SEND US YOUR LIST.

VISIT WWW.GAVLICK.COM TO SEE OUR COMPLETE LISTINGS 84 | WIRE JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

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.

APOLLO DIA-CARB COMPANY. Buy & sell new/used Natural & PCD DIAMOND DIES. Fair prices & excellent lead times.

Contact Paulette, Owner-Sales, by telephone at 1-508-226-1508 or by e-mail at apollodie@wmconnect.com.

DIAMOND & CARBIDE DIES: PRICED TO MOVE! Take advantage of discounted pricing on new, used and recut diamond and carbide dies in standard case sizes: 2, 5, and 6. For quality dies with competitive pricing, contact Ida Pardo at info@knottco.com or by phone at 617-519-3303.

MACHINERY BEST WARRANTY-LOWEST PRICES on high quality Rolling Ring

RECONDITIONED KINREI DOUBLE TWIST BUNCHERS FOR SALE. (5)-HK560 High Double Twists Bunchers and (1) NB-450 reconditioned, with partial warranty, currently available for use as either Buncher/Strander or Cabler/Twinner.

All can be sold in an “as is” or in a reconditioned state. Machines may be currently viewed at Kinrei of America in New Jersey. These machines are in excellent condition and were built in 1999/2000 with approximately 13,000 hours of production time manufacturing Litz Wire. Pictures as well as complete details available by contacting Mitch Jacobsen at 973-494-6143 or email mjacobsen@kinreiusa.com.

WWW.URBANOASSOCIATES. COM. For New & Used Wire & Cable Equipment. Tel. 727-863-4700; fax 727-863-4711; or by e-mail at urbassoc@ verizon.net.

NAIL PLANT FOR SALE. Wafios N3 (1) N4 (1) N5 (3) N6 (1) YT3 (2) YT4 (1). Collated Nails: Zeus high Frequency coil welder (1); Willy Heiff Plastic strip (3); Nail Threaders (3); 50 lbs packaging line with case erector; Wafios Tool Grinder (1); Nail Tumbling (1); Racking system 500 skids (1). Call: J-M or M-A Perron # 450-447-5000 ext: 24 or 23.

hensive hard-cover book is a new, definitive industry resource for ferrous wire written by members of the Association and edited by former WAI President Robert M. Shemenski. It is a modern-day reference tool for those working directly in the steel wire or manufacturing, engineering, or operations sectors of the industry. At 1,168 pages, the publication’s comprehensive 36 chapters cover a broad range of topics. List Price is $235, $195 for WAI members. To purchase, go to wirenet.org and click on The WAI Bookstore. ■

MEDIA FERROUS WIRE HANDBOOK. The most recent in a series of handbooks published by WAI, this compre-

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

FOR SALE 1 1 1 3

-

11111 1 1 1 1 1 2

-

11-

NEB 64-Carrier CB-1 Cabler Braider WATSON 36” Rotating Cabler Line NORTHAMPTON ST1000 Cabler, 1999 NORTHAMPTON 630mm Cablers/Bunchers CEECO 6-Bobbin 60” Closer MGS Model LC50.4 Caterpuller Capstan NIEHOFF M15 Wire Drawer, Annealer, SG45 Spooler D/S 4.5” 24:1 L/D Extruder, 200HP Motor, 1999 D/S 100mm 24:1 L/D Extrusion Line, 1998 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 D/S 1.25” 30:1 L/D Hi-Temp Extruder D/S 2” 24:1 L/D Extruder TULSA 24” Motorized Shaftless Payoffs, Model HSPO-1, 12/02 NEXTROM 1000mm Rotating Take-up w/Group Twinner D/S 36” H.S. Dual Reel Take-up, twin Motors

1 - CLIPPER PS36 Parallel Axis Dual Reel Take-up, 1999 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 7 - CLIPPER Model SP16 Dual Spoolers 3 - TULSA/KENRAKE Model WTR-656 Respoolers 2 - TEC Model 24STC Hi-Speed Twisters, rated 1300rpm w/2-Wire Payoffs 1 - ADVANTAGE Chiller, Model MK-25AM41HBX, 9/98 1 - NEW ENGLAND BUTT 60” Dual Wheel Capstan Assembly 1 - SCHLEUNIGER OS9400 OmniStripper, 1999 1 - SCHLEUNIGER CPS1500 Coiler 1 - SCHLEUNIGER WS500 Wire Stacker 1 - RAYMOND 3000lb Stacker Forklift

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

DECEMBER 2008 | 85

CLASSIFIEDS

Traverses. YR Products, phone/fax: 708-672-5007 or e-mail kamoline@ comcast.net.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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

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

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

W Gillies Technologies LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Amaral Automation Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Huestis Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Ametek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

International Fastener Machinery & Suppliers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Anbao Wire & Mesh Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Beta LaserMike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Bomco Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Bongard Trading GmbH & Co KG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Cable Consultants Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Carris Reels Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Commission Brokers Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Conneaut Industries Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Eurolls Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 George Evans Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 FMS USA Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Mario Frigerio SpA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Gavlick Machinery Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Gem Gravure Co Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Keir Manufacturing Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Kinrei of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Madem Reels USA Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Mathiasen Machinery Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Millennium Steel & Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Milliman Extrusion Tool & Design Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Paramount Die Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pittsfield Plastics Eng Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Pressure Welding Machines Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Properzi International Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15 Queins & Co GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Sanxin Wire Die Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sheaves Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Sikora International Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

86 | 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

Anand Bhagwat Wire & Cable Services Pvt. Ltd. (WCS) Mobile 91-98-508-38467 abhagwat@wirenet.org

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

Sjogren Industries Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Sweed Machinery Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

WIRE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL ADS

Talladega Machinery & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Teknor Apex Thermoplastic Elastomer Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 2

Interwire 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25

Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Woodburn Diamond Die Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Woywod GmbH & Co. KG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Wyrepak Industries Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Zumbach Electronics Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover 4

DECEMBER 2008 | 87

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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

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INTERNATIONAL FASTENER & PRECISION FORMED PARTS MANUFACTURING Exposition and Conference Ap YPS ‹ 0 ? *LU[LY Cleveland, Ohio USA Co-located with

Wire Association International

Sponsored by the International Fastener Machinery and Suppliers Association 7HO ‡ ‡ )D[ ZZZ ,)(WUDGHVKRZ FRP ‡ LQIR#,)(WUDGHVKRZ FRP

Media Sponsor

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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

Savings & Quality With the Right Measuring Solution Diameter

Wall Thickness

®

®

With ODAC Laser Gauges

With UMAC /WALLMASTER Ultrasonic Scanners

s Highest accuracy,

repeatability up to .0000001 in. / 0.05 μm

s Ultra high scan rate, up to 2000/s

s Worldwide, more than 60,000 gauges sold

s Up to 8 measuring points s Up to 15,000 measurements/s

Eccentricity With ODEX® Optical/ Magnetic Gauges

s Extremely fast

- 1200 readings/s - Fast data output for FFT

s Extremely compact and

s Novel concentric

transducer adjustment allows product diameter set in a few seconds

fully static, no moving mechanisms

s Automatic inductor

Material Savings and Process Optimization s Fast Return On Investment s Most efficient solution for specific application s Superior mechanical design, efficient protection = stability s Worldwide Zumbach Customer Service and Sales Offices

www.zumbach.com 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

We Measure Quality

control allows for installation in tight areas