For our research and development work in the field of “cable processing” we were awarded by the German Stifterverband.
Why use lasers for cable processing?
The mechanical removal of cable insulations, shielding braids, individual strands or wires with the help of stripping knives is subject to mechanical laws and thus limited. The difficulties of mechanical methods are well known, e.g. the damaging of the underlying layer when removing braids or the unclean or faulty stripping of non-circular wires. Another strict requirement applies to the currently prevalent cables with aluminium inner conductors. If the inner conductor is touched mechanically, the cable becomes useless. The limitations of mechanical cutting systems coupled with the increasingly stringent requirements for cable processing and assembly have raised questions about the applicability of laser technologies. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of cable processing using laser radiation?
Why are laser methods rarely employed at present?
The problem with laser technology to date:
Stripping cables and wires is too slow and inefficient with previous laser processes. Thus this technology is rarely used in the industry.
Practical development of high-speed lasers for the cable industry
As of April 1st, 2018, we will be part of the INTERREG-V project with the title “Laser Manufacturing for SMEs”. The project is concerned with the “integration of innovative high-speed processes using laser radiation in production processes of regional SMEs”. For example, high-performance lasers are tried and tested in various applications, including cable processing. As a project partner, our role is to establish the mechanical and optomechanical principles for a successful application in cable processing. We are looking forward to the collaboration with our partners in this exciting project.
Project Partners
