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Nextrom & Rosendahl are now introducing the re-launched Clenching Caterpillar NCA 210 for the production of Dry Tubes.
The clenching caterpillar is an important part of the precise EFL (Excess fiber length) process control system within the newest generation of high speed “Loose Tube - Secondary Coating Line RL-R/OFC40” buffering lines. Replacing the filling gel by Super Absorbent Powder (SAP) results into an increased EFL.
Therefore, Nextrom & Rosendahl has developed an EFL process control system, named clenching concept, which has already been successfully implemented in several buffering lines by the customers of Nextrom & Rosendahl.
The clenching concept compensates the EFL increase, since low EFL is required for the production of compact dry loose tube Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) design.
A clenching caterpillar, installed in front of the mid span capstan inside the tube cooling section, ensures a very low tube tension during the tube crystallisation process. This also results into a less post shrinkage (REL) of the produced buffered tubes.
As to the important parts of the clenching concept, the clenching caterpillar NCA 210, has to meet the demands related to the consistency of the cables. Recently improvements of the design, ensures a long term reliability on the production process. The invention is also suitable for upgrade of the existing Nextrom OFC40 & Rosendahl RL-R buffering lines.
Production of loose tubes without jelly filling, causes tube diameter variations and might result in that the tube collapses, after the extrusion head. In order to obtain a uniform tube dimension, the diameter of the tube is controlled by the injection of pressurized gas into the tube. To avoid friction between optical fibers and the plastic tube, a tube lubricant can be added. Water tightness of the tube is achieved by using super absorbent powders (SAP) either in the form of swell able powder or in the form of yarns.
The key characteristics of the patented clenching concept can be summarized as follows:
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Integrated EFL process control system
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Tube diameter control system
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Lubrication of the inner tube surface
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Specific clenching caterpillar design to cover
demanding surrounding conditions
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Modular clenching concept, also suitable for
the upgrade of existing buffering lines.
For further questions please contact our representatives or Nextrom & Rosendahl directly.
Engineering Fibre Optic Cable (FOC):
Timo.Id@nextrom.com
M.Rechberger@rosendahlaustria.com
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