News

Going Green in Germany

Following extensive trials at BWE’s headquarters in Ashford, the Institute for Metal Forming (IMF) in Freiburg (Germany), invested in a Conform™ 315i machine for their ongoing research and development in light metals (i.e. magnesium). Dipl.-Ing. Christoph Kaden of the IMF explains:

The new Conform™ 315i expands the IMF’s capabilities to produce long products of light metals, especially magnesium. Our long-term goal is to use our twin-roll cast wire as a feedstock to maximise heat utilisation and produce wires or profiles directly from the melt with excellent properties. Numerous experiments are planned to determine the optimum process parameters, accompanied by extensive microstructural investigations and material tests.

BWE’s unique Induction Heated Tooling system convinced us. This technology enables extremely short heating times, allowing us to run multiple experiments per day, even with die changes. This flexibility is invaluable to our research as it allows us to work faster and more efficiently.

The system was installed and commissioned in March 2024, and the first successful experiments have already been conducted. The machine was purchased as part of the CLEAN-Mag project, which focuses on CO₂ savings through resource efficiency and substitution. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

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Keeping Things Cool in Brazil

BWE has recently installed and commissioned a Conform™ 315i line in Brazil for Aluminium Refrigeration Tube. The Continuous Rotary Extrusion (CRE) machine converts a single aluminium rod (9.5mm or 12.0mm Ø) into finished round or multi-port tube, in various sizes to meet customer’s specifications.

BWE’s patented Induction Heated Tooling System enables the machine to continuously extrude aluminium tube, with a very thin wall thickness (down to 0.35mm). Small Capillary Tubes are also possible.

Bundy Refrigeration, a global manufacturer of heat transfer and cooling system components for the refrigeration industry, invested in BWE’s Conform™ technology for its production facility in Pindamonhangaba, Brazil. This is part of a strategic investment and new state-of-the art factory, to produce aluminium tube for core refrigeration cooling products.

Wenceslau Carvalho, Bundy’s Vice President, Americas said: “We are pleased to announce the addition of an aluminium extrusion plant to our Pindamonhangaba facility. This strategic investment not only enhances our production capabilities but also strengthens our commitment to deliver the highest quality refrigeration cooling products to our valued customers, further consolidating our position as a global leader in the refrigeration industry.”

The new extrusion plant is now fully operational and a short video can be seen from their website. Click here to view

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New Smooth SheathEx™ Technology

BWE’s SheathEx™ technology was first developed in 2005. The process is now the preferred method for ‘seamless’ aluminum sheathing of High Voltage Cables.

Until now, all machines supplied globally have been for a corrugated aluminium sheath. This is a well proven and reliable process from 2 x 12.0mm diameter aluminium rods.

BWE are now pleased to offer a SheathEx line for both a corrugated and smooth aluminium sheath. One of the first SheathEx customers worked with BWE to develop and convert their line for both corrugated and smooth. Extensive tests in tandem with their plastic extruder, allowed the cable to bend and wind on a drum without kinking or damaging the sheath. Existing customers are now able to retrofit their corrugated line with this new technology.

https://bwe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BWE-Smooth-SheathEx-Production-V.mp4
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Recent SheathEx ™ Installations

A SheathEx machine uses two aluminium rods (12.0mm or 9.5mm ø) to form a ‘seamless’ aluminium sheath around HV and EHV cables.