*iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple INC.

The name says it all: The WIRE-TEMP 6000 continuously measures and controls contact-free the temperature of the conductor at the output of the PREHEATER 6000 with a permanent precise actual value of the conductor temperature for all conductor cross-sections, at all line speeds. Thus, the WIRE-TEMP 6000 raises the benchmark for conductor preheaters to a completely new level. During production there are numerous influences on the accuracy of the conductor temperature. Examples are the ambient temperature, the initial temperature of the conductor and in particular the development of the temperature of the so called “short-circuit wheel” within the first 10 to 20 minutes after starting the production or after an interruption of the production.

The new WIRE-TEMP 6000 considers these factors and determines the conductor temperature independently from cross-section, material and surface structure of the conductor.

The WIRE-TEMP 6000 is optionally integrated in the proven preheater system PREHEATER 6000 and can easily be retrofitted in existing devices. In addition, it is available as an independent system without the PREHEATER 6000.

The office is managed by Fernando Ravagnani. Born in Brazil, he holds a degree in electronics- and computer engineering and completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2010. In addition to his mother tongue of Portuguese he speaks English fluently. Since Fernando Ravagnani started his career at SIKORA in 2007 he has worked as a sales- and service engineer in Brazil. As SIKORA branch manager he is now responsible for sales and customer support of the entire Brazilian market.

Long production cycles are achieved for example by leaving out the screens before the crosshead in order to ensure a constant material flow. However, the manufacture without screens also results in contaminations passing directly into the cable insulation rather than being caught. Hence there is the need for other measures to detect possible contamination in the pellet and to remove them.

A special challenge is the contaminated pellet itself. Contaminations are most often not only on the pellet surface, but they are also melted down in the pellet. By means of optical testing systems these contaminations cannot be detected. That is the reason why SIKORA is currently developing a completely new system that differs in two ways from existing but flawed solutions: The SIKORA system is based on X-ray technology and detects also contaminations in the pellet. The smallest detectable particle size is 50 μm, at a throughput of up to 500 kg/h. Higher throughputs are possible by installing several units in parallel.

In addition, the pellet inspection is installed directly in the joint tube between the silo/octabin and the extruder. The system is consequently hermetically sealed and there is zero risk that dust particles get into the material flow.

The SIKORA solution for pellet inspection is perfectly suitable for both manufacturers of energy cables and pellet manufacturers within the plastics industry.

Among the highlights are the X-RAY 6000 PRO for the measurement of up to 3 material layers as well as the new X-RAY 6000 BASIC, which is used for quality control of single layer products. The X-ray measuring systems both assure a continuous quality control to fulfil the required specifications regarding wall thickness, eccentricity, diameter and ovality.

With the TIGER LASER 6010 XY SIKORA presents an additional innovative diameter measuring system, with special focus on the combination of diameter measurement with lump inspection. Characteristic for this gauge head is the extremely precise and reliable inspection of the product surface for lumps and neckdowns. Optionally, the TIGER LASER 6010 XY can be combined with a device of the ECOCONTROL-series to visualize detected faults. With the clear presentation hose and tube manufacturers can evaluate faults realistically. There is also the possibility to store the pictures with the processor system ECOCONTROL.

In addition, SIKORA presents at the Fakuma innovative diameter gauges on the basis of laser technology as well as 2 and 3 axis lump detectors for detection of faults on the product surface.

SIKORA booth: A6-6011-1

For decades ultrasonic and X-ray technologies have been known as imaging methods and have been used for applications in the medicine area as well as in industry. Today, for quality control in cable production lines X-ray is outstanding because thanks to modern technology a real-time imaging of the cable is possible to receive all information. This is because the technology is independent from different influencing quantities such as temperature of the product to be measured. In addition, there is no need for a coupling medium. Due to this independency X-ray technology is absolutely free from calibration and does not require adjustment to changing production conditions such as for example a variation of the line speed and associated therewith temperature variations. X-ray technology is suitable for quality control of all cable types, in the same way for rubber-insulated cables as well as cables with textile reinforcement.

Modern production methods impose ever higher demands on quality assurance. X-ray testing makes a major contribution to ensure the highest quality. Thus, X-ray technology, used as measuring technology in cable production lines, continues to increase in significance.

The measuring principle of the TIGER LASER 6010 XY is based on the analysis of two high-resolution image sensors. The image sensors measure and inspect the cable from two measuring planes. With this technology the surface profile of the cable is optimally inspected for faults. Due to the high measuring rate, the TIGER LASER 6010 XY detects lumps with utmost detection probability. In particular with the visualization of the product surface the lump can be assessed, without a labor- or time-intensive rewinding process. The TIGER LASER 6010 XY is suitable for products from
0.004 - 0.39“ (0.1 to 10 mm).

SIKORA INDIA
Mr. Premjeet Saggu
1 /36 • 1st floor • Mall Road • Tilak Nagar
New Delhi • 110018 • India
Phone: +91-11-4144-7913 • Fax: +91-11-4559-7434
email: sales@sikoraindia.com

New Service bureau in India

Since May 2012 SIKORA INDIA has had a new established Service bureau in Thane/India. At the following contact details you can reach our team:

SIKORA INDIA THANE
Mr. Nilesh Chorage
205 • Damodar Niwas • B-Cabin, Station Road
Thane (West) • 400601 • India
Phone: +91-22-6556-2593 • email: sikora.mumbai@gmail.com

“Customer satisfaction is our concern and has highest priority. With the extended office hours we want to be permanently available for our customers and in this way to ease communication“, says Bernadette SIKORA, Managing Partner of the SIKORA Holding GmbH & Co KG.

In particular, at unpredictable situations as for example when a child-care is missing or to bridge holiday time of kindergartens, the office helps to combine familiar and professional reasons. “The facility is a relief and also helps to avoid absenteeism of the working parents”, explains Bernadette Sikora, Managing Partner of the SIKORA Holding GmbH & Co KG. “Moreover, it increases attractiveness of working with SIKORA“, continues Sikora.

The recently furnished parent-and-child office addresses children of all ages. From the changing table pad, a lying area, child bed, toys, painting supplies, to books and toy blocks, parents find everything what their children need. The equipment was financed by the company and by donations of many SIKORA employees.

On an area of 3,000 m2 there are in total four extrusion lines with the latest technologies as well as devices and machinery for mixing of rubber and silicone. In addition, there are several, innovative measuring and control devices from SIKORA integrated in the extrusion lines that are used during production for monitoring the quality and cost reduction. In a research area, specially equipped for tests, customers have the possibility to test these new technologies and devices.

The lines cover diverse application areas. One extrusion line is used for the production of rubber profiles with a combined vulcanization system (hot air/molten salt curing system). An additional line, with high-speed hot air curing, is suitable for the production of rubber and/or silicone profiles. There is a third extrusion line available for silicone cable sheathing. In this line SIKORA’s 3-axis diameter gauge head, 3-axis lump detector, sparktester as well as the CENTERVIEW 8025 for the measurement of the wall thickness, eccentricity, diameter and ovality assure the highest product quality.

The forth line is a testing line for the production and vulcanization of rubber hoses, in particular for the automotive sector. Especially, radiator hoses are manufactured at this line. Due to the specific demands on the hoses, quality has to be assured already during extrusion. For this reason, measuring and control technologies that continuously monitor and control product parameters are directly installed in the line.

In the COLMEC line for hose manufacture this function is fulfilled by the LASER 2100 XY from SIKORA. The gauge head measures online the outer diameter of the hose in two planes. In this way, the required diameter is permanently assured during the entire extrusion process. For the measurement of rubber hoses, and in particular of hoses with textile reinforcement, SIKORA’s X-ray measuring system X-RAY 6000 PRO is also suitable. It measures the wall thickness, eccentricity, the inner and outer diameter as well as the ovality of all three layers.

According to COLMEC, with the new Technology Center the cooperation with customers and suppliers should be further optimized. In the research area customers can test complete lines with integrated measuring and control technology and stimulate improvements according to their needs.
 

1. How is the SIKORA Service set up?

M.B. In total, there are 35 employees working in the service department with SIKORA in Bremen and our offices. Globally, there are 16 engineers in 9 countries (Brazil, China, France, India, Korea, Middle East, Russia, Turkey, USA) taking care for service. The regions, where there is no own office established, are supported from Bremen or from the nearest subsidiary. The engineers are responsible for commissioning, maintenance and repairs. Employees in the internal service department care about support requests, delivery of spare parts, manpower planning, internal repairs and administration. In addition to the classic service we offer device trainings. Customers are professionally supported by a SIKORA service specialist in Bremen or by the worldwide offices.

2. What happens in detail if a customer reports a technical fault?

J.H. The customer contacts our service by phone or mail, provides the serial number of the device and describes the fault. Often our engineers can help the customer immediately. If a solution cannot be found this way, a field engineer will be sent. In case of a spare part delivery it will be coordinated from Bremen. If there are customer requests in regions that are covered by our offices, our local engineers provide immediate and competent support on site in the native language.

3. How do you check customers satisfaction with the SIKORA service?

M.B. Every visit at a customer is documented by a travel report respectively repair report. The reports are evaluated by our Quality Management (QM) and provide details on actions, itemized by the type of the device. The information of the QM are directly considered by the development, production and service departments to eliminate potential sources of failures and to improve quality continuously. Interesting is the so called Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), a ratio which is used to evaluate quality performance and improve the perfection of our systems.

J.H. The MTBF is calculated by the sum of the operating years of a device series from the delivery date to the calculation key date, divided by the number of all failures in this period. It is thus a statistical number of years that you can expect a device to perform without failure.

J.H. Furthermore, we undertake a customer survey by phone after each completed job to analyze customer satisfaction with our service. That is how we assess the effectiveness of our measures and initiate improvements.

4. What makes the SIKORA Service unique?

M.B. Service from SIKORA is characterized by high quality, reliability, speed and customer focus. Important is the local service that we realize by our international subsidiaries. Independent from time differences or lingual or cultural diversity we are available for our customers all over the world at any time. We are only satisfied when our customers are satisfied.

The X-RAY 6000 BASIC measures the wall thickness, the eccentricity, and the outer diameter of single-layer cables. In particular, in insulation and jacketing lines where only the outer jacket is measured, the X-RAY 6000 BASIC is used. The production data are clearly displayed at a 7“ monitor, which is integrated directly in the measuring system. The operation is intuitive via touch screen. In combination with the processor system ECOCONTROL 600 or 6000 an automatic control of the line is possible. By controlling line speed or extruder rpm the cable parameters are controlled to the nominal value.

The BASIC device is a cost-efficient and at the same time powerful alternative to the X-RAY 6000 PRO, which measures up to three layers of different materials. With the BASIC the operator receives an X-ray device that includes exactly the functions that are required. For cables where only one material layer needs to be tested, the X-RAY 6000 BASIC proves to be an efficient and reliable partner.

The X-RAY 6000 PRO measures the wall thickness, the eccentricity, the diameter and ovality of up to 3 different cable layers. This device is suitable for products requiring a precise measurement of the insulation wall thickness of the individual material layers. The system includes as a standard the display and control device ECOCONTROL 6000 with a vertical arranged 22“ TFT monitor. It is either mounted directly at the X-RAY gauge head, a separate stand, or is remotely integrated in the control cabinet of the line control.

As the 7“ monitor of the BASIC model, the ECOCONTROL 6000 is conveniently operated via touch screen and shows all measuring values numerically and graphically as well as trend and statistical data. The PROfessional device includes a control of the line speed or extruder rpm under consideration of the minimum values as a standard.

From the very first day of operation, both X-ray devices, the X-RAY 6000 PRO and the X-RAY 6000 BASIC, assure a continuous online quality control at the cable production. An offline quality control is not necessary any longer. Simultaneously, the systems reduce the wall thickness to a minimum value. Quality assurance and the reduction of material lead to a significant increase of productivity.

The FIBER LASER 6003 is an innovative device for diameter measurement of bare fibers as well as coated optical fibers. The measuring principle is based on diffraction analysis – a method that does not require optical elements and moving parts. The technology is based on modern CCD-line technique combined with laser diodes as light sources and an intelligent, powerful software. A first gauge head is installed after the preform to measure the diameter and position of the bare fiber. On the basis of the change in position the gauge head calculates the tension by means of an FFT-analysis. The single values of the fiber position are graphically visualized by the processor system FIBER ECOCONTROL in the form of a scatter plot and assure highest accuracy.

A second gauge head before the coating measures the cold diameter of the fiber and provides spinning information via FFT of the ovality. For this position, SIKORA offers alternatively a gauge head with airline detection, the FIBER LASER 6003 AIRLINE. This device reliably detects in addition the smallest airlines from 0.5 micrometers. The second gauge head is typically used for diameter control. But also the first gauge head after the preform can realize the control. This is decided by the manufacturer of optical fibers.

A third FIBER LASER 6003 measures the diameter after the coating. In case of a secondary coating an additional gauge head can be installed.

2,500 measurements per second with high single value precision and a short exposure time of 1.2 microseconds guarantee always the highest precision. The unique measuring principle assures an accuracy of 0.05 micrometers at a repeatability of 0.02 micrometers.

For continuous quality control a reliable lump detector is essential. With a measuring rate of 3 x 100 kHz the 3-axis FIBER LUMP 6003 detects the smallest lumps down to a minimum size of 5 μm. In combination with the SIKORA Double Sensor Technology, punctual non-conformities on the surface are detected. The faults are analyzed regarding type, dimension, length, quantity and position.

The data provided by the gauge heads are recorded and displayed by the processor system FIBER ECOCONTROL. At the monitor the diameter of the bare and coated fiber is displayed. The exact position in the measuring field is visualized in the form of the scatter plot. In addition, the vibration frequency of the fiber is displayed. The devices of the FIBER Series 6000 have diverse interfaces such as RS485, RS232, LAN (Ethernet), 4 analog outputs (uni-/bipolar) or optional Profibus-DP as well as alternatively industrial field busses such as CANopen, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, andProfiNet. Factory-calibrated, they keep their accuracy over the entire life cycle. The optical measuring principle without moving parts assures a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 15 years. Maintenance is not required.

The new SPARK 6030 HF is a high-frequency high-voltage sparktester, designed for the detection of faults in the insulation of cables from 0.5 to 30 mm. In addition, the system reliably detects bare patches. Its sturdy electrode and the electronic box form one integral unit. Optionally integrated in the device is a display, which visualizes the number of high-voltage break downs. The display is combined with a control panel for entering the test voltage. Innovation: Integrated self-test and calibration system According to European standards, openly operated measuring and testing equipment has to be checked regularly. Accordingly, sparktesters are tested with regard to high-voltage, short-circuit current and function (sensitivity). While in the past cable manufacturers had to use an external testing device, the SPARK 6030 HF integrates a completely 3-step self-test and calibration system.

1. Integrated high-voltage test
The sparktester tests the displayed high-voltage of the device for correctness. The high-voltage has to be within a tolerance of 5 %.

2. Integrated short-circuit current test
In addition to the high-voltage test, the sparktester automatically checks the maximum short-circuit current, which at human body model should not exceed 10 mA when operating the device (according to EN61010-1:2010).

3. Integrated function (sensitivity) test
The sparktester automatically performs a function test (sensitivity test). Therefore, 20 artificial faults (breakdowns) are initiated that are detected and reported.

W-LAN interface
The SPARK 6030 HF has common interfaces as well as a W-LANinterface. Via W-LAN it can be directly connected to a smart phone or laptop.

SIKORA App
SIKORA offers a free app for diagnosis and quality control at smart phones. The operator can easily log in via the W-LAN interface and receives immediately production data such as number of breakdowns or the high-voltage. It is also possible to control the high-voltage and to start the self-test via the app.

The PREHEATER 6000 is positioned before the extruder and preheats the wire by inductive heating up to 100 to 180°C, depending on product type. Integrated in the preheater housing is the processor and control system ECOCONTROL 600 with a product library, where product recipes can easily be stored and recalled. Alternatively, the recipe is provided by a line control for example via a Profibus interface.

The ECOCONTROL 600 displays the product and production parameters numerically and graphically on a clear 8.4” TFT monitor. Additionally, it includes a trend display of the relevant data, such as temperature and line speed. A real highlight is the temperature measurement and control, which is directly integrated in the PREHEATER 6000.

With the complement of the X-RAY 6000 BASIC to the SIKORA product portfolio, manufacturers of single layer products get a powerful and simultaneously cost-efficient alternative to the X-RAY 6000 PRO. The BASIC-device is equipped with an integrated monitor for measured value display including analysis software.

For the measurement of several insulation layers the X-RAY 6000 PRO is available. An innovation of the device is its 22“ TFT display and control system ECOCONTROL 6000. The monitor is arranged in vertical format and shows simultaneously all measuring values numerically as well as graphically and also trend and statistic data. The operation is via touchscreen.

Immediately with the online measurement the values for wall thickness, eccentricity, outer diameter and ovality are accessible at the processor system ECOCONTROL 6000. The wall thickness measuring values are displayed at 8 points and allow the operator, with the help of the eccentricity function, for optimally centering the extrusion tool and to precisely control wall thickness and diameter to the nominal value.

The technology is based on 2 high-resolution image sensors. By means of these sensors the surface profile is inspected and faults are reliably detected. The high measuring rate guarantees the highest precision of the diameter measuring results. The TIGER LASER 6010 XY is suitable for product diameters from 100 m to 10 mm.

High measuring rate and accuracy
2,500 measurements per second, all with extremely high single value precision allow for an optimum line control and provide reliable statistical data. The gauge heads measure the diameter of cables with an impressive precision and repeatability.

Integrated display and automatic diameter control in the gauge head
The devices have an integrated LCD display with control panel. This gives the operator the diameter value at one glance, directly at the measuring device. At the control panel the diameter nominal value can be entered and the control module activated. Via line speed or extruder rpm the module controls the diameter automatically to the specified value.

Lump detector function
The high measuring rate of the diameter devices also permits the detection of lumps and neckdowns. With the two-in-one system investment costs are reduced. In addition, there is more space in the line as only one gauge head has to be installed.

Interfaces
Directly integrated in the gauge heads is an universal interface module for all connections such as RS485, RS232, Profibus-DP or alternatively industrial field busses such as CANopen, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet. In this position it is perfectly protected against dirt, water or mechanical influences during the production.

Gauge head design
The opening of the gauges is twice as big as the measuring range to ensure an easy product feed through. A special feature is the swivel type gauge head. It allows for the gauge head to be easily moved up out of the extrusion line. The devices are open at the bottom to prevent dirt and water from falling into the measuring area. The feeding of the connection cables is protected, directly in the gauge head stand.

W-LAN Interface
The LASER Series 6000 has all common interfaces as well as a W-LAN-interface, which allows for a direct connection to a smart phone or laptop. The W-LAN-interface is used for diagnosis and quality control. Via W-LAN measuring values, trend and statistical data, but also video signals are transferred.

SIKORA App
For the first time SIKORA offers a free app for displaying measuring values, trends, statistics or video signals at smart phones. The operator can easily log in via the W-LAN interface and receives immediately production data of the particular gauge head at the smart phone.

The system measures online the eccentricity, wall thickness, diameter and the ovality of cables with high single value accuracy. It is suitable for product diameters from 0.25 to 25 mm.

At the wire 2012 in Düsseldorf (booth 9A41) SIKORA presents the CENTERVIEW 8000 now with 2 innovations:

7“ TFT-Monitor
Integrated in the gauge head is optionally a 7“ TFT-monitor, which displays production data and automatically. The operation is clear and menu-driven via touch screen.

Special edition: CENTERVIEW 8010 for micro-coax cables
There is a special edition of the CENTERVIEW 8010, specifically for the measurement of eccentricity, wall thickness, diameter and ovality of micro-coax-cables with a product diameter from 0.05 to 10 mm.

The measuring values are taken at 4 points (diameter) respectively at 8 points (eccentricity, ovality) and visualized at the processor systems ECOCONTROL 600, 1000 or 2000. The operator receives immediately clear information about eccentricity values that can be instantly used for control or centering of the cross head. With the help of the presentation of the scatter plot of the measuring values the distribution of short-term variations of the eccentricity is graphically displayed - either at the integrated monitor or at the display and control systems ECOCONTROL. Every single dot of the scatter plot represents a single value of the eccentricity regarding value and direction. The distribution of the scatter plot highlights the standard deviation of the eccentricity.

In 2008 SIKORA already opened up a service bureau in Cairo/Egypt to optimally serve customers in the Arabic region. Due to the continued political tensions in that area the headquarters moved to Dubai. Head of SIKORA MIDDLE EAST is Karim El Nahas. Before, he was responsible for the service bureau in Cairo. The office in Dubai offers SIKORA the opportunity to optimally fulfill the increasing demands of Arabic customers with individual service and reliable customer support.

Customers receive competent service from 11 SIKORA offices worldwide to assure a quick and reliable support. They work together with more than 30 regional representatives worldwide.

Since July 1997 already, SIKORA has been active in the Turkish market. At that time a representation, the International Trade Consultancy (ITC) served that region. As a result of the strong demand for measuring and control system solutions in the East European and Asian region, SIKORA TURKEY was founded as sales office on January 1st 2009. Head of SIKORA TURKEY is Ajda Sarigülle. “We are proud to offer service also in Turkey”, explains Harry Prunk, CEO of SIKORA AG. “What is crucial is the proximity to our customers. With Mr. Dogan in our team we can offer quick support if customers need us,” says Prunk further.

Mr. Dogan is an Engineer for Electronics and Communication educated at the University of Kocaeli and has many years of experience in the field of engineering. He had gone through a three months-training at SIKORA’s headquarters Bremen and is since 14 November 2011 the contact person for all service requests in the Turkish speaking world.

Nowadays, the measuring values are recorded and stored digitally in real time. Especially with regard to the high capacity of the lines and the related data volume this is important. There are two possibilities of data processing. On the one hand, production data are online measured and directly transferred to a central quality assurance system. As there are often measuring data of many production lines available to the operator, a line computer is quickly at its capacity limit. That is why measuring data are at first collected and processed in processor systems such as the SIKORA ECOCONTROL before they are transferred to a line computer. Data can be stored daily, batchwise but also reelwise. The processor systems determine trends and statistics over the entire production process and document quality characteristics of the product for defining Cp or Cpk values. In addition, they provide information on possible surface faults on the cable such as lumps and neckdowns.

The online processing and recording of quality characteristics is a significant progress for the cable production compared to the past. 5 years ago, a cable manufacturer could make a statement about statistical data. However, he had not received details on the single values as they were averaged. Therefore, a cable could be shown concentric in the average value, although it was punctual eccentric. Only by means of a cut cable sample the operator recognized that the core was eccentric in the insulation and the cable did not fulfill quality requirements. Nowadays, there are solutions such as the so called cloud diagram, which graphically present the distribution of short-term variations of the eccentricity. The information is stored and transferred to a line control via serial interfaces or simply by an USB stick. As a result, the operator and the quality management continuously have production data available for monitoring processes and improving them with the help of QS quality documentation.

¹ The cloud diagram is an alternative style visual view of the measurements being made at the processor system ECOCONTROL. With the help of the cloud diagram the distribution of the short-term variations of the eccentricity are shown. The cloud consists of 5000 dots, whereby each dot represents an actual single value of the eccentricity (value and direction). The overall distribution of the cloud diagram easily highlights the standard deviation of the eccentricity.

The office manager of SIKORA INDIA, Mr. Premjeet Saggu just recently visited the Children‘s Village and could assure himself that the children grow up with best future prospects. “It was a pleasure to see how the children develop. Especially with regard to personality and education the children experienced an enormous growth,“ says Premjeet Saggu, Manager of SIKORA INDIA.

Composite pipes are made of an inner PE-tube, on which a thin aluminium layer is applied, covered by an additional outer PE-layer. The plastic layers are each connected with the aluminium by an adhesive layer. With an X-ray measuring system like the X-RAY 6000, the inner and outer diameter as well as the wall thickness of the single layers of the composite pipe can be measured and controlled. Moreover, faults in the inner tube can be detected.

The improvement of the production process is nowadays possible with an automatic control of the line without intervention of the operator. From the setpoint-actual value difference of the diameter respectively the wall thickness the correcting variable is continuously calculated by a control module and directly transferred to the line control, for example via a Profibus interface. The correcting variable considers the product specific minimum values, the eccentricity¹ and statistical data. This method is the most modern type of control because control parameters are directly transmitted to the line control via the Profibus interface.

Not every line can be controlled in this advanced manner. There are many lines with direct current drives. These usually work with a 0 to 10 Volt signal. 0 means standstill of the line, 10 Volt maximum line speed or extruder rpm. Both variables can be controlled alternatively continuously with highest precision to the nominal value. The specification of tolerance limits is not required.

Rarely, we find contact controls (motor potentiometer). For this type of control the operator has 2 buttons to run the line faster or slower. Via the buttons motor potentiometers are controlled. Later, the buttons were replaced by contacts of a control module. This, in the 80s modern control, worked discontinuous and required that a tolerance band was accepted with no intervention in the control. There was always the question of a hot or cold value control.

Is the hot diameter measured and controlled, the material shrinkage is an unknown variable. The difficulty is that not the complete diameter is shrinking, but only the outer PE-layer. That’s why the specification of a fixed percentage shrinking value is not a solution. Depending on the product type a separately calculated shrinking value has to be considered.

Alternatively to the hot value control a control from the cold end is possible with limitations. For processes that run with low line speeds this method is less suitable as the feedback about product parameters is only late as a result of the time delay.

During the early 90s SIKORA launched a Hot-Cold-Control. This at that time patented method combines the advantages of the fast measurement and control of the hot value control with the product dimensions, which are relevant for the end customer, namely the cold measuring values. From the hot/cold value difference the material shrinkage is continuously calculated at coincidental but same points and is automatically considered for the control of the diameter.

Due to specific line configurations or product structure it is not always possible to install a measuring system directly after the extruder. For these applications a software concept with a virtual hot gauge head is used, which learns the control behavior of the line and conducts the hot/cold control by means of calculations without a hot measuring head.

With regard to the diameter and wall thickness the line speed or the extruder rpm are controlled today. As there are often reservations that with an extruder control the thermal balance is disturbed, hose and tube manufacturers prefer line speed control if the line is equipped with only one extruder. However, for tandem lines the control of the extruder rpm is typical.

Today online control of the line is an industry standard. Whereas in the past quality assurance at the end of the production process and the offline storage of production data were in focus, material saving and increase of productivity of the line becomes increasingly important. Modern control methods such as control of the diameter to the hot value, control at the cold end of the line or hot/cold control, in combination with precise measuring devices significantly contribute to a continuous improvement of the production process. They communicate directly with the line control and allow for a real time control for an optimum production process.

¹ Eccentricity measuring with the X-RAY 6000

With the use of an externally connected control module, the operator can now set up the current diameter nominal value up to 4 digits after the decimal point. Via the line speed or the extruder rpm the module controls the diameter automatically to the set value.

In Bremen SIKORA is the only company which belongs to the TOP 100. The ranking is based on two criteria that are equally weighted – the average turnover growth as well as the average profit rate in the years 2005 to 2009/10.

The 100 evaluated companies of the German medium sized businesses:

• are companies, that are outstanding in their competitive field over an expanded period of time
• are characterized by continuity in the company development, stable growth on a high level, constant high profit and strategic vision
• belong in their segment respectively region to the market leaders
• have expandable competitive advantages, high innovation, service strength in sales as well a brand image

Already in the last year SIKORA belonged to the most successful German medium-sized companies. At that time the technology company took the 21st place of the Top 100. This year’s 2nd place is even a greater success. “We are very pleased about the good performance“, says Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. „The fact that we significantly improved compared to the previous year is considered as a step in the right direction regarding our company strategy. With the establishment of a worldwide sales and service network and the simultaneous concentration on research, development and production at Bremen location we created the preconditions for constant growth. The study confirms that high innovation, service and quality is necessary to be at then forefront in the market“, explains Harry Prunk further.

You can read the complemental article here, as published on October 17, 2011 in the daily newspaper "Die Welt". [PDF document, only in German]

The LASER Series 6000 has a measuring rate of 2,500 measurements per second per axis. With this measurement frequency there is besides the diameter measurements the detection of surface defects available. The high measuring rate with extremely high single value precision ensures an optimum line control and provides reliable statistical data. The LASER Series 6000 diameter gauge heads include an integrated measuring value display, which provide local display of the product diameter. As a result, the operator finds the accurate diameter value at one glance.

Electronic innovations are not the only advances characterizing the performance of the series. Construction refinements make a considerable contribution. The devices have an opening that is twice as big as the as the maximum product you can measure with the device. This makes it easy for the line operator to feed the product through the gauge head. Integrated into the gauge heads is a modular universal interface for classical field busses and Ethernet based field busses. All connections are protected from water, dirt or mechanical influences. There are no external plugs.

The gauge heads also stand out visually through the compact design as well as the swivel gauge head function, which is already offered with the larger models of the LASER Series 2000. It allows the operator to move the head up easily out of the line. The newly developed stand is height adjustable and can be installed easily in every production line.

The 3 gauge heads continue to benefit from technologically proven innovations of the LASER Series 2000. The elimination of moving parts ensures that the gauge heads keep their accuracy during the entire operating time. Calibration is done only once at SIKORA factory side and is unnecessary thereafter.

*The 2-axis-measuring devices of the LASER Series 2000 remain available for product diameters from 0.05 to 500 mm. The 3-axis-gauge heads of the 2000 series are specified for diameter ranges from 0.2 to 100 mm.

Ms. Leese, what is your function as international office controller at SIKORA?

I supervise the ten offices of SIKORA which are located in China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and USA. In doing so, I deal with topics from the foundation of the offices, daily questions such as transfer prices or customs modalities to financial controlling. The controlling comprises a big part of my work and includes the planning, controlling and monitoring of the office figures.

What challenges do you face in your job?

In the offices I am often confronted with different expectations and ways of thinking. This is in particular due to cultural diversity. My task is to create an understanding for our common business objectives. We want to support our customers fast and competent all over the world and to satisfy them in all matters. This requires a legally binding foundation, for which I provide a basis. Of course, it is also a challenge to do the job as a young woman. Often it demands skill and empathy to assert oneself and to be become accepted - in particular by male colleagues.

What do the 10 offices mean to SIKORA?

The offices are extremely important for SIKORA. They are available for international customers and give support in their national language, fast and reliable. From the offices we also receive a good overview about the current market situation as well as production conditions in the countries. Via the global network SIKORA is well-positioned, even in times of crisis, because then a weak market can be compensated by a stronger one.

How do you cope with the different languages and cultures?

Our business language worldwide is English. We offer all employees the possibility to learn this language in seminars. Besides, by annual meetings at the headquarters in Bremen, we strengthen the team spirit and bring the cultures together. Regarding the different cultures I find myself in a very exciting environment where I am continually learning new things.

Are there any plans for the further development of the offices?

With the company expansion by the “Technology Center” in Bremen, we also plan an additional extension of the offices. Actually, we focus on the Middle East. In the future we want to cover sales and service with an own office in that region to optimally support our customers.

What is your life motto?

“If you stop learning, you stop growing.”

Since the market debut in 2000 CENTERVIEW 8000 is used worldwide in numerous insulating lines. Thanks to innovative technology the system is specifically suitable for quality control of data cables, but also automotive and installation wires. The system supports the operator of an extrusion line to center the conductor in the insulation, to control concentricity and thus to provide measuring results that allow for controlling the outer diameter or the wall thickness of the cable to the nominal value.

The model range combines an inductive-optical measuring principle, which determines the insulation wall thickness and the eccentricity. The inductive measuring system additionally positions the measuring head automatically relative to the position of the conductor so that the cable is always the middle of the measuring field.

With the model upgrading in 2007 the CENTERVIEW got a technological fine tuning with even more future-oriented innovations. The 8-point-presentation of eccentricity and ovality as well as the measurement of the diameter and the wall thickness at 4 points ensures highest accuracy and a stable process control.

Furthermore, in combination with the processor system ECOCONTROL 2000 CENTERVIEW 8000 offers the unique cloud diagram* as an additional way of presenting the measured values of the ongoing measurement. With the help of the cloud diagram the distribution of short-term variations of the eccentricity as well is graphically displayed.

*Patent

We also showed the diameter gauges of our new LASER Series 6000 that are equipped with a variety of technological innovations. 2,500 measurements per seconds for example allowing for diameter measurement with highest accuracy for an optimum line control.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or feedback at +49 421 48900 0 or by e-mail sales@sikora.net

Your team of SIKORA

“With the new building we did a strategically important step into the future”, says Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. “With the expansion we are able to further extent our innovation activities. We have more space for new employees and offer a modern and comfortable working atmosphere, in which creative ideas can grow.“, explains Prunk further. He emphasizes the new building was a “significant milestone in the 38-year history of the company.”

In the 4th floor of the “Technology Center” there is the new company restaurant “Roofgarden” situated. This provides SIKORA employees and guests diversified and seasonal food in a stylish atmosphere. The breathtaking panoramic view over Bremen makes eating there a food experience. “We would like to create a “time out zone” for our employees in pleasant atmosphere”, explains Bernadette Sikora, Managing Partner of the SIKORA Holding GmbH & Co. KG. “Our employees should enjoy coming into the restaurant, feel comfortable and return to their work relaxed and satisfied. This is an enormous added value for the employee and for our company”, explains Bernadette Sikora further.

SIKORA is a leading manufacturer and worldwide vendor of measuring and control technology for the cable as well as hose and tube manufacture. The systems assure quality of the products during the production process while at the same time saving material and costs. The Bremen-based company is structured into 2 business areas. The SIKORA HOLDING GmbH & Co. KG leads the strategic business with the focus on finances. The SIKORA AG manages the operational business with the concentration on research and development, production and sales. The company has 10 international service respectively sales offices in China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Turkey, the Ukraine and the USA. These work together with more than 30 regional representatives worldwide and thus assure an optimum customer support. In 2010 SIKORA achieved a consolidated turnover of 28.5 million Euros. Presently, 139 employees are working in Bremen-Mahndorf. In total, 180 employees belong to the SIKORA company.

Mr. Dr. Lampe, for 3 months you have been responsible for the R&D department at SIKORA. What has changed for you since then?

Since the take-over of my new position, the organization and coordination of the R&D activities determine my daily function. The work is diversified because I get all development topics on my desk from which new ideas and suggestions for new projects result. Of course, I know about my new responsibility and take it very seriously. What Mr. Sikora has built up with regard to innovations in the last over 30 years raises the bar. Nevertheless, I will meet the challenge and I am pleased to continue his vision. By the way, I am proud to have a motivated team behind me who daily live the thought of innovation with me.

How would you like to push forward the innovation activities of the company in the future? Do you have concrete ideas?

Customer conversation is important for me. With communication only I know what the customer needs. Simultaneously, I have to recognize which technologies could be helpful to further optimize or support the production process. In this regard, I have the function of an adviser. In my opinion, a great potential in the future offers the X-ray technology. I am sure that this know-how will be of decisive importance for the cable, hose and tube industry as well as for other markets.

What characterizes SIKORA measuring technology in contrast to alternative technologies?

Our aim is to provide optimum technology which fulfills and possibly exceeds all customer demands. This maxim is also reflected in our claim “Technology to Perfection”. The drive to perfection is part of our company philosophy. Thus, we have established for example a wide network of offices and representatives worldwide in order to comprehensively support our customers every time and everywhere. We are only satisfied if our customers are satisfied.

What is your life motto?

Actually I have two. “Live the day” and “No can do is not an option for me”. In particular, the second motto determines my work. I am only satisfied when there is a solution – and there is always a solution, no matter for which problem. You have only to think outside the box.

Profile Dr. Siegmar Lampe

• 1991 - 1997 Studies of Electrical Engineering with the focus on Microelectronics/Microsystems Technology, University Bremen
• 1997 - 2003 Research Assistant at the Institute for Theoretic Electrical Engineering and Microelectronics, graduation in the area of Numerics, University Bremen
• 2003 - 2005 Development Engineer Automotive Electronics at the IAV GmbH
• 2005 - 2010 Development Engineer at SIKORA AG
• seit 1.1. 2011 Head of R&D at SIKORA AG

For SIKORA, healthy food is part of a lively company culture. “We would like to create a pleasant atmosphere where our employees can relax during their lunch hour.”, explains Bernadette Sikora, Managing Partner of the SIKORA Holding GmbH & Co. KG. “Our employees should enjoy coming into the restaurant, feel comfortable and return to their work relaxed and satisfied. This is an enormous added value for the employee and for our company”, explains Bernadette Sikora further.

The meals are daily prepared in the newly created SIKORA company canteen. A balanced and seasonal food range is in the focus. The concept of the restaurant was developed and realized in cooperation with the agency for healthy life “Essenszeit”.

The basis of the new TROESTER system is an optimized cross head, which allows an extremely precise adjustment of the inner tool (mandrel tip) until the tool is perfectly centered. This is achieved by an automatic hydraulic servo-system. The new cross head receives the information for precise tool centering via the SIKORA X-ray measuring device X-RAY 6000. The system continuously measures online the wall thickness and eccentricity of the hose. The measuring values are transmitted to an optimized PID-controller, which adjusts the eccentricity of the hose automatically within a split of a second with an impressive precision. Among all tested production conditions the X-RAY 6000 achieves an eccentricity per axis of below one hundredth of a millimeter and maintains this value over the complete production time. “Via manual centering such a precision can only be achieved with tremendous effort and is hardly to maintain over a long period.”, explains Peter Hügen, Area Sales Manager at SIKORA. Besides the high accuracy, which assures the continuous and precise collection of measuring values, the system has a selectable measuring rate of 1 to 3 Hz (optional 10, 100 Hz). The devise is equipped with XLL (eXtra-Long-Life)-X-ray tubes that guarantee high reliability and life time.

An important criterion for the success of the system is the distance between head and measuring device. In practice this means for example a distance of ca. 20 cm between the die piece and measuring center. “The distance should be as short as possible under consideration of the line speed.”, explains Peter Hügen. “On average, there are five to seven control steps necessary in order to for example control an eccentricity from 0.6 to 0 respectively 0.01, that is to produce the perfect hose.”, says Peter Hügen further. A control step is the time span that is required to get from the head output to the measuring point. Generally, it takes one to two seconds until the next control step is started.

With the new automatic technology concept the product quality can be increased with the help of a stable online control process. An additional advantage: Due to the permanently assured precision the customer can reduce a bit from the safety of wall thickness that means, to work with nominal values - without oversize. Calculated upon one year this leads to significant material savings. Thus, an investment in the new cross head with integrated X-ray measuring technology amortizes within one year.

CSS 2 assures the cleanliness of the melt (1)
In a CV-line, for example, a CSS 2 (Cleanliness Scanning System) is installed for real time monitoring and detection of impurities of the polymer melt. The flow channel between main extruder and the cross head is equipped with sight glasses and an optical CCD camera system, which transilluminates the insulation material. Thus, the system assures that only pure PE material is used for the cable production. As a result, a higher electric strength of the cable can be achieved.

ULTRATEMP 6000 assures an optimum melt temperature (2)
SIKORA’s product range for energy cables also includes the ULTRATEMP 6000, which measures the temperature of the PE melt during extrusion on a non-contact basis between the extruder screw and the cross head. Besides temperature determination, theULTRATEMP 6000 detects inhomogeneities in the melt. Early cross linking after screens which may lead to ambers or scorches in the material do not occur. The device optimizes the output of a planned production time.

X-RAY 8000 NXT assures accurate hot measuring values of the cable parameters (3)
The X-ray measuring system X-RAY 8000 NXT is installed in the moving part of the telescopic tube directly after the crosshead for precise hot measurement of the wall thickness of all 3 layers (concentricity, diameter and ovality). Measuring values for centering and control are therefore available immediately after starting up the line. The system is used in catenary and vertical lines.

X-RAY 8700 NXT assures precise cold values (4)
While the X-RAY 8000 NXT provides information for a fast centering and direct control, the X-RAY 8700 NXT supplies precise quality data about the final product. The X-RAY 8700 NXT measures the diameter, wall thickness and eccentricity and is suitable for all cable types with solid, stranded or Milliken conductor and with single, double or triple layer insulation. With the use of the X-RAY 8000 NXT at the beginning of the line for collection of the hot measuring values and the X-RAY 8700 NXT at the end of the line for measuring the cold values, 3 shrinking values are analyzed for every insulation layer of the cable. Consequently, an optimum process is assured.

¹The European offshore wind industry key trends and statistics 2010. A report by the European Wind Energy Association. January 2011.

The X-RAY 6000 is installed for the measurement of the cold wall thickness after the cooling trough, between 2 cooling troughs or optional at the beginning of the line to display hot measuring values directly after the extruder. It is suitable for diverse product diameters from 0.65 to 650 mm. Single layer or multi layer hoses, aluminium composite tubes, pressure hoses with textile reinforcement, small or large diameter hoses made of PE, HDPE, PVC, EPR as well as foamed products, products made of EPDM, nylon, rubber, silicone are reliably measured by the X-RAY 6000. Moreover, it is suitable for quality control of medical or cosmetic tubes.

The used measuring principle is based on the latest X-Ray technology, where the hose or tube is transilluminated by X-Rays. The image of the product is directly projected on high-resolution X-Ray image sensors and analyzed. Directly from the X-Ray image the measuring values of all product dimensions are calculated by means of specific algorithms. The measuring values are available within seconds. This technology allows for a continuous measurement and control of the line under consideration of the minimum values.

Outstanding features of the X-RAY 6000 are a high accuracy, which permanently ensures precise measuring values as well as a selectable measuring rate from 1 to 3 Hz (optional 10, 100 Hz). The device is equipped with XLL (eXtra-Long-Life) X-Ray tubes for highest reliability and life time. Moreover, the system has a universal power supply, which covers all common supply voltages and frequencies. Even in regions with instable mains supply precise measuring values are continuously achieved. The X-RAY 6000 product range offers a variety of 2-axis-models for product diameter from 0.65 to 650 mm.

Besides 2-axis measuring devices SIKORA offers the 3-axis-measuring system X-RAY 6070 TRIAX. The X-Ray device is specifically tailored to the requirements during the manufacture of composite tubes. It measures the wall thickness and ovality at 6 points and detects also faults on the product surface as well as on the inner tube. Even small, punctual faults are reliably detected with a measuring rate of up to 100 Hz. The X-RAY 6000 provides a serial interface for the SIKORA-display and control device ECOCONTROL 6000 as well as a diagnosis interface. With the ECOCONTROL 6000 there are additional device options available such as the automatic control, Profibus-DP, NetDDE, OPC, statistics and evaluation as well as the connection of a report printer.

Mrs. Bernadette Sikora is also appointed to the Holding and is responsible for the business areas Finances and Controlling. Harald Sikora will support the company as consultant. Successor of Sikora is Harry Prunk, present member of the board of the SIKORA AG. As chairman Prunk takes over the management of the company with the business areas Production, Service, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing and Research and Development. Dr. Siegmar Lampe is appointed director of the R & D department. Until now he was the deputy director of development under Harald Sikora. The SIKORA AG is a division of the SIKORA Holding GmbH & Co. KG and has at present ten offices worldwide.

Constructive discussions, great buying interest and actual conclusions as well as the expectation of a promising after show business created the mood at the K. On the SIKORA-booth there were existing business partners presents as well as potential customers. “In total there is a positive movement to innovative and reliable products“, explains Harry Prunk, CEO of SIKORA AG. “The business activity is clearly increasing. Many companies start to invest again, in order to be optimally positioned on the market, says Prunk.

Bremen, October 18, 2010 - The Bremen-based SIKORA AG, manufacturer of innovative measuring and control technology for the wire and cable industry, takes the 21st place of the TOP 100 medium-sized companies in Germany. This is the result of a study, published in “Die Welt” on October 18th 2010, in cooperation with the Munich Strategy Group. More than 1000 medium-sized companies in Germany have been examined in the course of this study on the basis of their development of sales and rate of return.

In Bremen SIKORA is the only company, which belongs to the TOP 100. The ranking is based on two criteria, which are equally weighted, namely the average growth in sales as well as the average rate of return in the years 2005 to 2009.

Source:

http://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/wirtschaft/article10366601/Der-Sueden-hat-die-erfolgreichsten-Mittelstaendler.html

A highlight on the SIKORA-booth (10 G21) is the new X-RAY 6000 series for the measurement of the diameter, wall thickness, eccentricity and ovality at hose and tube extrusion lines. The X-RAY 6000 includes XLL-X-ray tubes (eXtra-Long-Life tubes) and provides a selectable measuring rate of 1 to 3 Hz, optionally 10, 100 Hz.

SIKORA is also showcasing the new ULTRATEMP 6000 for online temperature measurement of material melts of hoses and tubes. Besides temperature measurement the device detects inhomogeneities in the melt.

Another highlight on the SIKORA booth is the LENGTH 6000 for non-contact online measurement of produced lengths of hoses and tubes. For this method, the product image and its movement are defined and thus the speed and the produced length calculated.

At the K, SIKORA will introduce the second generation of its successful diameter LASER gauge heads. The new LASER Series 6000 includes a number of technological innovations, one being a measuring rate of 2.5 kHz.

Here you can get an impression of our highlights at the K 2010.

TELE-FONIKA Kable will use the SIKORA-measuring systems in the cable plants Kraków/Bieżanów, Kraków/Wielicka and Bydgoszcz in Poland for quality assurance during the cable production. The order includes wall thickness, eccentricity and diameter measuring systems as well as break down testers for the installation in CV-lines as well as insulating and jacketing lines.

Harry Prunk, CEO SIKORA AG: “We are pleased about the order from Poland. It reinforces that our customers decide for measuring technology, which meets the challenging conditions in the production line and thus in the market. The aim of today’s measuring systems are cost reduction though optimum use of resources, quality assurance directly in the production process and increase of production efficiency. Our measuring technology fulfills all the demands“, explains Prunk.

TELE-FONIKA Kable is the biggest cable manufacturer in Central and Eastern Europe. In terms of sales it is Europe’s fourth biggest cable manufacturer and is noted as one of the world’s largest suppliers of cable and wire. The goal of the company is to deliver products of the highest quality. Dr. Robert Bach, chairman of Tele-Fonika Sp. Z o.o. S.K.A.: “With the investment in the latest and innovative measuring and control technology from SIKORA TELE-FONIKA sets the course in order to react appropriate to the increasing customer demands in the area of quality assurance and to direct the production of cables into new, even more efficient tracks.“

“The cooperation is an enrichment of our cultural engagement“, says Harry Prunk, CEO SIKORA AG. “The Music Festival Bremen stands for long tradition, high quality and maximum artistic performance. These are values, which we feel strongly committed to at SIKORA.“

The sponsorship of culture, in particular in the surrounding areas of the headquarters in Bremen, is for SIKORA self-evident. As sponsor and partner, the company has been taking social responsibility for years. The focus is mainly placed on the support of music and theatre. The encounter with culture opens up new impulses for creative ideas for the company.

www.musikfest-bremen.de

Harald Sikora, chairman of the SIKORA AG, as well as Harry Prunk, CEO of SIKORA AG, together with Ronald Schween, technical site manager of the construction company Züblin AG, placed the corner stone for the extension on the SIKORA-premises.

“The extension of the technology center is our reply to the positive business development in the last years. Thanks to the consequent investment in research and development and our strategic alignment in growth markets, we have mastered the crisis well.

Despite the economic challenges we have launched several new products. For the upcoming years as well we expect a positive business development and further increasing turnovers. With the expansion of our technology center by 3 levels we create more space for creative ideas and innovations in order to be first in the market” said Sikora during the ceremony.

The technology of the LENGTH 6000 is based on an optical measuring principle. In combination with two laser diodes, two image sensors are positioned next to each other. In sequence the product passes both image sensors. The time, which the product needs in order to get from the first to the second sensor is measured. Even with reflective surfaces the high-resolution image sensors determine their unique structure by means of the diffraction analysis*.

Until now mechanical systems had been used, which provided only limited precision due to the slip on the product surface. The alternatively used “Doppler method“ does not have the disadvantage of the slip dependency, but it is not suitable for all kinds of surfaces (e.g. reflective, smooth surfaces) and requires an accurate product guiding. The technology of the LENGTH 6000, which defines the length through comparison of image patterns, is reliable for round products and for products with reflective and smooth surfaces. The system calculates the length independent from whether the product is going forward or backward. Moreover, the measurements start from zero line speed.

Length measuring devices are used in order to ensure that the required cable or tube length is produced. Short- or over-lengths always lead to profit cuts so that the length measuring device LENGTH 6000 will pay back for itself quickly. Assuming a jacketing line produces cables amounting to approximately 30 million €/ year, any savings associated to the production length results in an additional value. If the delivery length is reduced by as little as 0.1%, 30,000 € can be saved.

* patent

Constructive discussions, great buying interest and actual conclusions as well as the expectation of an interesting after show business created the mood at the wire. On the SIKORA-booth there were important business partners present as well as potential customers. Moreover, current industrial trends of the market could be defined.

“In total there is a positive movement to innovative and reliable products“, explains Harry Prunk, CEO of SIKORA AG. “The business activity is clearly increasing. Many companies start to invest again, in order to be optimally positioned on the market, says Prunk.

The territorial responsibilities are divided as follows:

Wire and Cable Industry:

Mr. Holger Lieder

• Western Europe, except Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal
• Eastern Europe including Russia and CIS states
• Africa and Middle East
• Northern, Central and South America, Canada and Mexico
• Australia and New Zealand

Mr. Knut Szemjonneck

• Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal
• All Asian countries

Hose and Tube Industry:

In addition, Mr. Knut Szemjonneck is responsible for the hose and tube industry.

A highlight on the two-level SIKORA-booth 9 A41 is the new X-RAY 6000 series for the measurement of the diameter, wall thickness, eccentricity and ovality at insulating and jacketing lines. The X-RAY 6000 includes XLL-X-ray tubes (eXtra-Long-Life tubes) and provides a selectable measuring rate of 1 to 3 Hz, optionally 10, 100 Hz with the X-RAY 6000 TRIAX.

SIKORA is also showcasing sophisticated equipment for optical fiber measurement in the drawing tower. The FIBER LASER 6003 measures the diameter of optical fibers with an accuracy of ± 0.05 micrometers while providing information on the ovality, fiber position, spinning and vibration frequency and amplitude.

Other highlights on the SIKORA booth are the LENGTH 6000 for non-contact online measurement of produced lengths of cables and the PREHEATER 6000 a conductor preheater that ensures optimum adhesion of the insulation on the wire.

At the Wire, SIKORA will introduce the second generation of its successful diameter LASER gauge heads. The new LASER Series 6000 includes a number of technological innovations, one being a measuring rate of 2.5 kHz.

First, the SIKORA-Software department developed a questionnaire for the test person to answer during the tests. The questionnaire includes the topics configuration (color and language options, control options, printer options), measuring value operation, evaluation of the production (statistics, trend function) and maintenance operation.

Next, 15 SIKORA-employees from the marketing, sales, purchasing, service and production departments with different levels of knowledge on the test object as well as 15 sales managers from the international SIKORA-offices took part in the usability-tests. The test was a combination of questioning and subjective evaluation. On the one hand, the tester had to answer the questionnaire and to evaluate the solvability of the tasks. On the other hand, a usability-expert observed the testers and evaluated the solution finding.

“Simply switch the device on to start reading precise measuring values that can be used to control exactly to your nominal size. This is how processor systems should work. The systems have to be self-explanatory – even without intensive training of the operator“, says Michael Schaffrath, head of the software department at SIKORA. “By testing the software, we are able to eliminate possible weaknesses before a series production and thus providing our customers optimum product solutions”, explains Schaffrath further.

Display and control devices from SIKORA for the use in wire and cable as well as hose and tube extrusion lines are worldwide known for highest quality and reliability during production. Intelligent software technology ensures an intuitive and fast operation during production. The SIKORA-software is continuously being further developed and specifically tailored to the demands of the customers.

In 2008 SIKORA ranked 18th, according to the study of Venohr. As a result of the enormous growth of 45.5% from 2006 to 2008 SIKORA now ranks 7th.

The nomination of the 100 fastest growing German world market leaderships resulted from a comprehensive data base. Several criteria were used for the selection: The Company is among the top three worldwide or is leading in Europe. The turnover was below 50 Mio. Euro in 2006 and has increased by 7.5 percent by 2008. The companies had no influence on the analysis and the result. In the end, SIKORA AG joins the top ten of the fastest growing medium-sized companies.

Source:

http://www.handelsblatt.com/mittelstand-deutschlands-kommende-weltmeister;2477002

http://www.handelsblatt.com/homepage/weltmeister2009/#7

The 2,500 measurements per second allow extremely precise single values and thus highest accuracy – even at high draw speeds. Statistical analyses are directly taken in the gauge head. By using a FFT-analysis the spin, the vibration frequency and the position of the fiber in the measuring field can accurately be defined. Additionally, other randomly occurring non-conformities during production and/or during coating caused by variations of line speed or vibrating (oscillating) fibers are discovered at an early stage. The statistical distribution of short-term variations of the product parameters are graphically displayed during production on the processor system of the ECOCONTROL-series in the form of a cloud diagram.

The devices are factory-calibrated and maintain their accuracy for the life of the gauge. The gauge head technology ensures the quality of the fiber and thus assists in producing a product that provides reliable data transfer over long distances without data loss. The diameter sizing quality provided by the gauge guarantees a good connection of optical fibers. The measuring principle is based on the SIKORA patent-registered “Laser-shadow projection-principle“. With the measurement of round elements using this method, SIKORA holds technology leadership worldwide. It allows the non-contact optical measurement of diameters without moving parts.

In addition, SIKORA offers the FIBER LUMP 6003 T for the lump detection in the drawing tower.

The sales manager of SIKORA JAPAN is Ms. Yumi Ito, native-born Japanese from Tokyo. The 31-year-old speaks English and German fluently, in addition to her native Japanese. Ms. Ito has completed six months of technical training at SIKORA’s headquarters in Bremen/ Germany, which thoroughly prepared her for her future job.

With the establishment of SIKORA FRANCE and SIKORA TÜRKIYE at the beginning of this year, SIKORA JAPAN now makes the third new office within one year.

In 2007, SIKORA extended their headquarters by adding a new building for research, development and service. This new building will now be extended by three stories. SIKORA sees further growth opportunities in the international market, for which the new building will be utilized to support this growth. Specifically in emerging markets where the expansion of the power network is extensive, SIKORA forecasts a strong growth. Currently SIKORA has over 600 X-ray measuring systems, which are used for the production of energy cables, installed worldwide.

SIKORA offers the device with the processor system ECOCONTROL 600 directly integrated in the preheater-housing. The ECOCONTROL 600 displays the product and production parameters numerically and graphically on a clear 8.4“-TFT-monitor. Moreover, it includes a trend display of the relevant data, such as temperature and line speed. An additional highlight is the integrated product library, where product recipes can easily be stored and recalled. To ensure a stable temperature and optimum adhesion the required power is calculated by the PREHEATER 6000 depending on line speed and product diameter.

With the addition of the PREHEATER 6000 in its product range, SIKORA offers customers a complete scope of system solutions. A setup change of the line with the PREHEATER 6000 is possible in combination with several interfaces such as Profibus-DP.

Advantages of the technology:

• Optimum adhesion of the PE (or other plastics) on the conductor
• Reliable control of the preheater‘s power for a precise heating of the wire
• The PREHEATER 6000 can be retrofitted into existing lines
• Graphical interface with recipe storage and trend display via ECOCONTROL 600

For energy transfer to the main suppliers - either by overhead cables or underground cables – medium, high and extra-high voltage cables are needed. The production of these energy cables requires extremely high quality standards. With cable manufacturer’s objective to be cost effective, SIKORA AG offers optimum measuring and control devices. In the early 1990s SIKORA presented the first X-ray measuring system, the X-RAY 8000. This system measures the wall thickness of 3-layers of medium, high and extra-high voltage cables directly after the extruder in a crosslinking tube (i.e. insulation vulcanization). With the X-RAY 8000 NXT, SIKORA offers the next generation of X-ray measurement devices. This system fulfils the increased demands of precision and productivity during production of medium, high and extra-high voltage cable. Online process optimization, material savings and continuous quality control in the production of MV, HV and EHV cables* in CCV, VCV- and MDCV-lines** are just a few of the outstanding benefits which can be achieved with the X-RAY 8000 NXT.

The system demonstrates its market leadership more than ever in the area of EHV cable production. Specially developed for this application field, SIKORA supplies the X-RAY 8000 NXT for extremely large cable diameters of 180 mm for CCV-lines and 220 mm for VCV-lines.

The X-RAY 8000 NXT displays the wall thickness, eccentricity and ovality at 8 points and measures the diameter with an incomparably high measurement and repeatability. Only one scanning process is required in order to calculate all measurement values. X-RAY 8000 NXT thus allows the operator to make rapid adjustments to the extrusion tools. The scanners are equipped with XLL (Extra-Long-Life) X-ray tubes ensuring uppermost reliability and operation time. The integrated multi-sensor technology guarantees reliable measurement values even with high vibration of the cable. A genuine pioneering capability is the use of ceramic windows***, which separate the X-ray scanners from the pressure space of the CV line. The surface of the ceramic windows*** does not react with by-products, thus windows remain clean without rinsing or mechanical protection devices. Consequently, SIKORA contributes to “green technology“. The increased cable quality as well as the savings of material consumption through the use of the X-RAY 8000 NXT makes the production more economic and concurrently conserves the limited resources.

* MV (Medium Voltage), HV (High Voltage), EHV (Extra High Voltage)
** CCV (Catenary Continuous Vulcanization), VCV (Vertical Continuous Vulcanization), MDCV (Mitsubishi Dainichi Continuous Vulcanization)
*** Patent pending

For more than 3 decades the Bremen-based SIKORA AG has been setting standards with innovative measuring and control devices for application in insulating and jacketing lines as well as in hose and tube extrusion lines worldwide.

In 1972 Harald Sikora presented the first non-contact measuring systems for energy cables and made the newly founded company a global player in the segment of measuring technology. The scope of supply mainly focuses on non-contact ovality, eccentricity and wall thickness measurement by means of X-ray radiation and optical diameter measurement on the basis of laser technology. “I am very happy and honored to receive this wonderful award, but it also goes to all who have significantly contributed to the success of our company“, says Harald Sikora.

Today, SIKORA AG has 128 employees at its headquarters in Bremen. Moreover, 40 employees at nine international offices and more than 30 regional representatives guarantee a flexible customer service on site. SIKORA had a fast-paced development of its turnover. Comparing the years 2003 to 2008 the company had a growth in the consolidated turnover from 9 million euro to 31 million euro. This success is in particular based on effective research and development of new products in Bremen and the focus of all activities to the demand of the customer.

Conventional methods to measure the melt temperature, such as contact thermocouple sensors, influence the melt flow properties which may result in early crosslinking. Other disadvantages of contact measurements are slow response times and inaccuracies of the measurement as a result of frictional heat. ULTRATEMP 6000* is a non-contact melt temperature measurement system based on non-invasive ultrasonic technology. It precisely measures the melt temperature during production and does not influence the melt flow properties. Therefore, melt shear heating effects do not occur. The ULTRATEMP 6000* determines the melt homogeneity and thus ensures homogeneous melt viscosity for the extrusion process. Early cross-linking after screens, which may lead to ambers and scorches in the polyethylene material is avoided. The ULTRATEMP 6000* includes an adapter, which is positioned in the flow channel between the extruder screw and the extruder head. The adapter consists of high-temperature ultrasonic sensors, i.e. an ultrasonic transmitter on one side and an ultrasonic receiver on the opposite side of the flow channel. The ultrasonic signal is sent through the complete cross section of the plastic melt flow to the receiver and the melt temperature is instantaneously defined in real time. The extremely high measuring rate allows a fast response time as well as the precise capture of small temperature variations.

ULTRATEMP 6000* can be combined with the display and control systems ECOCONTROL 600, 1000 and 2000 ensuring an efficient production control. The processor systems display numeric and graphical process information along with analysis tools as trending and statistical process control analysis. The ECOCONTROL models offer continuous monitoring of the measured values. Alternatively, ULTRATEMP 6000* can be delivered with a Profibus-DP interface. SIKORA’s temperature measurement system optimizes running time and productivity of the extrusion line and supplies an important step for further process optimization and costs reduction.

* Patent pending

There are alternatives to the worst-case scenario. Possible measures are for example the reduction of overtime and extra work, strategic vacation planning, setting up short time work, and partial retirement. Another option is the elaborate use of technical possibilities of latest developments in order to reduce the further big cost share besides personnel costs, the material costs during the production of wires and cables, hoses and tubes. By means of true cost calculations, the benefit of technologies, which increase quality and productivity during production, to the company’s balance sheet can clearly be defined. The following example will show that: “The integration of the eccentricity, wall thickness, ovality and diameter measuring system, X-RAY 2000, achieves more costs savings than the dismissal of five employees”.

While at the dismissal of employees usually compensation has to be paid, which will negatively influence the balance of the current business year as extraordinary costs, in case of an investment to reduce material consumption, only the linear depreciation values are shown in the balance sheet. In comparison, a compensation payment for dismissed employees adds up to an amount of 5 x 14.000 € = 70.000 € for five laid-off people². This would be similar to the investment in the measuring and control system X-RAY 2000.

At the beginning both measures, the investment and the personnel reductions, will influence the cash flow and the liquidity of the company in the same way, but in case of an investment, a credit for financing the project does much less influence the liquidity of the company as the following sample calculation shows.

Interdependency between material savings, profit and increased productivity
Assuming that at present the wall thickness of the product has a nominal value of 2 mm, but an average wall of 2.10 mm is applied, a material over-consumption of 5 % is achieved. Based on 6,600 production hours per year (3 shift operation) with a material output of 600 kg/h of the extruder and a material price of 1 €/kg, the material consumption is calculated by 3.96 million €/annum.

The reduction of the wall thickness by 0.1 mm (5 %) results in material savings of 198,000 €/per annum, which corresponds to 30 €/h. In consideration of costs for maintenance and servicing in the amount of 0.5 €/h and a depreciation of 1.32 €/h (depreciation, i.e. the reduction in the value of an asset, over 8 years, 6,600 h/year) the profit of the company improves from the first day of initial operation by 28.18 €/h. If this is multiplied by the assumed 6,600 h/year the impressive profit for one business year would be 185,988 €, by implementing an X-RAY 2000 in the production process.

In addition, proportional to the reduced material consumption the line speed can be increased, i.e. according to the above mentioned calculation a product surplus of 5 % will be produced on the line within the same time. On the base of an hourly rate for the machines of 100 €³ the savings resulting from the increase in productivity (0.05 x 6,600h/annum x 100 €/h) will amount to further 33,000 €/per annum.

Impact of personnel reduction on the performance of the company
In contrast, the lay-off of five employees would save labor cost plus payroll fringe costs to an amount of 250,000 €/annum (5 x 50,000 €). However, the saved labor and payroll fringe costs cannot be calculated in full amount as cost reduction. The available manpower is reduced by the laid-off employees and important know-how will be lost. Losses in quality have to be expected, as well as overtime work for the remaining employees, maybe with additional costs for payable overtime work and costs for subcontracted workers and outsourcing orders to other companies.

Once the business situation improves and the demand increases, new employees would have to be hired, which then requires cost intensive training as well. In an estimated calculation, only 50 % of the saved labor and payroll fringe costs can be assumed as cost reduction, meaning only 125,000 €/annum.

According to the previous example, the integration of an X-RAY 2000 in an extrusion line is in comparison to the dismissal of five employees evidently the more economic and more human solution. Even if with the measuring and control technology material savings of only 4 % would be achieved this statement remains, considering that only 50 % of the saved labor costs plus the payroll fringe costs will reduce the actual costs effectively.

Alternatives to personnel reductions strengthen the company
During the 36-years-old company history, the management of the Bremen/Germany based-SIKORA AG has recognized that the financial success of a company depends besides technical innovation on “soft” factors of the company culture. An employee-orientated management style and the connected commitment of the employees decisively contribute to the economic success.

X-RAY 2000 technology safeguards jobs
Within this company philosophy SIKORA has developed the X-RAY 2000 for online measuring and control of wall thickness, eccentricity, the diameter as well as ovality in production and extrusion lines to improve quality and efficiency in order to save costs. For this method of quality control the product is transilluminated by X-rays. Measuring values are continuously available within fractions of a second, which allows a fast centering of the crosshead and a continuous measurement and control of the extrusion line in consideration of the minimum values. The measuring axes are arranged under 0, 90, 180 and 270° position. The measuring values of the X-RAY 2000, i.e. diameter, ovality, wall thickness and eccentricity are displayed numerically and graphically on the processor system ECOCONTROL 2000. Not only in times of a booming business there is a demand for measuring and control equipment with the initial supply with new lines, but especially in times of depressed economy for productivity increase of existing lines. This is because nobody can on a long term afford to produce with excessive expense.

Conclusion
For sure, different approaches will lead a company to different results. Costs saving actions are always to be decided according to company liquidity, structure as well as economical and environmental circumstances. The implementation of measuring and control technology turns out to be an effective means to save costs, increase efficiency and at the same time to safeguard jobs. In addition to the introductory statement of the essay, for Harry Prunk it is obvious: “Know-how has to stay in the company – even more in times of crisis. Instead of permanently educating new employees, we enjoy the more efficient way: we are developing the individual. This offers for the team bigger chances to move the business forward from which customers benefit. We have many employees who have been with SIKORA for 10, 20 and even more than 25 years. Employee turnover is almost non existent, which keeps know-how in the company.”

²Depends on number of seniority, statutory provisions of the state

³Assumed operation costs for extrusion lines

Bremen, January 5, 2009 - In January 2009 SIKORA AG releases their new advertisement campaign, an innovative brand image. In cooperation with the agency for brand communication ”red pepper” SIKORA has developed an advertisement campaign with expressive pictures and an exceptional picture style.

For more than 30 years the Bremen-based technology venture stood for innovation, brand awareness and cost reduction in the segment of measuring and control technology. These brand values are the theme of the new campaign. The ad message communicates the added value, which SIKORA offers with its products: More quality, more productivity and more cost savings for production lines.

The main element of the campaign under the motto “SIKORA shows face” is an advertisement tag line, which is unique for the medium-sized company. SIKORA employees from different fields of work talk about product features and customer benefit. “The campaign expresses our strategic approach of an integrated communication. It personally addresses our customers and simultaneously conveys information about our products. With the advertisement message we turn our company philosophy into a picture. Our employees clearly stand by SIKORA products, which they communicate,“ explains Katja Beyer, Corporate Communications SIKORA AG.

The SIKORA AG, manufacturer of innovative measuring and control technology for the wire and cable industry ranks 18th among the 100 future medium-sized world market leaders in Germany, as determined by Berlin economy professor Bernd Venohr. Under the title “Exclusive ranking of the fastest growing medium-sized companies – Germans upcoming world champions“ Prof. Venohr made the evaluation for the Handelsblatt, Handelsblatt.com and Wiwo.de.

The nomination of the 100 fastest growing German world market leaderships resulted from a comprehensive data base. The following criteria were used for the selection: The Company belongs worldwide to the top three or is leading in Europe. The turnover was below 50 Mio. Euro in 2005 and has increased by at least ten percent annually in the last 3 years. The companies had no influence on the analysis and the result. SIKORA AG thus joins the top league of the classic medium-sized companies.

Sources:

http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/strategie-wachstum/deutschlands-kommende-weltmeister;2070919;0

http://www.handelsblatt.com/homepage/weltmeister/#18

Since 1995 SIKORA has been successfully collaborating with the representative S.O.C.E. OXYCOM in France, which is directed by Mr. Gérard Fraenkel, and has been able to develop a broad customer base in recent years. The manufacturer of measuring and control devices for the wire, cable, hose and tube sector continues its company strategy of nationwide presence and customer proximity with the new service base, which is also located in the building of S.O.C.E.. The SIKORA strategy is based on the setting up of service offices worldwide, which specifically cater to customer needs and ensure fast support and service on site.

“France is an important market for us, as many cable manufacturers in the branches of communication, automotive, energy, and installation have their base there. In particular in the hose and tube segment we aim to further strengthen our presence and to convince customers of our first-class measuring and control systems”, says Harry Prunk, Chairman of SIKORA AG. “With a service office on site and the representative S.O.C.E. OXYCOM we can service our customers even more intensively and further expand our market position in France”, concludes Prunk.

SIKORA has been working very successfully with the International Trade Consultancy (ITC) since July 1997 and follows the extremely positive business development in the Turkish market with setting up its own office. “We are proud to announce the forthcoming opening of a further office in Turkey”, says Harry Prunk, Chairman of SIKORA AG. “What is crucial is the closeness to customers and the further expansion of our sales activities in and around Istanbul. We see strong growth potential in particular in the East European an Asian region, which we want to generate for our measuring and control devices solutions”, explains Prunk further.

Head of the SIKORA office in Istanbul is Ajda Sariguelle. After an intensive 6-months training in Bremen, Mrs. Sariguelle, who has great experience in the field of administration and sales, will move to the new office at the end of this year.

No chance for contamination
The innovative camera system CSS 2 detects contamination particles of different size and concentration in XLPE-materials. Contamination can be specifically caused by material handling such as shavings, which are created by wear of the extruder screw. Moreover, the cleaning of the extruder screw leaves dust particles, which bring tiny pores or inclusions into the material. Not to forget contamination in the form of combustion particles such as amber and scorches, which occur during the long-term operation of the line. Contamination in the PE-material creates a considerable risk of breakdown. The CSS 2 eliminates this risk - for higher cleanliness and safety at the production line.

Objective process control and quality assurance
Compared to time-delayed laboratory analysis distant from the production line, the CSS 2 system ensures continuous real-time and online quality assurance. The intelligent system inspects 100% the XLPE-melt for purity in the flow channel and allows an immediate intervention in the production process. The flow channel between the extruder and the cross head includes sight glasses and an optical CCD-camera system which transilluminates the insulation material. The high-resolution CCD-color camera detects particles of 20 µm (0.79 mil) in the PE-melt. The identified constituents are classified with regard to their size. Particles, which exceed the specified tolerance value are analysed by the CSS 2 with highest precision. The particles are displayed graphically with regard to color in its surrounding as well as the vertical and horizontal dimension and the light absorption. Measuring data about contamination are registered on a hard disk for subsequent inspections. Besides the graphical display of the detected particles and its surrounding, monitor pictures show the complete material flow (live image) - even if the selected tolerance level is not exceeded – and a trend curve on the particles per liter. After data analysis the results are presented in a histogram according to size and quantity. With the help of this information the production process becomes superfluous with regard to an optimum material cleanliness. Easily, quickly and precisely the system informs the operator when he can start the production and shows when contaminations exceed the tolerance value and the operator has to intervene in the production process. In contrast to the mere granulate control the system actually detects contamination in the material before the cable is produced. Thus, the CSS 2 concept presents itself as an extremely powerful and efficient partner in the high-voltage cable production.

The opening of the service office follows SIKORA’s strong business performance at present and reflects the progressing expansion and continuing global operations of the SIKORA AG in the future.

The long-term successful partnership between SIKORA AG and its Egyptian representative HEAVY INDUSTRIES SERVICES CO. (HISCO) formed the basis for the assignment of a professional SIKORA service team on site. The new service office, which is based at the existing HISCO office will provide on-call technical service support to further improve customer satisfaction and to strengthen SIKORA’s presence in the Arabian countries. "Cairo represents an optimum location for our service office," says Harry Prunk, chairman of the SIKORA AG. “The intensive collaboration with our representative HISCO in Egypt during the last years has proven successful. The new service location allows us to offer improved service and responsiveness to the growing demands of our Arabian customers”, concludes Prunk further. The SIKORA service team in Egypt is now available at:

SIKORA SERVICE EGYPT
HEAVY INDUSTRIES SERVICES CO. (HISCO)
Mr. Karim El-Nahas
Building 15 Block 1149
Sheraton Heliopolis
Cairo/Egypt
Phone: +202-22672479
Mobile: +20100694343
Fax: +202-22672478
E-Mail: service@sikora-egypt.com
Internet: www.sikora.net

“I thank you very much for your trust and I am looking forward to the challenges in my new function”, commented the Bremen-born Sikora on his appointment. “Our aim is to continue our strategy of expansion and the long lasting development of our company to remain competitive”, says Sikora.

Since the change of SIKORA GmbH into a corporation in 2002, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Sikora as well as Wolfgang van Hettinga and Martin Siemer have been on the Supervisory Board of the SIKORA AG. On a rotational basis Mr. Prof. Thomas Sikora takes the chair on the Supervisory Board. Mr. Wolfgang van Hettinga and Martin Siemer remain on the Supervisory Board. The Managing Board of SIKORA AG would like to thank Mr. van Hettinga for his commitment in the last years, which has significantly contributed to the dynamic growth of the company.

The worldwide increased demand for products and support of the installed base, was the decisive factor for SIKORA INTERNATIONAL to move into an expanded office structure at their Peachtree City address. The adjacent office has been developed into new sales and administration offices, new technical laboratory as well as largely expanded warehousing facilities. The technical laboratory, supporting repairs, telephone support and all technical support requirements for the region has grown over four times the original office size. The total office size is now almost double the size of the original facility with a total of 4500 square feet in office and warehouse space. Ten staff members are working there and provide individual sales and services. "We see our expansion as another key milestone indicative of the steady and consistent growth of our company," says Jeffrey Swinchatt, president of SIKORA INTERNATIONAL. "This expansion facilitates our mission always to enthuse our customers ensuring excellent support and service on site."

SIKORA INTERNATIONAL with its headquarters in Peachtree City, GA, was founded in 1991 and is a subsidiary company of the Bremen, Germany based SIKORA AG. Internationally well known for its highly qualitative measuring and control equipment for the wire, cable and hose sector SIKORA is further pushing into uprising markets. Expansion of not only the Peachtree City operation, but offices in China and Brazil as well, has been demanded of the Company. In 2007 SIKORA AG finished the construction of a third building on their Bremen, Germany campus. At the same time their purchasing department moved into another building within the office complex. With a clear company structure and strong global presence SIKORA presents itself as reliable partner for measuring and control technology on the highest level of perfection.

With the new X-RAY 8000 NXT for XL diameters, SIKORA is now presenting a new model of this series, which combines the technological advantages of the X-RAY 8000 NXT with regard to the practical application in the field of EHV-cable (Extra High Voltage cable) production. The “measuring giant” is perfectly suitable for extremely big cable diameters of up to 7.09” (180 mm) for CCV-lines and 8.66” (220 mm) for VCV-lines. It provides highest measuring accuracy and repeatability while demonstrating the flexibility and safety of an X-RAY 8000 NXT.

Same as the X-RAY 8000 NXT, the XL-system requires only one scan to calculate all measuring values. Hence, all requirements for rapid centering of the extrusion tools as well as optimum control of the production line. Multi-sensor semi-conductor detectors are incorporated into the high-end variant of the X-RAY 8000 NXT. The multi-sensor-technology assures reliable readings and ensures reliable measuring values – even when the cable is vibrating. At each scanning process four measuring values are provided – for a remarkably precise measurement. A masterpiece of engineering is the integration of ceramic windows*, which separates the scanners from the pressure of the CV-line. This innovation replaces the previously used beryllium windows and prevents contamination in the measuring plane. The surface of the ceramic windows* does not react with any by-products and always remains clean without rinsing and mechanical protections.

The product planning of the X-RAY 8000 NXT was specifically adapted to the demands of the modern high-voltage cable production. Today, 500 kV-cables and higher are produced, with bigger wall thicknesses and a specific measuring plane. Additionally, the expansion of the hot material results in a bigger hot diameter. For the measurement of EPR-cables with extremely big diameters SIKORA offers an innovative 70-kV-scanner-model, to permanently guarantee highest quality at the production.

In practice the X-RAY 8000 NXT stands out for its high efficiency. With regard to eccentricity, the wall thickness is measured and controlled, for highest quality and productivity. Simultaneously, the material consumption is reduced and results in cost reduction.

* patent pending

With the X-RAY technology, the hose or tube is transilluminated by X-rays. Measuring values are continuously available within fractions of a second. With the X-RAY 2000 customers achieve a fast centering of the crosshead and a permanent measurement as well as control of the extrusion line under consideration of the minimum values.

The measuring values of the X-RAY 2000 are displayed graphically and numerically on a 15” TFT-color monitor on the processor system ECOCONTROL 2000. In case of an eccentricity, the wall thickness is displayed as an eccentric ring. In the graphical display, the position, where the wall thickness is thinnest is highlighted as a bright colored segment. As a standard, the X-RAY 2000 provides a statistical evaluation of the measuring values, which are graphically displayed in a length or time related diagram in combination with a graphic display for the statistical distribution of the single measuring values and statistical data.

The advantages of the system are obvious: Calibration procedures are only done during production before initial operation and not necessary afterwards. With the measuring values available immediately at the start-up of the line and with the continuous measurement, the X-RAY 2000 becomes a tool, which is of essential importance for tube and hose extrusion lines, where beside tight tolerances for the products the economical aspects at the production and the quality control are important.

The measurement of the wall thickness, eccentricity as well as the inner and outer diameter is increasingly important in global competition. For customers in the hose and tube industry two criteria are of main importance: continuous quality assurance and the reduction of material over consumption to achieve a lasting cost reduction. The X-RAY 2000 guarantees a continuous online quality control and thus provides the highest technological potential for savings with regard to the elimination of start-up scrap and material over consumption.

CENTERVIEW 8000
SIKORA is presenting the remarkable CENTERVIEW 8000 developed for the special demands for quality and productivity at the production line. CENTERVIEW 8000 includes a unique non contact measuring head that allows a continuous on-line measurement. Furthermore, an 8-point eccentricity measurement, 4-axis diameter and 8-point ovality measurement provide highest precision. The measuring system is perfectly suitable for the production of telephone wires, coaxial cables, LAN-cables as well as automotive and building wires. SIKORA offers two CENTERVIEW 8000 models that are specifically compatible with diverse product dimensions to serve individual customer demands. CENTERVIEW 8010 is applicable to products with a diameter from 0.1 to 10 mm while CENTERVIEW 8025 is particularly conceived for bigger product diameters from 0.5 to 25 mm. Unique is the auto positioning of the gauge head to the cable position. In order to receive precise single measuring values even in the sub micrometer area, the design of the measuring head does not include any rotating mirrors, optical lenses or guide rollers.

CENTERVIEW 8000 records single measuring values with highest precision and depicts them in the form of points in a unique cloud diagram (patent pending) display. Rapidly, the operator gets clear information about eccentricity values that can optimally and promptly be controlled by means of specific controlling procedures. “With our innovative and powerful technology we further want to raise the bar regarding quality, productivity and cost reduction in the segment of premium measuring devices”, says Jeff Swinchatt, president of SIKORA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. CENTERVIEW 8000 sets new standards through its technological fully developed measuring procedure.

Outstanding innovations of the device are high accuracy, easy handling as well as a continuous online quality control at the production process. X-RAY 2000 is suitable for the measurement of the wall thickness of the cable continuously at four points (at the top, at the bottom, left and right) and always guarantees flexible solutions for specific products. The system additionally provides diameter and ovality values and at the same time offers the capability to control the manufacturing process by wall thickness or diameter.

The display and control device of the X-RAY 2000 series is ECOCONTROL 2000, a powerful processor system, which permanently provides precise measuring values and ensures highest quality standards. A length- or time-related diagram for the measured dimensions and a display of the statistical distribution curve of the measurements is offered. With SPC-data of the minimum, maximum value, the mean, standard deviation, Cp, and Cpk values the operator has all the information necessary to correctly control the extruder output or the line speed.

Meet our team of SIKORA on booth 117/119 and get to know our exciting product range. We look forward to seeing you at the Wire Expo!

Best performance demonstrated also the SIKORA booth: On 192 sqm and two floors SIKORA presented a business strategy of future-orientation. Besides the first floor, where all measuring and control systems were exhibited, a second floor in modern lounge style created a pleasant atmosphere for customer conversations. “The second floor as well was enthusiastically received by customers. From this “outstanding” position you could easily watch the fair goings”, says Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. “Our customers immediately felt comfortable at our booth, which contributed to the further development of business connections and to make new contacts”, explains Prunk further. Additionally, light refreshments were served. A cook supplied the customers during lunchtime with culinary delicacies.

The motto „the best“ was also suitable for SIKORA’s measuring and control devices. Especially new developments were in the spotlight, such as the X-RAY 2000 for the direct measurement of the diameter, wall thickness, eccentricity and ovality at the production line or the new LED 8000 XY, the first diameter gauge head with an LED light source, which also measures transparent products with highest reliability. The high achievers were the sophisticated diameter measuring devices of the LASER Series 2000 as well as the new display and control system ECOCONTROL 600, that clearly presents the measuring values of the connected measuring devices on a 8.4“ TFT-color monitor and controls the production process.

With its innovative non contact measuring and compatible control systems SIKORA occupies a niche for products, for which specifically high requirements are made. Precondition is the permanent research and development for improved product solutions at the headquarters in Bremen, which ensures that SIKORA reacts quickly to changing market conditions. „The global demand for measuring devices in the cable and hose and tube sector is enormous. In general, there is a positive movement towards high-quality and reliable products“, explicates Prunk. Latest numbers of customer contacts on the SIKORA booth confirm this upswing. „The number of visitors has increased by 45 % compared to the Tube/ Wire 2006. SIKORA’s innovative measuring devices belong to the best worldwide and are the powerhouse driving for the measuring devices of the future”, concludes Harry Prunk.

CENTERVIEW 8000: Exemplary reliability, optimum quality and substantial cost reduction
At an exhibition area of 144 sqm SIKORA is presenting the remarkable CENTERVIEW 8000 developed for the special demands for quality and productivity at the production line. CENTERVIEW 8000 includes a unique non contact measuring head that allows a continuous on-line measurement. Furthermore, an 8-point eccentricity measurement, 4-axis diameter and 8-point ovality measurement provide highest precision. The measuring system is perfectly suitable for the production of telephone wires, coaxial cables, LAN-cables as well as automotive and building wires. SIKORA offers two CENTERVIEW 8000 models that are specifically compatible with diverse product dimensions to serve individual customer demands. CENTERVIEW 8010 is applicable to products with a diameter from 0.1 to 10 mm while CENTERVIEW 8025 is particularly conceived for bigger product diameters from 0.5 to 25 mm. Unique is the auto positioning of the gauge head to the cable position. In order to receive precise single measuring values even in the sub micrometer area, the design of the measuring head does not include any rotating mirrors, optical lenses or guide rollers. CENTERVIEW 8000 records single measuring values with highest precision and depicts them in the form of points in a unique cloud diagram (patent pending) display. Rapidly, the operator gets clear information about eccentricity values that can optimally and promptly be controlled by means of specific controlling procedures. “With our innovative and powerful technology we further want to raise the bar regarding quality, productivity and cost reduction in the segment of premium measuring devices”, says Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. CENTERVIEW 8000 sets new standards through its technological fully developed measuring procedure.

Meet our team of SIKORA on booth 9 A41 and get to know our exciting product range. We look forward to seeing you at the Wire!

Located in the center of all commercial activities, the Suzhou office will contribute to the further continuation of existing customer relationships and allows for many opportunities to network and establish new sales leads. The decisive reason for the opening of the office is to increase customer support on site. Wanbin Chen, head of SIKORA ASIA, feels very confident about the business expansion. “We decided for the additional sales location to be more flexible and able to specifically address and attend customers on time. Our customers can expect a more convenient service which includes lower service costs due to shorter travelling ways. As we also engaged new employees we can more profoundly react on individual customer needs and most of all we can improve the information flow with them. Simultaneously, our objective in establishing a second office here is to raise awareness about our products and to convey SIKORA’s company image of future-orientation”, explains Chen.

SIKORA ASIA was founded in 1991 and is a subsidiary company of the Bremen/ Germany based SIKORA AG. Internationally well known for its highly qualitative measuring and control equipment for the wire, cable and hose sector SIKORA is further pushing into uprising markets. The headquarters of SIKORA ASIA is situated in Fuzhou, in the southeast of China. Ten employees are working there and provide individual sales and service. With the decision for the additional location SIKORA ASIA actively follows the strategy of world wide representation framed by the SIKORA parent company. The economic upswing of the Chinese Market motivates many customers to make concrete investments in the field of measuring devices for the cable and plastics branch. This trend follows firm intentions of large companies, especially machine manufacturers to invest in completely new production lines. The country’s know how and development potential has positioned China at 3rd position among the top 20 exporting nations worldwide in 2007. Over the next years China will further play a major role for the cable and tube sector.

SIKORA ASIA Suzhou Address:
Room 614, Sucheng Business Center,
No. 1607 Renmin Rd. Suzhou City,
Jiangsu Province,
P.R.China

Phone: +86-512-67773543
Fax: +86-512-67772647

Contact: SIKORA ASIA Fuzhou,
Suzhou, P.R. China
Email: sales@sikora-asia.net
Website: www.sikora.net

The latest LED-diodes combined with high resolution CCD-lines create the foundations for a top class future-oriented measuring device. With the help of a powerful software the shadow width of the measuring object is calculated and the outer diameter precisely defined. Especially unique is the measurement of those cables which have a transparent insulation layer. Within this application field the LED 8025 XY also guarantees optimum reliability. The integration of state-of-the-art SMD technology ensures the gauge head is very small and can easily installed into any production line. The LED 8025 XY is designed for product diameters from 0.25 to 25 mm.

The traditional strengths of measuring systems by SIKORA include maximum measuring precision, and long-life reliability. The gauge head is equipped with vertically arranged glass windows, which offer an efficient protection against dirt. Additionally, the LED 8025 XY is open at the bottom which prevents both dirt and water contaminating the measuring area. The lack of wearing parts creates a unique freedom from maintenance. The LED 8025 XY flexible design ensures an unrivalled process optimization and cost reduction.

Several interfaces

The LED 8025 XY is equipped with a RS 485 serial interface and RS 232 diagnostic interface for the direct connection of a line control system or SIKORA’s control devices REMOTE 2000 or ECOCONTROL 600, 1000 and 2000. Optionally, it also offers an Ethernet RJ45, Profibus interface or even an analog output.

"Our new website design, offers specific issues in greater detail. From corporate information to product news and topics such as environment and corporate social responsibility, visitors can quickly enter the fascinating world of SIKORA and gain an interactive experience on the potential of our company,” says Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. The website provides continually updated information and news about upcoming events always to keep visitors informed on time. “The rotating globe corresponds to our corporate philosophy: We are manufacturing our high-quality products in Bremen and guarantee with the support of several offices and representatives worldwide individual sales and services on site. We are constantly advancing on developing new technologies to enthuse our customers and to be always one decisive step ahead in the world markets.”

With the new website visitors receive a stronger multimedia brand experience, and can quickly and easily inform about products and company news. Additional features such as product videos, a newsletter or the Return on Investment Calculator (ROI) round off the digital channel of information. The website technology allows faster Internet connections and also makes it possible to achieve higher screen resolutions. By using a clear site structure and a rotating globe in corporate SIKORA blue the pages communicate the typical SIKORA design. Visit the new SIKORA website on www.sikora.net  and get an impression on the great capacity of SIKORA!

Just in time for the 20th anniversary of the most known norm of all times, ISO 9001, SIKORA, worldwide manufacturer of measuring and control devices for the wire, cable and hose markets, celebrates 14 years of ISO certification. Since 1993 the technology company has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 and practices quality management to perfection.  The company management is committed to the principles of the program and the primary responsibility for daily oversight is the quality control manager Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Gwinner. For 14 years he has controlled and managed the quality system – with notable success. For Gwinner quality is the basis to satisfy customer demands for product and service performance. “With the improvement of our operational sequences we meet legal demands and simultaneously aim at a systematic increase of customer satisfaction. Moreover, with the ISO-certification our market position can be further strengthened and extended,“ says Gwinner.

Gwinner continuously analyzes the business processes in the different departments of the company in cooperation with the company management and employees. Through the use of statistical analysis and operational measurements the identification of potential sources of defects can be made.  Process improvements then may be implemented to meet the goal of increasing employee consciousness of methodical operating processes and self-dependent quality control.  All procedures, at the different company levels should smoothly mesh with improvements systematically initiated. With the ISO 9001 certification SIKORA confirms to its customers that the workflows are subject to clear rules and constantly monitored, a check and balance insuring a quality end product.

For the continuous improvement of quality, internal and external employee training is provided numerous times during the year.  Of great importance is the company’s cooperation activity with machine manufacturers and customers in the various markets to address worldwide performance requirements while optimizing the manufacturing process. “The formula of success of a sustained quality management contains clear and transparent processes that is to say a process oriented leadership, flat hierarchies and a good communication.“, says Gwinner. “Feedback and suggestions for improvement from the employees are decisive factors for a successful quality management system“, explains the quality control manager further.

Long lasting investments over the recent years in service, delivery and quality orientation have proven to be extremely profitable today. With more than 150 employees worldwide SIKORA generated a consolidated turnover of 27 million euros in 2007.

Prepare yourself for an exciting visit to this year’s Interplastica 2008 in Moscow! SIKORA AG, manufacturer and worldwide vendor of pioneering measuring, controlling and testing equipment for the plastics and rubber industry will attract attention with the presentation of cutting edge products such as the LASER Series 2000 and X-RAY 2000 series. On the exhibition area the Germany-based company presents its innovative range of products and invites interested visitors to see for themselves the latest measuring and control devices.

Continuous online quality control with the LASER Series 2000
For the precise measurement of the outer diameter of a product during the production the SIKORA XY and 3-axis gauge heads of the LASER Series 2000 set new standards. The different gauge head models guarantee reliable measurements of hoses and tubes with a diameter from 0.05 to 300 mm. The sophisticated combination of a laser diode as light source with a CCD-line sensor provides high quality measurements. The outer diameter is automatically calculated from the shadow image. All LASER Series 2000 gauge heads provide 500 measurements per second and ensure with an exposure time of 1 µsec highest precision even if the product is vibrating or moving as typically seen during the production process. No moving parts and optical components are integrated into the systems which eliminate wearing and maintenance procedures. Due to the highly technological standard calibration is also not necessary.

X-RAY 2000: successful measuring technology for extrusion lines
X-RAY 2000 for the measurement of the diameter, wall thickness, eccentricity and ovality at the production line will be a major visitor attraction at the SIKORA booth. It presents itself as a remarkable generation of measuring systems for the reduction of production costs through minimization of start-up-scrap and thus reduction of material consumption. Outstanding innovations of the reliable X-ray measuring device are high accuracy, easy handling as well as a continuous online quality control of products with up to 3 layers. X-RAY 2000 is suitable for all hoses and tubes from 3 to 300 mm and always guarantees flexible solutions for specific products. The display and control device of the X-RAY 2000 series is ECOCONTROL 2000, a powerful processor system, which permanently provides precise measuring values and ensures highest quality standards. A length- or time-related diagram for the measured dimensions and a display of the statistical distribution curve of the measurements is offered. With SPC-data of the minimum, maximum value, the mean, standard deviation, Cp, and Cpk values the operator has all the information necessary to correctly control the extruder output or the line speed.

The concept of the Virtual Gauge Technology

Simulation Technology
Virtual Gauge Technology is the next chapter of measuring technology for the wire and cable sector. This technology developed by SIKORA innovatively controls the wall thickness of the product quickly and precisely at the requested nominal value even though a measurement of the wall thickness immediately after the extruder does not occur. The virtual measurement is still authentic.

Forward Thinking Design
Previously lines with a relatively low haul-off speed could not control the extruder from the end of the line due to the dead time resulting from the distance of the measuring device to the extruder. VGT eliminates this lag time and shows even during the start of the production the expected cold wall thickness despite the product not having arrived at the end of the cooling section. The measuring device is installed at the end of the cooling section for this method. Issues such as contamination, water influence or mechanical load, all of which occur with placement directly after the extruder are eliminated.

The extruder can already be controlled by the VGT during the starting phase to the calculated rpm that is necessary in order to achieve the entered cold nominal wall thickness. The specification of a cold wall thickness value is a decisive advantage over conventional methods where the extruder rpm is entered and as a result a wall thickness value is achieved. The control of the extruder is in consideration of the inserted haul-off speed. The virtual measuring gauge head calculates the extruder rpm to realize the specified wall thickness. The measuring device after the cooling section balances the actual wall thickness against the predicted one and controls the extruder to the requested wall thickness as necessary.

Intelligent Software Concept
The basis of the design is the identification of the extruder through the measurement of its volume output. The volume output is recorded in a user friendly way by the processor system ECOCONTROL 2000. ECOCONTROL 2000 displays the virtual as well as the real measuring value clearly on a 15“ TFT-monitor that can be used per touch-screen. If there are several extruder screws in use, their volume output will also be collected. New material types do not demand an addition of the volume output, but only a short calculation of the material-specific factor with the help of ECOCONTROL 2000. In the event of exceeding the control limit the system informs the operator and gives visual information that he has undertaken a material change that he must notify to the system.

Real advantages
In practice, the VGT is extremely reliable whilst predicting cold wall thickness and guaranteeing accurate control of the extruder. The measuring system at the end of the line measures the real values of the product which are then incorporated into the control. The VGT is compatible with the X-ray measuring devices X-RAY 2000 as well as the laser measuring systems of the LASER Series 2000. It is perfectly suited to application in the hose and tube sector. The virtual measuring head combines typical features of a real gauge head such as precision and reliability with the advantage of technological progress in production efficiency optimization and cost reduction.

The SIKORA booth at the K

The LASER Series 2000 grows
The highly versatile LASER 2300 XY expands the LASER Series 2000 XY and fulfils customer demands for measuring gauges for very big product diameters. As all SIKORA products the new gauge fascinates through its state-of-the-art CCD-line technology and impulse-driven laser-light sources, which allow extremely short exposure times of 0.3 µsec and ensure a measurement of highest precision at all line speeds. The gauge head is strikingly powerful and can easily be integrated into every location on the production line despite its size. The design of the LASER 2300 XY is exceedingly well thought out: The gauge head is open at the bottom and provides reliable measuring values in places with high levels of contamination. After years of operation the system will remain as precise as on the first day, without any calibration. The almost unlimited operation time of its laser light sources and the elimination of moving parts ensure freedom from maintenance.

Virtual Gauge Technology for a reliable and fast measuring value control
With the new Virtual Gauge Technology SIKORA presents a unique method to optimize the extrusion process, to minimize the material over consumption and to simplify the operation of an extrusion line. The excellent potential of the Virtual Gauge Technology is especially noticeable for specific line configurations or individual product compositions. Immediately after the extruder a diameter and wall thickness measurement can be done with the new concept. The superior technology controls the wall thickness of the product quickly and precisely at the nominal value even though a measurement of the wall thickness directly after the extruder does not take place. The basis of the design is the identification of the extruder through the measurement of its volume output. The volume output is recorded in a user-friendly way by the processor system ECOCONTROL 2000 in combination with a measuring device. ECOCONTROL 2000 displays the virtual as well as the real measuring value clearly on a 15” TFT touch screen monitor. The measuring device after the cooling section balances the actual wall thickness against the predicted one and controls the extruder to the specific wall thickness if necessary. Harry Prunk, chairman of the SIKORA AG: “This concept is perfect testimony to the aspirations and expertise of SIKORA in building the most exciting measuring systems for our customers in future.”

X-RAY 2000: successful measuring technology for extrusion lines
X-RAY 2000 for the measurement of the diameter, wall thickness, eccentricity and the ovality of tubes and hoses at the production line was a major visitor attraction at the SIKORA booth. It presents itself as a remarkable generation of measuring systems for the reduction of production costs through minimization of start-up-scrap and thus reduction of material consumption. Outstanding innovations of the reliable X-ray measuring device are highest accuracy, easiest handling as well as a continuous online quality control of products with up to 3 layers. X-RAY 2000 is suitable for all hoses and tubes from 3 to 300 mm and always guarantees flexible solutions for specific products. The display and control device of the X-RAY 2000 series is ECOCONTROL 2000, a powerful processor system, which permanently provides precise measuring values and ensures highest quality standards. A length- or time-related diagram for the measured dimensions and a display of the statistical distribution curve of the measurements is offered. With SPC-data of the minimum, maximum value, the mean, standard deviation, Cp, and Cpk values the operator has all the information necessary to correctly control the extruder output or the line speed.

Positive Show conclusion
The long-standing brand SIKORA, whose excellent reputation worldwide goes back to the legendary development of non-contact measuring systems for energy cables in the 1970s, is now benefiting from this lead in the hose and tube industry as well. For four years SIKORA has also been serving the hose and tube market and today records similar turnover increases like in the cable sector of about 20 to 40 %. With innovative measuring and control devices SIKORA occupies a niche for products, for which no satisfying solution exists until now. The requirement is continuous development and research for improved product solutions at the headquarters in Bremen, in order to react to changing market conditions. Latest numbers of customer contacts at the SIKORA booth confirm this uptrend. The number of visitors has increased by 50 % compared to K-2004. Moreover, the quality of the conversations has also improved. Similar developments were already noticeable at the „Tube Southeast Asia“ in mid-October this year. “The demand for measuring devices in the hose and tube sector is enormous. Not only the European, but also the Asian market offer high potentials for qualitative products in this field. SIKORA’s technology concept is the new benchmark for all production lines and, in turn, the powerhouse behind the sector of premium-class measuring devices of the future”, concludes Harry Prunk.

The SIKORA booth at the WIRE Southeast Asia

The atmosphere at the BITEC exhibition center was extremely busy and exciting. One reason is the current positive economic situation in Southeast Asia. The economic upswing motivates many customers to make concrete investments in this sector. This trend follows firm intentions of large companies to invest in completely new production lines. So the Wire Southeast Asia was timely with Thailand’s aspiration to be “The Hub of Asia” as Khun Chakramon Phasukavanich , Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Industry asserted at the opening of the fair. Another reason for the success of the inauguration of the trade fair was the excellent organisation and smooth performance of the fair on the part of the organisers that contributed to the active and pleasing atmosphere.

The high number of visitors on the SIKORA booth on the first two days was extraordinary. ”in peak hours the trade show visitors seemed to push their way onto our booth”, said Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. In many interesting and professional customer conversations a panel of four SIKORA experts informed their customers about the wide range of innovative measuring and control devices. “In my opinion the show was effective. It provided a lot of connections and allowed for many opportunities to network and establishes sales leads”, explains Prunk further. The main attractions on the SIKORA booth were X-RAY 2000 as well as the LASER Series 2000 and the new X-RAY 8000 NXT. Actually, a contract for the X-ray measuring system of the new generation was signed during the fair. Moreover, the new eccentricity and diameter measuring device CENTERVIEW 8000 sparked interest as well as the graphic display of single eccentricity values as a cloud diagram on the processor system ECOCONTROL 2000.

All the serious and qualified discussions of the SIKORA representatives with existing and new customers on site are a clear sign for the trust customers worldwide put in SIKORA technology and service. Thailand is a market that offers great potentials for the future. SIKORA’s objective in participating at Wire Southeast Asia to create more awareness of its products, brand name and image was successfully reached. As a consequence of this positive conclusion SIKORA will presumably return to the next Wire Southeast Asia in 2009.

The high-precision technology of LASER 2300 XY and its specific application for diameter measurements of exceptionally big product dimensions of up to 300 mm should enthuse customers of the hose and tube sector. The measuring technology of LASER 2300 XY allows extremely short exposure times of 5 µsec with state-of-the-art CCD-lines and impulse-driven laser diodes and thus guarantees a measurement of highest precision and repeatability at all line speeds. The gauge head is extremely powerful and due to its small dimension and modern SMD-technology (Surface Mounted Devices) almost applicable to every place in the production line without difficulty. The design of LASER 2300 XY is very convenient. The gauge head is open at the bottom side and provides reliable measuring values even at places of heavy dirt. Calibration procedures are exclusively done during manufacture and are not necessary afterwards. Moreover, LASER 2300 XY fascinates as a result of the almost unlimited life time of its laser diodes, the measuring principle without moving parts and its freedom from maintenance.

In all production lines LASER 2300 XY can be combined with the new processor system ECOCONTROL 1000 offering efficient production optimization. With ECOCONTROL 1000 SIKORA responds to individual customer demands and provides an attractive version complimentary to the ECOCONTROL 2000 with regard to price and performance. It offers connections for 2 measuring and 2 testing devices of the SIKORA INLINE 2000 series. The slim processor system clearly displays measuring values and statistical data on a 15" TFT-color monitor and is offered with a user-friendly touch screen. The display of the measuring values is numerically and graphically represented. Further features of graphical length or time-related trending statistical distribution of the single measuring values provide detailed information for real time and post production analysis.

SIKORA will include at the K popular and successful measuring and control devices such as X-RAY 2000, for a non-contact measurement of the diameter, wall thickness and eccentricity or LUMP 2000 T for the detection of non-conformities in the product surface as well as ECOCONTROL 2000 "in action". Simulations of the operation of the devices will allow visitors to get to know how to optimize their production line and where saving potentials are possible.

Meet our team of SIKORA on booth 10 G21 and get to know our exciting product range. For further questions we will be available daily from 10 am to 6.30 pm. We look forward to seeing you at the K!

CENTERVIEW 8000 includes a unique non contact measuring head that allows a continuous on-line measurement. Furthermore, an 8-point eccentricity measurement, 4-axis diameter and 8-point ovality measurement provide highest precision. The measuring system is perfectly suitable for the production of coaxial cables, LAN-cables as well as automotive and building wires. SIKORA supplies two CENTERVIEW 8000 models that are specifically compatible with diverse product dimensions to serve individual customer demands. CENTERVIEW 8010 is applicable for products with a diameter from 0.1 to 10 mm while CENTERVIEW 8025 was particularly conceived for bigger product diameters from 0.5 to 25 mm.

In order to receive precise single measuring values even in the sub micrometer area, the design of the measuring head does not include any rotating mirrors, optical lenses or guide rollers. The device records single measuring values with highest precision and depicts them in the form of points in a unique cloud diagram display. Rapidly, the operator gets clear information about eccentricity values that can optimally and promptly be controlled by means of specific controlling procedures. "With our innovative and powerful technology we further want to raise the bar regarding quality, productivity and cost reduction in the segment of premium measuring devices", says Harry Prunk, chairman of SIKORA AG. CENTERVIEW 8000 sets new standards through its technological fully developed measuring procedure.

CENTERVIEW 8000 satisfies customer demands for reliability through its long operation time, which is emphasized by the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 12.8 years. The technology of the CENTERVIEW 8000 is a future-oriented, long-life product maintaining "like new" performance for many years. Technological innovations provide a system that offers the operator simplicity, reliability, and accurate measuring values. As a result of the automatic positioning of the gauge head to the cable position, guide rollers or a manual system configuration is not required. The elimination of moving parts and components ensures reliability at every line speed and guarantees freedom from maintenance. Calibration procedures are exclusively done during manufacture and are not necessary afterwards. Accurate measuring values, highest quality, optimization of the production as well as simultaneous cost reduction are the matchless advantages of the new CENTERVIEW 8000. With this new model the success story of CENTERVIEW 2000 will continue. More than one hundred of these systems have been sold worldwide since their launch in 2000. The CENTERVIEW 8000 is exclusively produced in Bremen, Germany, home of many other worldwide technically recognized products, further assuring continued success. SIKORA once again presents a first class technology that sets new standards in the market.

Significant turnover increase
For many years SIKORA AG has been acting extremely profitable in the field of measuring- and control technology for the wire and cable industry. With the expansion of its product range for the hose and tube sector and always offering the highest degree of innovation and service SIKORA sets new standards. In 2006 SIKORA AG recorded a significant development. With an annual turnover of 17 million euro the technology company achieved a turnover increase of 15 % compared to the previous year. Increased customer demands for powerful measuring devices led to a need for employees and for larger production space. SIKORA AG, which was originally made up of a one-man-company, has more than 150 employees worldwide today. The first-class products, which are based on X-ray and laser technology, are exclusively made in Bremen, Germany. International representatives in the USA, China, Russia, Korea, India, Italy and the Ukraine as well as more than 30 regional offices guarantee sales and services on site. The increase of the contract volume and the workforce resulted in the decision for the extension of the global headquarters of SIKORA in Bremen.

High level of customer orientation
The positive business development can be traced back to the permanent development of the products. Apart from that, SIKORA reacted early enough and specifically to the requirements of global competition. Customers in the wire and cable industry primarily benefit from highest quality standards which represent SIKORA's highest goal. Therefore, the company fulfils all requirements in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. Process orientation and standardized operational procedures guarantee the customer productivity optimization and cost reduction. "Customer satisfaction has top priority, says Harald Sikora, founder and president of SIKORA AG. To remain among the top ranked international manufacturers of measuring and control devices, we permanently have to deal with individual customer demands with regard to quality, costs and delivery reliability."

Future-oriented and highly qualified
As a result of these economic considerations SIKORA invested increasingly in research, in order to meet all requirements for powerful and innovative products. The success is already reflected in various new measuring devices such as X-RAY 8000 NXT, LASER 2003 XY, LASER 2300 XY or the processor-based system ECOCONTROL 1000. There is no end in sight to the current expansion. "If the trend of the continuously increasing demand will persist we will have to take further possible extensions into consideration, in order to be able to serve the international market at any time", explains Sikora.