BWE’s new SheathEx process is an extension of its Conform and Conklad continuous extrusion technology. The SheathEx machine extrudes a continuous and seamless aluminium tube (max. diameter 165mm) from two 12.0-mm diameter rods around a high-voltage cable core.

BWE collaborated with high-voltage power cable producers in China to develop the product and process specifications for this new and unique technology. Three installations are now in production and orders have been secured for two further projects, which will be commissioned during 2010.

The SheathEx machine incorporates a large crosshead to accommodate the large diameter dies required for cable sheathing. The aluminium sheath is seamless, with no weld line or bead. The twin groove mode of operation ensures the aluminium sheath is concentric. BWE’s patented induction heating system provides an even temperature distribution around the tooling, leading to stable running conditions, and consistent properties in the aluminium tube.

The feedstock material is standard CCR aluminium rod, which is readily available and cheap, compared to other materials (such as flat aluminium sheets used in a welding line).

BWE Ltd.  Booth 449