Cable Cooling Channels Guide
In cable production, the post-extrusion (polymer coating) process determines the quality and mechanical strength of the final product. Cable Cooling Channels, used to rapidly and controllably cool the cable or wire coated with molten polymer, play a critical role in this delicate stage.
As ÖNSA Makine, let us examine the technical requirements of our cooling channels, specially designed for the cable industry, and why stainless steel is indispensable.
1. The Impact of Rapid Cooling on Quality
The cable emerging from the extrusion line is coated with polymer (insulation material) at high temperatures. The speed and control of the cooling process affect two main factors:
Diameter Standardisation: Inconsistency in cooling speed causes uneven shrinkage of the coating material and, consequently, fluctuations in the cable's diameter. Fast and controlled cooling ensures that the diameter remains within the specified tolerances.
Mechanical Strength: Controlled crystallisation and hardening of the polymer increases the cable's resistance to external influences such as bending, pulling, and abrasion.
2. Channel Material: Why Only Stainless Steel?
Considering any other material for the production of cooling channels leads to a loss of efficiency in the long term:
Smoothness and Friction: The inner surface of cooling channels must be extremely smooth. The polishing quality of stainless steel is critical to prevent the cable from being damaged or scratched due to friction as it moves through the channel. Steel is the material that best provides this smoothness.
Corrosion Resistance: Cooling channels involve continuous water circulation (usually closed-loop) and sometimes the use of chemical additives. AISI 304 or AISI 316 stainless steel provides complete protection against rust, algae growth, and chemical corrosion.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Even in closed-loop cooling systems, deposits can build up over time. Stainless steel channels are resistant to cleaning processes and the chemicals used.
3. Design Details in ÖNSA Machine Channels
An efficient cooling channel is not just a long trough. Engineering details make the difference:
Precise Dimensions and Length: Channel modules are manufactured in custom dimensions and lengths according to the total cooling requirement of the cable route and the physical layout of the facility.
Support and Installation: Vibration-dampening, adjustable, and sturdy support feet ensure the channel is perfectly positioned on the route.
Water Management: Appropriate drainage and supply points are designed to ensure water circulates at the correct speed within the channel, preventing overflow and splashing.
ÖNSA Makine guarantees the quality of your final product by manufacturing stainless steel cooling channels with smooth surfaces, free from vibration, tailored to your cable's insulation material and line speed.
