Cable Inspection with AI - nLine sets the standard in quality assurancenLine's AI-assisted, visual quality control systems offer a 360°, real-time surface analysis, which presents a significant advantage in the manufacturing of cylindrical products such as cables, pipes, or hoses. Pascal Schwindhammer, Head of Equipment at HELUKABEL, and Hubert Eberle, Head of Sales at nLine, discuss how an inspection system grew into a company.What exactly is nLine all about?Hubert Eberle (nLine): nLine is a highly modern and innovative 360° inspection system for optical quality assurance. It was developed specifically for customers utilising continuous production processes to manufacture cylindrical products such as cables, pipes, wires, cords, or hoses. The system monitors the entire surface of the product in real time and immediately detects any abnormalities. This increases the level of quality, optimises process security, and makes the highest precision and efficiency possible.Pascal Schwindhammer (HELUKABEL): nLine's precision and adaptability are one of a kind. For example, the system detects surface abnormalities such as scratches and tears and, with the help of AI, learns which abnormalities are tolerable and which are not. Even the most complex product surfaces, such as multicoloured, intricately woven cords, can be analysed with the highest accuracy. nLine is also able to be seamlessly integrated into existing production systems via field bus systems such as PROFIBUS or OPC UA. We are continuously developing nLine in order to flexibly react to customers' individual needs.And what does this have to do with HELUKABEL, Mr Schwindhammer?Schwindhammer: As nLine was still in its infancy, we developed a custom inspection system together with the experts from our production facility in Windsbach. Everyone involved contributed their expertise allowing us to come to a practical and future-proof solution that not only works quickly and precisely, but also detects and categorises mistakes swiftly. We had previously trialled and tested several systems in our production facilities before finally landing on the perfect solution in nLine. This digital quality inspector makes it possible for on-site experts to take any necessary corrective measures in order to maintain high quality standards. We see exciting potential in this partnership with nLine where we both profit simultaneously from each other's expertise.Easy Setup: Teach new systems with a "Gut-Muster", or training sample, in mere minutes.What makes nLine so special?Eberle: In addition to the especially high-quality detection of anomalies, the system is defined by its particularly easy setup and operation. Furthermore, this inspection system is installed in the production line. The system is then taught with a so-called "Gut-Muster", or training sample, and immediately knows which specific product characteristics it needs to look for. On-site product training takes less than ten minutes, with analyses beginning immediately after. This AI-aided analysis allows data to be locally and quickly processed inside the device, which saves time, improves data security, and does not require a cloud connection.Schwindhammer: This exact combination of AI, real-time monitoring, and flexibility allow us to detect and classify defects as early as possible, and to evaluate them according to tolerance ranges – all this before the cable even makes it to the drum. Reaching speeds of up to 500 metres per minute, nLine is also suitable for high-output production and functions with virtually no maintenance required, which is a significant advantage for users.How did the idea for nLine even come about?Eberle: Originally, nLine was a product of the company Wahtari, specialists in AI-based image recognition and automation. It was quickly clear that the quality assurance systems available at the time were not sufficiently efficient and did not offer 360° monitoring. Our vision was to develop a system together with HELUKABEL that works within the production process, is completely dependable, smart, and performs at the highest level. This is how nLine developed from a product into a company.Does this mean that you originally worked for Wahtari, Mr Eberle?Yes, exactly. I worked in sales at Wahtari and participated in the initial development of nLine. It was self-evident that I would take the product with me to the new company.With nLine, what visions are now pursuing?Eberle: We would like to establish nLine as a global brand, and with the support of HELUKABEL, we see immense potential in getting our systems into manufacturing lines around the globe. nLine is designed to be a dynamic, adaptive system that meets and overcomes the challenges of tomorrow. Currently, we are working on integrating more functions, for example the ability to recognise codes and imprints.Schwindhammer: Together, we are pursuing the vision of making production processes smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable globally – and that with the highest of quality. We want to better utilise and strengthen the leading edge our product has over other available solutions, as this technology can benefit the industry enormously. I am curious, and excited, to see what the next steps in development are.Fully Integrable Software and hardware from a single source – simple & seamless integration into even preexisting plant designs...

HELUKABEL once again recognised as one of "Germany's best educators" of 2024HELUKABEL is once again one of "Germany's best educators" in 2024. In the ranking done by Capital magazine and the talent platform Ausbildung.de, HELUKABEL aimed for the highest score, just as in previous years, which makes them one of the most attractive educational workplaces in the country.In this study, which is being done for the 8th time this year, roughly 500 companies were evaluated, ranging from workshops to DAX enterprises. Each of them was required to provide answers to a detailed questionnaire, such as how well their trainees are integrated into operations, which teaching methods are used, and what their options for career advancement or furthering education after training look like. HELUKABEL received the best possible score of five stars in both vocational training and dual studies."For us, our training concept is an investment in the future. After all, qualified professionals have always been hard to find and therefore in demand," explains Training Advisor Melanie Neef. "This is all the more reason for us to celebrate this distinction as one of Germany's best educators and the associated recognition for our hard work." The trainees and dual studies students are integrated into their future teams from day one and are familiarised with the diverse tasks performed throughout the company from the ground up, which are ideal foundations for a successful career.Equally as important, most of the "Youngsters" repay the trust placed in them through dedication and hard work. "In the past months, three of our trainees were recognised for their exceptional final exam marks this year by the Stuttgart regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce," Melanie Neef reports. "We are extremely proud of this, because it shows just how dedicated our youth are to their training." The above-average retention rate at HELUKABEL is proof that our youth development concept works. "Many former trainees and students are now active in critical roles at HELUKABEL and contribute to the company's success on a daily basis," says Neef. "We want to continue on this path, together."..

Learn about what effects torsion can have on electrical connections and what to pay attention to when selecting torsion-resistant cablesTorsion is a particular type of load for cables and wires that calls for cables to possess special characteristics. Otherwise, users could be faced with damaged cables and operational disruptions. In this article, we will show you what effects torsion can have on electrical connections and what to pay attention to when selecting torsion-resistant cables.What Is Torsion?Torsion is a mechanical load that occurs when an object is twisted along its own axis. With cables and wires, this can occur through repeated movements or rotating components. Applications with torsional loads are most commonly found in robotics, mechanical engineering, and in wind power systems.Effects of Torsion on Cables and WiresThe regular twisting of cables over time can lead to material wearing out, core breakage, or a complete loss of function. Cables and wires that are not designed for applications with torsional loads can suffer the following damages:Tears: Through perpetual loads, the sheath material can become brittle and develop tears.Core breakage: Electrical conductors can break due to mechanical strain, which leads to disruptions in the transmission of energy and data.Screening issues: Torsion can damage the screening of cables, which impairs their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).Reduced lifespan: Perpetual torsional loads can significantly reduce the lifespan of a cable.   Movements that a cable has to withstand: Tension, Compression, Bending, TorsionThe Solution? Torsion-Resistant Cables and WiresThe HELUKABEL portfolio contains a number of cables that are specifically designed for applications with torsional loads. To make cables and wires torsion resistant, they must possess certain characteristics:Flexible construction: Torsion-resistant cables are made of highly flexible materials that allow for high elasticity.Appropriate sheath materials: An elastic and tear-resistant sheath prevents material wear and tears.Finely stranded conductors: The use of thin, individual wires makes the conductor more bendable and resistant to torsion.Optimal stranding: The cores within the cable are arranged in a way that torsional forces are equally distributed.Put to the Ultimate TestAs part of the development process, we test our cables and wires extensively in our testing laboratories. We even test for torsional loads. Through this, we can ensure that every one of our products reliably fulfils the most stringent requirements for daily practical use. Learn more about our torsion tests here.Torsionable cables and wires from HELUKABELOur product portfolio contains a number of cables for torsion applications. For example, the ROBOFLEX series contains cables that are designed specifically for the extreme mechanical loads of modern robotics and are especially resistant to torsion. They are available in different variations and diameters in the HELUKABEL Online Shop, for example. Take a look!..