As part of the international HELUKABEL Group, HELUKABEL Switzerland is your competent partner for individual solutions in the areas of cables, wires and cable carrier systems. With a comprehensive range and a strong local presence, we offer you reliable products and first-class service - from consultation to delivery.Connection technology rethought: With the change of name from EKD Systems to HELU Connectivity Solutions Haan GmbH, the product range has also been expanded - from individual energy chains to customized complete systems for a wide range of industries and applications.For nearly 50 years, we have specialized in high-quality energy chains made of plastic, hybrid materials, and steel, optimized for industrial applications—from short travel distances to heavy-duty systems for long spans. Energy supply systems are used in numerous industries, including mechanical engineering, automation technology, robotics, conveyor technology and the packaging industry...

Halogen-free cables are a required staple in a vast number of industrial and infrastructural applications. Over time, different labels for these cables have been established, such as FRNC, HFFR, LS0H, or LSZH. But how meaningful are these abbreviations, and what are the benefits of halogen-free cables compared to products containing halogens? Let HELUKABEL explain.Halogens (which means "to form salt") include the chemical elements chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), fluorine (F), and iodine (I). When manufacturing cables, these are used to make certain core insulation and sheathing materials flame retardant. This is where chlorine (which is a component of PVC plastic or chloroprene rubber) and fluorine (which is found in the high-temperature materials FEP, PTFE, and ETFE) come into play. Even bromine is used in flame retardants for cables and wires.The problem is that halogens burn extremely aggressively and emit noxious fumes when ignited. They produce halogen halides which turn into acids when they come into contact with moisture and can cause acid burns in the respiratory tract. Furthermore, the acids that are released can cause metal parts to corrode, damaging machines and even the rebar reinforcements of concrete in buildings. This can result in the need for time-consuming and costly decontamination efforts.The flame retardancy of cables and wires is, of course, an important criterion for fire prevention measures. There are also a number of applications that explicitly require halogen-free products, which means cables and wires consisting of materials that are free of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine. Should these cables be ignited, they produce much less acid and smoke, and are less toxic, which substantially reduces the consequential damages to people, buildings, and machines. Poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide are, however, still emitted when halogen-free cables are ignited.Halogen-free cables and wires are required, for example, in buildings where people gather and where valuable material assets must be protected. Examples for this are:Building technology: In public buildings such as offices, shopping centres, schools, hospitals, and airports, strong fire and health risk prevention ordinances are in place. Most of the cables and wires in these places are fixed in their installation and do not need to fulfil any special chemical or mechanical requirements. PE or PP-based plastic mixtures are often used here, which are halogen free and flame retardant, and produce little smoke or toxic gas. They must also often pass bundle burning tests.Industrial automation: Machines and plants often require cables and wires with high chemical and mechanical resistances. When used in flexible applications such as in drag chains or in robotics, these loads are especially high. Typically, sheath mixtures based on TPE-O or TPE-U (PUR or Santoprene) are used here. These are also available with halogen-free constructions but are not able to be manufactured to be as flame retardant or low smoke as cables for building technology.Typical Labels for Halogen-Free CablesOver the years, different manufacturers, markets, regions, and standards have developed different labels for halogen-free and flame-retardant cables:FRNC Flame Retardant Non CorrosiveHFFR Halogen Free Flame RetardantLS0H Low Smoke 0 Halogen (also: LSOH)LSZH Low Smoke Zero HalogenNone of these labels, however, deliver concrete information regarding flame retardancy, corrosiveness, toxicity, and light attenuation. Users must therefore pay close attention to the standards listed in the data sheets of each supplier. The information listed there is the only way to identify the flammability properties of a cable (horizontal, vertical, or bundle burning tests).Which Standards are Typical for Halogen-Free Cables?DIN EN 60754-1 VDE 0482-754-1:2021-02 defines the testing machines and the testing procedures required to identify the total acidity. The test result must show values lower than 5mg/g to be certified as halogen free.DIN EN 60754-2 VDE 0482-754-2:2021-02 defines the measurement of the pH value and conductivity. The test result for the pH value must be below 4.3 and for conductivity, it must be under 10µS/mm.DIN EN 61034-2 VDE 0482-1034-2:2021-02 defines the measurement of smoke gas density of burning cables. The test result must show a light attenuation of no more than 40% to be considered low smoke. Depending on the application, customer, and region, lower light attenuation can be required. The goal is for people to be able to still recognise the source of the fire, as well as possible escape routes. These standards are required in public buildings and trains due to the high density of people present.Take AwayIn many applications where safety is critical, halogen-free cables and wires offer substantial advantages, as less toxic gas and smoke is emitted in the case of a fire. At the same time, these products must exhibit high flame retardancy in order to comply with different standards and requirements. It is not enough to rely on the common labels of FRNC, HFFR, LS0H, or LSZH to determine the actual flame retardancy of a cable. The standards named in data sheets are the only information you should rely on. It is through these standards that users can determine whether the product is considered to have low, middle, or high flame retardancy, if they are constructed to be low smoke, or if they have been tested for light attenuation. As experts for electrical connection technology with more than 45 years of experience, HELUKABEL is happy to help you identify the most ideal cables and wires for your application. ..

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...