Modeling and Optimization of Electron Beam Cross-Linking Processes for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Optical Fibers (EBXLINK)

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 9561.1;4 PFIW-IW

Short description (English)

Modeling and Optimization of Electron Beam Cross-Linking Processes for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Optical Fibers (EBXLINK)

Abstract (English)

HUBER+SUHNER AG is a global leader in high technology connectivity solutions for transportation, solar, and communication applications. In this business segment, electron beam irradiation of electrical cables, wires, and optical fibers is an established technology deployed to cross-link polymeric materials used as isolators to provide improved mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties, as well as a very low environmental impact, due to the avoidance of additional chemical processes. The increasing international competition imposes on the Swiss production plant in Pfäffikon (ZH) a rigorous cost discipline and optimized production flows. Procedures and protocols used nowadays for the definition of the processing parameters still present relevant space for improvements and innovation. The scope of the EBXLINK project is to introduce predictive physical modeling of the electron beam cross-linking process to achieve higher throughput, faster design cycles, shorter processing times, faster transfer among different accelerators, suppression of detrimental effects, and more efficient use of raw materials