X-Ray Detectable Cable Binding

New from HellermannTyton, a leading supplier of products for fastening, fixing, identifying and protecting cables and their connecting components, is introducing a Metal Content Spiral Binding (MCSB) system with a metal content capable of being identified by x-ray as well as magnetic detection equipment on food processing lines. Developed to the specification standards of the US Food Drug Administration (FDA), the MCSB is easily applied to pre-terminated cables, encapsulating them in a protective jacket made from fully x-ray and magnetic detectable material.

The new MCSB is the result of a solution developed by HellermannTyton in response to a situation experienced by a major confectionery manufacturer using additional x-ray detection techniques on their production lines. Product manager Barry Phelps explains: "The initial problem was associated with a packaging machine where its repetitive action was causing failure of the external jackets on cables located on the arm of the machine. The logical solution was to use a metal content spiral cable binding which would bundle all of the service cables together and provide protection against abrasion. However, while standard plastic components for production equipment in the food industry carry a metal content capable of magnetic detection some manufacturers, including this particular customer, also use x-ray equipment as an additional safety measure. The metal content required for magnetic detection is too low to be picked up by x-ray, so we developed a spiral binding with a higher metal content for this purpose."

HellermannTyton carried out a series of trials to establish the minimum percentage of metal required for x-ray detection to arrive at its solution, and, as well as carrying out its own testing, the company had the MCSB independently tested to confirm that its metal content fully meets the levels needed for x-ray detection techniques. Barry Phelps adds: "While the metal content of the new MCSB is significantly higher than the level required for magnetic detection, it still retains its full flexibility so offers all the benefits of spiral binding as a cable management solution offering protection against abrasion and chemical attack. With its high metal content, we believe this is a product that is unique in the market and has potential applications on any production line in the food or pharmaceutical industries where x-ray equipment is employed."

Easily applied to pre-terminated cables, the new MCSB is available in a range of diameters. Its spiral structure enables it to be applied to existing cable arrangements and enables wires to be broken out at any point. It has a continuous operating temperature of -60°C to +80°C, with an intermittent temperature of +120°C. The materials used in its manufacture are FDA compliant for food contact articles per CTS 75807 or listed in Annex 1, or authorised in accordance with the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011, as amended up to Regulation (EU) 1282/2011, on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.