Xuron Kevlar Scissors Hold and Cut Slippery Fibers
A precision scissors that is especially designed for cutting Kevlar® in fiber optic cables is available from Xuron Corp. The shears are ergonomically correct for production and field service applications.

The Xuron® Model 9180 Kevlar Shear features one serrated edge to prevent the fibers from sliding and another highly sharpened edge that makes a clean, even, and uniform cut. Ideally suited for prepping fiber optic cables, this ergonomic scissors has cushioned rubber grips that comfortably fit into any hand, and a return spring that opens the cutting head wide after each cut.

Designed for production use, the Xuron Model 9180 Kevlar Shear can be used by left- or right-handed workers with varying hand sizes. There are no awkward finger loops to inhibit gripping, and they can be used for cutting other cable insulations or de-gating parts, as well as Kevlar.

The Xuron Model 9180 Kevlar Shear list price is $23.75.

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Alpha Wire Series XM Flexible Control Cable
Alpha wire has introduced a Series XM flexible control cable that provides continuous-duty flexing in a robust PVC-jacketed cable. A new PVC formulation enables continuous flexing in strenuous applications, such as high-speed pick-and-place robotic systems, automated material handling equipment, conveyors, and transfer shuttles.

Available in conductor sizes from 18 AWG to 8 AWG and up to 65 conductors, oil- and sunlight-resistant XM cables have a dynamic temperature range from -5°C to 90°C. They are approved to a wide range of standards that includes UL Types TC-ER, MTW, WTTC, and CSA AWM I/II A/B FT4. Furthermore, Series XM meets NFPA 79 standards for industrial machinery applications. The cables are available unshielded or with a braid shield for environments with potential EMI/RFI interference. Conductors are available in red, blue, or black to match industry-standard color coding for AC and DC circuits.

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Tyco Electronics Launches PSA, Thermal Transfer Printable Labels for Wire and Cable Identification
Tyco Electronics introduces EET G4 woven nylon, Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) acrylic labels for thermal transfer printers. The labels are suitable for wire, harness, and cable identification labeling, as well as applications with irregular contours or that have low surface energy.

The industrial, instrumentation, consumer electronics, commercial, and building markets will benefit from these labels, as they are available in multiple sizes to fit a wide range of wire, harness, and cable dimensions. For wire and cable applications, the labels can be applied in a “flag” or “wrap-around” format. Additionally, the EET G4 labels easily conform to the flexible nature of flat-ribbon cables without causing peeling or delamination.

The product line has passed the Mark Permanence test (MIL-STD-202; method 215) and Eraser Rub test (MIL-M-81531), indicating that the labels have exceptional resistance to abrasion and alcohol-based solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, when printed using the recommended thermal transfer ink ribbon.

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Tyco Electronics Expandable, Braided Polyester Sleeves
Tyco Electronics’ Raychem Versaflex polyester sleeves for mechanical protection of wire and cables are now available in North America. The sleeves are competitively priced and offer extreme flexibility and strength through a braided design that allows for easy expansion and contraction of the sleeves while retaining tension.

The RoHS-compliant product line easily conforms to irregularly shaped products or substrates without the need to heat shrink. The sleeves do not retain heat or moisture and offer resistance to abrasions. Specific applications include cable bundling and protection of wire harnesses and hoses in the industrial, commercial, and rail industries.

Product offering includes flame-retardant and non-flame retardant versions, which are both available in multiple sizes. The flame-retardant version meets UL VW-1 flammability requirements.

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Molex TM-4000 Universal Crimp Press Terminates Large Lug Products
Molex’s heavy-duty TM-4000™ Universal Crimp Press provides up to 31 kN (7000lbf) for bench-top crimping large lug products of up to 4 AWG. The TM-4000 Universal Crimp Press is an inexpensive, electrically controlled, direct-drive press designed for mid-volume, semi-automatic bench-top operations such as those found in the automotive, industrial, and commercial markets. Capable of production rates of up to 2,400 terminations per hour, the TM-4000 offers contract manufacturers, assembly houses, and design engineers an effective and affordable method of applying a wide range of side- and rear-feed terminals to heavy-gauge wires.

To help reduce tooling costs and provide production flexibility, the TM-4000 accepts most industry standard applicators, including air-feed applicators that process terminals mounted on Mylar tape, as well as FineAdjust™ and Mini-Mac™ applicators with side and rear feeds.

The TM-4000 Universal Crimp Press meets the strict OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety and noise requirements and is CE approved, according to the essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC Directive, which reduces the risk of injury. Two attached safety interlock switches prevent the press from cycling if the guard is open or when it is being hand-cycled.

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Samtec Offers Family of Rugged Tiger IDC Cable Assemblies
Samtec’s rugged, multi-finger Tiger IDC contact system is designed for applications requiring high reliability and/or high mating cycles, with optimized normal insertion and withdrawal forces. Samtec offers three rugged “off the shelf” Tiger IDC twisted pair and flat cable systems, as well as custom IDC design capabilities for virtually any application.

Two 30 AWG Flat Cable Tiger IDC assemblies are available in a choice of pitches with reverse wiring, breakout, and daisy chain options. The .050-inch (1.27mm) pitch (FFSD Series) and low profile 2mm (.0787-inch) pitch (TCSD Series) systems mate with an extensive assortment of Samtec’s standard .050-inch (1.27mm) and 2mm (.0787-inch) pitch terminal strips.

The 32 AWG Twisted Pair IDC Cable Assembly (FFTP Series) is on .050-inch (1.27mm) pitch and provides up to 2½ times the performance of traditional IDC flat cable. The system mates with a choice of standard Samtec .050-inch  (1.27mm) micro, shrouded, and ejector headers.

All three Tiger IDC Cable assemblies offer a variety of rugged options, including strain relief and polarization. They are available in single- or double-ended with socket or terminal strip end options.

Pricing begins at 10¢ per line at production quantities.

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