Video Microscope

LAPP USA engineers use Video Microscope to analyze cable insulation and jacket

HIGH DEGREE OF ACCURACY A Video Microscope, also known as an optical comparator, takes numerous measurements of a cable’s insulation or jacket cross section. This high- tech piece of equipment provides much greater accuracy than measurements taken by hand using a caliper or other manual devices. Our video microscope also has 3 camera sizes, providing the ability to measure a wide range of sample sizes up to 6 inches in diameter. IMPORTANT MESAUREMENTS The outer and inner insulation diameters are valuable measurements used to determine the minimum, maximum, and average wall thickness of a sample. For safety it is important that the minimum point jacket or insulation wall thickness is not below the minimum value set by regulatory agencies.

The Video Microscope also provides another important measurement: concentricity. Concentricity refers to how centered the inside is relating to the outside. This is important because if a cable or conductor is not concentric, the wall thickness will vary which can cause one of two problems. One possible issue is that there will be a low spot on the insulation wall thickness causing potential safety issues. Another possibility is that the low spot will still be in tolerance of the specification, but the conductor or jacket becomes oversized due to the excess material.

SAMPLE READING

LAPP 29 Hanover Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932 T. 800 774 3539

www.lappusa.com www.lappcanada.com

The data and characteristics gathered with the Video Microscope are used in a range of important compliance and quality activities. One example is for use with a Tensile and Elongation tester. Tensile & elongation is of the most basic requirements that cables must meet after being produced. The T&E tester stretches the cable and records the breaking strength and elongation percent of the material. LAPP materials must be in compliance with un-aged testing, and should also perform after aging in oil or air. The information collected using the Video Microscope provides the initial-dimensions material before testing begins. This measurement is used to calculate the material’s tensile strength. Also, product samples sent out for UC, CSA and other approvals must meet strict requirements. The Video Microscope helps engineers ensure our samples meet those requirements.

O-RING CUTTER

Engineering uses another tool that compliments the Video Microscope: the cable O-ring cutter. This device slices a cross segment from a cylindrical/tubular cable jacket or conductor insulation. The result is a very flat, and often very thin cross-section of the insulation. This sample is then analyzed using the Video microscope. Although cable can be sliced by hand, the O-ring cutter provides far more precision and consistency because any inconsistencies in the cross-section -- including too thick, not flat, cuts along the edge -- will affect the results. If the sample is not prepared correctly, the Video Microscope’s high precision cannot be utilized to its fullest potential.

CABLE ANALYSIS

Using the Video Microscope, LAPP is able to identify materials used on competitor samples. The wall thicknesses allow us to review regulatory standards and narrow down the type of material used based on the dimensional requirements of the standard and that which is measured with the Video Microscope.

MEETING STANDARDS, DRIVING QUALITY

The Video Microscope provides very accurate data on cable jacket and insulation samples, which is used in many ways to help the Engineering department maintain the high quality of LAPP products today, and innovate to improve the quality of LAPP products in the future.

LAPP 29 Hanover Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932 T. 800 774 3539

www.lappusa.com www.lappcanada.com