“At Polycab, we are completely equipped for cross-linking insulation and sheathing compounds… We are fully geared up to meet the increasing demand for EBXL cables in the domestic as well as international market.”
Excerpts of the interview with Mr. K R Chandrasekar, Executive V.P., Polycab India Limited:
Product Portfolio and Technical Capabilities
Our product range for the Electron Beam Cross-Linked (EBXL) wire and cable segment are as follows: cables for applications such as – rolling stock (railways and metro rail), automotive, defence, solar power installations, and process industries.
The Electron Beam Cross-Linked Cables are technically superior as compared to other cables and are predominantly used in applications that are very critical for the safety of human life. These cables are capable of operating in extreme environmental conditions. The design life expectancy of EBXL cables is generally in the order of twenty-five years.
Some of the standout features of the EBXL cables include: they are thin-walled, lightweight, have a reduced diameter, and a high current carrying capacity. Also, they exhibit resistance to – UV, water, ozone, mineral oil, detergents, fluid, oil, salt, and solvents. Further, they are halogen-free, flame-retardant, and resistant to high temperature.
The properties of EBXL cables also include resistance to – high abrasion and dynamic cut-through (further testified through the dynamic cut-through test) and they are also highly flexible and easily strippable.
Manufacturing and Technical Setup
At Polycab, we have adequate capacity for cross-linking insulation and sheathing compounds by electron beam irradiation process. We are fully geared up to meet the increasing demand for EBXL cables in the domestic as well as international market.
In addition, we also use insulation and sheathing compounds which are developed in-house at our R&D centre which clearly demonstrates our end-to-end capabilities.
Market Footprint
At present, we have presence in the following market segments – rolling stock application in railways and metro rail, automotive industry, defence, electric vehicles, and solar power installations.
We plan to increase our reach by offering the best quality products manufactured in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Raw Material and Quality
Polyolefin copolymers are used as insulation and sheathing compound. These compounds have a number of properties which give them a competitive edge in the market, that is, they have zero halogen content, flame-retardant characteristics, and have elastomeric properties which imply they are highly flexible. Moreover, since they are cross-linkable, it further enhances the thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of EBXL wires and cables.
As mentioned earlier, we develop all the above compounds in-house which ensure the consistency and reliability in our product range.
“The demand for e-beam wires and cables is projected to increase in the coming years, because of its superior thermal, electrical, mechanical and fire properties.”
Market Potential and Demand Shift
The demand for e-beam wires and cables is projected to increase in the coming years, because of its superior thermal, electrical, mechanical and fire properties. Any installation which is prone to fire hazards and safety of human life will shift towards e-beam cables in the near future.
As a market and technology leader, we have already invested in increasing our capabilities to fulfill the increasing demand.
Advantages Over Conventional Curing Process
The e-Beam curing process has a number of advantages over other conventional curing processes including the fact that it is an eco-friendly and green process causing zero environmental pollution. Moreover, it also ensures extended functional life and since it doesn’t include the use of any unwanted additives, it doesn’t yield any by-product assuring better electrical properties to the main product.
Additionally, the fact that it operates at room temperature ensures material stability and further, it also results in improved mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties at elevated temperature. As a matter of fact, the e-Beam curing process is precise, regulated and controlled, resulting in minimum wastage.
