Belden Richmond Plant Reduces Scrap Materials and Production Costs with Zumbach ODAC® 60 CV

Belden Incorporated is a global leader in signal transmission and networking solutions for industrial automation, enterprise, and broadcast markets. With a rich history of innovation and quality, Belden designs and manufactures high-performance cables, connectivity, and networking products that power mission-critical systems around the world. At their Richmond, Indiana plant, Belden specializes in producing communication and power cables, including armoured cables, serving a wide range of industries with precision engineered solutions that meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. However, their plant faced a critical challenge to replace obsolete equipment that could no longer meet the demands of modern cable production.

The need was clear. Belden required a solution that could measure the outside diameter (OD) of cables in real-time within CV (Continuous Vulcanization) tubes. This would allow operators to make immediate adjustments during production, rather than relying on off-line measurements taken after the steam tube. The goal? Reduce scrap, lower production costs, and shorten start-up times.

After evaluating several options, Belden selected the ZUMBACH ODAC® 60 CV. This advanced non-contact, laser measuring system provides extremely high sampling rates that ensure detailed and accurate measurements as well as thorough quality monitoring, and offered a seamless fit with the existing CV sight glass on their production line. The ODAC® 60 CV is supplied as standard with numerous integrated interfaces including Ethernet IP output, which was an essential requirement for integration into Belden’s existing systems.
Scott Abney, Technical Project Manager at Belden stated “Ease of integration and consistent operation are clear advantages for us”.

The ODAC® 60 CV enabled Belden to modernize their line with minimal modifications, preserving their existing infrastructure while unlocking new levels of control and efficiency, and as they are permanently calibrated, they also reduce the need for frequent recalibrations, saving additional time and resources. With real-time OD measurement now embedded directly in the CV tube, Belden has significantly reduced waste and improved throughput.
ODAC® laser measuring heads are not just measuring devices; they are comprehensive solutions that enhance process reliability, optimize production, and ensure the highest quality standards. This and many other successful ODAC® implementations underscore ZUMBACH’s commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of cable manufacturers worldwide.