Since 1968, Alcan Cable's Technology Center has housed the Technology Development & Quality Assurance Groups, which employ fourteen engineers and eight technicians. The Technology Center's quality system is registered to the ISO 9001 standard. It is accredited by CSA International as a Prototype Verification/Design facility under their Option 9000 test program. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has accredited it as a Product Certification Testing facility under the Client's Test Data Program.
In addition to the Technology Center in Williamsport, Alcan Inc. has laboratories in Voreppe, France, Neuhausen, Switzerland and Arvida, Quebec, which provide Alcan Cable with state of the art research and development facilities.
To learn more about Alcan's technology center, click on the titles below and a brief description of the service will be displayed.
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Compound Development
Alcan Cable has the capability to develop, blend, analyze, and test new cable insulation materials. Stringent approval testing is conducted on formulas that are optimized for both performance and cost. |
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Quality Approval
The Technology Center engineers and technicians perform extensive raw material testing to ensure quality in the cables produced. Alcan's testing protocols meet or exceed industry norms. |
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Overhead Conductor Testing
Full capabilities exist to perform stress/strain, creep and vibration testing of overhead conductors. Senior engineers translate the values into sag/tension characteristics based on customer needs. |
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Electrical Testing
Alcan performs long-term insulation resistance testing of all new insulation systems. Cable is maintained at 75 or 90 degrees C in water, with applied voltage, for up to a year to acquire approval for use. |
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Thermal & Chemical Analysis
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The Technology Center is fully equipped to analyze insulation for resistance to chemical and thermal extremes. Thermal analysis tools are used to characterize insulation and to predict long-term performance in service. | | |
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Metallurgy
Alcan is fully equipped to perform many types of metallurgical analysis from aluminum alloy development to investigation of field samples. Alcan's internal audio and video information systems allow its R&D staff to view and discuss real-time tests. |
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Mechanical Testing
Tensile, compression, abrasion, crush, impact and flexibility testing can all be performed down to minus 40 degrees C. This capability supports customers in all geographic areas of North America. |
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Compound Extrusion
The Technology Center houses a modern, computerized extrusion pilot plant that is designed to support improvements in the XLPE, PE, PVC and other insulation or jacket materials. |
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Senior Engineers
Senior Engineers provide technical support with product applications, installation, and design. They also support the industry through participation in Codes and Standards development. |
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