X-Rays, the Latest Tool in 'Green' Manufacturing

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Environmental concerns are increasingly shared by responsible manufacturers around the world. In the U.S., National Wire & Cable is an example of a company who takes the commitment to "Green" manufacturing seriously. The company has implemented sophisticated X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology to ensure its products comply with all applicable International lead-free, Green and REACH manufacturing standards.

X-Ray fluorescence is a phenomenon in which a material is exposed to x-rays of energy and atoms in the sample absorb the energy. If the energy is high enough, a core electron is ejected from an atom in the sample. To fill the void left by the ejected electron, a different electron will take its place. This change in position gives off energy that is specific to its element. This energy can be detected and analyzed by the XRF device.

The power of XRF analysis was first realized by Henry Moseley in 1912. Moseley found that it was possible to excite a sample and gather information from the x-rays being emitted. X-ray fluorescence is a proven technique for elemental analysis of materials. Since its early beginnings, the field of XRF has blossomed into one of the most important materials analysis tools of the 21st century.

The metal alloys and plastics used to make wire and cable can create an environmental or health safety issue. Coating materials, for example, are often specified to very exacting formulas and can come from any number of foreign and domestic sources. By using XRF technology to analyze a material's precise chemical composition a manufacturer can certify that the materials it uses are compliant with all health and safety standards. This level of quality checks and certification is much more reliable than taking a supplier's word that the materials are "OK."

National Wire employs a Nitron XL3 hand-held XRF analyzer, which is capable of providing legally admissible detailed chemical materials analysis in real time. XRF analysis is used for systematic verification throughout National Wire's manufacturing process including receipt of material, stockroom and finished product. A streamlined record retention process supports the compliance assurance system and dramatically speeds the time to respond to compliance questions.

The 60-year-old employee-owned company is one of the largest manufacturers of wire and cable products in North America. Their wire and cable can be found on everything from the defibrillators used in hospital emergency rooms to a Disneyland theme park ride. "We are very mindful of the large footprint our products occupy throughout America and the world," said National Wire Vice President Vic Alfonsi. "We are demonstrating that manufacturing in an environmentally responsible way is good business."

Images:

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Niton-XL3.jpg
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-XRF-Testing.jpg

PDF: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/How-XRF-Works.pdf

National Cable Molding
136 San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Contact: Vic Alfonsi
323-225-5611
[email protected]   

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SOURCE National Wire & Cable