High-precision XB-90 machine for MI cable preparation. Remove MgO insulation accurately for perfect thermocouple welding. Industrial-grade tool.
The XB-90 MI Cable Precision Drilling Machine sets the industry standard for the technical preparation of mineral insulated cables. Meticulously engineered for manufacturers of temperature sensors, industrial thermocouples, and high-performance heating systems, this specialized equipment ensures a flawless and contaminant-free transition to the critical welding process of the measuring junction. By automating and perfecting insulation removal, the XB-90 elevates final product quality, reduces cycle times, and minimizes rejection rates on the production line.
The XB-90 is a high-precision electromechanical tool specifically designed for the controlled and exact removal of magnesium oxide (MgO) insulation and a millimeter section of the internal conductor from the end of a Mineral Insulated (MI) cable. Its primary and most critical function is to facilitate the creation of a perfect and homogeneous weld junction. Unlike conventional manual or semi-automatic stripping methods, the XB-90 ensures that the internal conductors are exposed to the exact required depth without twisting, bending, micro-cracks, or mechanical damage. This structural integrity is absolutely vital to guarantee reading accuracy, long-term stability, and the service life of industrial thermocouples and RTD sensors operating in extreme thermal stress environments.
Built on a heavy-duty 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) thick solid aluminum base plate, which ensures exceptional structural rigidity, the XB-90 integrates a powerful 250W DC motor controlled by thyristors. This drive system is capable of reaching speeds of up to 3000 RPM, providing the necessary torque to drill through highly compacted insulation.
The heart of the mechanical system employs an ER16 extension collet holder, which is aligned with micrometric precision using two high-load pedestal bearing blocks and a low-friction linear bearing assembly. This advanced mechanical configuration completely eliminates any radial displacement or parasitic vibration during the longitudinal advancement of the cable. The result is a perfect concentric cut, allowing even operators with little experience to achieve consistent, laboratory-grade results in intensive industrial production environments.
The use of the XB-90 precision drilling machine is a fundamental requirement in various industrial sectors where thermal precision, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable. Its versatility makes it a key investment for multiple applications:
•High-Precision Thermocouple Manufacturing: Impeccable preparation of cables for K, J, N, E, T, S, R, and B-type sensors. The machine ensures a clean surface for hot junction welding, preventing cross-contamination that could alter the sensor's electromotive force (EMF) curve.
•Armored and Heating Cable Processing: Ideal for treating cables with stainless steel (304, 316L) sheaths or special alloys like Inconel 600/825, which use high-purity MgO powder as a dielectric insulator.
•Metrology and Calibration Laboratories: Preparation of standard reference probes where the exact tip geometry of the sensor and insulation depth are critical to comply with international calibration standards.
•Industrial Maintenance and Power Plants: On-site repair and assembly of temperature sensors in heat treatment plants, foundries, petrochemical refineries, and power generation stations, where downtime must be minimized.
•Aerospace and Automotive Industry: Manufacturing of exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors and engine monitoring probes that demand extremely strict manufacturing tolerances.
Key Features for Operational Efficiency
•Optimized Dual Speed Control: Incorporates an intuitive speed selector (Fast/Slow) that allows the operator to adapt motor revolutions to different cable diameters and insulation compaction levels. High speed is ideal for fine cables, while low speed provides the necessary torque for larger diameters.
•Permanent Factory Alignment: The linear and pedestal bearing system comes factory-calibrated using 300mm precision ground shafts. This alignment guarantees absolute concentricity and eliminates the need for complex readjustments by the user.
•Integrated Safety and Visibility: Includes a transparent, impact-resistant acrylic safety cover that protects the operator from flying metal chips and MgO fragments during the drilling process, without compromising visibility of the work area.
•Flexible Start-Up Modes: Allows selection between a continuous manual operation mode ("Run") for high-volume production batches, or the use of an optional foot-switch that frees the operator's hands, improving ergonomics and process control.
Step-by-Step Operation Method
The intuitive design of the XB-90 allows for a rapid learning curve. The standard operation process is as follows:
1.Precise Depth Adjustment: Using the supplied T-handle Allen key, the rear depth stop is released and adjusted. Many manufacturers set the drilling depth equal to one cable diameter, which is easily achieved using a sample cable piece as a gauge.
2.Tooling Selection and Installation: The appropriate collet and drill bit are selected according to the cable's outer diameter (from 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm in the standard kit). Installation in the ER16 collet holder is quick and secure.
3.MI Cable Positioning: The previously cut and straightened cable is inserted through the corresponding drill guide mounted on the movable collet holder shaft.
4.Drilling Execution: With the safety cover closed and the motor running at the selected speed, the operator gently pushes the movable holder towards the fixed drill. The machine performs a clean cut until movement is stopped by the depth stop.
5.Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance: After removing the processed cable, it is highly recommended to use the supplied brush to immediately sweep away any magnesium oxide powder residue. This simple practice ensures a prolonged and trouble-free service life for the precision mechanical components.
|
Technical Parameter |
Specification |
|
Equipment Model |
XB-90 |
|
Motor Type |
Thyristor-Controlled DC Motor |
|
Rated Power |
250W |
|
Maximum Rotation Speed |
3000 RPM (Two-stage adjustable: Fast/Slow) |
|
Power Supply |
Compatible with 110/120V AC or 220/240V AC (50/60 Hz) single-phase |
|
Clamping System (Collet Holder) |
ER16 (Clamping capacity from 0.5 mm to 10 mm) |
|
MI Cable Diameter Range |
1.0 mm to 6.0 mm (with standard collet kit supplied) |
|
Typical Radial Clearance |
0.10 mm to 0.15 mm (0.08 mm for 1.0 mm cables) |
|
Physical Dimensions (H x W x D) |
140 mm x 250 mm x 370 mm (5 ½” x 10” x 14 ½”) |
|
Approximate Equipment Weight |
10 Kg (22 lbs) |
|
Electrical Protection |
Integrated 5 Amp Mains Fuse in IEC connector |
The XB-90 is designed to be a flexible platform that can be configured to meet the specific needs of your production line:
•Custom Collet and Drill Bit Kits: While the standard equipment covers the most common diameters (1.0 to 6.0 mm), we offer ER16 collet sets for non-standard diameters and high-durability tungsten carbide drill bits for special applications or exotic alloy sheaths.
•Bench Mounting Options: To ensure maximum stability during continuous production, the equipment includes hexagonal spacers with M6 threads in the base. This allows for rigid fastening to workbenches up to 40 mm thick, preventing vibrations that could affect cutting precision.
•Integration into Production Cells: This drilling machine is the preliminary step and the perfect complement to our X-B50 Multifunctional Thermocouple Welding Machine. Together, they form a complete, efficient, and highly productive work cell for comprehensive temperature sensor manufacturing.
Manual stripping or the use of non-specialized tools often results in twisting of the delicate internal conductors, irregular cuts of the metal sheath, or incomplete insulation removal. The XB-90 ensures that the MgO is removed uniformly and to an exact depth, keeping the conductors perfectly straight and parallel. This is vital to prevent internal short circuits, ensure that the subsequent weld is structurally sound, and guarantee that the thermocouple meets the precision tolerances required by industrial standards.
