Nova laser markers used for aircraft programmes
Spectrum Technologies
Nova 800 laser wire markers
The Nova 800 range of laser wire markers from Spectrum Technologies have become the wire markers of choice for wire harness manufacture on key aircraft programmes around the world.
Nova markers are available in manual or automated configurations.
The company launched the range in October 2007 with the Nova 880 ultra-high-speed UV laser wire marker, with Sikorsky Aircraft as the first customer.
Sikorsky opted for an automated system incorporating the Nova high-speed wire ASL auto select and load unit and 24-station dereeler complete with a 20ft (3m) wire stacker.
Spectrum has since expanded the Nova range to include five models: Nova 800, 820, 840, 860 and 880.
The Nova 860 is a high-speed marker for high volume production applications, replacing the previous Capris 60-200.
The Nova 840 and 820 are mid-range models replacing the previous Capris 50-300ES and 50-300 models respectively.
The Nova 800 is a low-end model designed to fill the gap between the Capris 50-100 entry level system, specified for low-volume maintenance and production applications.
Following an initial positive experience with the Nova 880, Sikorsky has subsequently ordered and taken delivery of a second automated Nova system, selecting a Nova 840 mid-range marker for its helicopter production facility in Stratford, US.
Both Nova systems will be used in support of the full range of Sikorsky helicopter programmes, which include the Black Hawk and CH53 heavy lift helicopters.
Sikorsky's decision was based on the advanced performance of Nova systems, including maximum marking speed and stacker options.
Spectrum has also enjoyed Nova success with multiple orders from Lockheed Martin for various facilities.
These include two Nova 860 systems, one of which will be employed to support manufacture of the C130 transport aircraft.
PHI has also ordered a manual Nova 860 for its Lafayette helicopter maintenance facility.
Spectrum has also won a major order from Natech in Narvik, Norway.
Natech manufactures and delivers made-to-order complex components and subsystems to national and international armed forces, oil and gas industries.
Under this order, Spectrum has supplied a manual Nova 820 and an automated Nova 860 with ASL and 24-station dereeler, which will be used to produce wire harnesses under contract for the SAAB Gripen.
A key Nova order has also been received from Fokker Elmo for its production facility in Izmir, Turkey.
Fokker Elmo recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Lockheed Martin identifying Fokker Elmo as the supplier of wiring harnesses for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
A major portion of wiring harnesses for the F-35 will be produced at the Izmir facility using the Nova 860 system.
The latest order received is from the Boeing Company for two fully automated Nova 880 wire markers, complete with 32-station dereelers each; these will be the largest systems delivered by Spectrum to date.
The wire markers are for delivery to the Everett facility to support commercial aircraft production, replacing the older second generation Capris 100 wire markers.
More stories
Metallicard system from Weidmüller can be used to mark electrical equipment and cables weblink
The Metallicard from Weidmüller is a marking system that can print on markers made of metal without the use of ovens or similar equipment.
Visionpro from Cognex enables laser marking specialist to ensure component traceability weblink
Asys Automatisierungssysteme, a laser marking specialist based in Dornstadt, Germany, has incorporated Cognex’s Visionpro vision software into its Insignum 2000 laser marking system to ensure complete component traceability.
ES Technology's laser-marking system helps valve manufacturer to ensure traceability weblink
Lancashire-based Fort Valve Engineering, a specialist in the precision manufacture of valves and fittings for the road tanker and tank container industries, is using a laser-marking system from ES Technology to ensure product and component traceability.
Rofin-Baasel introduces laser welding and marking systems for medical applications weblink
Rofin-Baasel will present its new Performance laser welding system and its Easymark II laser marking system — both suitable for medical-device applications — at this year’s Medtec exhibition, which is scheduled to be held at the NEC in Birmingham on 23-24 May.
ESAB offers plasma retrofit package designed to help extend the life of existing equipment weblink
ESAB Cutting Systems is offering a plasma retrofit package for companies looking to extend the life of existing equipment using the latest plasma cutting and marking technology.
