November 10, 2008 -- Following its launch in late 2007, the Nova 800 range of laser wire markers from Spectrum Technologies have become "the wire markers of choice" for wire harness manufacturing in key aircraft programs around the world, claims the company.
The Nova markers are available in manual or fully automated configurations. The company launched the product line in October 2007 with the Nova 880 ultra-high speed UV laser wire marker, with Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, CT, USA as the launch customer. Sikorsky opted for an automated system incorporating the Nova high speed wire ASL Auto Select and Load unit and 24 station de-reeler complete with a 20 ft (3m) wire stacker.
Spectrum has since expanded the Nova range to include 5 models: The 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 new low end model designed to fill the gap between the CAPRIS 50-100 entry level system, specified for low volume maintenance and production applications, and the mainstream Nova models which are specified for higher volume applications.
Spectrum reports that, 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, also for their helicopter production facility in Stratford, CT. Both Nova systems will be used in support of the full range of Sikorsky helicopter program, which include the Black Hawk and CH53 heavy lift helicopters.
Spectrum's Nova line has also garnered multiple orders from Lockheed Martin for various facilities, including Marietta, GA and Las Vegas, NV. These include two Nova 860 systems, one of which will be employed to support manufacture of the C130 transport aircraft. PHI Inc has also ordered a manual Nova 860 for their Lafayette, LA, USA 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 their new 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 F35 will be produced at the Izmir facility using the Nova 860 system, which has very recently been successfully installed and handed over to the customer. Fokker says it selected Nova based upon their experience using Spectrum's equipment in their Chinese operation and Spectrum's overall responsiveness. A spokesperson at Fokker Elmo said, "Spectrum offered the best value proposal from all of the companies compared and is therefore selected."
The latest Nova order received is from the Boeing Company for two fully automated Nova 880 wire markers, complete with 32 station de-reelers each; these will be the largest systems delivered by Spectrum to date. The new wire markers are for delivery to Boeing's Everett facility to support commercial aircraft production, replacing the older second generation CAPRIS 100 wire markers, which have been the production mainstay at Boeing for many years.
On the Web:
www.spectrumtech.com
