Please inform about any available alternative packaging material in place of the wooden drums (reels) being used for the supply of cables.

Sheks

Hello again Sheks,

This is a very good question when it comes to large drums and unfortunately the only good alternative to wood are the steel torridal drums.You know, the ones with the flutes on the flanges.

Over the years I have seen large drums made out of recycled plastics and once even concrete reels were considered. The wide flanges and the resultant heavy weight made these reels impractical.

Perhaps somebody else has seen some more practical alternative.


Regards
Peter J. Stewart-Hay
Principal
Stewart-Hay Associates
www.Stewart-Hay.com
519 641- 3212

But, If not for larger drums, I beleive there must be some alternative for small drums with cable weight in the range of say 100 Kg to 500 Kgs. Can you suggest any suppliers who can offer any solutions.

Sheks

Hello again,

You know Sheks, I wish you would be much more specific with your queries. I assumed medium and large power cable and communication product reels but now you are talking much smaller and lighter reels and product. Vague questions really waste our time because the original question makes us search for generic answers.

For very light loads, say less than say 100 pounds and tailored to your specific needs, plastic or perhaps some other recycled material may be appropriate for one-way reels. I would be surprised however if you find an alternative material for shipping reels that would carry say 100 to 1,000 pounds of cable.

Search for yourself to satisfy your exact requirement at "The Virtual Trade Show". www.wirenet.org/vts/vts_search.cfm That's what we would do. I believe you will find some light plastic reels there. Check out all the reel categories and let us know if you find something that suits you.

This response is not meant to be harsh, abrupt or even critical but we cannot tell exactly where you are going with this thread. I sincerely hope you understand our dilemma.

A written "thanks" or "regards" before you put your name to a message would also be much appreciated. Thank you.

Regards
Peter J. Stewart-Hay
Principal
Stewart-Hay Associates
www.Stewart-Hay.com
519 641- 3212

Thanks and Regards
Sheks

Hello,
we have studied this exact packaging requirement for steel wires, copper wires and insulated wires. We have shown that one can use a take-apart/collapsible reel to package a reel-less package which will allow the manufacturer of wire/cable to only ship the material without reels.
www.howarequipment.com and www.gmp-slovakia.com will help.

The corrugated/toroidal flange reels are also available in a knock-down version for easy return.
Chris