See Continuity Check.

Electrical test to confirm the accuracy of wiring, solder paths, etc.

A casting technique in which liquid metal is being continuously solidified while passing through a (normally water) cooled shaped die. Length of the continuous cast material is not constrained or determined by the dimensions of a mold. The solidified metal is pulled through the casting die/cooler assembly by a withdrawal system that controls the pulling sequence and casting speed. Liquid metal continues to feed into the hot end of the casting die assembly under a controlled metal-static pressure. The “semi finished” products from this process feature characteristic large “as cast” grain size. Continuous casting systems for upwards vertical, horizontal and downward vertical production are available.

A casting technique in which a billet, bloom, bar or other shape is continuously solidified while it is being poured. For production of wire rod, strip and sheet, molten metal is poured from the ladle, pouring spout or pouring trough into a cooled die or a complex casting machine in a form of a continuous mold, from which a solidified strand is produced and made to follow a roller path where it may be cooled by means of water sprays. It then enters a multi-stand rolling mill where reduction of the cast cross-section takes place by hot rolling until a rod strip/sheet is obtained.

The use of devices such as deadblocks to produce continuous coils that do not require the feeding machines to be shut down when changing packages.

In some portable cords there are two standard numbers of strands of a given wire size. The one with the greater number (most flexible) is called continuous duty and the other is called stationary duty.

A metal forming process where feed stock is pushed continuously through a die to form an infinitely long product. The product cross section is usually considerably smaller than that attainable by a single pass through a drawing die.

One in which the process is continuous by means of a con­veyor or by passing individual strands of wire through a fixed furnace.

A process where a product on a moving production line can be continuously gauged. For example, a device can continually monitor the width and thickness in conjunction with a power screw-down in the rolling operation.

An electrical load in which the maximum current is expected to continue for three hours or more.

A mill composed of several stands of rolls arranged “in tandem,” usually so close together that the material being rolled is passing through several stands simultaneously.

On-line annealing where the basic heating is accomplished by applying a current to the wire as it passes between two contact sheaves. The low-voltage current generates heat by means of the resistance losses through the conductor. The level of heat and cooling rate are controlled to achieve the desired metallurgical structure.

A continuous, in-line process whereby a wire has an extruded covering applied, is then passed through a tube containing such temperatures and pressures as are necessary to complete vulcanization. The process of extruding on a wire, under high-pressure, a uniform seamless, close fitting tube of a rubber or rubber-like (thermoset) compound. The covered wire then continues into a vulcanizing chamber, where, under high pressure and temperature control, the in­sulation is vulcanized continuously. Often referred to as CV. See Vulcanization.

A ribbon-like flat and flexible cable developed for use in applications where space is confined. Very flat metallic strips are embedded side by side in a plastic dielectric ribbon, which carries up to 40 separate conductors. A typical cable is about as thick as a postcard. There are also considerable weight savings.

The method and means of governing the performance of any apparatus, machine or system.

A multi-conductor cable made for operating in control or signal circuits, usually flexible, relatively small in size, and with relatively small current rating.

Any wire that carries current to control a valve or a relay or to cause any event without actually carrying the energy controlled in the event.

A gas or mixture of gases having specific or general properties, known either to cause or prevent certain gas-to-metal reactions occurring during heat treatment. Most controlled or prepared atmospheres are produced during heat treatment from a consistent source of hydrocarbon gas, i.e., natural gas (methane), vaporized propane or butane, by a process of total or partial combustion in air in the case of the exothermic type atmospheres or by passing a mixture of the reaction fuel and air over a heated catalyst in the case of the endothermic type atmospheres. An annealing atmosphere can also be prepared for a typical bell annealer by mixing two or more delivered gases, such as using bulk nitrogen with a small “spike” gas like propylene. In metal forming operations such as continuous casting, inert gas atmospheres are maintained to prevent metal oxides from forming.

A process of cooling from an elevated temperature in a predetermined manner, to avoid hardening, cracking or internal damage, or to produce a desired microstructure. This usually follows a final hot-forming operation.

Package of two or more insulated conductors where impedance measurements between respective conductors are kept essentially constant throughout the entire length.