METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CRIMPING COMPOSITE ELECTRICAL INSULATORS

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring crimping of metal end fittings onto electrically insulating core rods. The force and/or pressure applied to the metal end fittings by crimping jaws are monitored during crimping. The distance travelled by the crimping jaws is also measured during crimping. A change is detected in the relationship between the force and/or pressure and the distance travelled by the crimping jaws, such as by detecting a non-increasing force and/or pressure with an increasing distance. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may provide for detection and/or prediction of cracks in the electrically insulating core rods to improve the crimping process.