Wire innovation from Carl Stahl

The new X-LED is a modern architectural illumination system

German wire rope manufacturer, Carl Stahl has selected The Big 5 as the global launch pad of two new products, X-LED and Tennect.

“We have two new products and it is the first time that we are presenting them; we haven’t even launched them in Germany yet. We think that these products are particularly well suited to this market,” said general manager, Carl Stahl, Andreas Urbez.

X-LED combines the company’s X-TEND mesh, a flexible and transparent stainless steel weave characterised by high load capacity and low self-weight, with an ultra modern LED light module system. This creates a modern architectural illumination system that is transparent and, uniquely, three-dimensional.

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“The basis of X-LED is the X-TEND net and then we have introduced LED elements. The advantage of X-LED compared to other LED solutions is that you can bend it in three dimensions,” Urbez detailed.

“Also, because of its transparency, weight is not as important as in existing systems. The wind goes through it, which is a big advantage. The other advantage is that because of its transparency, you can install it in front of windows, whereas, if you install a video screen in front of an office window, you can’t look out. Finally, with this product, you are not limited with regards to size,” he elaborated.

The second new product, Tennect, is a standardised fastening system. “Tennect is something new, and is made specifically for membrane structures. The advantage with this product is that engineers do not need to calculate the forces and then design accordingly any more. This element is already calculated and already designed, so they can drag and drop our product into their drawings,” Urbez explained.

The product may be positioned at the higher end of the cost spectrum, Urbez continued, but the overall benefits are undeniable. “As is often the case, the product itself is not the cheapest one, but if you think about the whole process, it becomes cheaper than existing products.”

Founded in 1880 as a manufacturer of natural fibre ropes for agricultural use, Carl Stahl broke into steel wire ropes forty years ago, and currently consists of three main divisions: lifting, micro-cables and architecture.

The company operates a production facility for lifting equipment in Ras Al Khor, Dubai. The micro-cable, or techno-cable, branch can create wires with a thickness of as little as 0.01mm. “This is something very special. Your hair is eight times thicker than this wire! It is used in medical applications, to pull out teeth, for example, but also for micro invasive surgery.”

The company has been exhibiting at The Big Five since the show was first launched, and views it as one of the top three events, globally, for the industry. “We are here to understand the market better, through discussions with customers. We want to understand whether the product can be successful. And with this knowledge, we will form our future strategy. What we learn here will enter into our strategy, not only for this market but globally,” said Urbez.
 

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