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The Book of Terms

The Book of TermsThe WJI Book of Wire & Cable Terms: an interactive experience of learning and sharing
This book, written by industry volunteers and containing more than 5,000 entries, is an asset for newcomers to wire and cable.

At the same time, it also represents an opportunity for industry veterans to give back by either updating or adding to the more than 5,000 entries. This is an honor system process. Entries/updates must be non-commercial, and any deemed not to be so will be removed. Share your expertise as part of this legacy project to help those who will follow. Purchase a printed copy here.

   

 

All   0-9   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Plastic Granulators

Machines for cutting up plastic stock into granules for feeding into ex­truders or other machinery. See Plastic Dicers.

Plasticity

A parameter that reflects the ability of a material to be deformed without rupture.

Plasticizer

A chemical agent that is added to the stock material when compounding plastics to make them softer and more flexible.

Plastifying Extrusion

An extrusion process in which a solid material (polymer) is fed to the extruder and made plastic (soft) by means of heat within the extruder.

Plastometer

An instrument for determining the flow properties of a thermoplastic resin by forcing the molten resin through a die or orifice of specific size at a specified temperature and pressure.

Plater’s Bar

A rectangular section, specially surfaced for use as a base to which precious metal is to be applied before re-rolling, for the jewelry and similar trades.

Plater’s Core

A round section, specially surfaced, for use as a base to which precious metal is to be applied before re-rolling, for the jewelry and similar trades.

Plating

Forming an adherent layer of metal upon an object.

Plating Barrel

A container in which small parts are electroplated. Horizontal per­forated barrels are generally used. The barrel is immersed and rotated in the tank containing the plating solution and provided with external anodes. An electrical cathode connection to the work being plated is provided by means of a contact within the barrel.

Plating Thickness

The measured thickness of the plated coating on a wire strand. Measurements are usually in microns (millionths of a meter) or micro-inches (millionths of an inch).

Plating, Volume Percentage

The ratio of the volume of the plated material to the total volume of the conductor.

Plating, Weight Percentage

The ratio of the weight of the plated material to the total weight of the conductor. Conductor plating percentages usually refers to weight percentage when a distinction is not made.

Platinite

A nickel-iron alloy containing about 45 percent nickel used in wire form for passing through glass, as in electric lamps and radio valves because its coeffi­cient of expansion is similar to that of glass. Frequently it is copper-coated to give a more secure bond between the metal and the glass.

Platinum

Element, chemical symbol Pt. A heavy, grayish-white element that is both ductile and noncorrosive.

Platinum Metals

The family of six metals—ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum—that have similar properties and appearance to platinum. Applications for platinum include high-temperature and non-corrosive wires and contacts. It can be mixed with other “family” members for other applications, such as thermocouples.

PLCV

Designation for Pressurized Liquid Continuous Vulcanization.

Plenum

Air ducts and defined spaces where airflow is directed for various reasons such as heating/cooling, and mist or fume containment.

Plenum Cable

A cable that meets the most stringent flammability and smoke-generating tests for installation in plenums without the need for conduit. Plenums are ducts and air spaces in a building above drop ceilings and under floors where fiber can be routed.

Plough Steel Wire

An obsolete terms once used to describe high-carbon steel wire used for making wire ropes. It was also known as “Plow Steel.”

PLSJ

Designation for all-rubber, parallel-jacketed, two-conductor, light duty cord for pendent or portable use in damp locations. 300V.
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