The successful implementation of major infrastructure projects requires precise planning, reliable technology and close cooperation between all parties involved. A recent example of this is the extensive modernisation work being carried out at CERN as part of the continued development of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

A major project demanding extraordinary standards

The Large Hadron Collider ranks among the largest and most complex research facilities in the world. Various technical system upgrades and the refurbishment of existing installations aim to ensure that the facility continues to meet the highest scientific standards in the future.

An essential part of these activities is the replacement of existing cabling. In the course of the project, close to 160 kilometres of cable will be replaced with new installs. This task requires reliable, high-performance equipment that delivers precise results even under demanding conditions.

High demands placed on the technology deployed

The requirements set for the cabling work were clearly defined:

• reliable operation even under heavy load
• precise cutting of different types and dimensions of cable
• intuitive and safe operation by different users
• seamless integration into existing work processes
• high process reliability in multi-shift operation

To satisfy these demands, three LOIMEX MTR50/AR cable-cutting machines were deployed.

Project-specific adaptation for maximum efficiency

Close collaboration between CERN, LOIMEX and our team contributed to the project’s success.

We worked together to tailor the existing machines precisely to the specific project requirements. The primary focus was on optimising the software to provide the best possible support for the workflows on site. Operating procedures were simplified, functions purposefully adapted and the reproducibility of the work steps improved.

These adaptations ensured that the machines could be seamlessly integrated into the existing processes where they are now used for cabling work.

Commissioning and on-site training

Technical acceptance testing of the machines took place directly at CERN following their successful installation.

The staff were then given comprehensive training in how to operate the machines. In addition to the machines' functions, the training sessions focused in particular on safety aspects, operating procedures and the optimal use of the software.

This ensured that the systems would be used efficiently and safely from Day One.

Successful collaboration contributed to project success

Major projects of this scale call for not only high-performance machines, but above all the ability to develop bespoke solutions and pull together a range of specialist skills.

Combining the technical expertise at CERN, the many years of experience LOIMEX has in the field of cable-cutting technology, and our expertise in customer-specific adaptations has yielded a solution that is precisely tailored to the requirements of this project.