CS Wind Offshore has started using a custom-built automated milling machine from CNC Onsite at its facility in Aalborg, Denmark, to produce cable penetrations in transition pieces for offshore wind farms. The machine uses computer-controlled milling to produce precise, clean-cut holes for reliable cable sealing. Each transition piece requires six cable penetrations and 12 pressure relief holes. The latter help prevent structural deformation under changing pressure and rough sea conditions.
The mobile gantry machine completes the cable penetrations in a single automated pass, replacing manual flame cutting and grinding. A magnetic fastening system secures the machine to the curved transition piece without marking the steel surface.
The cable penetrations are machined at a 45-degree angle to accommodate diagonal cable routing. The machine can work at angles between 28 and 90 degrees, with the penetrations measuring 180 mm by 350 mm.
The 4.8-ton machine is designed to work on transition pieces weighing up to 370 tons and measuring 7.8 metres in diameter. Its adjustable wheeled system follows the rotation of the transition piece, reducing the need for manual repositioning.
