igus, the leading expert in dynamic cables for energy chains, now offers technical data sheets for over 1,100 of its chainflex cables. The data sheets, which are found for each chainflex cable available online at www.igus.co.uk/chainflex, provide engineers with detailed information, including cable cross-section drawings, electrical data and typical mechanical tests carried out in energy chains.
“The cable cross-section drawings provide designers with a unique opportunity to see the layup of the individual cores within the overall cable structure, for example to assign connector pin-outs, explains igus director, Justin Leonard. “The technical data sheets also show details of the materials used in the cable construction including important ratings (e.g. UL, CSA, flame retardancy, NEK606 offshore rating) making choosing the right cable for any moving application even easier.”
Basic mechanical data is given showing the outer diameters of the cables together with their weights, as well as core colours (or numbers) and outer cable marking codes.
Detailed electrical data such as nominal and test voltages, max current loads and resistances give clarity when checking for electrical compatibility in a machine design.
By providing clear moving application parameters for each cable, such as maximum advised speed and acceleration and minimum dynamic bend radius, designers can specify a moving energy supply system as a whole and ensure a long service life of the machine.
That service life can be relied upon because igus’ chainflex cables are guaranteed for millions of cycles in moving energy chain applica
tions. In fact with the recent introduction of its chainflex Guarantee Club igus not only gives detailed cable information, but also guarantees the cable lifetime within energy chains. In the chainflex guarantee club, machine builders and equipment manufacturers can receive a written guarantee via certification that goes far beyond the basic legal warranty.
“We guarantee durability and functional safety of our cables to give customers planning security,” says Leonard. “The aim is to give binding statements about the durability of igus chainflex cables in the energy chain; for this purpose, we originated a guarantee programme for all chainflex cables from the catalogue.
Such guarantees are only possible because of decades of experience testing cables in moving energy chains. For this reason igus currently operates the largest test laboratory in the industry covering over 1,750 square metres and has conducted about 300,000 tests in the last 20 years.” More than 700 cables are constantly in motion; other tests include resistance to chemicals, as well as cold tests (down to -40 degC) and torsional tests. On the basis of these test series, igus is in the position to make clear statements with respect of durability and lifetime of its chainflex cables in real world machine applications.
“These tests reassure designers and machine builders that igus cables will improve the performance and reliability of their equipment,” adds Leonard. “This is backed-up by the large number of customers that report that igus cables just don’t wear out!”
The chainflex datasheets include details of the typical test setup for that respective cable type, showing the range of speeds, accelerations, bend radii and test strokes, again offering more confidence to the customer when selecting a cable.
“By giving clear and open information about our cables, we believe it is easier for our customers to confidently chose the correct types for their applications and have absolute confidence that they will work, and last, in their moving application” says Leonard.
Datasheets are freely available on the igus website for all electrical cable types offered by igus: multicore control, servo, motor, BUS, data and signal cables.
About igus:
Based in Northampton in the UK, and with global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastic cable carriers in the world. Product lines include industry-leading e-chain cable carriers, chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglidur plastic plain bearings, igubal spherical bearings, drylin linear bearings and guide systems. The company has 26 subsidiaries across 31 countries and employs more than 2150 people worldwide.
With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cable since 1989, igus provides the right solution based on 100,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new product introductions each year
For more information, please call igus directly on 01604 677240 or visit the website at: www.igus.co.uk. Follow us at http://twitter.com/igusUK, watch our videos at www.igus.co.uk/YouTube, connect with us at www.igus.co.uk/Facebook or visit our blog blog.igus.co.uk.