One of the most common problems that can occur when cables used in energy chain applications are stressed beyond their limits is corkscrewing. What is it? How does it happen? How can you avoid?
High tensile loads in modern automation applications often surpass a standard cable’s capability. As a result, these cables can suffer from external corkscrew-like deformation, broken copper strands, layered stranding, and loose jackets. Unfortunately when this happens to cables supplying energy or data to the machine, failure is common and, in the worst case scenario, can lead to production stoppages.
Energy chain specialist igus realised the unsatisfactory results that standard cables were having in energy chain applications and therefore developed its own fully optimised cable range called chainflex. What makes igus’ cables a totally reliable solution is that the centre element of the cable is designed to take high tensile stresses. The internal wire elements are bundled with shorter pitch lengths around the centre core rather than in layers and a highly abrasion resistant gusset-filled inner and outer jacket are used eliminating any fraying and breakages to the copper wires.
Also, in some cable types, further protection is offered by incorporating a shield with optimised braiding angle around the extruded inner jacket to provide torsion protection and prevent any internal and external interference, which normally occur in dynamic applications during the constant bending process. Furthermore, the reliability of the chainflex cable is proved by real life applications and rigorous laboratory tests, which in some cases can last for up to 3 years.
A short video presenting some of the biggest horror stories seen be igus field engineers can be viewed at: www.igus.de/videos/flexiblecablescombalfailure
igus UK
01604 677240
www.igus.co.uk