The igus® alternative to a cable reel system, tidy away easily and safely!
A newly developed cable reel system was unveiled within the igus® Autumn 2020 product range. Not to be confused with the original e-spool® system, the e-spool® flex 2.0 has been designed for single cable feeding control panels. For example, within the robotics industry. This system efficiently avoids trip hazards in automated production lines.
I have recently written about other products we can offer within warehouse automated production which you can read here.: https://blog.igus.co.uk/automating-warehouses-can-igus-technology-improve-your-processes/
What is the e-spool® flex?
The new e-spool® flex 2.0 alternative to a cable reel system, moves a single cable or hose safely and stows it away quickly, whilst retaining an end-to-end connection. This new cable reel will guide a power or data cable or a hose for air and liquids, all without interruption. Thankfully, this new solution does not use slip rings and the emergency stop button can also be integrated into the system.
It is available in four versions:
- I: with a hand crank.
- II: using a cordless screwdriver.
- III: with retraction spring and locking mechanism.
- IV: with retraction spring, locking mechanism and brake.
How can the e-spool® flex cable reel system help in my application?
Previously, solutions for connecting machines and mobile operating panels were simple However these were not as effective as they could be. Therefore, some concerns for health and safety were highlighted, such as when the programmer takes the panel from a holder on the machine. Normally they would drag a cable along behind, which would potentially remain on the floor. It is probably the most common occupational issue. The cable represents a trip hazard or could potentially be damaged if run over by industrial vehicle. Worst case scenario, situations such as these can shut down entire production plants.
So, what’s different about the e-spool® flex?
The e-spool® flex 2.0 is a cable reel that allows cables to be guided from start to end without slip rings or other connecting elements. This is made possible by a spiral guide which reels the cable in a controlled manner when it is rolled up. This new type of cable reel can carry all cables and hoses for the following
- signals
- data
- liquids
- compressed air and vacuum
without interruption.
Fully harnessed cables can be used, which can be inserted into the drum in a few easy steps. The user simply inserts the cable into the spiral guide and fastens the cable stowed in the outer housing of the e-spool® flex 2.0.
The e-spool® flex 2.0 is also suitable for retrofitting existing cables. The entire system is housed in a compact installation space and can be installed easily on the machine enclosure.
If you need an alternative to a cable drum, this could be the system for your application. Contact Justin Leonard, e-chain® director in the UK, jleonard@igus.co.uk
