What cables do you need for robotic applications?
Robotic applications for manufacturing and production lines are growing exponentially worldwide as people realise the benefits and opportunities automation provides.
Companies want the most for their money. This growing trend is one that igus® has invested in with our CFROBOT cables, triflex® R energy chains and dress packs for robots which are available to configure online.
Why do you need special cables for robotics?
The CFROBOT cables are a part of the chainflex® cable range but you might wonder why you need specific cables for robotic application…
To meet the rigorous demands of the robot industry, it is crucial to have the appropriate robotic components that can endure harsh conditions and have a long life. All cables must be able to endure both rapid and torsional movements to prevent failure and therefore unplanned downtime that halts production, incurring costs that are avoidable with reliable cables like CFROBOT. igus provides cost effective torsional cables, but many people don’t know our unscreened control cables also offer a torsional rating!
All igus chainflex® cables are tested thoroughly in our laboratory to assess their reliability, where the cable is pushed to its technical limits to determine durability and maximum load.
Cable safety first
Robots’ torsional movements can subject the cables to extreme mechanical stress. As a result, the cables used in manufacturing must be capable of withstanding this during operation.
While it’s key to have robust cables for robotic applications, you can protect them further from wear and tear with triflex® R energy chains which increase the service life of cables and hoses. The triflex® R was developed specifically for multi-axis robots to provide cable management that increases service life.
Many may opt for corrugated hoses instead, and although this is a cheaper solution, it offers limited durability and there can be failures down the line that end up costing much more. When it comes to fast-throughput production lines dependent on hitting quotas and fulfilling customer orders as efficiently as possible, it has to be quality over quantity.
igus® manufacture quality products that are lasting and cost-effective to remove the stress of constant replacements or failure. Compared to a cable protection hose, triflex® R energy chains offer a defined bend radius and high tensile force absorption, ensuring a long-lasting and productive robotic application.
Dive deeper into the concept of ‘quality over quantity’.
Our confidence in our products extends to a 4-year guarantee which you can configure online using our online tools.
What cables do igus® offer
The igus® portfolio of cables ranges from control cables to data cables, measuring system cables, fibre optic cables, motor cables, single cores, bus cables and even hybrid cables! All with a guaranteed service life of up to 4 years.
The importance of using specific cables for robotic applications cannot be overstated. The unique demands of robotic movements and the harsh conditions they often operate in requires cables that are not only durable but also highly reliable. By investing in high-quality solutions like the CFROBOT cables and triflex® R energy chains from igus®, companies can ensure their production lines remain efficient and minimise costly downtime.
ANYBRID Application Example
Injection moulding company ANYBRID needed complete operational safety in an industrial environment when using hydraulic and hot water hoses alongside electric cables. ANYBRID had hydraulic lines, hot water and power lines in close proximity to one another, so TRLF.100.145.0 and TRCF.100.145.0 were used to enable separate cable routing so they could continue injection moulding with their 6-axis robot with peace of mind.
Embracing these advanced technologies and understanding how to equip and protect your investment is a step towards achieving greater productivity and long-term success in the rapidly evolving world of automation.
If automation is entirely new to you, igus® provides entry level automation solutions that are low-cost and effective in expanding the idea of what is possible for your business.
