Cable carriers
Almost no limits on long travels, high dynamics, long running times – these are the characteristics that distinguish the innovative igus drive-chain. The world’s first energy chain with its own drive ensures significantly longer running times on extremely long travels because hardly any push/pull forces act on it. Across the globe, rail-mounted automated stacking cranes (ASCs) in ports are just one of the applications that benefit.
As the world’s first manufacturer, igus has received UL AWM certification from the well-known US organization Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for its high-end TPE cables that do not use fire-retardant halogens as additives. This is the first time that the testing organisation has recognised that halogen-free TPE cables can also meet the fire protection requirements in industry.
In the area of machine tools, many users around the world rely on Fanuc motors and control systems. In order to reliably supply the drives with energy while they are in motion, igus has now developed a highly flexible servo cable. It is designed specifically for use in dynamic applications. The cable has an oil-resistant PUR jacket, UL certification, and a UL-verified, certified guarantee promise for up to 36 months.
It guides cables safely at a defined bend radius and even withstands shocks and impacts: the e-loop. The energy chain system is specifically designed for hanging applications, such as in deep drilling rigs and is already replacing service loops worldwide. In order to offer users a complete ready-to-connect system from a single source that operates safely even in extreme application scenarios, such as in explosion zones, igus now offers its energy chains with special connectors and cables as tested readychains.
The aim of the precision irrigation carriage from Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik is to use water resources sensibly whilst protecting the groundwater at the same time. With the new automatic irrigation system, the water reaches exactly where it should: directly to the plants. For the safe and compact guidance of hoses and cables, the developers rely on an igus energy chain system consisting of roller chain and guide trough.
When people and machines stand shoulder to shoulder in production, safety at work is an important issue. Therefore, igus has now developed a new clamp for energy chains and protective hoses on cobots. The Lean Robotics retaining fixture produced by injection moulding, has a uniform size which makes it very cost-effective. The retaining fixture can be installed in seconds with a Velcro strip.
Media resistance, lubrication-free and corrosion-free: these are the requirements machine components in the food industry have to meet today. In order to be able to quickly identify broken pieces in the event of damage to a system, igus has now developed two new optically and magnetically detectable materials for its plain and spherical bearings: the iglidur FC180 and igumid FC. The materials comply with FDA and EU10/2011 regulations and are therefore ideal for use in the food industry.
Quick and easy configuration of complete energy supply systems now ensured by the igus e-chain expert. With the newly developed online tool, users can design their own guaranteed ready-to-connect energy chain system, in just a few steps. Here, the interior separation is made automatically and the user receives reliable information on the durability of the energy chain and cables used. This allows the customer to easily choose the most cost-effective system which fits their application.
Guiding data and media in the tightest of spaces at high speeds is a major challenge for many users, for example in intralogistics. With the micro flizz, igus offers a compact energy supply system for travels up to 100 metres. It consists of an energy chain, flexible chainflex cables for tight bend radii and an aluminium guide channel. The micro flizz can now also be used with the new smart CF.D system. This monitors the data transmission characteristics of the cable in advance and promptly warns of a failure.
Configurable online, on the go and on a tablet, as a durable special part, 3D printed or equipped with smart intelligence – motion plastics are increasingly becoming high-tech components. At this year’s Hannover Messe, igus will be demonstrating this development with 120 new products – from the intelligent plain bearing to the world’s first online platform that brings suppliers and users of cost-effective robotics together.