Igus presented a new family of control cables at the Hanover Fair for use in energy chains across the machine tool industry. The oil-resistant Chainflex cables CF77 and CF78 have been developed for dynamic applications with high cycle rates under high loads.
The new family now unites nine advantages of several tried and trusted Chainflex cable series into a single design. With over 850 cables, Igus says it currently has the most extensive range of energy chain applications to date, but at the same time wants to make cable selection easier. This is especially important when considering international standards, material approvals and service lives.
CF77 and CF78 are twisted in layers for seven wires or fewer (nominal voltage U0/U 300/500V) and stranded in bundles for 12 or more wires (U0/U 300/300V). The cables are stranded in bundles around a strong tensile rope core to avoid corkscrew effects and broken cores, yet the outside diameter of the control cables is just as slim as comparable types that are only stranded in layers.
The highly abrasion- and bend-resistant outer sheath, which is made of PUR extruded under pressure into all the gaps and gussets of the cable, ensures additional stability and is flame-retardant as well as halogen-free. As well as UL/CSA approval, the cables conform to DESINA standards.
Finally, the cables are also suitable for clean room conditions (ISO Class 1). The first types of the new Chainflex family CF77/CF78 are available ex stock, and continual extension of the available types will take place during 2008. As with all Igus cables, this family will also be available without cutting charges or minimum order quantities.