Energy chain and cable specialist igus has launched a new range of cables specifically for cable carrier applications that do not require high cycle rates. With a guaranteed service life of one million double strokes, the new chainflex M range is a cost-effective alternative for such applications.
“Our current range of chainflex cables is guaranteed for five million double strokes in constantly moving energy chain applications, even with high speeds, accelerations and demanding environmental conditions,” says Justin Leonard, director at igus. “Our new chainflex M range is designed for less demanding applications where reliability is still important but the required cycle life is much lower.”
Typical applications for the chainflex M range are in theatres, tools and jigs, packaging machines and some machine tools. Covering all types of cables from control, motor, servo and measuring cables through to data and bus cables, the chainflex M range is also UL/CSA certified. Additionally, chainflex M cables have undergone the same demanding in-house tests as standard chainflex for wear, chemical resistance, and flexing performance in energy chains.
“All cable families in the chainflex M range cost 20–30% less than the standard chainflex ranges we currently offer,” adds Leonard. “Made from innovative iguPUR (a highly oil and bend-resistant PUR material) or PVC, chainflex M cables are guaranteed to last one million cycles of service life, which is unique at this price point.”
With no cutting costs and no minimum order quantities, the new chainflex M provides the most cost-efficient solution for energy chain applications that do not require a very high cycle rate. Based in Northampton in the UK, and with global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastic cable carriers in the world. Product lines include industry-leading e-chain cable carriers, chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglidur plastic plain bearings, igubal spherical bearings, drylin linear bearings and guide systems. The company has 26 subsidiaries across 31 countries and employs more than 2,150 people worldwide.
With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cable since 1989, igus provides solutions based on 100,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new products introduction each year.