Igus - Southern Manufacturing 2012
Novel energy chain system increases uptime for Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover has reduced the downtime on one of its factory robots by 66% thanks to installing equipment from leading energy chain specialist, igus UK. Triflex RS is a very compact multi-axial energy supply system that safely houses the energy cables, and as a result, enables manufactures to increase reliability and make operational cost savings.
Jaguar Land Rover was experiencing a high rate of problems on a robot in its car factory. This was caused by the cable management hose, as it kept falling into the robot’s working range. The company identified a need to reduce the downtime, and called on energy chain specialists igus for a reliable solution.
igus recommended its Triflex RS 6-axis robot energy chain, which has been developed specifically for applications in harsh industrial environments. Since the robot has been equipped with new energy chain system, Jaguar Land Rover has achieved a significant increase in uptime as the Triflex RS universal module pulls the energy lines back after every movement, keeping the working range free.
igus’ Triflex RS energy chain is lightweight, cost-effective, has a high torsional stability and a small bend radius and pitch, which all combine to solve the common design problems for applications in confined spaces to safely carry the energy supply.
Compatible with more than 100 robot models and brands, the igus Triflex RS system is extremely versatile, user-friendly, easy to install and provides and excellent long service life. The internal retraction force prevents loops forming in the working area of the robot and keeps the energy chain close to the robot’s arm for smooth running.
It also allows easy cable access and visibility at all times, ensuring easy maintenance. Together with all the other parts in the Triflex R range, as well as the igus CFRobot cable range, this system offers a complete energy chain solution for virtually any robot applications.
“We are delighted to have worked with Jaguar on this application and achieve such positive results,” says Justin Leonard, director at igus. “At igus we can provide our customers with technological advances in the robotics industry, enabling them to reduce process costs and with the Triflex RS system, all the requirements from large welding robots to small palletizing robots can be met.”
In addition, igus offers a complete range of special cables for use in torsion applications, designed for use in the Triflex RS energy chain system. These comprise chainflex “CFROBOT” bus, motor and control cables as well as fibre optic cables.
For more information call igus UK directly on 01604 677240 or visit the website at: www.igus.co.uk.
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Fig 1: The Triflex RS system enables customers to reduce process costs.
Fig 2: Compatible with more than 100 robot models and brands, the igus Triflex RS system is extremely versatile, user-friendly, easy to install and provides and excellent long service life.
About igus UK Ltd:
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 approximately 1,800 people worldwide.
With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cable since 1989, igus provides the right solution based on 80,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new products introduction each year
For more information, please call igus UK directly on 01604 677240 or visit the website at: www.igus.co.uk
igus®, e-chain®, readychain®, chainflex®, iglidur®, igubal®, drylin® and manus® are registered trademarks
For further information, please contact:
Justin Leonard, igus UK Ltd
Tel: 01604 677240
Email:
Sarah Claridge, Technical Publicity
Mobile: 07872 462646
Email: