One Million Electric Measurements a Year

Press releasePM 1513-EU

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One million electric measurements a year

Online and in real time: A look at the world’s largest test laboratory for flexible cables

More than 700 tests run in parallel in the igus chainflex test laboratory and complete more than two billion test cycles per year. Now, for the first time, customers can see “their” test “live”: The tests can be followed in real time via webcam in all igus offices all over the world.

For many machine and plant manufacturers, the word “chainflex” is a synonym for almost indestructible cables which were designed from the outset for use in permanently moving machine and automation components. The range, which was launched with just a few versions in 1989, has now increased to more than 1,030 different types and sizes of cables.

One of the major reasons for the success of the chainflex cables is the systematic series of chainflex tests which igus has been carrying out in its own test laboratory for around twenty years. Rainer Rössel, head of the chainflex division, explains, “The efforts made in the chainflex laboratory follow different but very clear aims: On the one hand, we are continually examining new production methods which help optimise production costs, on the other we are constantly working on material improvements which will guarantee an even better interplay between the e-chain and the cables. In addition, numerous application-related tests are carried out.”

At the moment, more than 700 tests are being carried out in parallel at the test laboratory, which has an area of 1,750 m², and around one million electric measuring data records are generated per year. Alongside many “standard linear test axes” with different travels and accelerations, the igus laboratory can also carry out special unique tests – such as the climate chamber in a 40' container where cable tests are carried out using an 8 m axis with temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C. The possibility of following the progress of the tests via the internet and viewing the results achieved so far is a brand new option. The measuring data are monitored continually and completely automatically using the “AutΩMeS” system developed by igus.

News from the test laboratory: The bus family group CFBUS.xxx.050 CAT6A

The latest developments to undergo comprehensive testing are three mechanically different but electrically identical CAT6A cables for the permanent movement range. The bus family group CFBUS.xxx.050 CAT6A is made up of optimally twisted bus elements which are shielded in pairs. The special chainflex overall shield guarantees a consistently high protective effect which secures electrical performance even after one million cycles. The sheathing materials optimised and tested for the e-chain round the product off. The benefits for the customers are obvious: igus does not have a single cable that has to cover everything in terms of mechanical function; there are three different and economic selection possibilities between PVC, PUR and TPE outer sheathing materials. From these, customers can choose the solution that reliably meets the cycle figures, media and temperature resistance requirements.

Picture PM1513-01: igus GmbH, Cologne

A look behind the scenes: The chainflex product portfolio is submitted to toughest test conditions in the 1,750 m² laboratory. More than 2 billion test cycles per year are completed in 700 tests.

Picture PM1513-02: igus GmbH, Cologne

The measuring data is monitored continually and completely automatically using the “AutΩMeS” system developed by igus. The possibility of following the progress of the tests via the internet and viewing the results achieved so far is a brand new option.

PRESS CONTACT:

Oliver Cyrus

Corporate Communication

igus GmbH

Spicher Str. 1a

D-51147 Köln

Phone +49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 459

Fax+49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 631