The new cable-management kit is designed to work with any cobot, such as this UR arm. Source: igus
Companies of all sizes are becoming interested in automating tedious and repetitive tasks. However, most processes in manufacturing and assembly currently involve some human interaction. In response to this, collaborative robots will account for nearly 35% of all industrial robot sales by 2025, according to estimates. igus GmbH, a global manufacturer of engineered plastic components, has released a new cable management kit to meet that cobot demand.
The kit includes universally-designed hook-and-loop mounting brackets and more than 100 links of the company’s innovative triflex R cable carrier, which it said offers superior cable protection in comparison with corrugated tubes.
triflex R design features
The triflex R is a multi-axis energy chain designed for use in a wide variety of robotic applications. Unlike corrugated tubing, it’s designed with ball-and-socket links that enable individual pieces of the system to be replaced if one of them is damaged, said Igus.
Also, triflex R also has a defined bend radius to ensure that the minimum bend radius of cables won’t be violated, a built-in torsion stop for even torsional load between the carrier and the cables, and two chambers for cable separation, which help reduce excessive cable wear.
igus kit includes brackets, designed for ease of use
The kit’s hook-and-loop mounting brackets with a non-skid backing can be fastened around any diameter cobot arm, making it easier for engineers to choose a kit, regardless of the robot manufacturer, according to Igus.
The brackets are also easy to install and are designed with rounded edges to reduce the risk of injury for humans interacting with the cobots.
The following parts are included in the triflex R hook-and-loop cobot cable management kit:
- One triflex cable carrier, approximately 6 ft. in length
- Four 1 meter hook-and-loop lengths
- Four plastic mounting bases
- One strain-relief bracket
- One set of lock clips
- One set of screws
- One assembly tool
Other variations and accessories are available, including molded and bumper-style brackets and robot-end “tennis rackets.”
For more information, to see a video of the kit in action, and to visit the cobot cable management shop, click here.
The new cable-management kit includes triflex R links and mounting brackets. Source: igus
About igus
igus is a leading, global manufacturer of engineered plastic components based in Cologne, Germany. Since 1964, it has developed innovative solutions for moving applications in almost every industry. igus’ products include plain bearings, linear bearings, cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, robotic components and more. The company’s North American headquarters are in East Providence, R.I.
