igus announces new adjustable retraction system for cable guidance

From small welding robots to large palletizing robots, cable-carrier manufacturer igus® offers cable-guidance systems for a wide range of robotic applications. The latest addition to its multi-axis cable-carrier line is an adjustable retraction system. Triflex® RSP is designed for secure cable guidance on large robot arms or for robots programmed to perform complex movements.

Constant force progression The force at which Triflex RSP retracts can be adjusted by changing the pressure inside its pneumatic cylinder. This means the cable carrier can be safely retracted, even when guiding a complex assortment of cables and hoses. Triflex RSP can be attached to various robot models quickly and easily thanks to its compact mounting brackets. The system is both space saving and lightweight.

Optional monitoring An optional-monitoring system is available for robots whose program sequences frequently change, alternate, or are not 100-percent predictable. This is particularly useful for robots that are steered by cameras or image-acquisition systems. The monitoring is completed via a connection to the robot's main controls or PLC. When a predetermined tolerance value is about to be exceeded, an early warning signal is given. This is also useful for those robots that must be frequently reprogrammed.

Multi-axis cable carriers for cable protection Triflex R multi-axis cable carriers from igus can be used for power, data and media supply. The Triflex R range is specifically designed for robot operators and currently has around 250 components to guide cables and hoses securely through multiple axes. Three main designs are available: A fully enclosed design for complete cable protection in harsh applications exposed to chips and dirt; an "E-Z" version, into which cables and hoses can be quickly pushed by hand; and a lightweight version which is lower cost and can be rapidly assembled. The Triflex R multi-axis cable-carrier line has been used worldwide for years and is available from stock. Tensile forces are absorbed by the cable carriers, which significantly increases the life of cables and helps reduce downtime due to cable failure significantly.

Source: igus