New Servo Cables Withstand High Accelerations

As machine tools get faster and faster, there’s a growing need for high-acceleration servo systems. These servo systems obviously require more robust motors and mechanical components. What’s less obvious is that they also need power and signal cables that have been designed to withstand acceleration-related stresses.


At the IMTS Show next month (Booth E–4624), we’ll have Lapp technical experts on hand to discuss the effects of high acceleration motion on cable lifecycle and performance. We’ll also be showcasing our brand new lineup of high-acceleration servo cables, including ÖLFLEX® SERVO FD 796 CP.

This high-acceleration cable’s features include extra-fine Class 6 copper stranding, polypropylene insulation, non-woven wrapping, tinned copper braiding and a polyurethane jacketing. The cable optionally contains either one or two control pairs.


The new cable supports accelerations in excess of 5g and travel speeds up to 5 m/sec. Travel distances can range up to 100 m. Intended for flexible applications, it has a minimum bend radius of 7.5 x OD.

Other than its outstanding ability to withstand high accelerations, FD 796 CP behaves much like any other high-performance servo cable. It resists oil and flame to UL standards. Temperature range for flexible applications is –40 to 80ºC.


Download out latest whitepaper if you’d like to learn more the cable design challenges that result from high accelerations

Robotics - Triumph of Artificial Intelligence

Robotics is the supreme discipline for cables
 
As demanding as the tasks performed by robots are, the requirements for the cabling are
equally stringent. That is why the issue of robotics is a major focus in the Lapp Group. Building
on a wealth of manufacturing expertise within the company, while the French subsidiary Lapp
Muller in Grimaud has specialists with more than 25 years' experience in robot and drag chain
applications.

This know-how creates competence. Ultimately, competence is exactly what it takes to be
successful in robotics, with its countless range of applications and individual designs. It is an
area where practically no two applications are the same. This means that every cable solution
also has to be unique, whether it is to provide a specific power supply for robots or high-performance
data transmission, for example when building robots with high resolution camera
systems.


However, for many robot applications the outer material of a cable is just as crucial as what
is inside. The cable may need to be able to withstand mechanical abrasion and chemicals,
or requirements might include resistance to harsh working environments, or extreme tensile
strength. Whatever people demand from a robot as an indefatigable worker, they demand
exactly the same from the cables.




Download the latest issue of CableWorld for the full story

Protecting Cables From Oil Damage

Of all the chemical exposures that can affect the life and performance of electrical cables, oil is one of the most damaging. Used as a coolant and lubricant in many industrial and infrastructure settings, oil can inflict molecular damage on the polymers used for cable insulation.

Degradation Happens. When insulation polymers are exposed to oil over time, two degradation mechanisms can occur. Some polymer formulations will absorb the oil, causing the polymer to swell and soften. A loss of tensile properties results. Other polymers will lose their plasticizers when exposed to oil, causing a loss of flexibility and elongation.

Either way, oil exposure renders many polymer compounds ineffective as insulators. This attack on polymer properties can result in downtime, costly repairs and, in the worst case, hazardous electrical conditions.

Temperature extremes and other chemical exposures can exacerbate the damage caused by oils. The greater the intensity of the oil exposure and the operating temperatures, the faster oil will degrade insulating polymers.

Lasting Damage. Once it gets underway, oil damage is not reversible. But it can be prevented by selecting cables with inherent oil resistance.

Without a deep knowledge of the specific polymer compounds used in the cable you’re considering, it can be difficult to know which products can stand up to oils and for how long. Making matters worse, individual polymer formulations may not offer equivalent performance even if they have the same family name. Not all PVCs are created equal, for instance.

And that’s why testing is so important. To avoid oil resistance problems, engineers should pay close attention to UL tests, which help determine how a cable will react in the industrial oil environment.

 

Communication & Control Cables suited for stationary wiring applications.

Communication & Control Cables suited for stationary wiring applications. 

The C304 and D304 Series cables feature flame resistance and UL & CSA, CMG, and AWM approvals to route the cable from the machine through the industrial infrastructure directly to the control panel. Shielded versions are available for EMI sensitive signal, audio, instrumentation, and broadcast applications. 

C 304 - Unshielded

C 304 S - Shielded

D 304 IS

D 304 OS

In the right application, the 304 Series will cost about 30% less than a premium signal and control cable—such as our Unitronic 300. Keep in mind, however, that the cost savings applies only to the price of the cable itself. Higher performing wire products, such as Unitronic 300, will provide a lower installed cost whenever the application calls for oil resistance, high flex cycles or exposed run installation.

Try our comparison tool

http://www.lappusa.com/cable_comparison_tool/

Call 800-774-3539 or email us sales(at)lappusa.com for more information about this product or to order a sample.