Product category:
Chains and belts
News Release from: Igus UK | Subject: Triflex R
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 June 2004
Multi-axis flexible energy chain for
robots
A long-life, modular flexible energy chain system for robots with articulated arms can make a considerable contribution towards ensuring trouble-free production operations.
A long-life, modular flexible energy chain system for robots with articulated arms can make a considerable contribution towards ensuring trouble-free production operations With Triflex R, Igus can now offer all manufacturers and users of robot systems a new family of system products that provide just this
Triflex R offers defined freedom of motion in all three dimensions.
The bending radius is identical in all directions.
The Triflex R system also consists of a minimum number of parts, which together make up just one series number.
This makes it possible to shorten or lengthen the flexible energy chain system at virtually any point.
Additional reinforcements such as steel ropes and spring-action devices are not required.
The external fastening points also provide a high degree of stability.
Due to its round-shaped design, Triflex R glides around the outer contour of a robot, without becoming hooked in and jammed.
Its enclosed design offers protection against welding spray, dirt and filth and its smooth inner contour extends the life of the cables.
Like all Igus products, Triflex R must undergo in-house tests.
The TRC.70.110.0 version has successfully completed the test cycle 145,000 times to date (cycle time 50s, dated March 2004).
Competing products failed after just 1000 cycles.
The unique "trailer principle" (following the principle of a ball and socket trailer coupling) means the energy chain is capable of twisting to a high degree.
This guarantees smooth movements in all axes.
When complicated movements are carried out, Triflex R also achieves a high amount of flexibility in the 6th axis.
Longitudinal axis torsion of up to +/-380 degrees per metre is also possible.
Fixing points at the centre of Triflex R are provided in order to be able to install directional spring-action rods within the chain.
For applications in which excessive flexibility can be a handicap, complete or partial reinforcement of the Triflex R system can be achieved through the use of these rods.
This can reduce the torsion capacity or keep the Triflex R outside the operating areas.
Triflex R is highly suitable for confined installation spaces due to its small bending radii and small partitions.
Another advantage of Triflex R is its minimum assembly and disassembly costs.
The new "easy variant" for quick insertion of cables and hoses also saves time.
This system, which was developed for the "Easy Chain" product family, allows cables and hoses to be inserted inside the energy chain system without having to open it.
The cables are inserted through overlapping brackets, after which the brackets return to their initial position automatically.
Special connecting elements with snap-on locks enable an exceptionally quick assembly, which can substantially reduce maintenance work times.
The connecting element is available with or without strain relief combs for cable attachment.
It can be used at the ends and as an intermediate, fastening device.
The Triflex R system is also equipped with adapted drill holes for standard types of robot.
The structural details of Triflex R, winner of the iF Design Award, can be individually modified for many applications.
The multi-axis flexible energy chain can also be ordered from Igus as a harnessed system ready to be installed.
Cable packages for robot applications can be configured from the Chainflex product range according to specific customer requirements or supplemented with other products.
In the past few years, Igus has consistently developed this so-called "ReadyChain concept", in order to be able to satisfy customer demands even better.
Not only does the system remain the responsibility of Igus, but usually the customer also saves both purchasing costs and assembly time.
Storage space is saved and production operations can begin sooner. Request a free brochure from Igus UK ...
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