The new robot wire combines the essential cable chain, torsion and alternating bending properties in one cable. The cable design according to PROFINET standard “Type R” ensures that the new cable meets the demanding requirements for robotic applications: over five million vertical torsion cycles at +/- 180° per metre, five million cycles in the horizontal cable chain at accelerations of up to 10 m/s2 and speeds of 3m/s over a travel distance of 5 m, plus 1 million bends in the alternating bend test according to EN 50396 at the smallest bending radii.
Star quad stranding
This high load capacity is achieved through the special design of the ETHERLINE® ROBOT PN FC Cat.5e. High resistance to electromagnetic interference thanks to star quad stranding as well as double shielding made of aluminium-laminated foil and copper stranded shielding with a high degree of coverage (SF/UTP). The clou with a star quad design is that the four cores are twisted together in a cross-shaped way so that the opposite cores each form a pair of wires. The symmetrical position of the cores to one another remains the same across the entire length of the cable. Compared to conventional twisted pair stranding, the star quad design enables a smaller cable diameter and, thanks to the lower operating capacitance, also improved damping values. This is complemented by a robust PUR cable insulation. As a result, the cable can withstand high mechanical loads and is insensitive to mineral oil-based lubricants and is chemically resistant in many cases.
Up to 50 percent time savings
The Fast Connect design with inner sheath enables the use of the FC STRIP tool from LAPP to strip the cable to the exact dimensions required for connector assembly and at the same time expose the cores to be connected in one step. The copper braiding is also cut to the correct dimensions. LAPP can provide the tailored FC STRIP assembly tool on request. It has several blades, each of which can be adjusted in such a way that their penetration depth into the cable in question and their spacing perfectly match one another. This enables the cable to be prepared optimally for connector assembly in one step. This means time savings of up to 50 per cent can be achieved during assembly.
Tested at LAPP’s own test centre
The cable was put through its paces in its own high-tech LAPP test centre, which features state-of-the-art test equipment and apparatus. There are also many years of experience in handling data cables. Examples of tests include the TicToc bending test, which is prescribed for type R lines, or constant monitoring of electrical transmission parameters according to IEC 61156-6 during the lengthy test run in drag chain tests.
Incidentally: The new ETHERLINE® ROBOT PN FC Cat.5e with Fast Connect design also has UL/CSA certification. This allows the cable to be used in North America. It is also suitable for EtherCAT and EtherNET/IP applications