Single core instead of multi-core motor cable for high-performance lead screws

igu-blog-adm | 28. June 2019

Cost-effective and flexible are the buzz words experts listen to for machine tools. You too? Then you should definitely get acquainted with the chainflex^® cable CF310.UL. The flexible conductor cable with fine stranded wire was developed by igus^® for the use of energy chains in machine tools. Why? Because it is a space-saving alternative to the four-wire motor cable usually used there.

Lead screw drives in processing machines and machine tools are becoming increasingly larger and more demanding in terms of performance and therefore in the energy supply. As a result, larger cable cross-sections and thicker motor cables are needed. In the end, cables and energy chains no longer fit into the available installation space of the machine. Wherever such problems exist, igus^® creates solutions.

CF310.UL as space-saving alternative for machine tools

Thin, permanently good EMC specifications, oil-resistant and flame-retardant thanks to a TPE jacket: The CF310.UL single core is ideal for machine tools, as it also has UL and CSA approvals. With a bend radius of 7.5 x d, igus^® guarantees a service life of 10 million double strokes for this chainflex^® series.

Recently, a machine tool customer was looking for a solution to the following problem: A high-performance milling spindle was mounted on the movement axis of a machine head. However, there was no room for a suitable high-end supply cable. By using the new chainflex^® spindle cable, the chain radius with a classic cable could be minimised by 40%.

More cost-effective production of single cores

What makes the use of single cores in energy chains on processing machines and machine tools so attractive is the low cost. They can be produced much more cost-effectively than their four-wire alternative, because faster processing speeds can be achieved with the smaller diameter.

Wherever there is little installation space for spindle cables in energy chains, the CF310.UL displays all its advantages. With the CF270.UL.D series, an even more cost-effective alternative than PUR cable is available to save installation space.

Link to further information: https://www.igus.eu/product/1084