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Continuous Panel Feed in Industrial Robots



The e-spool flex enables safe reeling and unreeling of control panel cables, like those used by ARAGON Industrieelektronik GmbH.

igus has developed the e-spool flex 2.0, a cable reel that has no slip ring and suited for industrial robot users.

"This allows for easy management of robot teach pendants, and the system even supplies bus signals without interruptions, which can be typical with slip rings," said a company spokesperson.

The solution can extend cables up to 50' and is flexible, movable and easily stowed. Installation into a robot's control center is simple with the included mounting hardware.

The e-spool flex 2.0 is igus' version of a cable drum without a slip ring. The cable is safely routed through a feed-through to ensure that it is always properly wound. Cable diameters of 5 mm to 15 mm can be used.

The unit can be installed on the floor, ceiling or wall, and safely guides media power, data or air in one system. The space-saving design includes a locking mechanism on the cable, and is adaptable to technological developments by simply replacing the used cable. The design is also cost-effective in case of repair since it allows for the replacement of individual components.

Other features on the product include a snail mechanism that allows for uninterrupted cable connection and easy insertion of existing cable even when connectors are already attached. The system also has high-transmission reliability and various winding variants.

The e-spool flex 2.0 can be used whenever a cable must be moved freely during use, and must be stowed away safely and cleanly after use.

Successful Robot Rehabilitation

ARAGON Industrieelektronik GmbH has utilized the e-spool flex 2.0. The business' primary objective is to breathe new life into old robots. The company was looking for a practical cable solution specifically for use in control panels.

"Until now, the cable was always on the floor, which made it easy to damage or trip over. We went looking for a cable reel that had no interruptions and was quick and easy to retrofit," said Iryna Geike, Global Country Manager at ARAGON. The e-spool flex cable reel system was introduced to us and won us over immediately."

A critical advantage for the company was the ability of the e-spool flex 2.0 to allow existing panel cables to be inserted into the system's spiral guide and automatically rolled up.

"Our customers now receive a pre-assembled set consisting of the e-spool flex, ARAGON panel mount, cable and a robot control cabinet mounting bracket for their control panels. The e-spool flex extends the service life of the cable used and ensures more safety and order in the control panel," Geike said.

Roll and Unroll Cables Manually or Automatically

igus offers the e-spool flex in several variants. One is a low-cost version with a manual turner or a cordless screwdriver to wind up the cable. Another is an automatic solution with a spring-driven return mechanism, a locking mechanism and an optional retraction brake.

The cable roller is available in three sizes for cables with diameters of 5 mm to 15 mm and extension lengths of 5 m to 15 m.

In addition to subsequent integration of the e-spool flex into an existing cable system, igus offers the cable reel solution fully harnessed with chainflex cables specifically designed for moving applications.

For more information contact:

igus, Inc.

P.O. Box 14349

East Providence, RI 02914

800-521-2747

sales@igus.com

www.igus.com

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