Cables guaranteed to run reliably when hot and cold

Justin Leonard, the Chain Director, igus said: “As part of our test lab extension to 2,750m² the second 40ft climatic test chamber enables us to carry out high and low temperature tests simultaneously."

Leonard added: “This separation gives us more precise test results, which enables us to provide our customers with a guaranteed service-life for our chainflex cables – whether running at -40°C or 60°C.”

In each of the test chambers, energy chains are populated with cables and tested under real-life conditions at various speeds. The varying temperatures in applications under these conditions are as different as the problems that can arise. In the case of extremely low temperatures, jacket ruptures are the biggest challenge.

Excessive heat, on the other hand, can run the risk of distorting the core formation. As a result, for example, single strand breakage or the so-called 'corkscrew' effect can occur. In addition, problems associated with condensing water caused by rapid temperature changes can be highlighted.

Leonard concluded: “We not only provide the information on the specific temperatures in which a cable is suitable for fixed installation, as well as for the movement according to the standard cold winding test, we can also specify a temperature for each chainflex cable in which the cable can move with guaranteed reliability in an e-chain.”