en.Wedoany.com Reported - German igus has introduced three energy guidance and cable solutions for cleanroom and robotic applications, designed to meet the core requirements of particle-free emissions, reliable power supply, and data transmission under high-dynamic motion.
In the fields of microelectronics, semiconductors, and battery manufacturing, particle-free operation and process safety are top priorities. As automation increases and material transport paths lengthen, reliable energy and data supply with minimal particle emissions is essential. Sliding contacts cannot transmit data, while traditional energy chains often require complex particle extraction systems. igus has therefore launched the C6 energy chain, certified by Fraunhofer IPA to ISO Class 1, paired with the new E-spin upper guide wheel system. This system enables compact and durable energy guidance in cleanrooms, maintaining extremely low particle emissions over travel distances of up to 30 meters.
igus developed the E-spin guidance system for the C6 cleanroom energy chain, consisting of guide wheels. These wheels are made of tribologically optimized high-performance plastics and are installed between the upper and lower sections of the energy chain, allowing the chain segments to roll against each other rather than slide, thus generating no additional particles. The system is wear-resistant, low-maintenance, and durable. Tests conducted in collaboration with Fraunhofer IPA confirmed that the system achieves ISO Class 1 cleanroom classification at a speed of 0.5 m/s.
To address the rapid rotational movements of industrial robots along the first axis and the space constraints of compact articulated arm robots, igus has introduced the cantilevered Twisterchain energy chain series, capable of rotation angles up to 600 degrees. This series also solves the energy guidance problem for the fifth axis of palletizing robots, where engineers previously often resorted to makeshift custom solutions. The rotation module surrounds the robot base in an arc, installed on the floor or on a raised base, with the fixed point on the ground and the drive side slightly higher. As the robot rotates, the energy chain gradually lifts and settles onto a new plane.
The cantilevered Twisterchain also addresses the energy guidance for the fifth axis of palletizing robots. The design allows the cable to follow the tool's 360-degree rotation, performing controlled motion on two planes to avoid collisions. The system can be quickly installed, requiring only two connection points on the robot, with no need for guide troughs or complex alignment. The energy chain can be opened on the inner radius, allowing cables to be inserted from the outside. The system features adjustable pre-tensioning to precisely match cable weight and rotation angle.
igus has added a new bus cable for DeviceNet systems to its Cfrobot8.Plus series of cables. This series is designed for torsional movements of up to ±360 degrees per meter, guaranteeing a service life of 10 million cycles. Compared to the previous generation Cfrobot8, the outer diameter has been reduced by up to 21%. The new DeviceNet cable is specifically developed for dynamic applications such as six-axis robots and handling systems, featuring a torsion-resistant overall shield made of tinned copper braid to ensure stable, interference-free data transmission. The cable is oil- and UV-resistant, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Customers can choose from a product portfolio compatible with all common bus systems, including Profinet, Profibus, CAN-Bus, and Ethernet applications up to CAT7. Cfrobot8.Plus cables are available from stock and can be ordered starting from one meter in length.
The Cfrobot8.Plus series underwent extensive testing in igus's 5,500-square-meter test laboratory, simulating real motion curves in combination with the three-dimensional Triflex robot energy chain. Tests showed that even after more than 15 million cycles, the electrical performance for Ethernet communication remained within the green range.
