Cables are probably the most unheralded pieces of equipment without which an automated system cannot operate. Though cabling may be a secondary consideration for some engineers on certain automation applications, the ante on cabling quality goes up exponentially when you're dealing with cabling that must be able to flex repeatedly on a moving piece of equipment.
To handle the increasingly demanding applications that systems designers are putting on their equipment, igus has released a new thermocouple cable designed for continuous-flexing applications. Chainflex CF Thermo cabling for temperature-sensing equipment acts as a thermocouple extension link. It is available in types J, K and T for a variety of different industries.
Principal applications for this type of cabling include storage-and-retrieval units, machine tools, packaging machines, material handling, and the plastics industry.
The cabling features an abrasion-resistant PUR outer jacket and can be used in applications with high mechanical loads and travels up to 164 feet. CF Thermo is flame-retardant, as well as oil and coolant-resistant; it has also been tested over millions of cycles to ensure optimal performance.