Robust 3D energy chains for industrial robots in injection-moulding systems

• What was needed: triflex® energy chain as a universal module including retraction module
• Requirements: The cable routing should guide all pneumatic cables gently and flexibly, yet still be stable. It should prevent the cable package from sagging so that the guidance does not hang in the work area.
• Industry: injection moulding; automation
• Success for the customer: Safety during operation, avoidance of damage to the cable guide and the cable, reduction of vibrations

Movi.Tec Srl Unipersonale, Massimo Musicò, Nichelino, Italy

What do you do if the cable routing for the industrial robot is constantly hanging in the work area, blocking freedom of movement and even causing damage to the guidance and cable? This is a problem that many industries face when automating machines or entire factories. This is because robot arms perform complex movements on several axes, during which the robot is either pulled together or stretched out. The cable guide, which is supposed to simulate these movements, is sometimes strained or sags when the robot arm contracts.
A problem that also occupied the Italian company Movi.Tec srl, but even worse: the industrial robot, which is supposed to remove sprues in injection moulding, is surrounded by extremely high temperatures. The cable guide used by the customer was sagging, came into contact with hot surfaces and literally melted away - along with the internal cable.

As an integral part of the injection moulding system, a new, better form of cable routing was to be found. The aim: a tight-fitting cable hose, even when the robot arm is retracted, but which releases enough cable length as soon as the robot stretches out. What sounds impossible at first is realised using so-called retraction modules. The idea behind it: The retraction module, which is also installed on the robot arm, releases exactly as much hose as is needed. The manufacturer therefore opted for a TRC.RS.40.R universal module. This combines a triflex® 3D cable guide with a retraction module. The triflex® cable guide enables high flexibility even in the 6th axis and allows torsion of +/- 10° per chain link. The energy supply allows a high tensile force absorption of up to 100 N, is impact-resistant, dirt-repellent, robust, abrasion-resistant and swarf-resistant. It was developed as a universal solution for complex movements on industrial robots across all industries and applications.
Customers can also benefit from this today. In injection moulding, failures due to damaged cables are now avoided. The triflex® provides absolute safety and reduces vibrations while the robot runs through its work programme.