New Clamp From igus Ensures Safe Interaction of Man, Machine

By: | September 14th, 2019

The new mounting clamps for triflex R energy chains with their rounded design ensure a safe interaction between man and machine. (Source: igus GmbH).

Mounting clamps for triflex R energy chains are quickly assembled, secure

igus has developed new plastic mounting clamps for energy chains on cobots that are easy to assemble and minimize risk, ensuring a safe interaction between humans and machines.

Users of cobots and industrial robots are already using igus’ three-dimensional and round triflex R e-chains for energy and data supply. igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, runs its North American operations out of Providence, R.I.

The plastic clamps can be quickly attached to the arm of the robot by a screw connection. The triflex R is simply attached to the clamp by a clip and fixed. The new clamps are suitable for cobots from Universal Robots, TMS and Kuka LBR iiwa robot arms.

Reliable energy supply
In Industry 4.0, the interaction between worker and machine is increasingly becoming the focus of automation. Collaborative robots are considered the future in manufacturing and other industries. “Cobots,” as they are called, are mainly used as assistants in simple or interacting activities and – in contrast to large and fast industrial robots – work hand in hand with humans ergonomically.

For the reliable energy supply to cobots and industrial robots, igus offers its triflex R series as an optimal energy chain solution. In addition to metal clamps, users can now use new clamps in the human-robot collaboration design to attach the energy chain to the robot arm. The design with rounded edges increases workplace safety by reducing the risk of injury when in contact with the robot.

Flexibility and stability

The triflex R series has been specifically developed for sophisticated 6-axis robots in industrial environments. By combining the flexibility of a hose with the stability of an energy chain, the round triflex R ensures reliable cable guidance in three-dimensional movements.

A ball/socket principle ensures high tensile strength and easy installation of the e-chain. The interior separation is freely selectable. The circular bend radius stop and the high twistability of the e-chain prevent the over-stressing of expensive cables. The system also increases the service life and operational reliability of the application.

The triflex e-chains are available as a complete package with human-robot collaboration clamps, cables and connectors immediately ready for connection.

About igus®

igus® develops industry-leading energy chain® cable carriers, chainflex® continuous-flex cables, drylin® linear bearings and linear guides, iglide® plastic bushings, and igubal®spherical bearings. These seemingly unrelated products are linked together through a belief in making functionally advanced, yet affordable plastic components and assemblies. With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cables since 1989, igus provides the right solution from over 100,000 products available from stock. No minimum order required. For more information, contact igus at 1-800-521-2747 or visit www.igus.com.

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