igus has developed the twisterband HD so that cables and hoses can be guided safely and reliably even during rotary movements. The lightweight energy chain is very stable, easy to fill and can even cope with rotating speeds of up to 180 degrees a second. It rotates around its own axis. Due to the long service life of the series, igus has now added two further sizes to the twisterband HD product range, these new sizes being intended for especially small installation spaces.
High rotation speeds and a small installation space mean that energy cables, data cables and hoses are subjected to a great deal of stress. Compact and reliable solutions are especially called for in the case of small installation spaces such as in machine tools, and igus has therefore added two new sizes to its twisterband HD series. The energy supply series is already being used successfully in woodworking machines as well as in workpiece positioners in the automotive industry. With the twisterband, rotary movements up to 7,000 degrees are possible on the horizontal plane and 3,000 degrees on the vertical plane in an extremely small space, even at speeds of up to 180 degrees per second. Slip rings can therefore be replaced in the case of a limited rotation angle. Different media lines as well as bus cables or even fluids can be guided with one system easily, cost-effectively and without any interruption. The inner compact heights of the new sizes are 11 and 18 millimeters: optimal for very small installation spaces such as in rotary tables or on robots.
High strength due to special technical design characteristics
The twisterband HD is very slim, light and fits closely around its own axis of rotation. The energy chain consists of individual chain links that can be connected to each other by means of a pin-and-hook principle. This results in a defined bend radius and simultaneously ensures greater stability. The energy supply solution is made of maintenance-free tribo-polymers into which a fibreglass-reinforced material has been worked. As a result, the twisterband HD has a longer service life. The robust energy chain has demonstrated its long service life in igus’ own 3,800 square meter test laboratory. In conjunction with chainflex cables, which are designed for motion, the twisterband HD achieved a very long service life in the tests. Due to its modular structure, the energy supply system can be lengthened or shortened as desired. The cables can be inserted in the guidance system easily and can be replaced or extended at any time, this being a further advantage over slip rings. The twisterband HD series is currently available directly from stock in a total of four sizes with an outer diameter of 140 to 500 millimeters.
