igus steps in to help keep robots ‘alive’

Thanks to a newly designed product from plastics experts igus, robotics company ARAGON is ensuring a new lease of life for its ageing robots.

The breakthrough came when igus was asked for a control panel cable management system by the team from ARAGON, as Iryna Geike, manager at the company, explains:

"Innovative solutions and our customers’ safety is at the heart of all we do, but until recently we had the challenge of cables running along floors – too easy to damage or trip over. That is why we approached igus. We needed cable management for industrial robots that would be quick to fit, easy to use and that put safety first.”

The solution from igus was its e-spool flex, complete with cable and a pre-assembled panel mount.

Right place, right time

Justin Leonard, e-chain director of igus, which has its UK headquarters in Northampton, says: “A robot's brain is its control panel and for this to be in the right place, at the right time, it needs a cable that is long, flexible and stored safely. We are delighted to have been able to provide ARAGON with a solution and look forward to supporting this global company with its designs and solutions for decades to come.”

Geike adds: “This igus product instantly won us over. Unlike other cable reels, it does not use a slip ring. This means media, data power and signal supply to the emergency stop button can be integrated into the system. Our customers now receive a pre-assembled set consisting of the e-spool flex, ARAGON panel mount, cable and a robot control cabinet mounting bracket for the control panels.

”Rolling and unrolling cables: manually or automatically, igus offers the e-spool flex in different specifications:

• A low-cost version with a manual handle or cordless screwdriver to wind up the cable.

• An automatic solution with a spring-driven return mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an optional retraction brake. 

Retaining spring

ARAGON decided on the second type, complete with a retaining spring. The cable roller is available in three sizes for cables, with diameters of 5 to 15 millimetres and extension lengths of 5 to 15 metres.

Cables can be replaced quickly at any time. In addition to subsequent integration of the e-spool flex into an existing cable system, igus offers this cable management solution fully harnessed with chainflex cable specifically designed for moving applications. 

Cable durability in the e-spool flex is currently being extensively tested in the in-house 3,800 square metre igus test laboratory.