Corrugated hose vs. triflex® R: pros and cons

The comparison, competition or, in this case, exchange of blows is as old as human history. The first documented fistfights took place as early as 3000 BC and even then were mainly for entertainment.

The product comparison between the corrugated hose and the triflex® R energy chain is still very recent in comparison. It is true that the focus is not on entertainment, as it is fought with industrial objectivity. However, this objectivity means that a certain toughness is sometimes an advantage.

The duel lasts eight rounds and is therefore midway between an Olympic boxing match with three rounds and a heavyweight fight with 12 rounds.

Fun fact before we get started: the longest boxing match in history went over 110 rounds and lasted 7 hours. In contrast, these eight videos are much more entertaining.

Clear the ring.

Introduction of the opponents

The corrugated hose

There are various descriptions for this product, ranging from corrugated hose to protective hose to corrugated tube. There are certainly many more synonyms for this product.
Which ultimately does not change its task, because this consists of guiding and bundling cables and protecting them from external influences.
In this comparison, we compare how good the protection and ease of use is compared to the triflex® R energy chain.

The triflex® R energy chain

In this comparison between corrugated hose and triflex® R, we decided in favour of the triflex® R TRE with its "easy to fill" option. This triflex® R chain type offers the optimum compromise between handling, protection and versatility of use in almost every area.

The corrugated hose and triflex® R chain have been duelling over eight interesting and varied laps

Round 1: Elongation under tensile force

Round 2: Minimum bend radius

Round 3: Sagging

Round 4: Torsion

Round 5: Filling with unharnessed cables

Round 6: Filling with harnessed cables

Round 7: Shortening and elongation

Round 8: Replacement of damaged sections

Round 1: Elongation

How do both products behave under tensile strain?

corrugated hose

Stretches strongly under tensile strain
The cables in the corrugated hose cannot elongate in the same ratio and are therefore damaged

triflex® R e-chain®

triflex® R chain stretches only minimally under tensile strain
No additional load for the cable

Round 2: Defined minimum bend radius

Is there a limit to bending?
corrugated hose

Offers no minimum bending radius without e-rib

triflex® R e-chain®

Offers a bend radius of 50 to 182 mm in every size

Round 3: Sagging

What happens if the product is bent too much?
corrugated hose

Damage to the corrugated hose due to underbending and possible damage to the cable

triflex® R e-chain®

The stop-dog prevents the e-chain® from being bent under

Round 4: Torsion

What happens when torsional forces occur?
corrugated hose

No or hardly any torsion possible

triflex® R e-chain®

7-12.5° torsion angle per chain link
Up to 900° torsion angle over one metre (e.g. TRC/TRE.40)

Round 5: Filling cables without connectors

What options are there for pulling in cables?
corrugated hose

filling via the end of the hose possible

triflex® R e-chain®

filling via the ends of the e-chain® with restriction due to the high tensile strength centre element
The TRE, TRL & TRCF also offer the option of filling from the outside

Round 6: Filling with harnessed cable

How can cables with connectors be processed?
corrugated hose

If the connector is not too large, the cable can be pushed through from the ends

triflex® R e-chain®

With the TRE, TRL, TRLF & TRCF, cables with connectors can be pressed in from the outside
The TRC chain is much more limited compared to the corrugated hose

Round 7: Shortening and elongation

What options are there for adjusting the length?
corrugated hose

Can only be shortened with a tool (knife), which poses a risk to hands and cable

triflex® R e-chain®

Length can be partially adjusted with or without tools
Can be extended again by fitting chain links, which is not possible with the corrugated hose

Round 8: Replacement after damage

How can damaged areas be treated?
corrugated hose

It is not possible to replace damaged areas

triflex® R e-chain®

Damaged chain links can be replaced even when filled

Here you will find the triflex® R TRE e-chain® tested in the comparison videos. The TRE.60.087.0.B was used in the test.

To the shop

In line with the match-up, you can find out about the advantages and disadvantages of the corrugated hose and the triflex R chain on robots in the white paper.

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