Measuring system cables for large scale machining centres

• What was needed: "readychain®" -system consisting of energy chain and chainflex® -cable such as the measuring system cable CF113.028.D, M23 circular connector
• Requirements: high availability of cable routing and cable under continuous load, sometimes harsh environmental conditions in metalworking, overall high mechanical, electrical and chemical requirements
• Industry: large machine tool construction
• Success for the customer: customised connection solution that was adapted to the customer's system through a series of tests in the test laboratory, high durability and signal quality, extremely low attenuation properties

WALDRICH COBURG is one of the world's leading suppliers of large machine tools. The highest quality standards and consistent customer-orientation are the guiding principles of the machine manufacturer. Milling machines in horizontal and vertical design, vertical lathes and grinding machines are manufactured at the Coburg site.
WALDRICH COBURG's customers often use the machines for 20-30 years or longer, and availability levels of at least 95% are often required. For this reason, all components must function perfectly under all circumstances. These circumstances mean a particularly high requirement profile for the cable routing in the application.
In addition, the cables must be able to withstand the continuous movement in the energy chain and the sometimes harsh environmental conditions of metalworking without damage. Thomas Bischoff explains: "Cables and connectors must be robust and fulfil the mechanical, electrical and chemical requirements. They must also be easy to process in production without the need to purchase additional special tools. We also wanted to use the familiar cable and connector material wherever possible to avoid any problems during the changeover.

For many years, energy chain and chainflex® cable from igus® have been used in the large machining centres. In smaller series of portal machining centres, the company also relies on pre-assembled energy supply systems, which are marketed under the name readychain®. One reason for the decision: The manufacturer's customers like to use the machines for many years longer than expected and demand consistently high availability. "For this reason, all components must function flawlessly under all circumstances," says the Group Manager, summarising the high requirement profile. "And here we have had the best experience over the years with chainflex® cables from igus®."
In 2010, the specialist for large machining centres decided to switch to a new control technology in its machines, which also required new measuring system cables. Due to positive experiences in the past, chainflex®-cable CF113.028.D was chosen.
CF113.D-cable have a PUR-jacket. With regard to use in energy chains, they offer an optimised stranding and shielding structure for a longer service life. In addition to being halogen-free and flame-retardant, it fulfils other important criteria of machine tool manufacturers, including UL and NFPA79.2012 approvals.

Complete stocks
measuring system cables are always matched to the respective measuring system of the various suppliers. They must function permanently. "Our requirements for robustness against external influences and stability have been met right from the start," emphasises Thomas Bischoff once again. "The prerequisite for this is the close and good cooperation in the development process."
WALDRICH COBURG relies exclusively on a wide variety of chainflex® cables in its own machining centres, which guarantee long machine running times. They must be available from stock. "We have not experienced any problems here either," concludes Thomas Bätz. "There are no bottlenecks, so we can react quickly if necessary."