Temperature-resistant cables

Heat-resistant cables are specially developed for use in extreme temperatures. There are cold-resistant cables and heat-resistant cables. Depending on the temperature spectrum, special chainflex® solutions are used in these extreme areas. Temperature-resistant cables are preferred for applications that must continue to function in very hot or very cold ambient temperatures. The cables are used in a wide variety of industries, in which there are numerous demanding application examples. For example, low-temperature cables are often used in refrigeration and air conditioning technology or in the offshore sector , while high-temperature cables are frequently found in applications ranging from metallurgical, steel and rolling mill technology to cement, glass and ceramic processing. The function and reliability of the cable must be guaranteed in both hot and cold conditions, just as it is at normal ambient temperatures. Depending on the application, seasonal temperature fluctuations can also affect the sheath materials of the cables used outdoors. In the case of permanently moving cables, the mechanical load acts on the service life of the cable in addition to the adverse environmental influences. igus® was the first company to develop complete e-chain® systems consisting of chainflex® cable and e-chain® from a single source for adverse conditions in the high and low temperature range.

Cold-resistant and heat-resistant cables

For this reason, in addition to the tests in accordance with DIN specifications, we at igus® have post-qualified all chainflex® sheath materials offered with a wide variety of cables. Through practical tests under real conditions in the igus® climate-controlled containers. After almost 400 million strokes tested, we are therefore the only supplier able to provide three reliable categories: "fixed according to DIN", "moving according to DIN" and "e-chain® according to igus® test series under real conditions". This information creates security for our customers on the one hand and strengthens our guarantee on the other. We can only make guaranteed service life statements on the basis of these realistic test methods. The same principle also applies to the selection of the right bend radius.

Three categories of temperature resistance

igus® Test in e-chain®. In this test, the cable is assembled taking into account the bend radius, the interior separation and the strain relief. After installation, the cable is moved in accordance with the igus® test standard values. The movement takes place in the climate container at temperatures down to -40°C. The test is deemed to have been passed if the construction is removed from the e-chain® undamaged (in this particular case: without jacket damage). **Flexible:** Test according to DIN EN 60911-504 for "moved". The cable is cooled down to test temperature. After the cable has spent over 16 hours at the test temperature, it is wound onto a mandrel. After removal, a purely visual inspection is carried out. This so-called winding mandrel test is passed if the jacket of the cable remains undamaged. **Fixed:** Test according to DIN EN 50305 for "fixed installation". The cable is clamped at test temperature and loaded with a falling test weight. This so-called cold impact test is deemed to have been passed if the cable remains undamaged.

Fibre optic cable also tested for temperature resistance

Heat-resistant cable for minimal maintenance and high functional reliability

Wherever production involves high heat intensity, a heat-resistant cable offers safety. It is designed for extreme areas and proves its worth in any area where both heat resistance and flexibility are required, such as in the use of drag chains for long travel distances.

igus® offers highly developed plastic products for professional use. During development, special emphasis is placed on ensuring that all products and systems are harmonised with each other. Reliable function even under high loads and a long service life are prerequisites for developments and innovations to go into series production. To ensure that a heat-resistant cable is fully functional over a long period of time, it is produced at igus® using the chainflex®(R) process. Heat expansion and contraction when temperatures drop are absorbed by the material, and signs of fatigue are prevented by the high flexibility. This high-quality sheath structure is complemented by the inside of the cable, as the core, stranded wire and stranding are also movement-optimised.

These valuable usage properties make a heat-resistant cable from igus® a favourite where constant checks and maintenance work are difficult and would result in high costs. Areas of application include the steel industry, plastics processing, but also sauna construction. The heat-resistant cables from igus® are the ideal partner for the ibus Trigo filament, which can withstand temperatures of up to 180° C. However, any cable can only be as good as its accessories and supplementary parts allow. For a complete application solution, we therefore also offer you connectors, guide trough kits and strain relief systems.