igus recently showcased its products for the robotics industry at Automatica in Munich. These include the triflex TRCF energy chain designed specifically for multi-axis systems. This three-dimensional chain consists of a completely enclosed system. The unique feature of this robot chain is that it can be quickly opened and filled at the same time, with the flip-open mechanism enabling chainlinks to be opened quickly and easily with a screw driver. This approach allows even large filling diameters to be inserted in record time, therefore triflex TRCF is suited for applications with dirt and chip exposure. trfilex TRCF 85 is now available as a new version with a nominal diameter of 85 millimetres and - as is customary for 3D robot chains from igus - with defined minimum bending radii and torsion stop dogs. This guides and protects hoses and cables reliably in the interior. A rugged stop dog system also ensures high strength. The energy chain can be shortened and extended as needed. Accessories, such as mounting brackets and protectors are also available.
The compact triflex RSE retract system is yet another novelty shown at Automatica 2014. At a total weight of only 1.8 kilogrammes, an overall length of 44 millimetres, and a maximum retract travel of 500 millimetres, the cost-effective module is ideally suited for smaller robots. The system reliably guides the 3D energy chain, while also preventing the formation of loops.
