Saving thanks to customized connection-ready cables and cable truss systems

With the growing shortage of technicians, efficiency is more important than ever in all technical sectors and in all departments. igus wants to unburden its customers and therefore offers readycable and readychain. "These pre-assembled cables and cable loop systems can lead to enormous time and cost savings," explains Sebastiaan Koelewijn of igus.

igus is a manufacturer of cable tracks, track cable, plain bearings and linear guides for moving applications in various industries, from laboratories and mechanical engineering to offshore applications. "For many companies, it is often a time-consuming process to properly fit cable tracks with the cables and associated connectors. It's not their core business. This is where we come in. We offer various cables, tracks and other components as well as a large assortment of made-up servo/motor and encoder cables that we produce in-house according to 34 popular manufacturer standards. This allows us to offer brand-independent flexibility," explained Koelewijn. He is product manager of the readychain and readycable business unit.

Ready to connect

With readycable and readychain, igus wants to make customers even more carefree. "Readycable readycable cable tracks are connection-ready cables for use in cable tracks," he explains. "Under the term readychain are pre-assembled customized cable caterpillar systems. Four variants are possible here: Basic, Standard, Standard Plus and Premium. Depending on the customer's requirements, we supply a simple cable track and cable or fully pre-assembled cable track systems in the right shape, including rack so that customers can mount it plug-and-play in their machine frames."

The right solution for the application

Koelewijn elaborates on some of the advantages. "It seems simple to integrate cables and cable tracks, but there is often much more involved in this than people think.

There are several environmental variables that can affect cables and cable tracks. Consider the presence of oil or chemicals, the amount of UV light to which the cable (track) is exposed, the route length and bending radius that affect mechanical forces, and strain relief is also an important consideration. We like to engage with customers so we can provide the right advice tailored to their needs."

Quality and assurance, thanks to extensive testing

"With readycable and readychain, we provide customized systems where each component gets a separate test certificate that is fully traceable," Koelewijn said. "Every cable we provide with connectors is a cable that has undergone both optical and electrical testing. These extensive quality inspections allow us to provide quality systems and guarantee a long service life. We therefore offer up to four years of warranty on cables and up to 36 months on cable tracks. We thereby take not only the worry, but also the responsibility for this component away from the customer."

Case study

He gives a real-world example. "A company specializing in 3D concrete printing started with a standard cable that came with its robots, but this produced cable breaks after only a few thousand movements. She was therefore looking for a better solution and came to us. Together we thoroughly reviewed the situation after which we were able to offer a suitable made-up robot cable. And the way to use the cables was also changed on our advice. After positive results in practice, we then intensified our cooperation. Together we took another look at the cabling of the portal concrete printer. The result? We now supply all cablerup systems plug-and-play for both the X, Y and Z axes as a complete system for the portals. An additional advantage of this is that a module can easily and quickly be exchanged in case of replacement. This eliminates downtime."

Industrially produced

The systems are produced industrially at the igus plant with state-of-the-art production techniques and specialized staff. "Whether it's simple or complex systems with custom specified cables, hoses, connectors, partitions, connection elements, strain reliefs and fasteners, we strive to produce everything as automated as possible. Hand tools are eliminated whenever possible. Thanks to industrial production, we can closely monitor forces, pressures and wear and tear and adjust them if necessary. This leads to the desired reliable quality and long service life."