With triflex ESD, igus closes a safety gap
"Until now, there was no ESD-certified system that covered both the energy chain and all connections in the critical area," says Matthias Meyer, Head of the triflex e-chains and Robotics business unit at igus. "Many users have therefore implemented their own connections. In addition to a high level of design effort, this also repeatedly led to errors that ultimately caused electrostatic discharges in production." To solve this problem, igus is now launching triflex TRE ESD on the market. "This is the first ready-to-connect hose package in the world that is ESD-capable." The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) has tested and certified the system for discharge capability - from the chain to the tension clamp to the strain relief. "Thanks to special coatings and dissipative materials, it is guaranteed that all components reliably dissipate electrostatic charges," says Meyer. "Designers no longer have to worry about ESD hazards when using them in safety zones."
Basic systems have been successfully used by customers for over 15 years
The triflex ESD consists of movable, round links made of the high-performance plastic igumid ESD. The energy chain contains energy and data cables as well as hydraulic hoses that lead from the base of the robot to its working tool. The standard RS retraction system or a spring rod system, both of which are based on the same retraction base - internal fiberglass rods - ensure automatic retraction or a self-supporting length that prevents contact between the robot and the energy chain . These are completely enclosed by the dissipative triflex R energy chain so that any tension that may occur can be dissipated directly. The chain is also optionally available as a closed TRC ESD system, which also has dry cleanroom certification (ISO class 4-5) from Fraunhofer IPA. "Both systems can be adapted to all common robot types and manufacturers and have been used successfully in the standard version for over 15 years in the customer environment," says Meyer. "The additional ESD certification for the energy chain and all connections in critical areas now offers our customers even more safety."