Easy-fit Fastening Solutions Fix Cable Protection Securely But Gently To Cobot Arms

In day-to-day practice, cables and lines are often fastened in a somewhat makeshift manner with cable ties to the round, smooth arms of “cobots” (robots which collaborate with humans without additional protection). Two new REIKU multipurpose fastening systems designed for different load levels now combine rapid, uncomplicated fitting with further advantages including very high slip resistance and gentle, virtually wear-free fixing of the cable protection.

With their high reliability over a wide temperature range from –40°C to +80°C (with transient exposure up to 100°C), both systems help to ensure lasting, trouble-free cobot operation because they very largely prevent downtime due to damage to the cable protection and consequently to the wiring itself.

The new LSDFB series is suitable for slow to moderate cobot movement velocities under low load. Fastening is by means of a hook and loop strap which encircles the robot”s arm. Available in two sizes, the LSDFB series can be used for arm diameters from 54 mm to 110 mm and corrugated tubing diameters from NW 17 to NW 29. The associated polyamide (PA) rotary plate means the cable protector can be guided as desired using the REIKU gripping clamps made from the same grade of polymer.

The other new series, MESUB, is designed for the higher dynamic and mechanical loads typical of industrial and palletising robots and combines a stainless steel clamp with pivot bolt screw fastening and a friction-enhancing rubber profile. Available in six variants, it is suitable for robot arm diameters of 54 mm to 108 mm and for fitting all REIKU gripping clamp variants, from NW 17 to NW 90, to the integral general purpose bracket. A special adapter plate allows REIKU rotary flanges to be used under the gripping clamps.

The cobot market is growing in leaps and bounds and analysts estimate it will be worth USD 3 billion by 2020. As Johann Kasper, product manager for robot cable guides at REIKU, explains: “Because many of these systems need to supply compressed air, hydraulic oil, control signals etc. separately to the working heads, they have lines arranged on the outside of the robot arm. REIKU customers can relax, though, because our cable protection conduits and the new fastening systems specifically developed for cobots minimise unscheduled system downtime.”