Wiehl-Bomig, Germany, February 2018. REIKU has extended its proven jointed tubing cable protection system for robotics and automation. This means that this efficient alternative to corrugated conduits and energy chains is now available in nominal widths of 48 and 76, whereby the NW 48 joints can be also designed separably to improve accessibility. New accessories available for both sizes such as end-pieces and adapters as well as fixing elements make the use of the jointed tubing system even more reliable, flexible and convenient.

The jointed tubings from REIKU, which are produced from low-friction, highly impact-resistant, oil and grease-resistant polyamide, combine high life expectancy and mobility with outstanding protection against mechanical loads and other rough environmental influences in industrial production. They are built up in a “caterpillar-like” form from individual joint elements clipped together. Freely rotating against each other, they reliably exclude the possibility of torsional moments in the cable protection. Furthermore, the bending radii of the jointed tubing are limited to a minimum level dependent on the nominal width. Unlike conventional cable ducts, the wear-intensive bending of the cables is thus avoided. Because the closed construction – without any additional stiffening or struts inside – produces stable statics, the entire inside diameter of the tubing is freely available without restriction to accommodate cable strands or hose lines.

Depending on the overall length of the individual links, the manufacturer is able, to a large extent, to produce lengths individually adapted to the customer’s requirements. For example, a 1,000 mm jointed tubing consists of 26 main joints of size 48 or 16 main joints of NW 76, whereby connection pieces mounted on both sides form the respective end-piece. The smallest possible dynamic bending radii here are 109 mm and 200 mm respectively. The optional separable design of the main joints of the NW 48 allows the jointed tubing to be opened in the assembled state, for example for replacing cables, subsequent assembly work or regular checks on the cables and lines.

Among the many accessories available for both sizes are, for example, adapters that ensure an unproblematic changeover from the corrugated conduit to jointed tubing. With special protectors, corrugated tubing can be quickly and reliably extended at places subjected to a higher load with the aid of a jointed tubing. Easily mounted gripping clamps with support jaws offer a flexible possibility for fixing the jointed tubing. Separable joints allow the application-specific extension of tubing systems, also in combination with closed joints. Furthermore, separable connectors that can be combined with different end-pieces serve to connect jointed tubing quickly and easily with housings. Special joint connections for robots allow stable, tear-resistant, impact-resistant assembly in the gripping clamp, and can, for example, be combined with a cable star as strain relief. For applications subjected to particularly high mechanical stresses, REIKU has also developed a metal connection fitting with strain relief.

Johann Kasper, who is responsible for robot cable ducts at REIKU, says: “Our jointed tubings have been proving themselves in practice for more than ten years in applications in which corrugated tubing or link chains reach or exceed their loading limits. Their main advantage is their rotatability in the longitudinal axis, which avoids the related torsional moments and stresses. As a result, and because the piping does not bend, the amount of wear and tear is reduced and the life expectancy is extended significantly. For the user, this means fewer downtimes for the production lines and reduced labour costs for replacement.”

REIKU GmbH (www.reiku.de) is an internationally operating medium-sized company based in Wiehl, Germany which develops, produces and markets complete cable protection systems for static and dynamic uses in robotics and automation technology, in addition to bundling systems with a zipper style closure, plastic sheathing, corrugated tubing and fittings, heat protection fabrics and braided tubing. The company’s products are designed to protect cables, conductors and other parts from contamination with foreign matter as well as from chemical, thermal or mechanical loads. Its portfolio of cable protection systems made of advanced engineering plastics extends from fittings through bracket systems and tube clamps to sophisticated system components which comprise connecting joints and cable stars in addition to jointed tubing, gripping clamps, conduit protectors and spring holders.

Further information:

Johann Kasper, REIKU GmbH Kabelschutzsysteme

Robert-Bosch-Straße 3, D-51674 Wiehl-Bomig

Tel.: +49 (0) 22 61/70 01-0, Fax: +49 (0) 22 61 70 01-24

Email: kasper@reiku.de

Editorial contact and voucher copies:

Dr. Jörg Wolters, Konsens PR GmbH & Co. KG

Hans-Kudlich-Straße 25, D-64823 Groß-Umstadt

Tel: +49 (0) 60 78/93 63-0, Fax: -20

Email: joerg.wolters@konsens.de

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