A hook and loop fastener and a special clamp are two new REIKU fastening systems, designed for different load levels, that quickly and reliably fixing cable protection systems to smooth, round robot arms without screw, flange or stop faces.
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 by largely preventing 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 that encircles the robot's arm. Available in two sizes, the LSDFB series can be used for arm diameters from 54mm to 110mm 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 54mm to 108mm 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 US$3 billion by 2020. As Johann Kasper, product manager for robot cable guides at REIKU GmbH, 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."
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 12 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector – interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe. Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the brand is renowned.
