The trend in motor technology is towards more compact variable frequency drive motors with the same or a higher performance level than their predecessors. Smaller, plastic-insulated round power connectors such as the M16 and M18 are being used more and more for the new motor designs to be able to exploit their full advantages. The more compact design of the motors can result in higher temperatures within the system, compared to larger models of the same motors. The result is that the cable heats up via the connector contacts.

Although there are no consequences for the motor and the connected components in the short term, serious problems might occur in the long term. If the insulation material of the cable does not withstand the elevated temperatures in the long term, short circuits can occur inside the cable or near the connectors, which in the worst case can lead to fires. Therefore, the insulation material plays a new central role in the selection of servo and motor cables.

Treotham now offers a solution to prevent insulation failure and consequent damage to compact motors, in the form of a new material for igus chainflex VFD motor and servo cables. Due to its expertise in the area of new, high-performance polymers, igus has been able to develop a new material that successfully passed comprehensive laboratory and practical tests over a five-year development and testing period.

For example, the CF29 servo cable with a bend radius of 7.2 x d withstood over 45 million strokes. In contrast to other common materials, the new material meets the increased thermal requirements of the latest motor generations. This makes igus the only manufacturer to offer long-term tested ranges of VFD motor and servo cables for continuous use in energy chains, which meet the specific thermal and electrical requirements of the latest converter generations. It is also the only one to offer a 36-month guarantee on its entire cable range.

Treotham Automation
1300 65 75 64
www.treotham.com.au