The new accessories available for both sizes, such as end caps and adapters, as well as fasteners, make the use of the articulated conduit system even more reliable, flexible, and convenient.
REIKU's articulated conduits, manufactured from impact- and abrasion-resistant polyamide, combine a long lifespan and excellent mobility with superior protection against mechanical loads and other adverse environmental influences in industrial production. They are constructed in a "track" shape from individually cut articulated elements. By rotating freely against each other, they reliably prevent torsional moments in the cable protection. Furthermore, the bending radii of the articulated conduit are limited to a minimum level that depends on the nominal width. Unlike conventional cable ducts, this avoids intensive cable bending. Because the closed construction—without any additional reinforcement or internal struts—provides stable statics, the entire inner diameter of the conduit is freely and unrestrictedly available to accommodate cable bundles or hoses.
Depending on the total length of the individual joints, the manufacturer can largely produce lengths tailored to customer requirements. For example, a 1,000 mm long articulated conduit consists of 26 size 48 main joints or 16 size 76 main joints, with the connecting pieces mounted on both sides forming the respective end piece. The smallest possible dynamic bending radius here is 109 mm and 200 mm, respectively. The optional detachable design of the size 48 main joints allows the articulated conduit to be opened during assembly, for example, to replace cables, for subsequent assembly work, or for routine checks on cables and lines.
Among the many accessories available for both sizes are, for example, adapters that ensure a seamless transition from corrugated conduit to articulated pipe. With special protectors, corrugated pipe can be quickly and reliably expanded in areas subject to higher loads using an articulated conduit. Easily mounted gripping clamps with support jaws offer a flexible solution for securing joined pipes. Breakaway joints allow for the specific expansion of pipe system applications, even in combination with sealed joints. Furthermore, breakaway connectors can be combined with various termination pieces for quick and easy connection of articulated pipes to housings. Special robotic joint connections enable stable, tear-resistant, and impact-resistant mounting on the gripping clamp and can, for example, be combined with a cable star for strain relief. For applications subjected to particularly high mechanical stress, REIKU has also developed a metal connection fitting with strain relief.
Johann Kasper, responsible for cable ducts for robotics at REIKU, states: "Our hinged tubes have proven their effectiveness for over ten years in applications where corrugated tubes or link chains reach or exceed their load limits. Their main advantage is their ability to rotate about the longitudinal axis, which avoids the associated torque and stress. As a result, and because the duct does not bend, the amount of wear is reduced and the lifespan is significantly extended. For the user, this means less downtime for production lines and reduced labor costs for replacement."
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