First determine the type of movement
Linear (back and forth on one axis), rotary (rotary table, swivel arm) or three-dimensional (robot arm with several joints). A standard cable carrier is designed for linear travel. For rotary movement use a circular system in which the carrier runs in a curved trough; for three-dimensional movement choose a carrier with ball joints that flexes in every direction.
The cable is the weak link, not the carrier
In rotating applications the flexible cable is loaded in torsion: the cores twist around each other. Use a flexible cable with a torsion rating (usually ±180° per metre) and lay the cables loose in the carrier, never bundled with cable ties. A bundle cannot twist and will break at the entry point.
Radius and acceleration: robots are fast
Robots reach accelerations up to 20 m/s². Allow at least 1.5× the minimum bend radius of the thickest cable and choose a light plastic carrier with a short pitch, so the carrier runs smoothly instead of hammering. On very short strokes (< 500 mm) a carrier with a closed cover runs the calmest and quietest.
| Movement | System | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Lineair | Standaard kabelrups | Buigradius ≥ 7,5 × kabeldiameter |
| Roterend 0-360° | Rondloopsysteem in goot | Vrije binnenradius trommel |
| Zwenkarm | Korte steek, gesloten deksel | Torsie ±180° per meter |
| 3D robotarm | Kogelgewricht-systeem | Kabel op torsie getest |
| Hoge versnelling | Lichte kunststofrups | Glijdschoenen bij > 2 m/s |
Frequently asked questions
- Can a standard cable carrier handle a rotating axis?
- Only if the carrier runs in a circular trough and is not itself twisted. A carrier turned around its own axis will be damaged within weeks.
- How much fill may I use on robots?
- A maximum of 60% of the inner height, so the cables can move and twist freely. On linear applications 80% is still acceptable.
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Read next
- Which cable carrier series fits my machine?Series differ in pitch, side-band height and radius range. How to derive the right series from your own dimensions in four steps.
- Cable carriers in vertical and hanging applicationsMounting considerations for vertical strokes, support, strain relief and acceleration limits.
- What minimum bend radius does my cable need?The 7.5×, 10× and 15× rules of thumb explained, plus what happens when you go below them.