Energy chains for robotics

Maximum maneuverability and high degree of rotation

We have had the "ROBOT" chain in our product range at LAPP since 1989, and today it can be found in almost every cable chain catalog in the industry. With our next development step, we are reaching the level of highly flexible energy chain solutions for anthropomorphic, i.e. human-like, robots. Our cable chains for robotics combine all the advantages of a classic cable chain, but have been specially designed for use in robots and robot cells, especially for pick & place applications in intralogistics.

Highly rotatable cable chains for industrial robots

An owl can turn its head by up to 270°. Cable chains for robots have double rotation capability: they can rotate through 540° without breaking or damaging the internal cables and conduits.

Our particularly flexible energy chains in this product group have the following properties: Customized quantities and lengths
Individual lengths of one to ten meters can be ordered, as well as customer-specific packaging sizes and patch lettering.

Can be used for circular, three-dimensional movements
Can be used for self-supported chain arrangements
Made from plastic
Offer high strength
Have smooth inner surfaces
Some variants have quickly removable frame bars or covers for easy installation
Require special connecting pieces, support frames and dividers due to their design

The difference to classic cable chains?

The movement is a rotation instead of a displacement.

Moving point for classic cable chains

The moving point shifts.

More about classic energy chains

Moving point in cable chains for robotics

The moving point rotates.

The right choice for applications with torsional loads

Industrial robots move with high precision and high dynamics. With their three-dimensional rotating and swiveling movements, they perform all the tasks that humans know how to automate: they coat, drill, palletize, weld and much more.

But the robot needs to be supplied with energy, fluids, compressed air and data. The required cable and hose packages are guided to and along the robot with the aid of a cable chain. It supports, guides and protects the cables and media conduit. The cable chain is subjected to high bending and torsional loads, especially during multi-axis movements of the robot. In the course of a robot's life, a cable chain is subjected to millions of rotations.

A special cable chain design is required to prevent permanent damage that could be caused by the characteristic motion sequences in rotation and torsion applications.

Fundamentally different: the locations where our robot cable chains are used

Application fields:

On the base frame of the robot, for general power supply and data transmission
You can also replace complex constructions with classic chains.

Features:

For rotations up to 540°
Circular movements are possible up to a turning angle of 200° even at high speed without additional guide support
Support frames, support rollers or support hooks are available for applications with higher rotation angles.
Composite material based on polyamide (Brylon 6)

Matching LAPP cable chain:

SILVYN® CHAIN 495, SILVYN® CHAIN 500, SILVYN® CHAIN 510TN, SILVYN® CHAIN 515TN, SILVYN® CHAIN 545, SILVYN® CHAIN 599

Application fields:

For checking cables and media along the robot arm

Features:

Quick connecting chain links
The possible torsion per chain link is +/-10°
Fully enclosed, easy to fit cable chain
Composite material based on polyamide (Brylon 6)

Matching LAPP cable chain

SILVYN® CHAIN MULTIFLEX

Do you want to find out more?

Each cable chain is customized for your application: The combination of components is customized to your specific needs, because the individual requirements of a single cable chain system make it unique.

Expand your knowledge of application parameters, individual components and cable chain cables: