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Applications


In Industry 4.0, IT systems from building and office networks merge with industrial networks. This significantly changes communication across companies.


Data, the most valuable asset of industrial digitalization, must be transferred reliably and at the right time between all components of the data network. Higher temperatures, an oily environment or electromagnetic interference place special demands on the design of the data cables. Moving machine parts or applications in robots subject the cable to additional mechanical stress due to torsion or bending. To guarantee a long service life in these environments, it is necessary to have the right solution for industrial communication.


As one of the world’s leading providers of industrial connectivity solutions, we at LAPP understand our customers’ challenges very well. Our products are perfectly suited to industrial applications and offer you solutions for connecting all components of your data network, whether it’s a robot arm or your office notebook.

Applikations Guide

Product selection by application
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Main Control Cabinet


The main control cabinet is the central control unit for the entire system. It connects both the office level and the individual machine control cabinets.


On the one hand, the conditions inside the main control cabinet are well controled without temperature, chemical or mechanical stress. On the other hand, high requirements for data speed and reliability collide with EMC effects.


All of the aforementioned requirements were taken into account when selecting the product for this application.

  • Ethernet cables sold by the foot leading to the control cabinet are connected via field-mountable RJ45 data connectors.
  • Assembled patch cable with RJ45 data connectors in the control cabinet for connecting the PLC to the drive system, decentralized I/O system, HMI, Wi-Fi, router, etc. protection class IP20.
  • •    Unmanaged or managed switches - managed switches can be used to set up redundant networks and feature extensive diagnostic functions.
  • Firewall for safety and network separation via NAT (Network Address Translation). Enables access restriction from the rest of the production network.

Machine


There are various applications for Ethernet communication in the machine. In most cases, this involves communication between the machine control and sensors/actuators throughout the machine.


The products used in the machine must be suitable for the machine environment. We supply a wide range of products, including fixed/flexible/highly flexible, protected/unprotected, from Cat.5 to Cat.7A, based on PROFINET/ETHERCAT/ETHERNET IP. Also connectors with different protection classes (IP20 – IP68) to withstand oily environments or frequent cleaning, especially in the food industry.


Different parts of a machine system can have different cable requirements. All must be taken into account to guarantee uninterrupted data transmission and a long service life for the connection.

  • Pre-assembled patch cable with RJ45 data connectors in the control cabinet and for connection to the machine. IP20 protection class.
  • Assembled patch cable with M8/M12 connectors and cable with PU or TPE jacket for unprotected areas outside of the control cabinet.
  • Unmanaged or managed switches - managed switches can be used to set up redundant networks and feature extensive diagnostic functions.
  • PROFINET/ETHERCAT/ETHERNET IP-based Ethernet cable for fixed/flexible/highly flexible applications, with different jacket materials/types depending on the requirements of the application specification.
  • Sensor cable for flexible/highly flexible applications, for connection between sensors and actuators.

Control Cabinet to the Control Cabinet


In standard factory production, different machine control cabinets and machines are connected via the main cabinet or to one another, depending on the topology used. Reliable Ethernet communication between these units ensures that the entire production line functions optimally. A possible breakdown of a line can bring the entire production to a standstill. Tray or industrial Ethernet cables are used for the connection. They are assembled with field-mountable RJ45 connectors and connected to managed or unmanaged switches.


Ethernet cables used for this application must be suitable for cable carrier installation (e.g. flame-retardant, halogen-free, CPR-classified, UL-approved cable carrier) or be installed in production areas with possible requirements for temperature, chemical, mechanical or EMC resistance.

  • Cable in cable tray for use in the USA and tested by Underwriter Laboratories (USA) as PLTC (power limited tray cable) or for open cable trays as PLTC-ER (power limited tray cable exposed run)
  • Cable cut to lengths for installation in the cable carrier
  • Field mountable RJ45 data connector with IP20 protection class in control cabinets
  • Connectors outside of the control cabinet have the protection class IP67
  • Managed switches can be used to build up redundant networks and feature extensive diagnostic functions
  • SKINTOP® cable glands and DIX-M automation inserts can be used to properly seal cable entries in cabinets/machines

Robot


Robot applications are being used more frequently in modern industrial factories. Industrial robots ensure high speed, reliability, and quality, ultimately adding to the competitiveness of manufactured products. This application has very specific requirements for Ethernet cables and cable accessories.


Ethernet cables ensure data transmission between sensors, cameras and servomotors. There are particularly high requirements for data speed if, for example, the process is visually checked using cameras with high resolution and high frame rates. The Ethernet connection between the robot parts begins in a control cabinet. The data cables are often laid next to the servomotor cables, which is why it is important to pay attention to EMC.


Due to the various movements of robot parts, the cable can be subjected to high-frequency bending and torsional movements combined with chemical and mechanical loads. Even under these conditions, the cable must guarantee a reliable data connection. Even small data losses during movement can cause latency and lead to production downtime or, in the worst-case scenario, even endanger human life.


The specially developed robotics Ethernet cables from LAPP are ideally suited to these applications.

  • Cable harnesses (so-called dress packs) from the robot base to the gripper must be torsion-resistant and robust
  • The strands should be pluggable so that they can be replaced quickly and easily in the event of maintenance. For this purpose, EPIC® DATA flange connectors can be used, which are attached to the robot base to connect the dress pack.
  • The connectors on the robot have the protection class IP67 to guarantee protection against moisture, dirt and vibrations

Cable Chain


Linear, horizontal and vertical movements are often present in industrial applications. A typical application is that Ethernet cables are installed in a cable chain together with other cables and hoses. The cable must be able to withstand frequent bending, acceleration and physical contact with other parts in the cable chain.


Ethernet cables for such applications must have certain properties, such as a small bending radius, a high number of bending cycles, acceleration and abrasion resistance. Due to the limited space inside the cable chain, EMC can be another important property. Particularly for higher bit rate classes of category cables CAT 6a or higher, frequent bending can present a major challenge for the cable design.

  • The cables should be pluggable so that they can be replaced quickly and easily in the event of maintenance. EPIC® DATA flange connectors are ideally suited for this
  • Due to vibrations and dirt on the machine, patch cables suitable for cable chains with overmolded connectors are used to guarantee high sealing with IP67 protection class.
  • Other connectors, such as sensor/actuator cabling, also have the protection class IP67

Building or Offices


The building or office network connects computers, servers and systems with one another and with the Internet. Ethernet cables and Ethernet patch cables used in these applications often need to be halogen-free, flame-retardant and CPR-certified so that they do not pose a risk to human life in the event of a fire in the building. For the connection between the buildings, glass fiber cables ensure data transmission at the highest speed.

  • Copper-based ETHERLINE® LAN cables are used for distances of up to 100 m (328.1 feet).
  • Fiber optic cables are used for longer distances to connect two buildings or within buildings. Various connectors, such as the SC plug, are used for fiber optic data transmission.
  • HITRONIC® breakout cables are used for cabling inside buildings.
  • HITRONIC® outdoor cables are used for outdoor cabling and cabling between buildings. The fixed cables are connected to the HITRONIC® SBX series splice boxes.
  • The splice boxes use HITRONIC® fiber optic patch cables to connect the devices.
  • ETHERLINE® LAN cables of category Cat. 7 or higher are used for office cabling and are securely installed in the building.
  • The RJ45 connector is used for copper-based data transmission
  • LAN CAT. 6A patch cable for use in office environments

Field application


Production processes in linked systems are often arranged in a linear manner. This is also known as bus cabling or daisy chain. This means that different components are connected in series. The first component is usually the control in the control cabinet, from which the Ethernet cable is routed to the decentralized I/O systems and the sensors and actuators along the system.


Ethernet cables and cable accessories for this application must meet certain requirements where they are used. They can be installed in both protected and unprotected areas. They may need to be resistant to cleaning agents in food processing, different types of oils in metal processing or high or low temperatures.


LAPP has a broad portfolio of Ethernet cables and accessories for all kinds of industrial applications. Our experts are ready to advise you on the right product selection.

  • The connection from the PLC in the control cabinet to the I/O systems in the field is realised using copper-based ETHERLINE® cables or patch cables
  • The decentralised connection to the sensor or actuator is made in the field via an M12 connector. These have the protection class IP67.