Star-quad design of Chainflex cables enables low cross-talk

Unique star-quad design of Chainflex cables from igus enables low cross-talk at a low cost

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – May 22, 2007 – Igus® Inc., the leading developer of Energy Chain® cable carriers, iglide® plastic bearings and DryLin® linear guide systems, offers Chainflex® continuous-flex cables with a unique star-quad design, which provides low cross-talk properties at a lower cost than traditional twisted-pair cables. These Chainflex cables can replace standard twisted-pair cables in most applications. When EMI-dampening and signal clarity are critical to an application, such as in the electronic, medical and entertainment industries, this type of cable configuration is especially beneficial.

The star-quad design is found in Chainflex CF2 signal cables or any Chainflex cable with 12, 20 or 24 conductors (those in multiples of 4) and is achieved by bundling four conductors. Each small bundle is braided with the others into one large bundle, similar to a heavy-duty steel rope, whereas twisted-pair cables are braided into one layer. The star-quad design diverts corkscrewing and core ruptures. The braid minimizes torsion, and with short pitch lengths, enhances the overall flexibility and endurance of the cables as they repeatedly flex through millions of cycles.

Both the inner and outer jackets of the cables are extruded directly over the bundles to fill in the gaps between each, eliminating abrasion, corkscrewing and breakage of the conductors. The jackets are made from low-friction engineered polymers and are mechanically and electrically robust. The central core of the cable is made from a flexible yet strong, strain-relieving engineered polymer fiber. Chainflex cables can be used in a variety of applications, including those involving high-speeds, small bend radii and frequent cycles.

The star-quad design contains EMI as well as and often better than conventional twisted pair cables without any additional cost. This is a standard manufacturing design for igus Chainflex cables with 12, 20 or 24 conductors and will not incur extra labor or charges.

About igus
Igus Inc., founded in 1985 and based in East Providence, R.I., develops and manufactures industry-leading plastic cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, plastic bearings and linear guide systems. With more than 28,000 products available from stock, the company meets the motion control and machinery component needs of customers worldwide. Product lines include Energy Chain Systems® to protect and house moving cables, Chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglide self-lubricating, oil-free, plastic bearings, DryLin linear guide systems and igubal® spherical bearings. For more information, contact igus at (800) 521-2747 or visit www.igus.com.

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	Download now Hi-Res/Lo-Res View the entire igus photo gallery and get other images and captions for print or online publication! Go now!			Unique star-quad design of Chainflex cables from igus enables low cross-talk at a low cost EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – May 22, 2007 – Igus® Inc., the leading developer of Energy Chain® cable carriers, iglide® plastic bearings and DryLin® linear guide systems, offers Chainflex® continuous-flex cables with a unique star-quad design, which provides low cross-talk properties at a lower cost than traditional twisted-pair cables. These Chainflex cables can replace standard twisted-pair cables in most applications. When EMI-dampening and signal clarity are critical to an application, such as in the electronic, medical and entertainment industries, this type of cable configuration is especially beneficial. The star-quad design is found in Chainflex CF2 signal cables or any Chainflex cable with 12, 20 or 24 conductors (those in multiples of 4) and is achieved by bundling four conductors. Each small bundle is braided with the others into one large bundle, similar to a heavy-duty steel rope, whereas twisted-pair cables are braided into one layer. The star-quad design diverts corkscrewing and core ruptures. The braid minimizes torsion, and with short pitch lengths, enhances the overall flexibility and endurance of the cables as they repeatedly flex through millions of cycles. Both the inner and outer jackets of the cables are extruded directly over the bundles to fill in the gaps between each, eliminating abrasion, corkscrewing and breakage of the conductors. The jackets are made from low-friction engineered polymers and are mechanically and electrically robust. The central core of the cable is made from a flexible yet strong, strain-relieving engineered polymer fiber. Chainflex cables can be used in a variety of applications, including those involving high-speeds, small bend radii and frequent cycles. The star-quad design contains EMI as well as and often better than conventional twisted pair cables without any additional cost. This is a standard manufacturing design for igus Chainflex cables with 12, 20 or 24 conductors and will not incur extra labor or charges. About igus Igus Inc., founded in 1985 and based in East Providence, R.I., develops and manufactures industry-leading plastic cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, plastic bearings and linear guide systems. With more than 28,000 products available from stock, the company meets the motion control and machinery component needs of customers worldwide. Product lines include Energy Chain Systems® to protect and house moving cables, Chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglide self-lubricating, oil-free, plastic bearings, DryLin linear guide systems and igubal® spherical bearings. For more information, contact igus at (800) 521-2747 or visit www.igus.com.