igus Homepage > Chainflex product overview


Chainflex® Continuous-Flex Cables

Chainflex® continuous-flex cables deliver longer life and better performance and are ideal for demanding applications on all types of automated machinery. Chainflex® continuous-flex cables deliver longer life and better performance and are ideal for demanding applications on all types of automated machinery. Chainflex® continuous-flex cables deliver longer life and better performance and are ideal for demanding applications on all types of automated machinery. Chainflex® continuous-flex cables deliver longer life and better performance and are ideal for demanding applications on all types of automated machinery.
Overview Learn more OrderSearchProduct Highlights Request Quote Contact Us
 

Chainflex® Overview

Extend service life with continuous-flex cables

Live Technical Support
Call Us! 1-800-521-2747

 
 
 


Chainflex® continuous-flex cables deliver longer life and better performance and are ideal for demanding applications on all types of automated machinery. They can handle tight bending radii in dynamic applications. Chainflex® cables are tested over millions of cycles in all types of conditions to ensure optimal performance.

The range includes control, data, bus, position feedback, fiber optic, coax, servo, power and robot cables. igus® also offers custom cables, as well as pre-harnessed cables for drive technology.

The Chainflex® range was developed by igus® in the 1980s. An increase in the demands of automation technology meant guided cables often failed, despite the cable carrier protecting them functioning perfectly. In extreme cases, failures caused by "corkscrews" and core ruptures brought entire production lines to a halt and resulted in high costs. In order to find a solution to this unsatisfactory situation for its customers, igus® decided to take the initiative and create unique cable-design principles to help prevent machine downtimes in factories throughout the world.

igus® was the first company worldwide to develop complete cable carrier systems. Chainflex® cables and Energy Chain® cable carriers are offered from a single source with a complete system guarantee, depending on the application. Fully pre-harnessed ReadyChain® systems are also available.

All Chainflex® cables are RoHS-approved. Chainflex® cables are available from stock with no minimum order.


Helpful Cable Guidelines and Tips


How can I learn more about Chainflex?

  1. Chainflex Selector or Chainflex Helper—use these tools to determine which Chainflex cables are right for your application.
  2. Search for Chainflex® and Energy Chains® by part number.
  3. "QuickSpec" RFQ—submit this quick and easy form to have a member of igus®’ expert sales team contact you.
  4. The Application Corner—read real-world application examples about customers using Chainflex® cables.
  5. PDF files—download and read PDF files about Chainflex.


How do I order Chainflex?

No matter how large or small the order, every customer receives the same level of customer service and commitment to quality when buying from igus. Standard items are available from stock and no minimum order is required.

To buy direct from igus:

  1. call (800) 521-2747 to speak with a customer service representative;
  2. fax a purchase order to (401) 438-7270; or
  3. send a purchase order via e-mail to sales@igus.com.


Search for a Chainflex cable

By Part Number

Exact Match Closest Match

Cable Selector
*For best results, begin with more than one search criteria initially, then narrow the search.

Conductor Count Conductor Cross Section AWG
Shielded Oil Resistant Torsion Resistant

Product Highlights
Control cables   Bus cables    
Continuous-flex control cables for cable carriers
Flame retardant, oil resistant, UL, CSA, and ROHS compliant. Min. bend radius x 4 times outer diameter. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.
Continuous-flex bus cables for cable carriers

Flame retardant, oil resistant, and UL AWM, ROHS and CE compliant. Min. bend radius x 10 times outer diameter. Operate within a temperature range of –31 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.

more information more information
 
Data cables   Position Feedback cables
Continuous-flex data cables for cable carriers

For temps from -31°F to +212°F. Min. bend radius 5 x outer diameter. Oil resistant. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.

Continuous-flex position feedback cables for cable carriers

High-duty position feedback cables round out our servo-application solutions range. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.

more information more information
   
Fiber optic cables   Koax cables  
Continuous-flex fiber optic cables for cable carriers

Oil and UV resistant. Suitable for temperatures between -4 and +158 Fahrenheit. From 12.5 x outer diameter bend radius. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.

Continuous-flex Koax cables for cable carriers For temps from -31°F to +212°F. Oil resistant, halogen free and UV resistant. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.
more information more information
   
Servo cables   Power cables  
Continuous-flex servo cables for cable carriers

Supply power for factory automation through millions of cycles over long or short travels. Bend radius of 7.5 x outer diameter. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.

Continuous-flex power cables for cable carriers
For temps from -31°F to +194°F. Bend radius from 4 x outer diameter. Flame retardant, oil resistant and UV resistant. Designed for use inside a cable carrier.
more information more information
   
Robot cables   Pneumatic hoses  
Torsion-resistant robot cables

Designed to withstand torsional stress in robotic applications. They have been tested in the igus® test center over more than three million torsional movements to +/- 270°.

Flexible pneumatic hose. Suitable for cable carriers.
PUR jacket material. Oil resistant.
more information more information
       
Cables for drive technology    

Designed to withstand torsional stress in robotic applications. They have been tested in the igus® test center over more than three million torsional movements to +/- 270°.

 
more information    
 

 


Watch videos of Chainflex in action and learn about how it can be used. Video Library
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Technical information about Chainflex cables

  Design Rules for Distribution of Cables/Hoses:
Learn how to install cables in igus Energy Chain
Strain Relief:
For electrical cables
A Guide to Regulatory Approval Codes:
For Chainflex cables
American Wire Gauge (AWG) Chart:
For Chainflex cables
Load-carrying Capacity:
Of Chainflex cables
Chemical Resistance:
Comprehensive list of chemicals that different Chainflex cables can withstand

Learn about the different styles of Chainflex cables

Control Cables
Bend Radius
Oil Resist.
Temp Range F
v max Unsupported
v max Gliding
a max
Torsion Resist.
# of Conductors
AWG Range
CF130: Low-cost, flexing tray cable
Download .PDF file
10 x
N
+23 to +158
6.56 ft/s
3.28 ft/s
32.8 ft/s
Y
2 to 25
22 to 10
CF140: Low-cost, flexing tray cable with shielding
Download .PDF file
12-15 x
N
+23 to +158
6.56 ft/s
3.28 ft/s
32.8 ft/s
N
3 to 25
24 to 14
CF130US: Low-cost, flexing tray cable, UL- & CSA-rated
Download .PDF file
8 x
Y
+23 to +176
6.56 ft/s
3.28 ft/s
32.8 ft/s
Y
2 to 33
22 to 10
CF140US: Low-cost, flexing tray cable with shielding, UL- & CSA-rated
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
+23 to +176
6.56 ft/s
3.28 ft/s
32.8 ft/s
N
2 to 33
22 to 10
CF170-D: Regular duty, oil-resistant, DESINA-approved cable
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-4 to +176
6.56 ft/s
3.28 ft/s
3.28 ft/s
Y
3 to 30
20 to 8
CF5: Power/signal cable with PVC jacket
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
+23 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
Y
2 to 42
20 to 14
CF6: Power/signal cable with shielding and PVC jacket
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
+23 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
N
3 to 25
24 to 14
CF7: Power/signal cable with oil resistance and PUR jacket
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-4 to +176
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
Y
3 to 25
20 to 14
CF7-D: Oil-resistant power/signal cable; DESINA approved
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-4 to +176
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
Y
7 to 25
18 to 16
CF8: Power/signal cable with shielding, oil resistance and PUR jacket
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-4 to +176
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
N
3 to 24
20 to 14
CF2: Longest life power/signal cable with shielding
Download .PDF file
5 x
Y
-4 to +176
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
N
3 to 48
26 to 16
CF98: Control cable for reduced bend radius
4 x
Y
-31 to +194
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
Y
2 to 8
26 to 22
CF9: Halogen-free cable for extreme temps with a TPE jacket
Download .PDF file
5 x
Y
-32 to +212
32.85 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
Y
3 to 25
24 to 2
CF10: Halogen-free, shielded cable for extreme temps with TPE jacket
Download .PDF file
5 x
Y
-32 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s2
N
2 to 25
26 to 12
Data/Encoder Cables
Bend Radius
Oil Resist.
Temp Range F
v max Unsupported
v max Gliding
a max
Torsion Resist.
# of Conductors
AWG Range
CF240: Regular duty, control cable with shielding
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
+23 to +158
6.56 ft/s
9.84 ft/s
98.4 ft/s
N
3 to 24
26 to 22
CF211 data: Regular duty, twisted pair with overall shield
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
+23 to +158
16.4 ft/s
9.84 ft/s
98.4 ft/s
N
2 to 28
24 to 20
CF211 feedback: Regular duty, twisted pair with overall shield
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
+23 to +158
16.4 ft/s
9.84 ft/s
98.4 ft/s
N
8 to 16
26 to 20
CF11: Twisted pair with overall shield for extreme temperatures
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-31 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4 to 36
26 to 14
CF11-D: Twisted pair with overall shield for extreme temperatures
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-31 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
12 to 16
26 to 17
CF11-LC: Low capacitance, twisted pair with overall shield
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-31 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
2 to 4
20
CF11-IB-S: Special bus cable with shielding
10 x
Y
-32 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
6 to 9
24 to 17
CF11-LC-D: Low capacitance, twisted pair with shielding
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-32 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4
24 to 20
CF12: Industrial, twisted pair with overall shield
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-31 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
6 to 28
24 to 17
CFBUS: DeviceNet cable, aka: trunk-and-drop cables
Download .PDF file
10 x
Y
-4 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4
thick 18/16
thin 24/22

CF14US: CAT 5 ethernet cable for RJ45 connectors
Download .PDF file

12.5 x
Y
-31 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4
26
CF14: CAT 5 ethernet cable
Dowload .PDF file
12.5 x
Y
-31 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
2 to 4
24
Bus/Fiber Optic Cables
Bend Radius
Oil Resist.
Temp Range F
v max Unsupported
v max Gliding
a max
Torsion Resist.
# of Conductors
AWG Range
CFLG: Fiber optic cable with addtional copper conductors
Download .PDF file
10 x
N
+23 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
2=cu
2=fiber
cu = 18
fiber = 200/230
µm
CFLG-6G: Fiber optic cable
Download .PDF file
15 x
Y
+4 to +140
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
6 to 12
50/125µm
62.5/125µm
CFLK: Fiber optic cable with plastic fiber optic conductors
Download .PDF file
12.5 x
Y
-4 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
1 to 6
980/1000µm
Koax Cable
Bend Radius
Oil Resist.
Temp Range F
v max Unsupported
v max Gliding
a max
Torsion Resist.
# of Conductors
AWG Range

CF.Koax: Koax cable
Download .PDF file

10 x
Y
-31 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
1 to 5
30
Servo Cables
Bend Radius
Oil Resist.
Temp Range F
v max Unsupported
v max Gliding
Torsion Resist.
# of Conductors
AWG Range
CF21: Shielded servo/power with shielded, twisted pair
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
+23 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4 + 2
4 + 2 x 2
power = 16 - 4
signal =
22 - 16
CF27: Regular-duty servo cable with shielding
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-4 to +176
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4 + 2
power = 16 - 6
signal = 17 - 16
Power Cables
Bend Radius
Oil Resist.
Temp Range F
v max Unsupported
v max Gliding
a max
Torsion Resist.
# of Conductors
AWG Range
CF30: Unshielded power cable
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
+23 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
Y
4 to 5
16 to 1
CF31: Shielded power cable
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
+23 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4 to 5
16 to 2/0
CF34: Power cable for low/average temperatures
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-31 to +194
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
Y
4
16 to 1
CF34-PE/2: TPE power cable with shielding
10 x
Y
-31 to +194
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
Y
4
1 to 3/0
CF35: Shielded power cable for low/average temperatures
Download .
PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-31 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
4
16 to 6
CF300: Single conductor power cables
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-31 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
Y
1
10 to 350 MCM
CFPE: Single-core cable for heavy duty use
7.5 x
Y
-32 to +212
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
Y
1
4 to 12
CF310: Shielded, single conductor power cables
Download .PDF file
7.5 x
Y
-31 to +158
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
1
8 to 300 MCM
CFCRANE: Medium voltage, shielded, single-core cable
10 x
Y
-13 to +176
32.8 ft/s
16.4 ft/s
164 ft/s
N
1
4 to 3/0
Airhoses
CFAir Pneumatic Hose: Highly flexible pneumatic hose for Energy Chains
Download PDF page

Learn about the perfect partner for Chainflex cables
Energy Chain cable carriers:
Plastic cable carriers used to guide, protect and extend the service life of cables and hoses on automated machinery.
 

webmaster@igus.com
Copyright© igus Inc. All rights reserved.

igus® Inc. T: (800) 521-2747 F: (401) 438-7270 e-Mail: sales@igus.com