Feature

Spooling cable management system now self-powering

igus has added e-spool power to its e-spool cable management system. The unit is fitted with a quiet-running electric motor to drive the spool plus an electronic control system integrated with limit switches.

21/06/2015 11:13:14

The motor in e-spool power allows travel lengths beyond 25m compared with the standard e-spool, which is limited by the spring retraction. This opens up many new theatre and stage, maritime and ship construction applications that have travels of up to 50m.

With e-spool power, the motor will quietly and gently drive the e-chain to its end position, then smoothly pull it back onto the spool again. The maximum extension/retraction speed of e-spool power is 1.2m/s.

With traditional reeling drums, it is not possible to mix services and generally only one cable type can be used. In addition, a slip ring is often necessary to accommodate the inner rotation.

The e-spool cable management system avoids these issues by allowing many different cable and hose types together, accommodating diameters of up to 17mm in any direction. Since e-spool provides end-to-end connections, no slip ring is required and tensile load on the cables is eliminated.

e-spool power is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, even at temperatures below freezing point.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.