Where are cables used?
chainflex cables used at great heights

Jen Chen | May 13, 2022

The list of areas of use for chainflex cables and applications is long. It is therefore difficult to say in a nutshell where cables will be used. This is partly due to the many different branches of industry that igus supplies with its wide range of products. It is always exciting for us to see where our products are used.

The chainflex cables are mostly used in e-chains and these can be found almost everywhere. We have prepared a blog series that shows the versatility of our cables.

Where are cables used?

Cables are used at great heights, for example. Many of these cases are crane applications. These are often found in ports. But there, too, we distinguish once again between many different systems.

Cables for harbour cranes

The cranes in the harbour are, so to speak, the direct interface to the sea. Today they load containers and bulk goods in a highly automated way. They load and unload ships in the shortest possible time.

Cables must always be able to withstand the occurring loads in every application. In dockside crane systems and container handling, the stress is even greater because the cables are exposed to a harsh environment. Unpredictably changing wind and weather conditions expect high durability from cables in every situation. In addition, cables in outdoor installations are often exposed to dust and salt as well as fluctuating temperatures. The cables must withstand the weather conditions and guarantee dependable operation.

chainflex in the RTG crane

For more than 10 years an RTG crane with an igus energy chain system has been operating smoothly in Asia. Without having to replace components.

There are now over 10,000 harbour cranes that can be reliably operated thanks to chainflex cables. Be it ship-to-shore cranes, cranes for bulk handling or Goliath cranes. Together with our energy chains, chainflex cables function reliably and effectively even under the most difficult conditions. Our robust control and motor cables CF9/10 and CF37.D/38 are especially used here. But also single cores for hoists such as the CF330.D/340 series and fibre optic cables are part of our standard range. In our over 3800m² test laboratory we test the systems under real conditions. This enables us to guarantee long-term reliability and has established a cost-effective and maintenance-free alternative to festooning systems and cable drums on the market.

However, a crane does not necessarily have to be in a port, although we are happy to make this connection. Find further successful application examples of our chainflex cables in cranes.

Why chainflex?

Maximum reliability is what counts in crane applications. An example: ships that are to be loaded or unloaded in Hamburg are expected long before their arrival. For them there is only a short-term window of time in which standstill has no place. A standstill would be disastrous because the transhipment times are planned far into the North Sea and ships take this into account in their route planning days in advance.

Here chainflex plays all its trump cards with quality and many tests in real applications.

Conclusion

Regardless of the application area you are dealing with, igus® has made it its business to find a cable that meets all requirements. Benefit from our variety of cables. From low-cost solutions with PVC outer jacket to high-end TPE cables. Everything in line with our motto: Cost down, life up!

The fields of application for chainflex cables are versatile. We will also find the right cable for you and your application. You are welcome to contact us.