EoW July 2008

english technology news European growth for Xtra-Guard cables

“We understand that helping our customers to select the correct cable first time is essential to overall system reliability, system performance and safety. It’s also crucial that this selection is made first time to avoid cable failure, which can be very costly in terms of production levels, profits and a company’s reputation.” Alpha Wire has also made it easier to specify the right flex cable for the right application with www.xtraguard.com – an interactive web site and selection guide – that offers an intuitive and graphically-based product selector function. It allows engineers to quickly identify cable specifications for their system requirements. AlphaWire International – UK Fax : +44 1932 772433

In many manufacturing applications cables have to withstand millions of flex cycles – something far more complex than simple flexibility. Designers need to first consider the type of flexing that the cable will be required to withstand – such as single axis, torsional, multi axis or variable – as each requires a specific set of cable attributes. In applications where the cables will be subject to torsional or variable flexing, in robotics applications for example, it is essential to specify sophisticated cables that will be capable of twisting and random robotic flexing operation of ±360º per metre. Harry Quinn, European director for Alpha Wire commented: “Our customers depend on us with their most critical applications, so just as systems become more demanding we continue to improve and refine all of our products.

Alpha Wire International has announced that sales of its Xtra-Guard® flexible cables range have doubled year on year in Europe for the last three years. Growth has increased across the board in terms of industry sector but is most prevalent in the automation and control environments where robotics are increasingly utilised in manufacture. Xtra-Guard increases flex life cycles, refining cable profile and improving durability in single and multi-axis flexing applications. Engineers are said to be increasingly aware of the difference between flexible and flexing. The ability of a cable to be bent and routed in order to create a ‘dressed’ installation is, of course, crucial. A flexible cable allows for easier installation and simplifies troubleshooting in the cabinet and/or equipment installation.

Email : europe@alphawire.com Website : www.alphawire.com

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EuroWire – July 2008