The future with Fiber Optic cables

Internet penetration in India is a major concern and will be for a while. Only 400 million of India’s 1.2 billion strong population is online, after all. As fiber optic technology continues to revolutionize the telecommunication and data capabilities of a range of industries, the average individual may not understand the advantages that fiber optic technology provides for us in our everyday life. To better understand the advantages and capabilities of fiber optic technology, we’ll outline a few basics touch points of fiber optics and their contribution to our everyday lives. Let us catch up on the benefits of optical fiber over traditional metallic wire.

Benefits of Optic Fibers Vs. Traditional Metallic Wiring?

Besides the fact that conventional metallic wiring is far more expensive to produce, fiber optics deliver a superior amount of quality, convenience, and durability currently unmatched in telecommunication technology. Although the majority of our practical applications in the past used metallic wiring, fiber optics technology is rapidly growing and seems likely to stay for generations to come.

We’ve included a few advantages that optic fibers have over metallic wiring below:

Digital signalling: Optical fibers are suited naturally to accommodate digital information, a dominant form of data that we use for computer networks.

Optimized Capacity:  Copper or metal wires are very thick, and are unable to be as portable or flexible as fiber optic wires due to the fiber’s hair-like thinness. This allows fiber optic wires to optimize carrying capacity, allowing more channels to be available in any given area.

Signal Integrity: Losing signal is far less common with fiber optics. Especially considering the majority of transmitted data is digital. The core of the optic fiber cable is made of glass, rendering the signal immune against electrometric interference, crosstalk, impedance issues, and more.

Affordable: The production of optical cables are less expensive than the production of copper wire. When considering the advantages and capabilities of fiber optics in comparison to metallic wiring, the affordability increases the value of usage over copper wire immensely.

Light Signaling: Where metallic wiring utilizes analog, electrical signals, optic fibers utilize light. This means that one fiber does not interfere with another fiber within the same wire, allowing for a clearer signal during phone calls or while using the internet.

Flexibility: The usage of fiber optic technology is highly adaptable to many industries. Telecommunications and computer networking specifically, which utilize fiber optics to maintain performance, are used frequently as essential parts of modern living. Optic fiber cables are also immune to environmental damage, protecting them against temperature fluctuations that could otherwise damage metallic wires. In addition, optic fiber wires can be submerged in water, allowing them to reach destinations otherwise impossible for copper cables.

Increased Safety: Optic fiber cables do not use electricity, and therefore there is no chance of sparking or fire hazards.

In Conclusion

In today’s world, many businesses and individuals rely on a dependable and proficient connection to perform their daily tasks. Fiber optic technology delivers service on a level of quality that commercial organizations and industries recognize. In fact, the majority of these industry leaders have moved onto fiber optic technology as it continues to make its way throughout all areas of telecommunication.

The expansion of fiber optics within internet services, television, streaming media, network gaming, social media, and more, has made a profound impact in what both individuals and organizations have the ability to do. Fiber optic technology will continue to offer many more opportunities to provide users with affordable, more convenient, and higher quality data communication. Do check LAPP, cable manufacturers in India if you have the requirement of quality fiber optic cables.

Common Fiber Optic Cables Problems

As Clint Eastwood quoted, “Aging can be fun if you lay back and enjoy it.” However this quote does not apply to the fiber optic cables or any cable in general.

Some fiber optic networks have now been in use for more than 20 years, a tribute to the inherent capabilities of optical fiber. In that same time, copper cabling for premises networks has been through two generations of coax and at least four generations of unshielded twisted pair cabling.

Why do the Old Fiber Optic Cables still Works so Well?

• One reason is the extreme care that went into its design. Telephone cable engineers already knew how to make cable that would survive for long times buried underground or suspended from poles. Adapting that technology to glass fibers, while adding plastics to protect the fiber from the environment by hermetically sealing the glass, and using the then new technology of aramid fibers to prevent stress on the glass itself, led to the creation of fiber optic cables that have lifetimes well over the 20 years of current use.

 

• Another factor in the lifetime of fiber is that it needs no maintenance. Connectors are effectively sealed from dirt in patch panels, and splices are sealed in enclosures that prevent moisture from entering. There is no need to disconnect terminations to clean, inspect or test them.

If we focus on the problems encountered by fiber optic cable as listed below. This information will help you be better equipped to prevent and even rectify any problems should they arise.

External Damage

A thorough visual inspection of the fiber optic cable will be sufficient to highlight any prominent defects that have affected the casing or the conductors. It doesn’t take a significant amount of damage to affect the ability of the cable to work properly. It is prudent to replace the cable if any issues become apparent from the inspection, such as splits or scratches.

Too Long

A fiber optic cable that has excess length after a connection has been made will at risk of bending, twisting or winding around itself. These actions can result in permanent damage to the fibers and components within the cable. Cables are available in a range of different lengths and you should ensure that you get the correct one with the use of a measuring tape. Position all the equipment that you intend to connect with the cable measure the distance between them to get an idea of the approximate length. There are some varieties that contain a rod to prevent it being bent and these can be used to prevent a recurrence of the same problem.

Stretching

The components within a fiber optic cable are delicate and can be damaged if stretched across a distance that it cannot comfortably accommodate. Avoid the risk of the fibers within the cable becoming damaged by moving the items closer together or obtaining a cable of a more appropriate length. Stretching can also occur from pulling at the jacket of the cable rather than using the grips at the connectors designed to be used to fit and remove them. Always use the grips to remove the connector from the socket that holds it.

Connectors

Performance problems can occur in the event that the connectors of the fiber optic cable are not fitted properly. Check each of the connectors to determine whether this is the case and rectify it by inserting them properly. If the problem continues to occur, replace the cable with a version that makes use of spring loaded connectors that fit securely without slipping out of place.

Fibers

Where the fibers within the cable are broken or damaged in some way, this will not be immediately evident when simply considering it with the naked eye. In order to check this, a fiber optic tracer can be utilized to highlight any faults within the cable. This implement resembles a miniature flashlight that uses an LED and can be fitted to the cable connector for the purpose of checking continuity. If the fibers are all intact and working correctly, the light that is shone at one of the cable should be visible at the other end of the cable.

This information will help you be prepared for the unexpected situation. LAPP, cable manufacturers in India, provides quality tested cables, which reduces the problems which you may encounter.

 

Safety measures while dealing with Underground cables

This blog focuses on approach while dealing with underground cables, which is often overlooked. It can be harmful and hazardous if not dealt right.

One of the main dangers which may arise when digging is that of possible injury from underground power cables. Injuries resulting from damage to live power cables are usually caused by the explosive effects of arcing current and by associated fire or flames. This can occur when the sheath of the cable and the conductor insulation are penetrated by a sharp object, such as the point of a tool, or when the cable is crushed severely enough to cause contact between the sheathing and one or more conductors.

This typically causes severe and potentially fatal burns to the hands, face and body.

Direct electric shock is also a possibility. Furthermore, some high voltage power cables are oil filled and oil can ignite. Electrical fires can be catastrophic if damage spreads to other nearby services such as gas pipes. Such accidents are caused by failure to take all reasonably practicable precautions to prevent accidental contact with underground services.

Recommended methods and procedures, which, if adopted, will provide a positive approach to the elimination of these tragedies.

The basic elements of a safe system of work involve:

1.Correct use of Plans (to aid location of power cables)

Before starting work it is essential that you have all of the cable records for the location and that these are kept on site at all times while work is proceeding. Make sure that they are up-to-date; that they cover all cable voltages at the location; that you understand how to interpret them; and that they are fully utilised both in advance of commencing digging and throughout the full duration of the work.

2.Use of Cable Locating Devices

Suitable cable locating devices should be used in conjunction with the cable plans to determine as accurately as possible the position of underground cables in or near the proposed work area.

3.Use of Safe Digging Practice

These three key elements complement each other and all three should be used when working near buried services.

LAPP, one of the leading cable manufacturers in India, provides cable based on the application. Therefore, you will find wide range of the cables, these cables are tested under extreme circumstances. Therefore, you can rely on the quality and be sure that you would be safe. Do visit the official website of LAPP to check the available options of the cables.

 

 

 

Guidelines for Robotic cable management

To improve the efficiency of any system, you need to have certain structure. In this blog, we are going to focus on Robotic cable management, is a fundamental part of robotic efficiency, often overlooked or saved for the last part of the design process.

There are several special considerations that need to take place to ensure proper robotic cable management. If you still have questions such as, why is robotic cable management important? How can you ensure you choose the best robotic cable management solution?

The Importance

Poor management of robotic cables can lead to a number of problems. The most common is the poorly designed cable system which restricts the motion of a robotic arm. With robots becoming more flexible, we need upgrade in the cable design to match this flexibility. By preparing cables for the entire range of motion of the robot, not just application specific motions. You would not want to end up with a cable that restricts the motion, and thus the flexibility and efficiency, of the robotic arm.

Even tightly binding cables with excessive dress packs creates problems like corkscrewing. To reduce any sort of unproductive and unscheduled downtime, it is better to avoid any stress on robotic cables which accelerates their lifetime and increases the chance of failure.

Best Practices

What are the things which you can do to optimize robotic cable management? One of the most important ones is to consider six-axis robots in three different segments: the sixth axis to the third axis, the third axis to the second axis, and the second axis to the first axis. This allows maximum control over cable design and can reduce the amount of cable management equipment needed. With better control, and less strain on the cables, ensures better life for the cables.

You do not have to dismantle the entire system once the cables exceed their service life, you can replace them. The robotic cable carrier system is of great use for robotic cable management. Robotic cable carriers have spring-loaded designs to minimize catch and pinch points.

For good robotic cable management, you’ll also want to make sure all cables are in one continuous path with no pinching or loose cables around any of the axes. It’s also helpful to have the option to fully enclose cables to protect them from harsh environments, although permanently enclosed systems have their drawbacks.

Proper robotic cable management can be achieved many different ways, depending on the needs of your specific application. The tips mentioned above are some of the best ways to ensure your robotic cables aren’t hindering robotic performance.

Robotic cable management is especially important in robotic welding applications where robotic efficiency and ROI is found through excellent uptime. Check Lapp, cable manufacturers in India, for the applications which would require quality robotic cables.

 

Basics of Cables and Connectors

If we check the history of electric cables, the real demand for wires and Cables to conduct electric power began in 1871, with the invention of the first dependable dynamo.

The telegraph and telephone swelled demand for efficient methods of transmitting electric current and signals over long distances. The insulation back in the days was paper coated. Just imagine Paper-coated pitch wrapped each individual wire, insulating it from the others. The whole batch was then wrapped in paper. Some even suggested laying these batches in tubes coated in resin and placing them underground to keep curious young boys away from them.

In the case of cables, factors like resistance, capacitance and impedance all play a role. There’s also a great many more electrical sources, magnetic sources and broadcast radio frequencies today than there were in the days of paper and pitch insulation. All of these factors can affect a cable’s transmission. As a result, shielding is another important variable in audio and video cabling. Let’s check out the basic terminology which is used when we consider the transfer of electric current.

Electrons, Voltage and Current

Electrons, and therefore electric charges, move through conductors. If they didn’t, the world today would be a very different place. A flow of electrons (a charge) flows from a voltage or signal source (like a battery) through two conductive surfaces (that is, materials that allow electrons to pass through them).

Hook a wire to two ends of a battery and you’ve got flow. This movement of electrons has many characteristics. The two of interest at the moment are voltage and current. Voltage is like the “pressure” created by the flow of electrons. Current is the rate of the resulting flow.

Resistance is the quality of a material that restricts the free flow of electrons. As a conductor resists the flow of current through it, a small percentage of the energy dissipates.

Metal wires are good conductors and resist little of the current that runs through them, though there is some loss. They also have a large surface to volume ratio. This is crucial because, oddly enough, electrons travel over the surface of the wire and not through the middle.

Capacitance is the tendency of a material to store energy and block constant or low-frequency currents. Capacitors filter and store energy, among other things. Different conductors have different resistive and/or capacitive properties. A shielded cable has similar properties to a capacitor, as both consists of two conductors separated by some type of insulator.

Capacitance is a factor in cable design because it reacts with the impedance in a length of wire to strip away high frequencies. In the video, that means a loss of detail; in audio, a loss of clarity. In cables, the lower the capacitance, the better.

Shielding

There’s a lot of electrical and magnetic interference in the air these days. Other power sources, appliances, close proximity to radio or TV stations-all these and more can create noise picked up by your cable unless properly shielded.

A shield is another conductive material, normally a metal foil or a wire mesh, that encircles and protects the integrity of your cable. It absorbs outside signals and/or reflects them back to the outside world. It also keeps your signal within your cable. The relationship between the conductor and shield within your cable can increase the Cable’s capacitance. Once again, careful design is everything.

Impedance

Audio and video signals are alternating current signals. They’re similar to waves, like sine waves. For a wave to pass cleanly across a cable from one component to another, the impedance-or signal opposition-must be equal all the way across. The cable must be rated to carry signal at a certain impedance.

If the impedances do not match between signal source, cable and receiving component, the waves get out of phase and collide with each other. This actually reflects some of the power of the signal back to the source, causing noise and signal loss.

The more reflection, the less clean your signal, ultimately leading to loss of picture or color data. The video signal is a high-frequency one, very susceptible to problems with impedance.

The Coaxial Cable

You’ve no doubt heard the term coaxial-coax for short-throw about. Fancy word, simple concept: coax simply refers to any cable with a central wire surrounded by an insulator, a shield and a plastic outer jacket. if you’ve seen almost any kind of AV cable other than cheap speaker wire, you’ve seen the coaxial cable.

In this article, we have checked the terminology related to cables and connectors. Do check out LAPP, one of the leading cable manufacturers in India, to purchase the best quality cables and connectors.

 

Basics with LAPP, Connector Manufacturers India

To reduce any instances of the short circuit, we make use of connectors. And, LAPP, Connector Manufacturers India is doing a great job in providing quality connectors to ensure safety.

The electrical accidents are lethal, LAPP, Connector Manufacturers India, is well equipped to handle this sort of incidents. Most of the short circuit incidences can be avoided just by making use of quality connectors.

What are connectors and how are they employed?

The basic requirement while using any system is the safe conduct of electric current. We have insulated cables to ensure the transfer of electricity, in order to establish the continuous path we make use of electric connectors.

In this section, our focus will be on the terminology and specifications associated with connectors. The different connector types as well as the basic formats and the different types of specification.

• Plugs and sockets: There are two formats of connectors, one being the male, or plug, and the other is the female section, that is the socket. The female connector can supply power.  The male section has pins, as they are exposed they are never used to supply power, which would involve risk of short circuit. The contacts in the female connector are more protected and therefore it is safer to have power on them while there is no mating connection.

 

• Number of pins: Determining the number of pins required helps in calculating the actual conductor parts, including the series of connectors to be used. When choosing a particular connector it is standard practice to ensure there are a few spare pins for any future unforeseen requirements.

 

• Number of insertions:Life of the conductors are specified in terms of the mating cycles, which is the process of connection and disconnection. While the conductors have a definite life cycle, which means they are going to wear out over time.  Based on the specification and the usage select the connector.

 

• Mechanical considerations: We need to consider the physical size and shape and the environment into consideration. There are a number of mechanical considerations when choosing connectors. Physical size and shape is an important factor, but there may also be environmental requirements. Will it operate over a given temperature range, or withstand moisture. These and other mechanical aspects need to be considered when choosing the type of connector.

 

• Current capacity: Some connectors carry high current while some carry low. It is preferred for the connectors to have high current handling capability, as most connectors can take a few milliamps without a problem. Ensure using good quality connectors with high current capability for safety purposes.

 

• Voltage capacity: It is not safe to operate the connector after the certain voltage. While virtually all connectors will be suitable for low voltages when they rise to what may be termed hazardous voltages, care needs to be taken as insulation may fail, or there may be flashover. Accordingly, it is always worth ensuring that the maximum voltage is not exceeded. Specifications may be provided for AC and DC.

 

The choice of the connector can play an important part in the design of any equipment. This blog should give you a brief on the things you need to look out for while selecting the connector. Check LAPP, Connector Manufacturers India for more details.

History of Data Communication cables

The by-products of the advancing technology has certainly created a lot of confusion among the consumers. If we consider the networking cables, the types of network cables employed in any network infrastructure is one of the most important aspects of networking, and it has become increasingly critical with the introduction of newer technologies.

If we go through the history of the data communication cables, you will find the roots from where it all started.

History

We tend to think of digital communication as a new idea, if we go back in time, like in 1844, Samuel Morse sent a message 37 miles from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, using his new invention, the telegraph. This may seem a far cry from today’s computer networks, but the principles remain the same.

Morse code is a type of binary system that uses dots and dashes in different sequences to represent letters and numbers. Modern data networks use ones and zeros to achieve the same result. The big difference is, while the telegraph operators of the mid-19th century could perhaps transmit four or five dots and dashes per second, computers now communicate at speeds of up to 10 Gbps or, to put it another way, 10,000,000,000 separate ones and zeros every second.

Although the telegraph and the teletypewriter were the forerunners of data communications, it has only been in the last 35 years that things have really started to speed up. This was borne out of the necessity for computers to communicate at ever-increasing speeds, which has driven the development of faster and faster networking equipment. In the process, higher-specification cables and connecting hardware were required.

Let us shed some light on the most popular data communication cable:

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)

UTP cable is used not only for networking but also for the traditional telephone (UTP-CAT1). There are six different types of UTP categories and, depending on what you want to achieve, you would need the appropriate type of network cable. UTP-CAT5e is the most popular UTP cable; it replaced the old coaxial cable that was unable to keep up with the constantly growing need for faster and more reliable networks.

Characteristics of UTP categories

The characteristics of UTP are very good and make it easy to work with, install, expand and troubleshoot.

So, let’s have a quick look at each of the UTP categories available today:

These categories specify the type of copper wire — most telephone and network wire is copper and jacks.

CAT1 is typically used for telephone wire. This type of wire is not capable of supporting computer network traffic and is not twisted. CAT1 is also used by telco companies providing Integrated Services Digital Network and public switched telephone network services. In such cases, the wiring between the customer’s site and the telco’s network is performed using CAT1-type cable.

CAT2, CAT3, CAT4, CAT5/5e, CAT6, and CAT7 are network wire specifications. These types of wires can support computer network and telephone traffic. CAT2 is used mostly for token ring networks and supports speeds up to 4 Mbps. For higher network speeds,100 Mbps or higher, CAT5e must be used. For the almost-extinct 10 Mbps speed requirements, CAT3 will suffice.

CAT3, CAT4 and CAT5 cables are four pairs of twisted copper wires; CAT5 has more twists per inch than CAT3. Therefore, CAT5 can run at higher speeds and greater lengths. The twist effect of each pair of the cables ensures any interference presented or picked up on one cable is canceled by the cable’s partner that twists around the initial cable. CAT3 and CAT4 are both used for token ring networks, where CAT3 can provide support of a maximum 10 Mbps, while CAT4 pushed the limit up to 16 Mbps. Both categories have a limit of 100 meters.

CAT6 wire was originally designed to support Gigabit Ethernet, although there are standards that will allow gigabit transmission over CAT5e wire. It is similar to CAT5e wire, but contains a physical separator between the four pairs to further reduce electromagnetic interference. CAT6 is able to support speeds of 1 Gbps for lengths of up to 100 meters, and 10 Gbps is also supported for lengths of up to 55 meters.

CAT7 is a newer copper cable specification designed to support speeds of 10 Gbps at lengths of up to 100 meters. To achieve this, the cable features four individually shielded pairs, plus an additional cable shield to protect the signals from crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.

Briefly, we visited the major data communication cables in use. Do go through Lapp, one of the leading cable manufacturers in India, to get the right cable for your application.

High-speed ETHERLINE® cables make assembly even easier

If a cable ages or is damaged in a machine or control cabinet, it usually has to be replaced quickly to prevent production stoppages or more severe consequential damage. But replacing a cable takes time. Lapp, cable manufacturers in India has addressed this problem: Thanks to its Fast Connect technology, the new ETHERLINE® PN CAT.6_A  Fast Connect has clear advantages over other cables when it comes to installation and assembly.

Thanks to a cross separator that separates the four pairs of wires and an inner sheath the cable does not need pair screening. Unlike with conventional cables, there is no need to remove a film screen from all four pairs of wires. As a result, Fast Connect cables are quick and easy to assemble. The special tool from Lapp, which prepares the cable optimally for connector assembly in a single operation, saves even more time. The new shielding also ensures a long service life.

Minimum work when connecting devices, easy assembly with a single tool and a high data transmission rate: The ETHERLINE® PN CAT.6_A  Fast Connect from Lapp combines all these important properties. The new high-speed cable is ideal for customers in the machinery, plant and equipment manufacturing sector and can be used in industrial and building networking wherever large data volumes have to be transmitted.

At 10 gigabits per second, the ETHERLINE® PN CAT.6_A  achieves the current maximum transmission rate for copper cables in an industrial environment. All Lapp Profinet cables are compatible with one another and with those from other manufacturers.

The ETHERLINE® PN Cat.6_A  is available in seven versions: three for fixed installation (Type A) with flame retardant PVC sheath, halogen-free and flame retardant with FRNC sheath or with PUR sheath (halogen-free, flame retardant and with increased mechanical strength). In addition, Lapp supplies two versions for flexible use (Type B) with PVC sheath or halogen-free and flame retardant FRNC sheath, as well as two solutions for highly flexible use (Type C) with PVC sheath or PUR sheath. Four further versions have reduced dimensions for use in constricted applications. The different sheath designs and diameters allow the cables to be used in a huge range of applications.

About the Lapp Group:

LAPP INDIA is a 100% subsidiary of the LAPP GROUP Germany, a leading supplier of cables in networking, with branded products in the field of cable and connection technology. We are the pioneers in introducing the concept of “Reliably connecting the world” with our unbeatable range of cabling products and solutions. Buy cables online from the first online cable store by Lapp India.

Being one of the reliable cable manufacturers in India, We offer over 1400 products on shopasia.lappgroup.com/in ranging from cables, connectors, glands, Ethernet cable wiring, conduits, cable tags to cable accessories and tools.

How to curb Cable Hazards?

We know how destructive cable hazards can be. The cables in use today undergo various test to ensure they are safe and accommodate the harsh conditions. Therefore the requirement for selecting from the trusted cable production company becomes a necessity.

The insulation of the electric cable is generally made up of rubber or plastic. The amount of smoke generated by the plastic in case of fire is dependent on factors like nature of plastic, type of additive used, a flame of fire and ventilation arrangement. In general, most plastics produce a very dense smoke when heated. In this article, we will learn about the hazards related to electric cable insulation in case of fire.

Some plastic burns very clearly when subjected to heat and flame, producing very less smoke. If insulation used is of urethane foam it produces a very dense smoke and visibility in the room is lost in a minute. Some plastic contains Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) which produces hydrochloride gas as a product of combustion. This is a very deadly gas and has a pungent, irritating odor.

Rubber, when used for insulation, produces a dense black, oily smoke and has some toxic qualities. The most common gases produced during combustion of rubber are hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide. These gases are both dangerous and can be fatal in certain cases.

Ways to Reduce these Hazards

The following steps should be taken as preventive measures

Cables having E.P.R (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) insulation with a necessary sheathing of Polychloroprene or Chloro Sulphonated Polyethylene ( PCP or CSP) may be used to protect the insulation against fire.

By using cables having high oxygen index number, the number allotted to material depending on minimum percentage of oxygen required to sustain combustion. If the material used is having oxygen index number 27, it means that minimum percentage of oxygen required to burn the material is 27 % which is well above the normal atmospheric oxygen percentage of 21 %. Thus, the insulation material will not catch fire.

Important Precautions for Installation of Electric Cables

1. The cables and wiring external to the equipment must have flame retardant properties and should be installed in such a manner that it should not interfere with the original flame retarding properties.
2. Cables and wirings for emergency equipments, lightings, communication and signal should be kept away from spaces like galley, laundries, machinery space of category A & other high risk areas.
3. Special precautions are to be taken for cable installation in hazardous area as it might lead to explosion in case of electrical fault.
4. Terminations and joints are to be made in such a manner that it should retain its original fire resisting properties.
5. Avoid cable for damage and chafing during installation.
6. Fireproof glands to be used in case of cable passing through the bulkhead as it would prevent fire from one compartment to other.

LAPP, has always been the top priority, when it comes to production of reliable cables

 

Cabling Solutions for Robots 4.0

The industrial robots till now were performing complex and repetitive factory processes, but the digitization and technological advancements have increased their applications across various sectors.  Cable manufacturing in India is entering the era of integration and convergence that will aim at reducing costs with increased safety. Robots of the future will be seen working alongside humans in most Industrial sectors with increased responsibilities. They will be pivotal in implementing Industrial 4.0 by combining technologies that will allow robots to use big data and analytics, make decisions and function autonomously.

Industry 4.0 or the industrial internet of things (IIOT) refers to the era where the industrial manufacturing processes equipment, devices, and computers are networked. Today, the use of automation and robots have come a long way and play an integral role in re-shaping and re-defining Industry 4.0.

But, it is not just the robots that keep evolving; components such as cables and connectors must keep pace with today’s advanced robotics technology. Without a reliable source of power and control, even the sturdiest robots will fail. This evolution has led to an increasing demand for smart cables and connections that act as a foundation for synchronized robotic function and a high-quality production output.  The following factors are essential for cables in advanced robotic applications for Industry 4.0.

High volume data transmission

Machines used in smart factories require data/networking for greater bandwidth with power control cable. This is one reason for installing customized and composite cable solution mix of single/multi-mode fibers with power and control conductors of different gauges and types are assembled under one sheath in these cabling solutions. Hence it takes up less space and reduces installation cost.

Torsion-resistant and reverse bending

Machines perform better with customized torsion-resistant cables instead of standard control cables. These modified cables are specially designed to withstand the torsion and repetitive motion of their particular application. The cables are manufactured in a way that it can provide the smallest bending radius possible within the machine. Specifically, designed cables for power chain, cable-track configurations and torsion applications can help overcome the challenges that are presented when designing automation machines. This can also reduce the amount of cable failure during operations.

Highly Flexible

Stud welding machines, for instance, are used by robots for automotive manufacturing. The machine is automatically positioned by the robot and sets the studs for wiring harness assembly in the body shells. This requires the highest levels of efficiency and precision in terms of the executed movements and system productivity. Cabling would need to be laid over all the robot’s axes and would, therefore, need to be able to follow all of its angular movements and rotations.

Slim in construction and lightweight

To avoid restrictions to the robot’s movements, various cables are usually laid over the robot axes in the smallest of spaces. This is to avoid any confusion with other cables such as the welding cable, the data network and signal cable as well as the air and protective gas conduits. The cables need to be slim in design and light in weight which would ensure that cables occupy a small cross-section, among the rest.

EMC / Loss-less transmission

A common challenge faced by cable manufacturers is to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) by retaining the higher flexibility and slim/light construction. The data network and signal cables need to be protected with additional copper/aluminum screening for this. By using the right insulating material, it is possible to achieve both electrical and mechanical requirements. Combining all these components in complex hybrid cables shall offer lossless transmission, robot-compliant flexibility and torsion strength, with a durability of more than two million bending cycles.

Application-specific and long lasting

System component suppliers need to be able to supply high-quality standard products while also being able to primarily develop individually customized products. The use of standard ware in complex areas, in cases of doubt, leads to unwanted compromises, which in practice can lead to problems with using the machines and production systems. System cable division takes on the often-time-consuming development of individual solutions that can involve intensive consultation, and they do this in cooperation with the customer.

One of the most important sectors that the specified customer groups serve is automotive manufacturing. All components in this sector must meet strict requirements in terms of quality and durability. If, for example, a cable fails, the entire production belt will come to a standstill and trigger losses running into the millions within a very short space of time.

Plug and play / complete connectivity solution

No system is complete without connecting all the individual components and for this, a reliable partner who lives up to the high demands is essential. Customised solutions are often required in order to implement new ideas to meet the top line growth requirements of an industry: cables and connectors that you cannot simply buy ‘off the shelf’.

With the need to scale up operations and meet production requirements, the demand for customized solutions has been growing and has been able to prove themselves as reliable partners. And by providing plug and play solutions, these customized solutions meet the top-line growth of their customers which the standardized ‘off-the-shelf cables and conductors generally do not.

LAPP India, one of the leading cable manufacturers in India focuses on providing cable and connection solution for all kind of applications. With a focus on ‘Art of Connecting’, Lapp India will be launching ETHERLINE® ACCESS, the managed and unmanaged switches at the Automation Expo 2017 in Mumbai. ETHERLINE® ACCESS along with ETHERLINE® range of cables, connectors and switches, will further strengthen Lapp’s offering in industrial network solutions and ensure reliable connectivity from one source.

Other innovative solutions on display at the exhibition would include HITRONIC® fibre optic cables designed to transfer large volumes of data; UNITRONIC® data network cables and field bus components for transmission of simple control signals without leakage; and ÖLFLEX® CONNECT, a customized plug ‘n’ play solution, specially designed for Machine Tool segment.

Lapp group, being one of the world’s leading suppliers of integrated solutions among Cable manufacturers India, is making Industry 4.0 a reality, by manufacturing cabling solutions that will power the future robots.