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.

Ultimate Networking Cable Tools & accessories India

Network professionals have jobs that depend on ensuring smooth sailing on the network, but when things go wrong, the right tools are needed to minimize downtime. LAPP, Cable Tools & accessories India, provides you with the best tools which will come in handy even in the extreme conditions.

This blog will provide you with

• The knowledge which is required to compile the ultimate set of networking tools.
• The tools which should help in handling both routine and complex networking maintenance tasks.

Choosing the Hand Tools for Networking Professionals

Hand tools being the essential allies of the networking professionals. LAPP, Cable Tools & accessories India, provides you with a wide range of high-quality tools which you can employ to ensure security.

Here are a few of the essential insulated hand tools you need in the ultimate networking toolkit:

• A wire stripper/wire cutter
• A high-leverage cable cutter
• Pump pliers
• Diagonal cutting pliers
• High-leverage side-cutting pliers
• Standard long-nose pliers (both side-cutting and skinning)
• A skinning knife
• Crimping/cutting tools

Make sure you have a full complement of screwdrivers so you are prepared to tackle any screwdriver task.

By picking up a top-flight punch down tool, you can save a lot of time and energy. This tool helps you efficiently connect wiring in keystones or patch panels. Once you add this item to your toolkit, you will be amazed at the stability which it would bring.

While all of these tools make life easier for a networking professional, storing it can be a reason for concern.

These kits make you ready for the job whenever a hand tool is needed. That being said, with all these hand tools, you would need a quality bag or tool case to transport your hand tools.

The Right Tools Need the Right Tool Bags and Cases

The right tool bag to carry your tools is largely a matter of personal preference. Based on your preference which can be a tool tote, a tradesman bag, a trade pro backpack or the convenience of a rolling tool bag, don’t skimp on quality.

A tool tote should aim to provide heavy duty protection while refusing to compromise on durability and versatility.

Alternatively, spacious backpacks that are built to last are a convenient way to pack your tools safely and securely. No matter what you opt for, do not compromise on durable tool storage that provides safe and reliable transportation for tools and testing equipment.

Don’t think all you need is a case for your tools. Just like how you protect your smartphone with a case to keep your phone safe.

Similarly, it is also a wise choice to protect your sensitive testing equipment. Without properly working testing equipment, performing critical network tests is not doable. By opting for a large hard case that is specifically built to protect sensitive testing equipment and devices.

Additional Items to Include

While the aforementioned tools take you most of the way towards completing your toolkit, there are a few extras that complete the kit.

A powerful flashlight with a small form factor helps you perform work in dark spaces such as wiring closets or ceiling work.

Extra cables always come in handy for a networking professional as well. If a cable goes bad, you will have backup cables needed to keep downtime to a minimum.

We will find some other great networking tools out there, but if you have all the tools outlined in this post, you can be sure that no networking or maintenance job will be too tough to tackle. Do check the LAPP, Cable Tools & accessories India, for the available options.

 

Industrial application of Control Cable India

There are an endless number of industries that rely heavily on good quality control cable India.  The primary aim of a control cable is to help control applications, including energy, transportation sector – where PVC cables are generally used.

What are Control cables?

Control cables are used to transmit transmissions to and from devices. These are found in a huge number of different day to day processes and application, from ensuring our everyday processes work effectively, to huge automation; industrial processes and much more work effectively and efficiently.

Industries such as construction, transport, and communications are all growing at high speed, meaning each and every part that contributes to these sectors is important – applying to industrial control cables especially.

When acquiring the cables by companies within many industries, they have to ensure that they are getting cables of supreme quality, with one hundred percent accuracy.

Uses of an Industrial Control Cable India

Control cables are used in a huge number of industries and applications that are involved with electricity flow. Each one of the cables is designed for a specific purpose of interconnecting separate equipment and to control and regulate signals when used for these purposes.

There are a number of different types of the industrial control cable, with each one specific to the types of needs that are required. These cables will be able to take a lot of pressure and power, ensuring that they can cater for an applications power becoming increased.

Types of Control Cables

Three main types of control cables are CY cable, YY cable and SY cable – each of which are more suited to different types of applications, conditions, and levels of stress.

Control cables are flexible instrumentation cables designed as interconnecting cable in signal and control equipment, perfect for measuring, controlling and regulating transmissions.

• CY Cable

CY control cable works most effectively for applications that require interference-free transmissions. The multi-core flex has a tinned copper wire that is braided and Polyethylene Terephthalate separator which help protect the control cable from electromagnetic influences and a degree of mechanical stress. CY cables from LAPP, control cable India come in both low smoke halogen free and PVC versions and each installation should have the correct cable used.

• YY Cable

YY control cables are used in space-saving installations due to their small cable diameters and have increased flexibility due to short twisted conductor layers. They are very versatile and work well in situations of light mechanical stress. The situation with light mechanical stress and is suited to most environments, meaning that it can be used outdoors so long as there is protection applied to keep it safe in both dry and moist conditions.

• SY Cable

This is the toughest control cable that is suited to applications that will need mechanical protection. Galvanised steel wire braid on control cable makes it great for those with a reliable and robust control cable they can rely on.

Each control cable manufactured to an extremely high quality and can even be custom designed and built. High-quality materials are always used to ensure appropriate functionality and durability with cables able to be designed to customer specific environments and requirements.

Do check the variants provided by LAPP, Control Cable India for more details.

Oil Resistant Cables Selection

As a design engineer what should you consider while selecting the cable for application?How do you approach selecting the right cable for an oil and gas application?

The solution is simple i.e to install Oil resistant cables. LAPP being the leading cable manufacturers in India has always been the pioneer for highly flexible industrial cables. Today, Lapp offers a wide range of highly flexible cables for control and power applications in industrial environments. These cables have also been engineered and tested to be oil, coolant and chemical resistant and withstand dry, damp and wet conditions and therefore allowing you to save money on downtime and lost production.

Cable issues are difficult to diagnose and resolve and result in more than 70% of signal transmission issues. With downtime costing a lot, availability requirements demand that the right cable is specified for each use.

The good news is that despite the broad range of oil and gas applications many of them share common cable requirements. In this article I take away the voodoo and spell out the 3 easy steps to selecting the right cable.

1. The Right Industrial Cable Jacket

Having the right outerwear, or jacket, is also the key to signal reliability for oil and gas applications.

Thus the first question to ask yourself is “How harsh is the environment for my project?” The answer to this leads to selecting the right industrial cable jacket.

2. Select the Level ofOil Resistant Cables Needed

Now that you have narrowed down the range of suitable jacket types, what level of oil proof cable do you need?

3. Special Considerations by Industrial Cable Type

The three most common cable types used in oil and gas applications are Ethernet, Variable Frequency Drive(VFD) and Control and Instrumentation cable. Let’s take a look at the unique selection criteria for each.

a.Ethernet Cable

Should it be Copper or Fiber?

The key considerations for choosing copper or fiber Ethernet cable are:

• If you have runs of 100 meters you need fiber
• If you need data rates of more than 1GB than you need fiber
• If you need Power over Ethernet then you need copper 

b.VFD Cable

Many motor systems are used to pump or refine oil and gas. Often these motor systems use Variable Frequency Drives, or VFDs, to precisely control their speed, as doing so greatly reduces both costs and energy consumption. In addition, VFDs also improve process control, reduce manufacturing waste, provide a longer useful life for motors, reduce maintenance and deliver high reliably.

However, there is a downside to VFDs, and that is that they generate disruptive electrical noise in the environment around them that can create problems in the refining or pumping processes. The noise emission can be difficult to track down and eliminate, causing reduced production or downtime.

Proper cable shielding is thus essential for VFD cable, particularly when longer cable runs are required. Choosing well-designed, robust VFD cables ensures motor uptime and reliability of the VFD system and also provides protection for any sensitive instrumentation and adjacent control systems.

A challenge in purchasing VFD cables is that there are no standards for them. Thus it can be difficult to differentiate between minimum construction-grade cable sold as VFD cable and high-performing VFD cable that protects motors and ensures the maximum benefits of a VFD system.

c.Instrumentation and Control Cable

In addition to selecting the right jacket type, the important thing to determine for Instrumentation and Control cables is the type of insulation.

The Right Oil Resistant cables should deliver High Performance and High Availability.

If you follow the steps in this article:

• The right industrial cable jacket
• Select the level of oil resistant cables needed
• Remember the special considerations by industrial cable type:
  • Ethernet – copper or fiber, bonded-pair technology
  • VFD – choose high-performance cable characteristics
  • Instrumentation and Control – select the right insulation

You will choose a cable that provides reliable signal transmissions and high availability.

 

 

THE ART OF CONNECTING

I

Industrial 4.0 also known as ‘Smart factory’ or ‘Smart manufacturing’, aims to innovatively transition business models and revenue sources with use of advanced information and services. The transformation is driven by mass adoption of technology and digitization across sectors, including automation, manufacturing process improvement and productivity/production optimization.  The use of Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and Big data analytics has maximized the efficiency of manufacturing ecosystem. The need for factories to be future ready has influenced thoughts and actions of manufacturers to implement technologies to make the smart factory a reality. Smart cables and connectors play a vital role to empower smart factories and increase production efficiency.

Being the world’s leading suppliers of cable and connection technology, Lapp is already shaping smart factory initiative. The future began long ago at Lapp when we partnered with SmartFactoryKL, a non-profit association founded in 2005. It is a network of industrial and research partners, which initiates and implements together research and development projects, ranging from base technologies to the development of marketable products in Europe. In association with SmartFactoryKL, Lapp has developed a hybrid plug within the framework that combines data, power supply, and pneumatics in one connector and significantly reduces the retrofit times of a modular production plant.

Lapp is dynamically working towards making the smart factory a reality by developing solutions to meet the challenges of the future.  The product range that will be displayed at the Automation Expo’17 from 9^th August to 12^th August 2017, will showcase some of Lapp’s offering for smart factories. To further strengthen Lapp’s offering for the smart factories, the company will launch ETHERLINE®ACCESS, the managed and unmanaged switches, at the Automation Expo 2017. The switches along with data cables and connectors from one source will ensure reliable connectivity for the industrial network. The other product range that will be displayed at the Automation Expo 2017, include:

ETHERLINE®, is data communication cables for ETHERNET technology.ETHERLINE® systems are made up of durable and robust cables and connection components for passive network technology and deliver an effective solution for almost any application, particularly in an industrial environment.They have an increasingly important role to play with the need of future-ready factories on the rise.

Under this range of products, we have developed highly flexible ETHERLINE® FD Cat. 6A.These cables can transmit highest data rates with consistent reliability in drag chains that are under constant movement with a data rate of 10 Gbit/s.In order to fulfill the Cat. 6A requirements, we recommend the use of M12 connectors where water-tightness and dirt resistance in accordance with IP67 are required.

We also offer space-saving yet robust solutions such as the 30% thinner ETHERLINE® EC, suitable for use at sensor level which allows the tightest bending radii. Thanks to the robust PUR outer sheath, the cable can also be used with high mechanical stresses or in oily environments. Another extension to the ETHERLINE® products is the robust 4-wire Cat. 5e Ethernet® cables. These are also available as finished products with a pointed, space-saving M8 connector that is substantially smaller than the M12 connector, commonly used with Industrial Ethernet.

The technology is linked using the PROFINET Industrial Ethernet system.ETHERLINE® range of products are designed with data cables that ensure minimal loss of data/signal and uses networking which assures high-speed data communication. The slim and light design of the components manufactured by Lapp enables robustness with high flexibility best suitable to manage torsion, reeling and unreeling.

Under ETHERLINE®, Lapp is launching ETHERLINE® ACCESS, the managed and unmanaged switches. ETHERLINE® ACCESS is an active network component for industrial Ethernet systems.Lapp believes that the ETHERLINE® range of cables, connectors, and switches are an integral part of the company’s vision for future factories.

UNITRONIC®, the high-quality UNITRONIC®data communication cables, and field bus components provide a forward-looking solution for all applications in industrial machinery and plant engineering. From transmission of simple control signals to field bus signals in complex network structures, this offers a dependable cabling and connectivity solution for almost every situation. UNITRONIC® 100 CY is highly effective in avoiding leakage of signals during data transmission. This is achieved because of the tinned copper braiding act as a screening material against EMI interference. This especially helps when there is a need for fast, safe and forward-thinking solutions for transferring data.

HITRONIC®, the fibre optic cables are designed to transfer large volumes of data. This category of data communication cables is fast, efficient, and secure. Even electromagnetic interference has no effect on HITRONIC® fibre optic cable. The HITRONIC® range is an ideal solution for robots which need high-frequency data to be transmitted.

HITRONIC® cables come in three types namely, Glass Optic Fiber, Polymer Optic Fiber, Plastic Cladded Fiber. With the trend moving towards larger data transmission with longer distance and higher bandwidth, HITRONIC® cables is the need of the hour; due to which the factories at a long distance can be well connected with the operational offices.

ÖLFLEX® CONNECT, is a customized plug ‘n’ play solution, an offering specifically for Machine Tool segment. Everything is possible with this innovative product, from cable assemblies to industry standard servo connections right up to sophisticated high-speed drag-chain systems.

With the years of experience and backed by a team of industrial experts, Lapp is able to offer a huge array of cables that are unique, includingÖLFLEX®ROBOT 900 P, ÖLFLEX® ROBOT F1, ÖLFLEX ® CONNECT SERVO and ÖLFLEX ® CONNECT CHAIN 808. These are highly flexible control cables which provide an end-to-end solution and are ideal for usage with a torsional load in harsh environmental conditions during manufacturing.

  

LAPP India’s product portfolio is adapting to the changing requirements of the manufacturing industry by constantly innovating.As a competent partner in the realization of future-oriented networks, we have greatly extended our cabling and connection technology range for Industrial Ethernet and fiber optic cables so that we can supply the market of the future with ground-breaking solutions.The trend is towards smaller and smaller yet also more and more efficient connectors and cables.

Our aim as a leading cable and connection technology manufacturer is to meet these industry challenges with our smart range of products.

LAPP India, one of the leading cable manufacturers in India, has been constantly working to deliver on the promise of a secure transfer of data.

 

 

 

 

Growth of Cable Manufacturers India

If you consider the present growth of cable manufacturers India, the extensive usage and applications of wires and cables across various industries will put this industry on the right path for the future. Wires and cables play an indispensable role in today’s digitally advanced life and find extensive usage across a number of applications in several industries.

As we all know, the trend in the market keeps shifting these days. Let us focus on how the involvement of the government helps to redefine and make this system more streamlined.

• Right Investment: The government on the whole needs to get private investments moving by reducing the interest  This will help in kick-starting the economy.
• Providing Incentives: With a focus on the incentives, as we all know giving a particular incentive regardless of the industry gets more traction. Direct incentives for a list of specified industries coupled with the ease of doing business will have investments pouring in. Incentivizing the investments would yield an immediate result, which is a positive sign.

These are the ways by which government can influence the trend in the growth of cable manufacturers India. The development in any field should indirectly push the growth of cable manufacturers India, with the concept of housing for all, power for all and internet for all means a lot of business for the wire and cable industry in the coming future. Back to positive developments, the government’s initiatives on the front of power, housing, infrastructure, and digitization are sure to pay dividends to all the industries.

Due to environmental concerns, we can find the lean shift of all the industries to the eco-friendly source of energy, the emphasis the government is putting on non-conventional sources of energy like solar and wind is also a positive step for the wire and cable industry.  A lot of DC-based products that come into the market, specifically serve these particular segments. By the time these translate into field investments, the demand for the needed electrical would already be there, making it a positive outlook for the wire and cable industry.

So from it all, the cable manufacturers India are only going to benefit and that is great news for those in the industry 

THE MAJOR SEGMENTS DRIVING THE CHANGE:

• As we check the trend in 2016, the major demand of wires and cables product from the retail sector.
• Growth in wires and cables market can also be attributed to the introduction of latest technologies by manufacturers in India and swift expansion of the automated and innovative cost-reducing manufacturing technologies, which have significantly improved the throughput of wires and cables products.
• Power Cables led the revenues from the wires and cables market with more than 60% contribution to the total market in the fiscal year 2016.

The market has transformed from being labor-intensive to the inclusion of latest technologies. LAPP India, one of the leading cable manufacturers India, is working towards the development of our country by providing world-class products. Do refer the endless catalog for any electrical requirement.