Chainflex® cables - igus® - #51

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Example 14: tested! Comparison of sheathing materials in different oils For years now, specially developed tests tailored to the individual requirements of igus® customers have been used to obtain more meaningful results than would be conceivable if standard tests were used. The relatively generalised terms such as "oil-resistant" or "coolant-resistant" are little help in making the right selection in terms of sheathing material to be used for an application with oil, lubricant or coolant influence. Alongside the generally applicable tests according to e.g. DIN EN 60811-2-1 and IEC 60811-1-1, "everyday application conditions" are simulated as realistically as possible in a test set-up specially matching our customers' requirements. Thus, for example, the test samples are mounted in an energy chain that moves into an "oil bath" and then back out of it again. There is direct and alternating contact between the outer sheath and the medium to be tested and the air surrounding the energy chain or cable – just as in a real application. After a test duration to be freely chosen or defined according to igus® standard, the test samples can be tested in terms of changes in material characteristics e.g. by comparing material strength, elongation at tear and swelling with the values noted before the test started. This way, customers do not only get a statement referring to the different resistance of the various materials. In contrast to the material ageing otherwise common following the above-mentioned standards, an estimation of service life in the E-Chain® application is also possible. If the test samples – such as the external cables depicted – do not achieve the prescribed test duration, we advise against use in the respective application. Cracks in the outer sheathing of materials from competitors caused by the "use of oil" in E-Chains®. 48