May 1st, 2017 - Wire and cable systems are rarely completely still for the duration of their lifetime. Whether used in factory automation, surgical equipment, or even pendant lighting, a cable’s ability to flex or bend and still retain peak performance is critical.
Add reliability and durability to your next project with proven flexible cable from Northwire. Our high-flex cable, and retractable cords stand up to the most common types of movement required in the field. Our stringent testing protocol, the Northwire Standardized Flex Test Protocol (NSFTP) puts cable under intense trials such as:
Retractable. A coiled or spiral cable is intended to “snap back” into shape after being pulled or extended.
Torsional. When a cable is twisted, pulled, or rolled around its axis, it experiences torsional flex.
Rolling. Often seen in track systems, rolling a cable not only stresses the cable’s interior components, but also wears down the outer jacket over time.
Variable. More “free form,” variable flex may make a cable move on multiple points in multiple directions – often seen in robotics.
Bending. This “tic toc” motion often happens when part of the cable is stationary, and the other part is bent back and forth over a fixed object.
Continuous. In many industrial applications, flex isn’t occasional – the cable may be part of equipment that requires constant, repeated movement for the lifespan of the system.
Repetitive flexing can cause serious damage to wire and cable systems. Internal conductors may break, outer jackets can erode or tear, and friction can cause overheating. Not only does this decrease the lifespan of the cable, it can cause system downtime or damage.
Make sure that your system is reliable, durable, and safe by choosing cable made to flex.