Chainflex cables

Example 14: tested!Comparison of sheathingmaterials in different oilsFor years now, specially developed tests tailored to the individualrequirements of igus ® customers have been used toobtain more meaningful results than would be conceivable ifstandard tests were used.The relatively generalised terms such as "oil-resistant" or"coolant-resistant" are little help in making the right selectionin terms of sheathing material to be used for an applicationwith oil, lubricant or coolant influence.Alongside the generally applicable tests according to e.g. DINEN 60811-2-1 and IEC 60811-1-1, "everyday applicationconditions" are simulated as realistically as possible in a testset-up specially matching our customers' requirements.Thus, for example, the test samples are mounted in an energychain that moves into an "oil bath" and then back out of itagain.This way, customers do not only get a statement referring tothe different resistance of the various materials.In contrast to the material ageing otherwise common followingthe above-mentioned standards, an estimation of service lifein 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 againstuse in the respective application.There is direct and alternating contact between the outersheath and the medium to be tested and the air surroundingthe energy chain or cable – just as in a real application.After a test duration to be freely chosen or defined accordingto igus ® standard, the test samples can be tested in terms ofchanges in material characteristics e.g. by comparing materialstrength, elongation at tear and swelling with the values notedbefore the test started.Cracks in the outer sheathing of materials from competitorscaused by the "use of oil" in E-Chains ® .48