Corrugated Tubing vs. Triflex® R Cable Carriers

For robotic arms to avoid frequent downtime, a reliable cable management system is essential. While many choose to use corrugated tubing, a better alternative is the triflex® R cable carriers offered by igus.

For robotic arms to avoid frequent downtime, a reliable cable management system is essential. While many choose to use corrugated tubing, a better alternative is the triflex® R cable carriers offered by igus.

By Jared Worth

· August 28, 2023

All robotic arms need a quality cable management system if they're to avoid frequent downtime. Corrugated tubing is a popular choice, but there's a better option that will keep your cables running longer: triflex® R cable carriers from igus. Read on to find out how these two industry heavyweights match up head-to-head.

Round 1: Cable Installation

How can cables be installed?

Corrugated tubing

Can only be installed via hose ends
Cables with plugs that are too large can't be installed

triflex® R

Can be pressed in externally
Can install any cables, regardless of the plug size

Round 2: Replacement after damage

How can damaged areas be replaced/repaired?

Corrugated tubing

Damaged areas cannot be repaired or replaced

triflex® R

Damaged links can be removed and replaced with ease

Round 3: Tensile strain

How do the two products behave under tensile strain?

Corrugated tubing

Stretches significantly
Load is transferred to cables

triflex® R

Minimal stretching
No additional load for the cables

Round 4: Length Adjustments

What options are there for adjusting length?

Corrugated tubing

Can only be shortened with cutting tools
Cannot be lengthened

triflex® R

Individual links can be removed and added with or without tools

Round 5: Torsion

What happens when torsional forces occur?

Corrugated tubing

Little-to-no torsion occurs
Cables can twist and abrade, leading to breakages

triflex® R

7-12.5° torsion angle per link
Up to 900° torsion angle per meter
Cables are protected from torsional forces

Round 6: Defined minimum bending radius

Is there a limit to the amount of bending possible? Will damage occur if the product is bent too far?

Corrugated tubing

No minimum bend radius
Hose and cables can be damaged during excessive movement

triflex® R

Minimum bend radius of 50mm - 182mm
Built in torsion-stops to prevent chain from bending too tightly

If you're interested in triflex® R as a cable management solution for your robotic applications and want to learn more, contact an expert today, or visit our triflex® R webpage!

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