Gore's Fiber Optic Core Survives More Than 50 Million Rolling Flex Cycles |
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Gore, W. L., & Associates, Inc., Electronic Products Div.
402 Vieve's Way
Elkton, MD, 21922-0160
USA
Press release date: November 6, 2006
Elkton, Md. (November 2006) - W. L. Gore & Associates' High Flex Cable Assemblies recently achieved another milestone when its fiber optic core surpassed the 50 million cycle mark during a rolling flex test. The multi-mode glass fiber optic core was tested at a 48 mm bend radius with no change in optical attenuation when the test was stopped at 56 million cycles. The core was also tested at a 40 mm bend radius without cable chain with similar results.
This recent milestone means fiber optics can be used confidently in robotic applications giving video and motion control applications the option of switching from copper interconnects to fiber, enabling longer flex life, reduced noise and reduced cable size and weight.
This rolling flex test took place in Gore's flex laboratory, located in Pleinfeld, Germany. Test parameters were as follows: bend radius 40 mm without cable chain and 48 with cable chain; stroke length 500 mm; acceleration approximately 30 m/sec2; velocity 55 cycles/minute; temperature 20 to 25° C. The test was done to simulate a customer's application, investigating the flex life of one of Gore's High Flex Flat Cables. The cable contained fiber optic and copper. The attenuation of the fiber optic lines was measured at 850 nm and 1300 nm continuously. Both the power and fiber optic showed full function over 50 million cycles.
Gore's fiber optic core is currently available among Gore's on-line design tool where design engineers can choose from standard cable cores and components to design high flex cables and/or assemblies. The GORE(TM) High Flex Flat Cable and Trackless Cable Configurator is available at www.gore.com/designacable.
Gore's on-line cable offering includes all of the components necessary to drive and control a motion system: shielded/unshielded power and signal, video, Ethernet, IEEE 1394, fiber optic and pneumatic lines.
These cables can be used in an energy chain or cable track and will provide a smaller package solution, allowing better utilization of space. GORE(TM) High Flex Flat Cable is available in two forms: spooled cable for higher volumes to ensure lower unit costs, and discrete length cable built to a required length with ends prepped for termination and no minimum order quantities. GORE(TM) Trackless Cable eliminates the need for cable track, along with the problems typically associated with cable track such as particulation, vibration, weight and size.
Gore's world-class flex lab and experienced applications engineering team helps their customers to deliver product to market quicker. In addition, their hybrid cable designs can also accommodate various components to meet specific needs. Customers receive a reliable cable solution that meets challenging performance limits and helps them stay ahead of the competition.
For more information, contact W. L. Gore & Associates at 800-445-4673, 302-292-5100, +49/91 44 6010 or visit their Web site at gore.com.
Please send leads to: Technical Marketing Support W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. 402 Vieve's Way Elkton, MD 21922 (800) 445-4673
GORE(TM) is a trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Copyright © 2006 by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
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