PREFABRICATED CABLES Weidmüller offers standard or customised cables to suit any requirement and any industry
Global industrial connectivity product manufacturer Weidmüller states that it produces prefabricated and tested cables that are able to be customised to suit difficult plant conditions.
The company states that “plug-in connectors save time and simplify installation in difficult plant conditions, but standard cabling products are not always adequately fit-to-purpose for plant environments”.
The global company, which has local representative office in Bryanston, states that it offers a range of alternative cabling solutions, including customised lengths, materials and cables assembled on one end from a batch size of one. In addition to traditional M12 circular connectors, its product range features the sizes M8 and M5 as well as data lines with different mating profiles.
Weidmüller says the prefabricated, standardised “plug-and-produce” solutions ensure efficient installation and reliable operation.
“Circular connectors are the standard in both machinery and plant engineering and robotics. Given the decentralised and modular construction of these applications, prefabricated cables offer ideal suitability, allowing fast and error-free installation even in difficult plant conditions, far removed from an ergonomic, well-organised workplace.”
The company emphasises that the M12 circular connectors have “proven their value in this field for decades”. The compact and weight-sensitive applications, particularly in robotics, M8 and M5 circular connectors are an attractive alternative. The company says M8 and M5 solutions are just as robust and effective as M12 solutions, but much smaller and lighter.
The recent introduction of corresponding standards is a further argument in favour of opting for the smaller sizes, says Weidmüller. Specifically, standard IEC 61076-2-101, which previously covered all M5, M8 and M12 plug-in data connectors, has been divided into separate individual standards owing to increasingly extensive information.
All cabling solutions are tested and conform to the new corresponding standards, including the IEC 61076-2-101 for M12 plug-in connectors, IEC 61076-2-104 for M8 plug-in connectors, IEC 61076-2-105 for M5 plug-in connectors, IEC 61076-2- 109 for M12 plug-in connectors used for data transmission and IEC 61076-2-111 for M12 plug-in connectors used for power transmission.
To account for this broad spectrum of cables, Weidmüller offers a product and service package with multiple customisation options that meets all requirements.
The company’s service package includes a traditional standardised product variant that includes prefabricated cables made from polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride and low smoke zero halogen in lengths of 1 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m.
Transparent labelling sleeves and a range of colours ensure a clearer overview during installation.
The cables are available with M8, M12, M16, 7ʺ to 8ʺ and RJ45 plug-in connectors in various sizes and codings, allowing installations for power, signals or data to be clearly separated. The prefabricated cables can be ordered directly through the online catalogue. Orders can be placed from a batch size of one.
Alternatively, users can also arrange to have customised variants produced, whether identical on both sides, with different plugs or with open cable ends.
Weidmüller offers specific solutions with demand-orientated cable lengths, plugs, markings or colours from a batch size of one. They can be constructed with ease using an online configurator. An automatically produced technical documentation is also included in the service.
Finally, customised cables can also be compiled in direct contact with Weidmüller specialists. In this way, users can coordinate specific wiring arrangements, special packages and individual markings. Bundling different cables under a single order number is also possible for easy reordering.
For a seamless logistics process and simple parts replacement, a scannable European article number can be assigned to the cable ex works, ensuring quick identification.