Fibre optic cables - flexible & resistant

What are fibre optic cables?

Fibre optic cables (FOC), also known as glass fibre cables, consist of optical fibres that serve to transmit light. This light is transmitted into fibres of quartz glass or plastic and the fibres of the fibre optic cable consist of the basic glass material.

igus® fibre optic cables are specifically designed for use in energy chains. Their special jackets (PUR, PVC, TPE) and special designs allow problem-free use in moving applications. Due to the various strain relief options, the cables withstand high mechanical loads, vibration, oil, gasoline and solvents equally.

Available with various fibres and outer jacket materials
For long distances and the transmission of large amounts of data
Four advantages over copper bus systems

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Fibre optic cable options

Fibre optic cable CFLK

Requirements: POF fibres for heavy duty applications and interference-free transmission
Outer jacket: PUR

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Fibre optic cable CFLG88

Requirements: Gradient glass-fiber cable for flexing applications
Outer jacket: PVC

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Fibre optic cable CFLG.LB.PUR

Requirements: Gradient glass-fibre cable for heaviest duty applications
Outer jacket: PUR

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Fibre optic cable CFLG.G

Requirements: Glass-fibre cable for heaviest duty applications
Outer jacket: TPE

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Fibre optic cable CFLG.LB

Requirements: Gradient glass-fibre cable for heaviest duty applications
Outer jacket: TPE

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Fibre optic cable CFROBOT5

Requirements: For twistable applications
Outer jacket: TPE
Halogen-free

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Fibre science for our fibres

Our fibre optics section covers many different types of conductors. All cables are based on two types of fibre. One is the gradient glass fibre. The other is the glass fibre in a gel-filled cavity. The glass fibres are divided into OM (optical multimode) classes. These classes differ in transmission rate, referred to as Gigabit Ethernet. Our cables are of class OM2 or OM3, depending on type. They are also available in various fibre diameters, comparable to the cross-sections of copper cables. Our fibre optics have 50/125µ and 62.5/125µ for multimode fibres and 9/125µ for single-mode fibres. Multimode means that the fibre can transmit multiple light spectra. The single-mode fibre transmits only one light beam.

Why the fibre optic cable is the bus line for long distances etc.

Can glass move? Yes, it can – it can move very well. If it is designed correctly. Four reasons for a fibre optic cable in the e-chain. First, there is data volume. Compared to the common field buses used in automation technology, this is almost unlimited for a fibre optic cable. As a rule, two fibres are used, one for the outward and one for the return journey. Interference from other electrical sources can also be ruled out since no signal couples into the optical fibre. Glass is also suitable for long travels. Bus systems based on copper quickly reach their limits beyond 50m. A fibre optic cable can be used beyond 1000m. What is particularly surprising is the extremely small radius that our cables can achieve. With conventional bus systems that use copper, such as Profinet, all of these points can lead to transmission problems and subsequently to cable failure.

Fibre optic cable applications examples

Fibre optic cable proves itself in use in the LED screen

Our chainflex® fibre optic cables are found in a wide range of applications, such as the larger-than-life LED screen in Dallas. Thanks to the extreme resistance to weather and temperature of our fibre optic cables, they are ideally suited for special climatic conditions. chainflex® cables are tested in e-chains® in the igus® test laboratory with millions of cycles, which guarantees dependability.

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Fibre optic cables in industrial use

The company MACH4 Automatisierungstechnik develops, produces and distributes automated medication storage systems for pharmacies and hospitals. Here, fibre optic cables are used in the energy supply lines in all systems. In order to be able to transfer data volumes quickly and trouble-free, functionally reliable cables are essential. igus relies increasingly on glass fibre optic cables, which allow very high data volumes with increasing cable lengths. For eight years, our fibre optic cables have proven their worth in more than 300 systems.

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