Originally Published EMDM January/February 2003
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
Flat cables withstand 50 million flex cycles
The most recent development from Leoni Tailor-Made Cable (Georgensgmünd, Germany) did not occupy centre stage at the company's stand at Electronica in November. In fact, the display was tucked away in a corner, much to the chagrin of Larry Gillard, vice president of sales at the company's US operations. "We are still working out a couple of minor details," says Gillard, noting that he would have liked nothing more than to trumpet the product's
high-performance flexing capability at the show. "But we want to be sure that we've dotted every i before making the announcement," he says.
Now it can be told. The company's high-performance-flex (HPF) flat cables can be specified for 50 million flex cycles, and even more under some circumstances. Features include ePTFE jacketing with a high-flex adhesive system that allows reduced bend radii without sacrificing performance, and a fluoropolymer insulation system with self-lubricating properties. The latter system supports flexibility while reducing bending forces, thus minimizing the force needed to quickly position moving parts.
Conductors and cable components can be mixed and matched, and custom hybrid designs enable integration of a range of components from single discrete wires to fibre optics. Medical diagnostic equipment is a key application, according to the firm.
Copyright ©2003 European Medical Device Manufacturer
