Torsion cables for multi-axis robots & dress packs

Q: What certifications do chainflex® torsion cables carry?

chainflex® continuous flex cables meet global standards including UL, CE, EAC, NFPA 79, and cleanroom ISO Class 1. They also support major communication protocols such as PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

Q: How do I calculate the service life of a torsion cable?

igus® offer free online tools including a service life calculator and cable configurator. These help you select the right torsion cable and predict its performance in your specific application.

Q: Can I get free samples of torsion cables?

Yes. Engineers and purchasing managers can request a free cable sample box to evaluate product performance before committing to larger orders.

Unmatched durability in torsion applications

Discover high-performance chainflex® torsion cables, engineered for multi-axis robots and dresspacks. Designed for torsional and multi-axis robotic motion, these cables withstand the mechanical stresses of continuous movement, with versions rated up to ±180°/m and selected products up to ±360°/m. Available in various assemblies to meet electrical requirements, including shielded versions with specialised shields. Every cable family in our portfolio is also available in a torsional version for applications requiring continuous twisting and dynamic movement.

Benefits:

Designed for long-lasting performance in extreme industrial applications
Engineered for highly flexible, continuous torsion in robotics
Tested in the igus® laboratory for millions of energy chain cycles, with a service life guarantee of up to 4 years, certified by UL

±180°/m

torsion on many robot cable types

±360°/m

on selected CFROBOT8.PLUS cables

Up to 4 years

service-life guarantee, subject to conditions

2,100+

chainflex® cables across the range

Why choose chainflex® torsion cable?

For moving applications, the commercial decision involves more than purchase price. Cable construction, expected service life, and replacement requirements can all affect operating cost.

Application-specific design

Select the electrical function and mechanical construction required for the robot movement.

Configurator

Service-life planning

Use application-specific calculations rather than relying only on static cable specifications.

Service life calculator

Unharnessed torsion cables

chainflex® torsion cables are designed to withstand constant twisting and complex three-dimensional movement.

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Harnessed torsion cables

Pre-assembled, tested and ready to install, reducing downtime and simplifying sourcing through a single supplier.

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Are your cables performing to their full lifecycle potential?

Learn how continuous flexing, torsion, and mechanical stress affect cable longevity, and how to optimise performance in demanding applications.

Download the free whitepaper

Download the free whitepaper

Browse chainflex® robot torsion cable types

CF77.UL - Unscreened control cable

+/- 180°/m of torsion
300/500 V control cable unscreened
PUR outer jacket
Typical use: Control and signal supply

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CFROBOT2 - Screened control cable

+/- 180°/m degrees of torsion
300/500 V control cable screened
PUR outer jacket
Typical use: Control where screening is required

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CFROBOT3 - Data cable

+/- 180°/m degrees of torsion
300/300 V twisted pairs
PUR outer jacket
Typical use: Dynamic data communication

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CFROBOT4 - Measuring system cable

+/- 180°/m degrees of torsion
50 V encoders
PUR outer jacket
Typical use: Encoder and measuring systems

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CFROBOT5 - Fibre optic cable

+/- 180°/m degrees of torsion
62.5/125 and 50/125 variations
TPE halogen-free outer jacket
Typical use: High-speed optical communication

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CFROBOT7 - Motor cable screened

+/- 180°/m degrees of torsion
600/1000 V screened
PUR outer jacket
Typical use: Motor power in dynamic robots

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CFROBOT - Single core screened

+/- 180°/m degrees of torsion
6000/1000 V spindle
TPE flame retardant
Typical use: Spindle and demanding power applications

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CFROBOT8.PLUS - Bus cable

+/- 360°/m degrees of torsion
Multiple bus protocols
PUR outer jacket
Typical use: Dynamic industrial communication

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Cables can withstand ±180°- ±360° per 1 m
Uses tinned copper rope shielded to resist wear from friction and internal cable movement

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Torsion cable for the seventh axis

What is a seventh axis cable?

A seventh axis cable powers and connects a robot mounted on a linear axis, an extension that allows the robot to move along a production line beyond its standard six-axis range.

These cables are specially designed to handle complex signal transmission and continuous movement, ensuring reliable communication between the robot and its control system over long distances.

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Tested for demanding robotic applications

igus® tests chainflex® cables in its laboratory and uses application parameters such as movement, bend radius, temperature, torsion and media exposure when assessing service life.

Automotive robotics

Welding, clinching, screwing and gluing can place demanding torsional and abrasion loads on cables.

Cleanroom & ESD

Selected cable and triflex® solutions are available for controlled production environments.

7th-axis robots

CFSPECIAL.792 solutions address robot-specific drive and measuring-system requirements on linear axes.

Harsh environments

Depending on type, options include oil resistance, UV stability, flame retardancy and halogen-free materials.

Explore test reports

Torsion cable + robot cable management

Torsion cables and robot cable management systems work together to deliver a reliable solution for robotic applications. CFROBOT cables are engineered for continuous torsional movement, while triflex® multi-axis energy chains guide, organise and protect cables.

triflex® features a torsion stop-dog to reduce cable stress, a defined bend radius to prevent over-bending, and an integrated separator to minimise cable wear. Its modular ball-and-socket design allows individual links to be replaced, added or removed, making it easy to adapt to changing robot requirements. Available in nine sizes.

Together, torsional cables and triflex® provide a durable, flexible cable management solution that reduces wear, improves reliability and extends service life.

Explore robot cable management

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10 tips for smarter robot cable management

Designing a robot dress pack doesn't have to be complex. This technical white paper walks you through 10 essential steps for configuring energy supply systems on robot axes 3-6, helping you improve cable protection, minimise downtime, and achieve longer-lasting, more reliable robotic operation.

Download now

Download now

Applications with chainflex® cables and robot cable management

Multidimensional triflex® energy chain allows complex movements of assembly robots

The triflex® offers high flexibility and cable protection for complex movements in all eleven robots, which also increases the service life; it is also impact-resistant, dirt-repellent, robust, abrasion-resistant and swarf-resistant; the modular design enables cost-saving assembly and disassembly.

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Multiaxial movements in photovoltaic plant

Strong UV radiation, heat, wind, dust: solar plants have to operate under extreme environmental conditions. igus offers different and customised solutions that meet these exact requirements. Our motion plastics are ideal with their long service life, freedom from maintenance, lubrication and low costs. Application scenarios for dirt-resistant and lubrication-free plain and spherical bearings are:

Tracking systems
Floating photovoltaic plants (floating PV)
Cleaning systems

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Multiaxial movements in photovoltaic plant

Fibre-rod for robots in the dry cleanroom

The triflex® energy chain TRC.40.058.0.ESD in combination with the associated spring rod system is the first certified, three-dimensionally movable energy supply for dry cleanroom applications.
Three-dimensionally movable energy supply for dry cleanroom applications. In the context of increasingly present electric mobility, which has become an integral part of our everyday lives, the requirements for the automated production of lithium-ion batteries must continue to evolve.

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Fibre-rod for robots in the dry cleanroom

Robot cable dress packs

chainflex® robotic cables are built for multi-axis motion, handling ±180° torsion every 3 feet with millions of cycles. Dress pack solutions with triflex® energy chains keep cables secure, guided, and protected in demanding robot applications.
Reduce downtime and extend robot life with cables designed specifically for dynamic robotic environments.

Frequently asked questions regarding robot cables

Our robot cables are specifically designed for 3D torsional motion with up to ±360° rotation per metre, making them ideal for multi-axis robots and automated machinery.

chainflex® continuous flex cables meet global standards including UL, CE, EAC, NFPA 79, and cleanroom ISO Class 1. They also support major communication protocols such as PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

By using specialised designs for continuous flexing, chainflex® cables minimise insulation cracks, conductor breaks, and EMI issues. This means fewer cable failures, less machine downtime, and higher production efficiency.

igus® offer free online tools including a service life calculator and cable configurator. These help you select the right torsion cable and predict its performance in your specific application.

Yes. Engineers and purchasing managers can request a free cable sample box to evaluate product performance before committing to larger orders.

Yes. With our readycable® service, cables can be ordered pre-harnessed with connectors from brands like Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen Bradley, and SEW, ready for plug-and-play installation.

Standard cables often fail under constant motion, leading to downtime and costly replacements. chainflex® cables are designed with special materials and optimised stranding to withstand up to 2 billion test cycles, ensuring long service life and reliable signal transmission.

A robot dresspack is a system designed to organise and protect cables, hoses, and other components that supply power, data, and media to a robot's end effector. Installing the correct dress pack design is crucial to prevent cable damage, reduce downtime, and ensure the robot's full range of motion without interference.