#United States #Fort Worth #Alpha Wire #Belden #industrial cabling

Tackling Industrial Cabling Challenges with RS and Belden

In the realm of industrial automation, cabling plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication and power transmission among essential components. RS, a global leader in product and service solutions for industrial clients, has joined forces with Belden to introduce the Alpha Wire portfolio, featuring exceptional automation cables designed to exceed the toughest environmental challenges. These cables are meticulously engineered to deliver reliable performance even in extreme conditions, making them integral to the smooth operation of automated systems.

Cabling, often overlooked, is fundamental to automation processes. It transmits power, control signals, and data between sensors, controllers, and actuators, enabling efficient operations across various industries. The challenges posed by harsh environments—including temperature extremes, moisture, vibration, chemical exposure, and electromagnetic interference—demand a robust solution in cabling.

Belden’s Alpha Wire offers two premier product lines, the Xtra-Guard and EcoGen series, both crafted to cater to the rigorous demands of industrial automation applications like articulated robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and machine tools.

The Xtra-Guard series is particularly noteworthy for its capability to thrive under extreme conditions. Suitable for environments such as Class 1 clean rooms and even outer space, these cables are backed by decades of field-proven reliability. They meet an extensive array of compliance requirements, including UL, IEC, CE, and CSA specifications. The Xtra-Guard cables can withstand chemicals, UV exposure, and extreme temperatures ranging from -80°C to +200°C, showcasing outstanding flame resistance and low-smoke properties. With nearly 5,000 customizable options—covering varying conductor counts and gauges—users can select cables that meet their specific needs, ensuring operational integrity no matter the situation.

On the flip side, the EcoGen series offers a more eco-friendly alternative, with innovative materials that meet stringent environmental standards. It leverages modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) for insulation and jacket, eliminating halogens, phthalates, and heavy metals. This environmentally conscious approach reduces cable size and weight by up to 47% and 65%, respectively, while still providing the electrical performance necessary for advanced industrial applications. Just like the Xtra-Guard, it’s designed for flexibility and can be utilized in various sectors, including energy, medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Both cable series are poised to accommodate the essential requirements of industries such as automotive, marine, and biotechnology, meeting the needs of applications including photovoltaic solar panels and medical robotics. These options also extend to medical-grade variants suitable for sterilization, emphasizing the versatility and modernity of the Alpha Wire solutions.

To delve deeper into Belden's offerings, RS Group has provided valuable resources including insightful articles on selecting the appropriate cables for challenging environments within industrial automation. The collaboration aims to streamline processes for industries and assist clients in identifying the best solutions tailored to their operational needs.

For additional support, RS’s dedicated team is on hand to help with the selection, procurement, and implementation of the appropriate Alpha Wire products to optimize performance in diverse applications.

About Belden

Belden Inc. specializes in providing comprehensive connection solutions designed to forge connections among people, ideas, and technologies. With a legacy extending over 120 years, Belden remains committed to advancing methods that foster a safer, smarter future across various industries.

About RS

Operating in 36 markets with a vast selection of products, RS offers more than 830,000 items for industrial applications, ensuring support for the entire lifecycle of designing, constructing, and maintaining equipment. Their goal is to enhance operations sustainably for their clients, reflecting their commitment to creating a better world through innovative solutions.