Heat-resistant cables or flame-retardant cables are designed for extreme temperatures. They are used in various industries, such as refrigeration, air conditioning, offshore, metallurgical, steel, rolling mill, cement, glass, and ceramics processing. These cables must function reliably in both hot and cold conditions, similar to normal ambient temperatures. Seasonal temperature variations and mechanical stress from movement can affect their service life. 
igus developed complete e-chain systems with chainflex cables and e-chains for high and low temperature ranges. They undergo testing in a climate container at -40°C to ensure their durability.

For this reason, in addition to the tests according to DIN specifications, we at igus have retroactively qualified all the offered chainflex  jacket materials with a very wide range of cables. This is done through practical tests under real-world conditions in the igus climatic containers. After testing for nearly 400 million strokes, we are able to designate ourselves as the only supplier of three defined categories: "fixed installation according to DIN", "moving application according to DIN" and "e-chain according to igus test series under real conditions". On the one hand, this information creates security for our customer and, on the other hand, strengthens our guarantee. We are able to make guaranteed service life statements on the basis of these real-life test methods. The same principle also applies to the selection of the correct bend radii.

Three categories of temperature resistance

In the igus e-chain tests, the cable is fitted considering the bend radius, interior separation, and strain relief elements. The cable is then moved in a climate container at temperatures down to -40°C. The test is passed if the cable remains intact without jacket damage. For flexible cables, according to DIN EN 60911-504, the cable is cooled to the test temperature for over 16 hours and then wrapped around a mandrel. The test is passed if the jacket remains undamaged after visual inspection. For fixed cables, according to DIN EN 50305, the cable is held at the test temperature and a test weight is dropped onto it. The test is passed if the jacket remains undamaged.

igus also tests fibre optic cables for temperature resistance in extreme applications, such as at -40°C.
See the result here

Heat-resistant cable for minimal maintenance and high functional reliability

Wherever high-intensity production is required, a heat-resistant cable provides reliability. It is designed for extreme conditions and proves its worth in any area where both heat resistance and flexibility are required, such as the use of energy chains for long distances.

igus offers advanced polymer products for professional use. During the development, special emphasis is on ensuring that all products and systems are coordinated. A reliable operation even under high load and a long service life are prerequisites for developments and innovations to turn into volume production. To enable a heat-resistant cable to be fully operational for a long period, igus produces it using the chainflex(R) process. The material absorbs the heat expansion and contraction when the temperatures drop, and fatigue is prevented by the high elasticity. This high-quality jacket structure is complemented by the interior of the cable, because core, stranded wires and stranding are also optimised for movement.

These valuable performance features make igus heat-resistant cable a favourite in places where constant inspection and maintenance is difficult and expensive. The fields of application include the steel industry and plastics processing, but also the sauna industry. The heat-resistant cables from igus are ideal partners for, among others, the igus tribo-filament, which can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C. Each cable can only be as good as accessories and supplementary parts allow it. That's why we also offer plug-in connectors, guide trough modular kits or strain relief systems for a complete application solution.