Cabling is often an afterthought when machine frames are designed. The profiles are usually retrofitted with cable ducts, subsequently altering the design and increasing the assembly and installation work involved. New function-integrated profiles (FIPs) from Bosch Rexroth provide design flexibility with a fully internal cable guide that can run through and out of profile butt junctions. The FIP range comprises four profile cross-sections and associated accessories for a solution that can be combined with the established Rexroth modular profile system.

The FIPs feature a fully internal cable guide with unique profile junctions that continue the internal cable guide of the corner and longitudinal profiles and ensure continuous internal cabling that can run through and out of profile butt junctions and can be removed from the frame at any point along the route. The advantage with this is that the cable duct installation that would otherwise be required is largely rendered redundant and Source: Bosch Rexrothsubsequent changes to the frame construction are no longer needed. This saves time and money and also has the potential for major savings in terms of the use of parts.

An important requirement of occupational health and safety is that wires with different current types must be kept physically separate from each other. This is ensured by separators, which are installed in the profiles via existing separator slots, which support the separate cabling of data, power and hose lines. This way, the FIPs fulfill the legally imposed EMC requirements for electrical installations. Unused separator slots can be used in the future for any necessary cable equipment, which was not included in the original design plans. The profiles also provide enough room for the internal 10 mm groove that enables sockets to be attached.

The solution has been certified by the VDE (German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies). As the FIP range is based on the 40 mm grid standard, it can be combined and expanded with all basic mechanic element profiles from this profile raster.