SKINTOP MULIT-M Technical Article

TECHNI CAL ART I CLE 202 1

INNOVATIVE MULTI-CABLE ENTRY SYSTEMS — PERFECT ALL ROUND

The trend towards digitalization and miniaturization doesn’t stop when it comes to cable entry systems. An increasing number of cables with a small diameter need to be inserted in tight spaces. The solution is a new, round multi-cable entry system from LAPP . Its developers won the Eddie LAPP Award, LAPP’s prize for innovation.

SKINTOP ® MULTI-M enables a space saving cable configuration

It looks a bit like a twisted, perforated pot, only much smaller. In fact, the SKINTOP ® MULTI-M multi-cable entry system with metric connection thread is currently the most innovative cable entry system available on the market worldwide. It enables more cables to be fed through than comparable cable gland solutions. Depending on the size, up to 30 non-assembled cables and media hoses can be inserted into a space saving housing. The innovation is based on special gel technology, already used in our rectangular SKINTOP ® MULTI . Now LAPP’s portfolio includes this round design which are increasingly in demand in the market. These kinds of special gels are used today in many products including bicycle seats and sports shoes. The gel, which is both elastic and high strength, is the ideal material for multi-cable entry systems because it can be adapted to a wide range of shapes. And after extensive tests of the material properties of various gel types, such as their Shore hardness, the most suitable material was identified. Cables can simply be pushed through the elastic gel insert and are held securely in place by the static friction on the cable jacket. Foreign material such as water cannot get through. The patented hopper stage geometry of the individual entry points also enables

the maximum clamping ranges to be increased up to 4 mm variance per cable diameter. Another advantage is the compact design of the SKINTOP ® MULTI-M , which enables a space saving cable configuration. The sizes are designed for metric threads (DIN EN 62444). “Our round multi-cable entry system is unique in the market in this form and is therefore patented. It enables the customer to insert a variety of cables or hoses in a tight space. Unused lead-through points remain permanently sealed,” says Benjamin Rentschler, Product Manager at LAPP and winner of the Eddie LAPP Award 2020. One of our new round multi-cable entry system’s greatest advantages is its high packing density. With the gel insert, more cables can be fed through the housing wall than is possible using conventional methods. The SKINTOP ® MULTI-M is currently available in three versions: • Version 1 with metric M25x1.5 thread has 14 cable feed throughs for different cable sizes and clamping ranges between 2 and 6 mm. • Version 2 with metric M32x1.5 thread is designed for 8 cables with a clamping range of 2-6 mm. • Version 3 with metric M40x1.5 thread enables up to 12 feed throughs with clamping ranges between 1 and 6 mm (2 x 1-4 mm and 10 x 2-6 mm).

29 Hanover Road, Florham Park , NJ 07932 | 800.774.3539 | lappusa.com | lappcanada.com

There are also benefits for installation. As no individual inserts generally need to be removed for the rectangular and round multi-cable entry systems to install the cables, several work steps can be omitted. In addition, the fact that no separate pre-cutting of the feed-through points is required — pushing the cable is sufficient to punch through the elastic gel. This both lowers costs due to the fewer working hours required for installation and service, and increases installation speed for applications where time is of the essence. Applications for round multi-cable entry systems include control, control cabinet and equipment construction and automation technology. The patented multi-cable entry systems with gel technology are particularly advantageous when a large number of non-assembled cables or hoses are inserted into a housing to save space. But precisely because of the diverse application areas, the materials used also have to meet high material and safety requirements. LAPP has one of the industry’s largest test centres for cable and components. In every new development, all materials and designs are first be subjected to the internal hardness test before being certified by an independent external standards institute. In addition to its gel insert, the SKINTOP ® MULTI-M consists of a polycarbonate frame. This thermoplastic is exceptionally stable. Depending on the application, the multi-cable entry system has to withstand significant temperature fluctuations without being damaged. Most common control cabinets in industrial machinery and the majority of industrial sectors are required to withstand temperatures between -20°C and +80°C. In certain newer applications, such as wind power plants, there is a need for protection against even greater temperature fluctuations. The SKINTOP ® MULTI-M meets the requirements for a temperature range from -30°C to +110°C without an O-ring, and from -20°C to +100°C with an O-ring.

Additional requirements in almost all areas of mechanical engineering include resistance to oils, greases, UV radiation and ozone. In certain areas, there are also requirements for liquid and dust impermeability. The new SKINTOP ® MULTI-M solution meets these requirements by complyingwith the IP68 protection standard. The IP68 certification confirms that the multi-cable entry system is dust tight, and offers protection against continuous immersion to a maximum water depth of 1.0 metre for a maximum of 60 minutes. MULTI-M is also halogen and silicone-free. UL certification for the North American market is already in place in compliance with UL 50, UL 50E, CSA C22.2 * and UL 508A standards for industrial control systems (e.g. control cabinets). The certificate number is UL File No. E349737. The round multi-cable entry system can also be orderedwith individual lock configuration and different metric thread sizes on request. Other versions are being planned. Rentschler says: “LAPP is currently the market leader for cable glands in Germany. With our new product range, we are underlining our focus on the market and on customer requirements, and in particular our innovative strength.”

* UL 508A and CSA C22.2 No.14-18 UL50 and CSA C22.2 No. 94.1-15 UL50E and CSA C22.2 No. 94.2-15

To learn more, visit lappusa.com

SKINTOP® MULTI-M

29 Hanover Road, Florham Park , NJ 07932 | 800.774.3539 | lappusa.com | lappcanada.com