Dresspacks, special cables and technical support to improve the reliability of robotic installations
Since 2008, Sumcab Robotics has been developing cabling solutions and systems for industrial robot peripherals. Our offering combines dresspacks, special cables, engineering and technical support with a shared objective: improving the reliability of robotic installations.
The performance of an automated cell does not depend solely on the robot. Cables, hoses, connectors and their guiding components also play a crucial role in maintaining production continuity.
Excessive torsion, an unsuitable bend radius or a poorly adjusted motion path can cause premature wear, breakages and unplanned downtime. That is why we analyse the actual operating conditions of each application and develop solutions tailored to the robot, its movements and its working environment.
The importance of the dresspack in an industrial robot
Dresspack systems, also known as energy supply packages, bring together the cables, hoses, connectors and guiding components installed on the robot arm.
They can carry:
- Electrical power.
- Control signals.
- Data and communications.
- Compressed air and other fluids.
- Connections for cameras, sensors and tools.
During production, these components may undergo millions of bending and torsion cycles, high acceleration and continuous changes in motion path. Depending on the application, they must also withstand heat, dirt, chemicals or welding spatter.
When a dresspack is not correctly designed or adjusted, loops, rubbing, tension and collisions can occur. These conditions shorten component service life, increase maintenance requirements and may restrict the robot’s freedom of movement.
For this reason, we consider the dresspack a critical part of the installation’s reliability.
Solutions tailored to each application
No single configuration suits every robot and process. The right solution depends on the robot model, the installed tool, motion paths, speed, the services being supplied and environmental conditions.
Our work begins with an analysis of the application. We study the robot’s movements, identify stress points and determine the most appropriate way to protect and guide the dresspack.
Based on this analysis, we can develop a complete solution that includes:
- Dresspack design and configuration.
- Cable and hose selection or development.
- Motion path simulation and optimisation.
- Manufacturing of customised assemblies.
- Installation and commissioning.
- Maintenance, repairs and technical support.
This capability allows us to contribute both to new automation projects and to the optimisation of installations experiencing recurring breakages, premature wear or restricted movement.
Different dresspack systems for different needs
At SUMCAB Robotics, we have developed a range of guiding and retraction technologies to meet the demands of each application.
SUMOTEX uses a pneumatic operating principle to guide the dresspack without conventional retraction mechanisms. Its flexible, low-wear design is suitable for complex movements, confined spaces and processes where abrasion is a concern.
SUMOFLEX incorporates a mechanical spring retraction system that keeps the cable package securely managed and protected. Its modular construction allows it to accommodate different travel distances, diameters and weights, even in demanding environments.
SUMOSLIDE provides an open guiding system that keeps cables and hoses visible and accessible. It is an alternative for applications in which certain components cannot be installed inside a corrugated conduit or need to be replaced individually.
System selection always depends on the installation’s movements, environment and maintenance requirements. Our value lies both in the product and in how we adapt it to the application.
Special cables designed for movement
Cables installed on a robot operate under very different conditions from those in a fixed installation. They must retain their electrical and mechanical properties while withstanding bending, torsion and tight bend radii.
We develop and manufacture special cables for power supply, control, data transmission, servomotors, encoders, cameras, vision systems and robotic tools.
Our offering includes cables supplied by the metre, Plug & Play assemblies and customised solutions. When a standard cable does not meet the process requirements, we can adapt its construction, materials, shielding and connectors.
By combining engineering, manufacturing and testing, we develop solutions designed to reduce installation errors, simplify assembly and provide reliable performance in dynamic applications.
MTPReel: safety for teach pendants
Proper cable management for handheld programming devices also contributes to a safe and orderly production environment.
MTPReel is our cable retraction system for teach pendants. It keeps the cable retracted when not in use, preventing it from lying across the floor, where it could be damaged or create a tripping hazard.
This helps protect both the cable and the device, extend their service life and maintain a safer, tidier workstation.
Support throughout the life cycle
The reliability of robot peripherals depends on more than their design. Correct installation, motion path optimisation and regular maintenance are also essential.
That is why we provide support throughout the installation’s life cycle: from the initial assessment through installation, commissioning, optimisation, repairs and maintenance.
We work with robot manufacturers, integrators, machine builders and industrial users in welding, handling, pick-and-place, machine vision, joining, sealing and component feeding applications.
A specialist partner in robotic peripherals
At SUMCAB Robotics, we develop the systems that supply power, signals, data and fluids to robots as they move.
Our expertise combines dresspacks, special cabling, engineering, manufacturing and technical support. This enables us to provide a solution tailored to each application and support our customers from project definition through to production operation.