What is PROFINET FastConnect?

Manufacturing productivity depends on systems that work simply, quickly, and reliably. Unplanned system downtime is costly; often resulting in a loss of production and consequently, revenue. Research shows that cables and cable connectors are the single most common point of failure in motion control systems. Vibration and mechanical stress, as well as corrosion and moisture, often lead to fatigue and breakage.

Manual field harnessing

Suppose one of your PROFINET cables has failed and needs to be replaced and harnessed. To minimize downtime, the process must be as quick and uncomplicated as possible. Using manual field harnessing methods, you will need the following:
  • A knife
  • A pair of cable strippers
  • Additional bulk cable (as there may be waste with pre-set lengths)
  • Suitable connectors
  • And a lot of time
Fortunately, there is now an alternative. FastConnect.

FastConnect

FastConnect technology ensures that a cable can be set down, harnessed, and connected in just a few steps. The FastConnect system consists of industrial-grade cables, connectors, and the appropriate tools.

FastConnect at igus®

With the CF898.061.FC, igus® offers not only a PROFINET cable with a service life guarantee, but also a cable that is faster and more cost-effective to assemble. The structure of the cable is similar to CF898.060 with an additional thin inner jacket. However, the inner jacket has no mechanical function. Our new CF898.061.FC is a cost-effective alternative to the CFBUS.060 and CFBUS.LB.060, which are also capable of FastConnect.

The amount of work required for harnessing is significantly reduced by the FastConnect cable and the stripping tool. Cuts in insulation and shielding damage to the cable are reduced by the perfectly measured components. This in turn means that there is also less cable waste to dispose of. The electrician therefore only needs the cable, the connector, and a stripping tool for the harnessing. For this purpose, igus® has designed the inner jacket, the shield, and the outer jacket in such a way that the user only has to set the tool once, then remove the cable, insert the connector and close it. These cables are used in machines with a bending factor of 15xd and short travels and are guaranteed up to four years.

FastConnect tool

The compatible tools are available from different manufacturers, like Weidmüller or Siemens, for example. These tools are used for safe and quick field harnessing without causing damage to the cable.

FastConnect connector

In addition to the stripping tool, FastConnect connectors can also be used with this technology. It ensures a simple and quick connection of cable and connector. Insulation displacement terminations ensure optimum contacting of the conductors inside the connector. Stripping the conductors is not necessary and makes the whole process even faster.

Conclusion

FastConnect works quickly and without complications. With this technology, you can achieve a time savings of up to 46%. The machine can restart quickly, and downtime is greatly reduced. Are you interested in these or other cable innovations? Contact us to learn more!