Bus Cables for High Data Transfer

Q: What certifications do chainflex® cables carry?

chainflex® continuous flex cables meet global standards including UL, CE, EAC, NFPA 79, and cleanroom ISO Class 1. They also support major communication protocols such as PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

Q: How can cables reduce downtime in automation systems?

By using specialised designs for continuous flexing, chainflex® cables minimise insulation cracks, conductor breaks, and EMI issues. This means fewer cable failures, less machine downtime, and higher production efficiency.

Q: How do I calculate the service life of a chainflex® cable?

igus® provides free online tools including a service life calculator and cable configurator. These help you select the right cable and predict its performance in your specific application.

Q: Can I get free samples of igus® chainflex® cables?

Yes. Engineers and purchasing managers can request a free cable sample box to evaluate product performance before committing to larger orders.

Q: Can I get pre-assembled cables with connectors?

Yes. With the igus® readycable® service , cables can be ordered pre-harnessed with connectors from brands like Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen Bradley, and SEW, ready for plug-and-play installation.

Reliable signal transmission in motion-intensive applications

In demanding industrial environments, standard data cables often fail under high speeds, constant movement, or harsh conditions. That’s where chainflex® bus cables from igus® make the difference. These high-quality industrial communication cables are engineered for digital signal transmission between sensors, actuators, and control systems, even in continuous flexible applications.

Benefits:

Compatible with all major BUS systems including Profibus, Profinet, Interbus, Ethernet, CAN-Bus, DeviceNet, ASi, CC-Link, and more
Tested for real-world performance ensuring reliability in tough conditions
Conforms to UL, CSA, CE, EAC, CTP, DESINA, and RoHS (lead-free) standards

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Browse chainflex® bus cables

Ethernet CAT6a

For twistable applications
Flame retardant and UV resistant
Coolant and notch resistant
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-10-2

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Ethernet CAT5e

For medium duty and flexing applications
Flame retardant
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-4-1
UV resistant

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CAN-BUS

For medium duty applications
Coolant and notch resistant
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-10-2
Flame retardant

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Profinet

For flexing applications
Flame retardant
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-10-2
UV-resistant

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Profibus

For extremely heavy duty applications
Oil-resistant according to DIN EN 60811-404 R
Hydrolysis and microbe-resistant
UV-resistant and flame retardant

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All bus cables

Browse our entire selection of bus cables.

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Brief overview of bus protocols

Ethernet bus cables

Many bus systems are based on Ethernet. Well-known brands include Profinet, CC-Link IE, EtherCat and Sercos. They are all based on a structure that has been used for many years in mainframes and PCs. Ethernet is described in categories that cover frequencies and data volume capacities from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. The terms CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6A and CAT7 are frequently used. These cables contain two or four pairs in a shield pair or overall shield design, depending on requirements. We have prepared an overview matrix that considers the mechanical parameters in addition to the electrical parameters just mentioned.

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Profinet bus cables

Profinet is one of the most popular bus cables for use in industry. The real-time capability option and modular concept makes it eminently well-suited to a large majority of applications. igus has nine different mechanical qualities of Profinet cable, from PVC cables to PUR cables to cables for extraordinary applications such as those involving torsional movement or requiring great strength. Profinet fits into the Industrial Ethernet standard, alongside bus systems such as Sercos, EtherCat and CC-Link IE. igus is a member of the Profinet user organisation and conforms to all required market standards.

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SPE bus cables

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), the newest addition to the group of bus systems. The new bus technology was introduced in 2019 and has since progressively conquered the market. This innovation offers new capabilities for the fast-growing IIoT market. What is special here is the cable's new design: a single pair, but still with the capability of transmitting a CAT5e signal. We are working steadily with the SPE organisation on refining and standardising this technology. This technology has notable capabilities, particularly in applications involving tight installation space.

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Profibus cables

Today, Profibus is one of the most important industrial bus cables. It was developed in the 1990s and quickly became the standard for reliability and high data quantities. The Profinet Nutzer Organisation (PNO), Germany's Regional PI Association, is concerned with technical refinement and coordination of various member companies such as igus. The cable, with its red and green foam cores, is very distinctive. igus provides chainflex Profinet cables in PVC, PUR and TPE designs for any moving e-chain application.

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CAN bus cables

The CAN bus is extremely tough and remarkable for its robust network protocol. Its origins are in the automotive industry, and it is commonly found in industrial systems today. The special thing about these CAN bus cables is that they are available with different cross-sections as required and are used for different applications with one or two pairs. As with other bus systems, chainflex offers cables for linear chains and for torsion.

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Other bus cables

Bus cables are used in a variety of applications, and bus systems for computers or consumer electronics are also commonly used in industrial applications. One example is USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, which have distinctive connectors and can often be found in industrial cameras. The same is true for DVI, a typical monitor interface. There are also chainflex solutions for these bus cables. Some applications require prominent bus systems such as Interbus or DeviceNet, which are part of the CFBUS bus cable family. There is also the prominent ASi bus cable, which is easily identifiable in any system because of its yellow colour and square corners.

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Designed for Your Application

Torsional movement

Long travel distances

Extreme Temperatures

Tough conditions

Applications with chainflex® cables

Perfect data transfer in camera technology thanks to chainflex bus cables

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH is a manufacturer of digital industrial cameras with USB interface for industrial image processing. For a long time, the company was looking for robust industrial-grade USB cables for clean signal transmission. igus was immediately convincing. Due to the robustness and good signal quality of our cables, they were able to withstand mechanical and electrical loads in the long term.

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Special bus cables for suspended applications in the lift

The highest level of security is required in a savings bank - in the case of an access control system in a lift system, the use is only granted by a card reader control. The bus cables used by us hang freely in the lift shaft and are connected to the card reader in the lift. Our special bus cables have a four-pair core structure like a normal Ethernet cable and have a TPE inner jacket and an extremely bend-resistant braided shield.

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Cable in the forklift - a special challenge

An unusual application involves winding and unwinding cables on forklift masts via plastic rollers. The constant pulling and deflection place extreme strain on the cable stranding. After earlier issues, igus® collaborated with the customer to test a solution using specially bundle‑wound cores. This rope construction neutralises internal forces, eliminating corkscrew effects and core breakage. If you’re facing similar cable performance challenges, we can help find the right solution.

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Crane cable carrier in demanding environments

A company supplying steel rails to the international railway industry replaced festoon systems on its indoor and outdoor cranes to reduce both maintenance requirements and costs. The new energy chain systems are comprised of igus®' E4/4 heavy duty series cable carriers, aluminium guide troughs and chainflex® cables.

Cable management for high-bay warehouse operation

In the meat-processing industry, igus® readychain® cable carrier systems streamline storage and handling in high-bay warehouses, cutting installation time from three days to just four hours, minimising assembly errors, and reducing the risk of plant downtime, delivering reliable, efficient operation for complex storage-and-retrieval units.

Cable carriers and cables for touch-free car wash systems

A leading car wash manufacturer delivers self-service, automatic, tunnel, and freestanding car wash systems, with its touch-free car wash being a customer favourite. This state-of-the-art system handles vehicles of all sizes, including large trucks and Hummers, using advanced software and reliable components.

Large screen LED installation

The igus® E4 energy chain safeguards fibre-optic, power, and control cables on 26-foot automated LED displays at Victory Plaza, ensuring reliable operation 18 hours a day, 360 days a year. Designed for extreme weather, UV, and low-temperature resistance down to –30 °F, it outperforms competitor systems by preventing corkscrewing and premature failure, delivering a durable, low-maintenance solution for high-duty outdoor LED applications.

Automated mic reel with no signal loss

The e-spool microphone reeler extends cables up to 30 m automatically from the ceiling, no manual work, no risk of cable damage. It eliminates slip rings (a common source of interference) using a twisterband system for smooth, uninterrupted signal transmission. Built-in safety features, special XLR cable with strain relief and auto-stop on exceptional load, protect both gear and operators.

chainflex in nuclear plant decommissioning

Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning

Decommissioning a nuclear power plant demands precise, reliable solutions. For dismantling 46-foot steel tanks, a milling cutter powered by igus® Series 28 E4/00 energy chain carriers ensured smooth operation in zigzag applications. Guiding chainflex® CF9 cables and hoses, this system delivered dependable power and fluid supply, proving the durability and reliability of igus® components in the most demanding environments.

Control Cables in Composting Plant

igus® roller energy chains and chainflex® cables keep composting plants running reliably in extreme heat, humidity, and abrasive environments. The roller design minimises friction and wear, extending service life from annual replacements to over five years. Built for continuous flex and harsh conditions, these systems reduce downtime, cut maintenance, and ensure efficient, long-term operation.

Pre-assembled energy supply for amusement park ride

With readychain®, igus® is assigned all the procurement logistics, from the purchase of all essential special parts to the safe, efficient delivery of the ready-to-install system on a fixed date. There is a number of reasons to opt for a pre-assembled cable carrier system in mechanical and plant automation. Manufacturing costs, sources of error and project planning costs are reduced, whilst reliability is increased.

Reliable cables solution in machining centres

igus® energy chain systems for large machining centres deliver reliable, high-speed energy and media supply over long travel distances. Pre-assembled readychain® solutions simplify installation, reduce downtime, and handle heavy loads with precision. These systems keep gantry machines running smoothly while protecting cables from wear, vibration, and contamination.

chainflex® cables in concrete manufacturing

A manufacturer with a five-axis CNC router available in four main styles. replaced cables with chainflex in their application. The cables had to be able to withstand heavy duty applications, and at the same time possess a high degree of flexibility. The replacement cables have been in place over 10 years.

High-speed roller door

The igus® Micro flizz® cable carrier system delivers reliable power and data supply in compact spaces, even at extreme speeds up to 6 m/s and in temperatures as low as −40°F. Pre-assembled with energy chain, guide channel, and cables, it ensures smooth, quiet, and lubrication-free operation while withstanding millions of cycles. Ideal for roller doors, long-travel, and high-acceleration applications, Micro flizz® helps engineers achieve long service life with minimal maintenance and reduced downtime.

Frequently asked questions regarding bus cables

An SY cable is used for applications where mechanical protection is required.

igus® does not produce SY cables, why? SY stands for steel wire braided, and the galvanised steel wire braid are not designed to withstand repeated bending or flexing as the steel braid can fracture or unravel over time.

Alternatively, we offer our e-chains® as mechanical protection. igus® also provide CY and YY cables.

chainflex® continuous flex cables meet global standards including UL, CE, EAC, NFPA 79, and cleanroom ISO Class 1. They also support major communication protocols such as PROFINET and PROFIBUS.

By using specialised designs for continuous flexing, chainflex® cables minimise insulation cracks, conductor breaks, and EMI issues. This means fewer cable failures, less machine downtime, and higher production efficiency.

Yes. Depending on the cable type, they are available with oil-resistant, UV-stable, flame-retardant, and halogen-free materials, making them suitable for harsh industrial environments.

igus® provides free online tools including a service life calculator and cable configurator. These help you select the right cable and predict its performance in your specific application.

Yes. Engineers and purchasing managers can request a free cable sample box to evaluate product performance before committing to larger orders.

Yes. With the igus® readycable® service, cables can be ordered pre-harnessed with connectors from brands like Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen Bradley, and SEW, ready for plug-and-play installation.

igus® offers more than 1,394 cable types, available with no minimum order quantity. You can order by the foot (or meter), and most ship within 24 hours.