Igus CF240.03.18 Shielded Data Cable: The Ultimate Solution for Harsh Environments

Do you have a nightmare about cables breaking in your moving machines? We know the pain. A single cable failure can stop your whole production line. It costs you time and money. You need a cable that moves, bends, and twists without giving up. We have the answer.

We are a professional cable manufacturer and trader. We bring you the Igus CF240.03.18 data cable directly from Germany. This is not just a standard wire. It is a high-flexible, shielded communication cable built for the toughest industrial jobs. If you need 18 core 0.34 sq mm cable for your drag chains, this is the best choice. Read on to see why it beats other flexible data cables in the market.

What Makes CF240.03.18 Special?

This cable is part of the famous Igus Chainflex family. It is designed for medium-duty applications. The “03” in the name tells us about the conductor size. The “18” tells us the core count. This specific model, CF240.03.18, has 18 conductors. Each conductor is 0.34 square millimeters (22 AWG).

Why does this matter? In moving parts, space is tight. You need a cable with a small bending radius. This cable can bend a lot without breaking the copper inside. It is also shielded. This means it has a metal mesh around the cores. This mesh stops electromagnetic interference (EMI). It keeps your signals clean even near big motors or welders.

It is a shielded communication cable that resists oil and chemicals. If your machine uses hydraulic oil or coolant, this cable will not rot. It is also halogen-free and silicone-free. This makes it safe for many industrial environments.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Let’s look at the hard numbers. You need to know if it fits your system. Here is the full breakdown of the Igus CF240.03.18 specs:

• Product Series: Chainflex CF240
• Part Number: CF240.03.18
• Conductor Material: Bare Copper (very flexible strands)
• Number of Cores: 18
• Cross-Sectional Area: 0.34 mm² (22 AWG)
• Insulation Material: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
• Outer Sheath Material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Shielding: Yes, Tinned Copper Braid (70% linear coverage)
• Rated Voltage: 300 V
• Rated Current: 7 A
• Test Voltage: 1500 V
• Resistance: 0.057 Ω
• Outer Diameter: Approx. 9 mm
• Weight: Approx. 51 kg/km
• Min. Bending Radius (Dynamic): 10 x d (60 mm)
• Min. Bending Radius (Static): 5 x d (30 mm)
• Temperature Range (Fixed): -15°C to +70°C
• Temperature Range (Flexing): -5°C to +70°C
• Certifications: UL, CSA, CE, NFPA, EAC, RoHS, REACH

These numbers show a robust cable. The 300V rating is standard for control and data signals. The 7A current is enough for most sensors and small actuators. The key feature here is the flexibility. A bending radius of 10 times the diameter is excellent for tight spaces in cable carriers.

Construction and Material Quality

You might wonder what is inside the grey jacket. The build quality is what makes Igus stand out. Let’s peel back the layers.

The Conductor Core
The core uses fine-stranded bare copper. It is not a solid wire. Solid wires snap when you bend them repeatedly. These fine strands move against each other. This prevents metal fatigue. It allows the cable to flex millions of times.

Insulation and Twisting
Each core is insulated with TPE. TPE is tough. It resists abrasion. The cores are twisted in short lay lengths. This means they are wound tightly together. This keeps the cable round and flexible. It stops the cores from tangling inside the sheath.

The Shielding Layer
This is critical for data integrity. The shield is made of tinned copper wire braid. It covers 90% of the cable optically. It acts as a Faraday cage. It blocks external noise from entering your data lines. It also stops your cable from emitting noise that could disturb other devices.

The Outer Jacket
The outer sheath is a special PVC mix. It is low-adhesion. This means it slides easily against other cables in the drag chain. It does not get sticky. It is also oil-resistant according to DIN EN 50363-4-1. It is flame retardant (FT1, VW-1). It does not contain halogens or silicone. If it burns, it creates low smoke. This is vital for safety in enclosed spaces.

Perfect Applications and Use Cases

Where should you use this 18 core shielded cable? It fits many scenarios where movement and data transmission happen together.

Industrial Automation and Robotics
In a robot arm, cables twist and turn constantly. The CF240.03.18 handles this stress. It is perfect for connecting encoders, sensors, and safety scanners. It is also great for Profinet or EtherCAT connections in moving parts.

Logistics and Warehousing
Think about automated storage systems. Cranes move up and down. Cables in the drag chains face constant motion. This cable’s high cycle life (up to 10 million cycles) ensures long service life here. It reduces maintenance stops in high-bay warehouses.

Machine Tools and CNC
CNC machines have moving tables and spindles. Cables inside the cable tracks get pulled and compressed. The oil-resistant sheath protects the cable from cutting fluids. The small diameter (9mm) saves space in the track. You can fit more cables in a smaller chain.

Packaging Machinery
Packaging lines run fast. They need high-speed data cables. This cable supports speeds up to 3 m/s in air and 2 m/s sliding. It handles the acceleration forces (up to 20 m/s²) without signal loss.

Outdoor and Harsh Environments
The cable is UV resistant (outer sheath). It can handle outdoor use if the temperature stays above -5°C during movement. It resists water and dust (IP rating depends on connectors, but the cable itself is tight).

Why Buy Igus CF240.03.18 from Us?

You have many options for flexible control cables. Why choose this one? And why buy from us?

Proven Durability
Igus tests its cables in the world’s largest test lab. They run 2 billion cycles a year. The CF240 series is tested for real-life conditions. You get a cable with a guaranteed service life. Igus offers a 36-month warranty on many cables. This is a promise of quality.

Cost-Effective Solution
Cheap cables break often. Replacing them costs labor and downtime. This cable costs more upfront but lasts much longer. It is a “fit and forget” solution. The 300-meter spools (for some lengths) reduce waste.

Global Compliance
Do you export to the US, Canada, or Europe? This cable has you covered. It has UL, CSA, and CE marks. It meets RoHS and REACH regulations. You don’t need to worry about customs rejection due to compliance issues.

Technical Support and Stock
We are not just a trader. We are a technical partner. We understand cable drag chain systems. We can help you choose the right accessory, like cable glands or strain reliefs. We keep stock of popular models like CF240.03.18. We can ship fast—often within one week via air freight.

Custom Solutions
Need a different length? Need connectors pre-assembled? We can do that. We work with Igus Germany center directly. We can provide custom solutions for OEMs and system integrators.

Installation Tips and Best Practices

To get the best performance from your Igus data cable, follow these simple rules. Even the best cable can fail if installed wrong.

1. Respect the Bending Radius
Never bend the cable tighter than 60mm (10x diameter) when moving. If you bend it too sharp, you damage the shield and conductors. Use large radius guides in your drag chain.

2. Avoid Twisting
The CF240 series is for flexing, not for continuous torsion (twisting around its axis). If you need to twist the cable, look at the CFROBOT series or special torsion cables. For standard drag chains, keep the cable straight.

3. Separate Power and Data
Do not put high-voltage power cables next to this data cable. Even with shielding, induction can cause issues. Use a separator bar in your cable carrier. Keep at least 10mm gap if possible.

4. Fix the Ends Properly
The cable must move freely inside the chain. Do not clamp the sheath too tight at the ends. Use proper cable glands (like Igus CFX series) that grip the sheath without crushing it.

5. Check the Temperature
If your application is in a cold store (below -15°C), the standard PVC sheath might get stiff. For extreme cold, consider TPE or PUR versions. But for most indoor factories, this cable is perfect.

Compare with Competitors

How does CF240.03.18 stack up against generic multi-core cables?

• Vs. Standard PVC Cable: Standard cables crack after 100,000 bends. Igus CF240 lasts 10 million+ bends. Standard cables have no shield or a foil shield that tears easily. Igus uses a robust braid.
• Vs. PUR Cables: PUR is great for oil and cold. But PUR is heavier and more expensive. If you don’t need extreme cold resistance, CF240 (PVC/TPE mix) is lighter and more cost-effective. It is “medium duty” but very capable.
• Vs. Lapp or Helukabel: These are high-quality brands. However, Igus specializes in motion. Igus cables are optimized specifically for drag chains. They often have a smaller diameter and better flexibility for the same core count.

The CF240.03.18 hits the sweet spot. It is better than cheap generic wire. It is cheaper than heavy-duty PUR cable. It is the “Goldilocks” cable for most automation tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
A: Yes, the outer sheath is UV resistant. But for outdoor movement, keep the temperature above -5°C. For fixed installation, it can go down to -15°C.

Q: Can I use this for Ethernet/Profinet?
A: Yes, but check the frequency. For standard industrial Ethernet (10/100 Mbit), it works well. For high-speed Gigabit, you might need Cat5e or Cat6 cables like the CF140.CAT5 series. However, for sensor buses and fieldbus, CF240 is ideal.

Q: What is the difference between CF240.03.18 and CF240.02.18?
A: The middle number indicates the cross-section. CF240.02.18 has 0.25 mm² cores. CF240.03.18 has 0.34 mm² cores. The 0.34 mm² version has lower resistance and can carry more current (7A vs 5A roughly). It is slightly thicker (9mm vs 8mm).

Q: Do you sell connectors for this cable?
A: Yes. We supply the whole range of Igus connectors and cable glands. Using the right connector is key to preventing wire breakage at the connection point.

Get a Quote Today

You need a reliable cable that works. You need a supplier who understands motion control. We are ready to help.

We have the Igus CF240.03.18 in stock or available for fast delivery. We offer competitive pricing for bulk orders and project inquiries. Whether you are a machine builder, a distributor, or a maintenance engineer, we have the solution for you.

Don’t let cable failure stop your machines. Upgrade to the Igus Chainflex system. It is the industry standard for a reason.

Contact us now for a free quote. Tell us your required length and quantity. We will check our stock in Germany and give you the best price and lead time. Let’s solve your cable problems together.

Email us today. Get the best data cable for your drag chain.