Nylon Conduit Pipes: Applications in Automation & Wiring Protection

Cables running through machinery are subjected to rubbing, vibration, bending, dust, oil and sharp edges. A nylon flexible conduit pipe provides a protective path for the wiring and eases the routing through bends and around edges. Commonly made from polyamide, these corrugated conduits are utilised across automation, machinery, control, automotive and moving equipment.

Choosing a conduit that reduces stress on the cable and simplifies wiring organisation and maintenance can be critical. However, the selection often depends on movement, temperature, chemicals, moisture, bend radius and fitting requirements.

Why nylon flexible conduit pipe works well

A nylon conduit not only covers the cables but also protects them against abrasion, impact, vibrations and mechanical contact. A PA6 or PA12 polyamide conduit pipe, therefore, finds application around machine tools, packaging, control systems, automotive and general machinery.

While PA6 is preferred for most general-purpose industrial applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and fatigue resistance, PA12 is ideal for applications demanding enhanced flexibility, reduced moisture absorption, UV-resistance and low-temperature flexibility. It is critical to note that product specifications may differ and the requirements should always be considered before selecting a conduit.

The corrugated construction also makes a flexible conduit pipe for electrical wiring easier to route around corners than many rigid alternatives.

Conduit pipe for cable protection in machines

Automation equipment includes sensors, motors and control cables subject to movement. The cables, therefore, require protection without restricting movement. A nylon conduit pipe for automation and robotics can help protect and route cables in a robotic system, conveyors, CNC equipment, assembly machines and similar moving parts.

In applications where the machine undergoes frequent movement, the bending and rubbing of the cables can be severe. A flexible conduit can help ease such dynamic forces exerted on a bundle of cables during movement, thereby offering protection. However, the bend radius and dynamic movement must be considered against the specifications of a conduit. For robotics, automation, repeated flexing and high-dynamic movement applications, ABB offers PA12 conduit options.

IEC 61386-23 also specifies requirements for flexible conduit systems, apart from the general requirements specified in IEC 61386-1.

PA6 and PA12: Choose the right grade

A PA6 / PA12 flexible conduit pipe should be selected according to the application, rather than size alone.

While PA6 is a go-to option for many general-purpose wiring and machine protection applications, PA12 can be more suitable for applications demanding higher flexibility, resistance to UV and low-temperature environments.

For example, certain PA12 conduits are recommended for robotic applications involving continuous movement as well as low-temperature environments.

Before selecting a conduit, therefore, it is critical to consider the following:

• Cable bundle diameter and space availability
• Bend radius
• Static or continuous movement
• Heat, oil, chemicals and moisture exposure
• UV exposure
• Connectors and fittings compatibility
• Requirement for split conduit for retrofitting

It is also essential to understand that the degree of protection (IP rating) may depend on an entire assembly of conduit and fittings rather than just the conduit.

Find the right conduit solution

A reliable nylon conduit pipe manufacturer India should be able to offer specifications on material, size, flexibility, application and fittings compatibility, enabling an easy selection of a conduit pipe for cable protection without compromising on routing and cable safety.

Connect with Divyajyot Pipe Stores to identify a suitable nylon flexible conduit pipe for wiring, automation and cable protection requirements.