New triflex TRE ESD system ensures maximum protection against electrostatic discharge in sensitive electronics manufacturing environments

In a significant advancement for electronics manufacturing safety, motion plastics specialist igus has unveiled the triflex TRE ESD – the world’s first fully ESD-certified, ready-to-install dress pack for industrial robots. Certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), the system includes all connection elements and is designed to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) risks in critical production areas such as microelectronics, semiconductors, and battery component assembly.

Closing a critical safety gap
Electrostatic discharge is a silent threat in electronics production. A single spark can destroy sensitive components, causing costly downtime and product loss. Until now, no complete ESD-certified solution existed that covered both the energy chain and all associated connectors.

“Many manufacturers had to develop their own makeshift solutions, which often introduced new risks,” explains Rob Powell, Product Manager for triflex e-chains at igus. “With the triflex TRE ESD, we’re offering the first dress pack that’s fully ESD-compliant – the chain, the clamp and the strain relief.”

Thanks to specially developed dissipative materials and coatings, the entire system reliably dissipates electrostatic charges, ensuring safe and uninterrupted operation in ESD-sensitive zones.

The triflex ESD system is built on the proven triflex R energy chain from igus, which has been successfully used in customer applications for over 15 years. The chain features flexible, round links made from a high-performance plastic engineered for conductivity.

Inside the chain, users can route energy and data cables, pneumatics as well as hydraulic hoses, from the robot base to the end effector. The system supports RS retraction systems and fibre rod-based solutions, ensuring smooth cable management and preventing contact between the robot and the energy chain.

For environments requiring additional protection, the system is also available as a closed TRC ESD version, which carries ISO Class 4–5 cleanroom certification from Fraunhofer IPA.

Seamless integration with major robot brands
Designed for versatility, the triflex TRE ESD system is compatible with all standard industrial robot models and manufacturers. “This certification gives our customers even greater peace of mind,” says Powell. “They can now deploy our dress packs in the most sensitive production environments without worrying about ESD-related failures.”

For more information, please contact:
Taylor Macdonald
tmacdonald@igus.net
01604 677240