Alternating Bending Test Machine for Cables

Main functions

The FLEXCABLE is a fatigue testing machine designed to evaluate the mechanical strength of cables subjected to repeated bending cycles under controlled tension. It simulates the stresses encountered under actual operating conditions in order to assess the durability of the cables and detect any signs of failure or degradation.

The machine allows you to:

• Test up to 4 cables simultaneously, depending on their diameter and the required tensile force.
• Reproduce alternating folding cycles using a motorized swing arm.
• Maintain a constant tension on each cable using a pneumatic control system.
• The machine is equipped with 24 electrical continuity test channels.
• Adjust the test geometry using interchangeable drums and by adjusting the position of the cables.
• Automatically detect a conductor break, cable slippage, or when the programmed number of cycles is reached.
• Acquire and record test parameters using software developed in LabVIEW.

Operating mode

The cable to be tested is secured between two clamping devices and then tensioned using the integrated pneumatic system. Reels suited to the cable’s diameter and the desired bend radius are installed to replicate the operating conditions specified for the test.

The motorized swing arm then performs an alternating bending motion at a defined angle, while the tension is kept constant throughout the test. The control software automatically manages the test parameters, counts the number of cycles, and continuously monitors the electrical continuity of the conductors.

This automation ensures reliable, reproducible tests conducted under controlled safety conditions.