Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!news.Brown.EDU!agate!library.ucla.edu!csulb.edu!csus.edu!netcom.com!nagle
From: nagle@netcom.com (John Nagle)
Subject: Re: Cables for robotic applications
Message-ID: <nagleCnz46y.4rD@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
References: <CnuB8v.5pK@armory.com> <Z8BFkc2w165w@sfrsa.com>
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 1994 03:54:34 GMT
Lines: 19

eds@sfrsa.com (Ed Severinghaus) writes:

>> In article <1994Apr4.180343.5901@aisb.ed.ac.uk>,
>> Mark Wright <markwr@beryl.ed.ac.uk> wrote:
>> >Does anyone have information on the type of cables used for robotic
>> >applications such as low cost stepper motor arms or hands?
>> >Will steel do or do they need to be less elastic?

       Check out the various metal and plastic chains in the Berg catalog.
(516-599-5010).  Many useful options, especially when you want to convert
rotary motion to opposing pulls on a tendon.  Minature timing chain
is useful for this application.

       Steel cables can be used as tendons, but get woven wire, not
twisted wire, to avoid stretch under load.  A good bike shop can supply 
this material.  The same applies to nonmetallic multistrand cables,
which you get at a boating store.

					John Nagle
