RKS0006 by Bosch Rexroth Indramat

The RKS0006 flexible control cable is manufactured by Bosch Rexroth Indramat for the RKS Control Cables series. It serves as an interface cable between drives, controllers, and I/O modules, carrying logic-level control signals together with low-current supply lines used by sensors and encoders. The orange PVC outer jacket helps distinguish the cable from power wiring inside cabinets and moving machine sections. Its flexible construction suits constrained-motion applications where routing space is limited and stable signal transfer is important. It is also well suited to cabinet interconnections and short moving sections where reliable electrical communication is necessary.

The cable is rated for 0.5 million bending cycles and is intended only for limited use in drag chains. It has an overall diameter of 10.2 mm, and a total shield of tinned copper braid plus foil surrounds the core bundle to reduce electrical noise. The shield sits directly under the jacket, which helps protect the internal conductors during normal flexing. For moving installations, the minimum bend radius is 12 x D, while fixed routing permits 7 x D without excessive stress on the conductors. During dynamic motion, the operating temperature range is -20 to +80 °C. The jacket is halogen-free, hydrolysis resistant, mineral-oil resistant, and compliant with HD505.2.1 oil-resistance requirements.

Inside the cable, 2 x 0.5 mm² supply conductors carry auxiliary power, while 34 x 0.25 mm² control conductors handle encoder, enable, and diagnostic signals. An additional pair of 0.25 mm² stranded cores can be used for shield continuity where that connection is required by the installation. During storage or fixed service, the cable can be kept at temperatures as low as -30 °C, with an upper limit of +80 °C. The separate conductor groups keep auxiliary power and control channels organized within one cable. The matte jacket surface helps the cable slide through conduits without snagging during installation and routing.