The energy supply systems from igus are popular for safely guiding cables and hoses on long journeys. Customers rely on the robust E4.1 universal energy chain modular system in most applications. Upgrading E4.1 e-chains with new rollers and glide pads lower costs and extends service life.
Igus has now added glide pads and roller chain links to the successful system for easy retrofitting. This enables users in abrasive environments, as well as applications with extremely high speeds or long travel distances, to extend the service life of their systems quickly and affordably.
Every year, more than 25,000 igus energy chains travel long distances in STS cranes, storage and retrieval units, and linear robots. Customers all over the world rely on igus’ tough and modular E4.1 energy chain system in all of these applications. Because of the undercut design, the energy supply system has high torsional rigidity. It’s quiet and comes in a variety of heights and widths.
The E4.1 is the universal solution in 90% of gliding applications. Igus has introduced glide pads with which the energy chain can be easily upgraded to extend its service life, especially in abrasive environments. The wear-optimized sliding elements can be easily installed on the inner radius chain links. They’re made of an abrasion-resistant igumid polymer that can double the energy supply system’s service life at speeds of 1-3m/s.
For over 20 years, igus has had energy chain links with rollers in its product line. They reduce the pull/push forces on long travels and ensure that the energy supply system has a significantly longer service life. As a result, igus has created new optimised roller chain links in two sizes, which are specifically designed for its E4.1 modular system. Their use is especially beneficial at high speeds of up to 10 m/s or over long distances. The rollers reduce drive power by up to 37%, resulting in significant energy savings.
From 12m to 500m travel, the new roller chain links and glide pads provide a customised energy supply system for every special application. “We advise each customer individually in order to find the best technical and economical solution for them,” says Jörg Ottersbach, Head of the igus e-chains Business Unit.
“Users will be able to get a proposal for their best energy chain solution for long trips from the e-chains expert in the future. The appropriate E4.1 energy chain is offered in the trough or in special cases with glide pad or roller elements, depending on the application site and parameters”, adds Mr Ottersbach. Smart plastics systems for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance are available as an option for all igus energy chains.
