Energy chains
For users who want to order their energy chain quickly and easily and assemble it themselves, igus now has the solution: complete kits. The kits consist of an E4.1 series energy chain, an aluminium trough, matching separators, strain relief elements and a screwdriver. This means that the customer does not need to worry about a time-consuming configuration of the energy supply system. All adjustments to the chain are made directly on the equipment or machine. The complete kits are available in three inner heights for travels from 8 to 24 metres in the igus online shop and are available from stock.
A forgotten screwdriver in an energy chain, a bent trough as well as ice, snow and bulk material can quickly lead to a total failure of cranes with high costs. This prompted igus to develop a new push/pull force monitoring system. The EC.PR precisely records the force values of the floating moving end and adjusts the force limits. This prevents high repair costs and damage to the system.
Connecting cables individually not only takes time, but is also prone to errors. This is why igus has developed the Module Connect interface concept, with which energy chains can be easily plugged together. To connect the connector to the energy chain, the user can now use an individual adapter. The energy chain thus becomes an interface that saves 80 per cent of the installation time. The design and functionality of the adapter also convinced the jury of the German Design Award 2021.
The E4Q energy chain series was developed by igus to achieve the best possible solution for unsupported and long travels. In the process, shapes inspired by nature ensure very low weight, while a unique tool-free opening concept reduces installation time by 40 per cent. The E4Q has now received the renowned German Design Award for this pioneering design.
The aim of the precision irrigation carriage from Rathmakers Gartenbautechnik is to use water resources sensibly whilst protecting the groundwater at the same time. With the new automatic irrigation system, the water reaches exactly where it should: directly to the plants. For the safe and compact guidance of hoses and cables, the developers rely on an igus energy chain system consisting of roller chain and guide trough.
Move cables safely and stow them away quickly – that is the aim of e-spool flex. The new igus cable reel can guide all cables and hoses for the transmission of energy, media and data without interruption. This increases safety at manual workstations and operating panels. For quick installation of the cable reel, the developers opted for a worm guide. The cable is inserted in a few simple steps and the e-spool flex is ready for use.
Robust, lightweight and long-lasting: these are the qualities of the igus energy chains made from high-performance polymers. To ensure that users are always on the safe side, igus is now offering a 36-month guarantee on its energy chains. It is easy and quick for the customer to obtain the certificate. To do this, open the online service life calculator for e-chains and enter the dynamic specifications and the environmental conditions of the application. The online tool will then calculate the guaranteed service life of the energy chain. With one click, the customer receives the certificate by e-mail.
Twice as fast and half as heavy: this is what makes the linear motor robot from FIBRO LÄPPLE TECHNOLOGY (FLT) different from other solutions. In order for the linear robot to be able to get production up and running quickly and reliably, a compact, durable and quiet energy supply was required. A side-mounted igus energy chain system with pre-harnessed chainflex cables proved to be the optimal solution.
What happens when a plastic energy chain reaches its maximum service life? Usually, it is simply disposed of and incinerated with other plastic waste. With its “igus green chainge recycling program”, the motion plastics specialist igus is now doing something completely new: users can send their plastic chains to igus for recycling – completely irrespective of the manufacturer. They can eliminate disposal costs and also receive a voucher for making purchases from igus. Customers and the environment both profit from this.
While many stars and starlets can hardly wait for the spotlight of an awards ceremony, designers do not often rush into the limelight. But the jury of experts at the vector award is certain that it is precisely they and their innovations that deserve attention – after all, they shape everyday life in the industry and far beyond. That’s why developers are called upon to compete for the 7th vector award with their bold and extraordinary energy chain applications.