guidelok slimline GLSL.P.S.2 allows for space-saving cable guidance at heights of up to 50 metres

Whether storage and retrieval units, lifts or cranes: the trend towards saving space in material handling is forcing manufacturers of automation technology to rethink. One critical aspect is vertical cable guidance at heights of up to 50 metres. Design engineers often struggle with the problem that busbar systems are too inflexible and metal guide troughs for energy chains are too bulky, heavy and time-consuming to install. igus will present the solution to this dilemma igus at the specialist trade show LogiMAT 2026: the even more compact and lightweight energy supply system guidelok slimline GLSL.P.S.2, which works with fibreglass-reinforced plastics.

Material handling is all about optimising the use of space. In modern warehouses, this means that high racks have to be moved closer and closer together and lanes have to be kept as narrow as possible. Therefore, manufacturers of automated storage and retrieval units face the challenge of building more compact systems. This also requires space-saving guides that supply power, control and data signals to load-handling equipment and other moving components along the vertical mast. So far, there are hardly any satisfactory solutions on the market. Busbar systems are complex to install and cannot transmit data. Conventional energy chains with steel or aluminium guide troughs are often too bulky, heavy and do not protect the chains sufficiently against lateral acceleration. The solution from igus: a new, particularly space-saving energy supply called guidelok slimline GLSL.P.S.2.

Suitable for speeds of up to 7m/s

The new energy supply system is designed as follows: U-shaped guides with side links are attached to the guide rails at regular intervals on the mast of the storage and retrieval unit. They are directed towards each other in pairs. The fixed end of the e-chain 2700 is fitted in the centre of the stroke. Now the dynamics begin: as the load handling attachment moves along the mast, the energy chain follows the vertical movement. Guide rails hold the e-chain securely in position and prevent it from swinging sideways, vibrating or generating unnecessary noise. The guidelok elements – small, swivelling elevations – reliably prevent the chain from swinging inwards and provide additional stability within the rails. As the guidelok elements are spring-loaded, the radius of the energy chain can push them outwards and thus create space for the passage. Thanks to this stabilisation, speeds of up to 7m/s and accelerations of up to 10m/s2 are possible, which are required by modern intralogistics systems.

Energy supply is less than 350mm wide and particularly light

By modifying the design, igus has succeeded in making the guidelok slimline P.S.2 even more compact than the previous P version. The distance between the opposing guides has been reduced so that the system has a width of less than 350mm and a depth of just 226mm. The minimum inner width of the energy chain amounts to 10mm, with a minimum radius of 75mm. This makes the solution suitable not only for storage and retrieval units, but also for lifts and cranes that operate in confined spaces. Furthermore, these applications benefit from significantly lower weight compared to metal guide troughs. The guides are made entirely of tribologically optimised plastic, while the rails consist of lightweight, strong fibreglass composite material. Another advantage is that igus has deliberately kept the assembly simple. The individual elements are pre-assembled and can be attached to the system with four screws each. The system is ready for immediate use without any major adjustment work. If required, it can also be extended with smart sensors to detect defects at an early stage and allow for predictive maintenance.

Find out more about the guidelok slimline system from igus at:
Product range overview vertical guidelok slimline system