Energy chains from igus
A new lighter weight e-chain for cable management and protection applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weights has been introduced by polymer energy chain manufacturer igus.
The manufacturer says its “L” Lean variant has been specially designed for users that require an energy chain smaller than the industry standard E4Q. The igus E4Q-series is suitable for applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weights, however, in applications with medium loads, such as machine tools, woodworking and car washes, the E4Q is oversized.
“To offer users the advantages of the E4Q in these applications as well and at a lower price, we developed the L version – the E4Q.64L,” says igus South Africa MD Ian Hewat. “Depending on the width, the low-cost version of the energy chain costs between 15% and 20% less than the E4Q.”
To reduce costs, the E4Q’s design has been modified to strike a balance between low dead weight and maximum robustness. The side links are narrower than those of the E4Q, reducing the weight and the bionic design, which dispenses with any material that has no load-bearing function, was retained. igus notes that tests prove that the E4Q.64L has an approximately 30% greater breaking moment than the 14240 series, which is also used for unsupported applications. This results in up to 20% more length with the same fill weight.
The chain can also be operated in two bending directions by replacing the outer link with a special RBR link. This gives it what is known as a reverse bend radius, or RBR, which means that circular movements can be implemented.
Unlocked on both sides, the crossbar can be lifted out with ease. Crossbar widths are available in a product range of 29 widths between 100 mm and 500 mm.