Energy chains

Energy chains and energy chain systems.

Energy chains (also called energy supply chains, e-chains) are mechanical machine elements. They are used to guide and protect energy, data and signals that have to withstand the most diverse environmental influences. The decisive fact about cable guides is the symbiosis of the components moving against each other. They include cables, hoses, interior separation elements, strain relief devices and guide troughs.

The materials used have to be optimally matched to each other so that maximum operating times and a long service life are achieved. Thanks to energy chains, downtime is avoided wherever energy in the form of electricity, gas, air or fluids is supplied to moving loads.

Energy chain product overview

Preselection according to e-chain® type

Small loads

Inner heights: 5 – 32mm

Medium-sized loads

Inner heights: 21 – 48mm

High-loads

Inner heights: 21 – 350mm

For robots

Inner diameter: 12 – 46.8mm

Protection against dust and swarf

Inner heights: 21 – 75mm

Smooth running, cleanroom

Inner heights: 10 – 80mm

Long travels & heavy duty

Inner heights: 32 – 80mm

Simple, static applications

Inner heights: 9 – 47mm

3D movements & non-robotics

Inner heights: 13 – 75mm

Circular, rotary or spiral movement

Inner heights: 9 – 56mm

Corrugated tube and accessories

Corrugated tube: 28–40mm

Accessories

Troughs, strain relief elements, PMA hoses

What are the advantages of igus energy chains?

Cable-friendly due to smooth contours
Many options in terms of movement and length
Low weight, modular, strong, quiet, easy to open
Energy, data, FOCs, oil and air guided in one system
Predictable service life
Little easy-to-perform maintenance, easy to install
Large catalogue of standard items

igus® Port and Crane Technology [Port of Virginia]

In the ship to shore crane industry, threat of system failure is a constant. With expensive downtime, dangerous maintenance, and 24/7 operation, more and more crane manufacturers and maintenance teams are making the switch to reliable, high strength energy chain systems®.

ICheck out how the team at the Port of Virginia increased their system reliability and overall production with the help of the igus® Orange Services team and e-chain® cable carriers.

Further application examples with energy chains

Energy chains are used in various industries and applications. Their task is to supply energy and data to moving power consuming equipment safely and reliably.

Such equipment is constantly in motion and has to function reliably in difficult ambient conditions as well as under high levels of loads and at high speeds.