Generic terms
The term e-chain usually refers to drag chain, energy chain and energy supply system or energy guiding chain or even cable guidance systems.
The e-chain is a product which safely carries cables or even hoses, over a certain distance. They ensure the dependable supply of energy, data, and signals while in constant motion. They are meant to guide and protect. igus® has been developing, producing, and testing polymer energy chains since 1971. There are energy chains made of plastic or metal (steel or aluminum) and of a combination of both materials, so-called hybrid chains.
Types
There are different types and versions of energy chains to meet different applications' requirements. For example, there is a completely enclosed version of the energy chain that withstands external influences such as dirt or swarf and still guarantee the function of the machine. Other variants of energy chain which are specifically designed for multiple directions of movement, such as on robots, are also common, as are special materials, that prevent static charges or are suitable for food processing areas (FDA).
Variety of energy supply systems
Energy chains are described as one of the most modular possibilities of energy supply systems. There are other possibilities for industry, such as festooning (cable loops), which are often seen on cranes in ports and so on. Using festoonings, cables are “hang” freely and loosely on cranes in wind and weather. Unlikely, an energy chain with a trough enables to save cable length and avoid downtime. There are also motor cable drums, busbar systems, or inductive transmission. Here, for example, it is rather difficult to carry air or liquids, even light waves, whereas in an energy chain it can simply be carried along with data and signals.
Saving installation time and costs: An energy chain that can be opened and closed in seconds without tools is one of the advantages for a plant in order to save costs and time.
Reduction of the noise level of the entire plant/machine: Smooth operating energy supply systems are often the first choice here.
Small installation spaces and dimensions of the machines/plant: Modular energy supply systems with the same or higher stability than their predecessors demonstrate their advantages here.
Higher dynamics of machines/plant: Lighter plastic energy supply system enables to reduce moving masses and accelerate the motions of the machines and plants.
The latest generation of energy supply systems should always be considered for new and innovative machines and systems.
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