Question Answered: Why Energy Chain is Required in Engineering Applications

 

Figure 1 Energy Chain in Application 

Called by many names such as drag chain, cable carrier, cable chain, cable track, etc. Energy chain is a fundamental part of engineering applications with goal to ensure uninterrupted supply. It is designed to protect & guide cable when carrying energy or data and hose when carrying fluid.  

Machines and moving parts need power to function. Hence, the role of cable is very important as it supplies the energy required from power source into the machine. During operation, cable needs protection and guidance from energy chain so that it can operate efficiently and optimally. It makes sense as why would someone spend money on cable without ensuring that it will run in perfect condition. 

Energy chain is also required to do more than just protecting and guiding the cable. It also must withstand extreme temperature, harsh environment and external environmental factors depending on the diverse applications the machine is operating in. 

igus® energy chains, or e-chains® as they are referred to in the igus® world, is designed to ensure the maximum operating lifetime of the cable and hose. Moreover, e-chains® with tribological materials are guaranteed for maximum performance. 

igus® e-chains® is also available in different sizes, widths and materials. Making it applicable for most applications and allows us to be able to replace metal drag chains for plastic versions. 

The metal v plastic debate 

People always have a negative stigma about plastic energy chains: Will e-chains® be able to cope in extreme weather? Does it have the capability to survive in adverse environments? How much weight does plastic can hold? 

This believe is nothing more than a misconception. e-chains has been thoroughly tested in all possible applications and condition. This test was done from igus® testing laboratory in Cologne that runs the test non-stop 24 hours a day. igus® research team has invested plenty of resources and time to make sure that all e-chains® are proven suitable for the desired applications. 

Igus energy chain can also be developed for certain application and industry by utilizing different materials. These might range from the e-skin® that is suitable for cleanroom environments into conductive ESD e-chains® that is suitable for explosive environments. 

“Talking” technology 

 

Figure 2 energy chain with unique features 

Other than the normal e-chains, there is also e-chains with unique features such as industry 4.0 intelligent chains. The intelligent chain is able to report wear or damage back to the control system before it becomes detrimental to the application or the machine. This helps to increase the safety in machine efficiency because of the conditioning monitoring system due to regular wear detection. 

There are also other unique features to igus® energy chains. We have industry 4.0 intelligent chains. Tis technology reports wear or damage back to the control system before it becomes detrimental to the application or machine. This conditioning monitoring system increases safety in machine efficiency due to the regular wear detection. 

We offer a 36-month guarantee or 10 million strokes, whichever comes first. This is offered with all energy chains, proving the confidence we have in the products. 

Feel free to check our online configurators which allows you to check and clarify in the chain system you pick. You have control over the parameters you enter. Another online tool we offer is the 3D CAD portal. Here you can find CAD files to help you incorporate these energy chains into your designs.  

 

Figure 3 Different industry that uses energy chain 

There are more positive reasons to ensure you are using igus® e-chains® in your application . However if you need convincing further visit the new e-chain® product page.