Press releasePM 1209-engl
Page1 of 3
Cables stay comfortable in plastic echains
New interior separation tool box for "E4.1" universal energy chain family
The complete range of energy chain "E4.1" products has now been available ex stock for about a year.With this, and following decades of development work and testing, Cologne based igus GmbH, launched a new energy chain onto the market that combines all the best design features into a single solution.25 years of know-how from the "E4" range went into this new range.Now, the world's largest energy chain manufacturer has presented a brand new interior separation tool box for the "E4.1", optimised especially for cable wear, abrasion and installation.
The intention in developing the new components for interior separation was to create a new standard for energy chains and tubes, allowing the simple, fast, and durable routing and guiding of cables and hoses.At the same timethis was to be achieved with as few parts as possible and without any reduction of universal application potnetial for the "E4.1" system.
New abrasion and wear tests
The tribologically optimised plastic plays a central role in these parts.Although the energy chain expert igus uses metal where it is necessary, all the tests carried out in the company's own technical centre conclusively proved thatcables feel most comfortable on abrasion-optimised plastic parts.The plastic parts are much more abrasion-resistant and elastic than aluminium.Aluminium bars in energy chains can bend permanently and are less torsion-resistant.Plastic material with an optimised geometry ensure cables in energy chains have a long service life.
The new "E4.1" interior separation range presented at the Hanover Fair has only six components. These are simple to fit, can be assembled and configured in almost any combination, and will be modelled through the online configurator in future. There are four separators, one locking separator to be combined with a special cross bar and also slide-in shelves.
Fast installation, design goes easy on cables
The task of the standard separators is to ensure maximum holding force and a safe, interlocking fit through their broad feet.Thanks to the optimised foot geometry, the cables can run very close to the separator almost without any wear.For even faster installation and removal, there are separators available that have special one-sided or narrow geometry feet.These are combined with an easy to fit quick-lock cross bar and is also available in a pivoting version.
This is used to open and quickly fill the energy chains in a single process, without removing other parts for access .The holding force of the "E4.1" quick-lock cross bar has been further improved; 500 N tensile force is now possible.Thirdly, there are narrow separators available for the careful routing of many thin cables next to one another.These parts save lots of space.Fourthly, asymmetrical separators are part of the optimised interior separating tool box set.They are especially useful, acting as spacers for side mounted applications to stop the separators sliding down.
High holding force, no slipping
Fifthly, igus has developed new locking separators.These can be locked in place safely in 5 mm increments, combined with special cross bars and lids.Locking teeth on the cross bar together with the separating bars ensure a safe hold during applications where the energy chain is turned on its side.The holding force of the separating bar is 25 kg when locked in position.Cables and hoses cannot slip either vertically or horizontally. In addition, a new smooth-surfaced measuring scale helps position the bars exactly.No spacers are necessary.The markings are easily visible on the smooth and almost wear-free surface.This allows the bar locking positions to be defined for long travel and the chains to be cut to size.The new range is rounded off by slide-in shelves for straightforward horizontal separation.The shelves can be moved freely.At the same time their locking clips ensure they lock in place safely in the separators.Thanks to this modern, slim solution, no internal side plates are needed, ensuring maximum space for the interior.
Combination of the best design features
The "E4.1" energy chain range combines the best design features of various past echain series.Outer and inner bracket for flexibility and straightforward installation, an interlocking "tongue and groove" for stability, a damping stop system for smooth running, different kinds of material for clean-room, ESD or high-temperature applications and for large self-supporting lengths.In addition, the "E4.1" has 30 percent larger gliding surfaces than its predecessor – for long travel applications.These are completely integrated, so cannot be lost; loud additional gliding shoes are not required.
Photo PM1209-01:igus GmbH, Cologne
New:interior separating tool box, optimised in terms of wear, friction and installation, for the universal energy chain "E4.1".There are only six different components, all of which can be installed quickly and with little effort, and be combined and configured according to individual requirements.
Picture PM1209-02:igus GmbH, Cologne
Safe, interlocking fit:new plastic separating bar with shape-optimised foot geometry.The cables sit close to the abrasion-proof separating bar, with almost no wear.
Picture PM1209-03:igus GmbH, Cologne
New abrasion-optimised separators:Plastic material and perfect geometry ensure cables have a long service life.The igus system performs significantly better than all the other products tested.
Photo PM1209-04:igus GmbH, Cologne
System "E4.1".New centre bracket for size "E4.80", new tube widths, new interior separation components for both energy chains and tubes, new "Chainfix" cable clamp for safe strain relief.
CONTACT:igus® GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone+49-22 03 / 96 49-0
Fax+49-22 03 / 96 49-222
/ The terms “igus, Chainflex, ReadyCable, Easy Chain, E-Chain, E-Chain System, Energy Chain, Energy Chain System, Flizz, ReadyChain, Triflex, TwisterChain, invis, DryLin, iglidur, igubal, xiros, plastics for longer life and manus“ are legally protected trademarks in the Federal Republic of Germany and, where applicable, in some foreign countries.
PRESS CONTACT:
André Kluth
Corporate Communication Manager
igus GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Tel. +49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 611
Fax+49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 631
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