Durable energy chains in cutting tools for high travel speeds

Profile

• What was needed: E6 energy chain system
• Requirements: High travel speeds and accelerations during continuous operation of the system, long service life
• Industry: Machine tool manufacturing
• Success for the customer: Energy chain easily copes with high travel speeds and accelerations and at the same time guarantees smooth operation, high flexibility of the machine due to modular design simultaneously reduces maintenance times and costs

Problem

Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH, with 1,500 employees worldwide and more than 3,000 installed systems worldwide, is a family-owned company that operates internationally. When implementing a cutting machine for a customer, the Bavarian automation specialist was looking for a suitable solution for guiding cables for the power supply. The cutting tool, which is moved across a roller conveyor, travels along a path of 6 m at speeds of 4 m/s (outward path) and 12.5 m/s (return path) and an acceleration of 30 m/s². Under the given speeds and accelerations, the energy supply system had to guarantee a planned machine service life of 7 to 10 years; and that at high workloads under continuous operation.

Solution

After consulting with igus, the decision was made in favour of the E6 energy chain, which displays its strengths perfectly in this cutting tool. The chain is characterised by smooth operation and high speed at the same time. This means that it can easily keep up with the high accelerations and speeds within the plant. And even despite continuous operation, it can guarantee the machine builder the required long service life. Another advantage: The modular design helps to replace individual elements quickly and easily, which reduces assembly time and costs when problems arise. This also allows the energy supply system to be shortened or lengthened as required.