Energy chains Wiki

Energy chain white paper

Find out from our white papers how you can improve energy supply for your application, often reducing costs.

Tips for energy supply systems

Valuable tips on how to plan your own energy supply system project, optimise the system and design it for the longest possible service life.

Real-world examples

Across the globe, more than 400,000 customers from 50 branches of industry use igus energy chains.

What are the advantages of igus energy chains?
 

• Cable-friendly due to smooth contours
• Lightweight, modular, strong, quiet, easy to open
• Little easy-to-perform maintenance, easy to install
• Predictable service life
• Sustainability: they can be recycled instead thrown away

Where are energy chains used?Today, igus energy chains are already being used in many hundreds of thousands of applications around the world - from beverage dispensers up to steelworks. Across the globe, more than 400,000 customers from 50 branches of industry use igus energy chains.

Interactive 3D energy chain models

Discover energy chain systems in interactive 3D models now

Fundamentals and calculations

Locating the fixed end in the centre of the travel is always the most cost-effective solution. How to calculate chain length.

Types of movement

From unsupported applications to circular movements to zig-zag applications.

Distribution rules

General filling rules for cables and hoses in energy chains.

Strain relief

Ideally, the cables/hoses should be strain relieved at both ends of the energy chain. They must be strain-relieved at the moving end of the energy chain at least.

Environmental influences (technical environment)

Material information: igumid material, cleanroom and ESD, dirty environments, chemically resistant.

Technical terms and definitions

Here is an overview of all abbreviations and formulae for energy chains.

How can I find the right energy chain quickly?
We recommend the product filter in the shop. In the shop, just filter by movement type and narrow down the results using the dimensions. 

How do I find the entire energy supply system with cables, mounting brackets, interior separation etc.?With the e-chain expert energy chain configurator, you can assemble your individual ready-to-connect energy chain system in just a few steps.

How long is the service life of an energy chain?
Simply use our service life calculator to determine the expected service life of the energy chain.

How can I determine the remaining service life of my energy chain during operation?
By using our i.Sense sensors you get an informed, real-time condition of your energy supply at any time.

What maximum travel length is possible?
With the rol e-chain, travels of 1,200m and more can be realised. Learn more.

How high is the standard temperature range for plastic energy chains?
As a rule, the standard temperature range for plastic energy chains is -40°C to +130°C, with +170°C in the short term.

Are there cable guides for offices and furniture?
Our award-winning cable chains have been specifically developed for offices and furniture. For example, igus offers the ZF14 or OCR cable chain for organised cable guides at the desk. Fastening options: magnetic, screwed and glued.

Are energy chains chemically resistant?
A detailed list provides information on the resistance of igus' igumid G, TE, and NB materials to many chemical substances.

Are plastic energy chains resistant to hot swarf?
Yes, plastic energy chains that use the igumid HT material can resist swarf as hot as +850°C.Can I also implement a long travel without a guide trough?Yes, with the autoglide system, you can achieve travels of up to 80m without guide troughs.

Can igus energy chains be used in the refrigeration sector?Yes, all igus energy chain materials can be used for continuous use down to -40°C.

Which energy chain is suitable for ESD use?
Yes, all energy chains made of the conductive ESD material can be found here.

Are there energy chains with FDA approval?Yes, we recommend the TH3 energy chain, which has been specifically developed for the food and beverage industry.

Can you save energy with plastic energy chains and chainflex cables?
Yes, it is possible to save up to 57% with igus plastic energy chains and up to 17% with chainflex cables. Tech up now and improve energy efficiency.How can I determine the optimal maintenance intervals for my energy supply?
With our i.Cee system for predictive maintenance, you are always shown the optimum time for maintenance in real time, depending on the real movement profile and the current status of your energy supply system.