Product category:
Chains and belts
News Release from: Igus UK | Subject: E4/4 "Heavy Duty"
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 29 October 2004
Heavy-duty chain reduces transmission
noise
Moving energy chains need to be able to guide heavy cables over long distances in tough, dirty conditions at high speeds.
Moving energy chains need to be able to guide heavy cables over long distances in tough, dirty conditions at high speeds With this in mind, Igus has completed a new "heavy duty" version of its System E4/4 Energy Chain
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 27 Jul 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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The reinforced polymer chain is designed to withstand extreme loads and so is ideal for cranes functioning in rubbish sites, large harbours, or offshore plants; machines in gypsum and cement plants, compost works, or in opencast mining.
To increase stability, three of the energy chain's features have been enhanced.
First, the area of support for the pin-bore hole connection has been enlarged by approximately 120%.
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The pin diameter has been increased from 40 to 45mm, and its length has been doubled from 4 to 8mm.
The result: wear is spread over a larger area and the strength and lifetime of the chain is increased.
Thus the E4/4 "Heavy Duty" can take even higher tension and transverse forces.
Secondly, although the inner and outer dimensions (80 and 108mm, respectively) of the chain remain the same, Igus has reinforced the thickness of the sidewalls from 22 to 29.5mm.
This means that the chain runs smoothly and is stable even under high additional loads; for example in bulk and unloading plants, motor powered trolleys and ship-to-shore applications.
Thirdly, the design of the stopper system has been developed.
The supporting surfaces of the stoppers have been quadrupled to achieve a better introduction of power and, as a result, a lower surface pressure.
Furthermore, the Energy Chain will not wear out for many years.
Harald Nehring, Energy Chain Systems, Igus, says: "Because of the reinforced stoppers, the "Heavy Duty" chain disposes of even higher load reserves without sagging".
"This especially applies to heavy loads, such as hydraulic and water hoses, or motor cables with large cross-sections".
The new chain version allows users to guide additional loads of up to 30kg reliably, at speeds of more than 5m/s.
With the use of centre straps, these values can be increased many times over, so that high electrical charges can be carried at great speed.
"Heavy Duty" E4/4 is now available as a roller Energy Chain, or Roll-E-Chain, with a starting ramp.
Stainless-steel bearings are used together with the ramp for smoother rolling.
The length of the roller chain links has been shortened from 182 to 160mm to reach an optimised rolling radius.
The excess end of the roll is shortened by the ramp, which ensures a silent run.
This involves a noise reduction of about 6dB(A) at 2m/s, which is only 25% of the original emission. Request a free brochure from Igus UK ...
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