Energy chain provides smooth running
An
Igus UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
May 30, 2008
Energy chains are used in production equipment, robots and tooling machines to guide and protect cables and hoses.
Energy chains are used in production equipment, robots and tooling machines to guide and protect cables and hoses.
Vibration can occur on the support channel and at the towing arm during the movement.
The WZL laboratory for tooling machines and RWTH Aachen carried out a study on the topic, called "Vibration investigations on energy chains".
This study found that the E6 energy chain from Igus stood out due to minimum vibration and maximum smooth running.
The WZL tested five energy chains on a highly dynamic linear test stand with direct drive.
The E6 energy chain and the 380 series from the E4.100 standard programme were investigated, along with three comparable energy chains from other suppliers.
The energy chains all had interior widths from 100 to 105mm and interior heights from 42 to 52mm.
The chains were tested at speeds of 25, 50, 100 and 200m/min and with accelerations of 10 and 20m/s2.
The vibration near the energy chains was measured at 6000 Hz, using three-axis acceleration sensors on the towing arm and in the support channel.
The energy affecting the towing arm is up to 28% lower with the E6 energy chain than with the other energy chains tested.
An official report prepared by TUV Rhineland shows that the E6 is also extremely quiet.
During laboratory tests in the company's technical centre, the energy chain was tested at 37dB(A) self-supporting at 1m/s.
The key design feature of the Igus E6 energy chain series is that the classical pin/bore connection have been replaced by a resilient polymer spring .The so-called polygon effect that can occur when an energy chain is unrolled, is now reduced to a minimum.
This leads to extremely low noise development and almost vibration-free running of the energy chain.
This is ideal in the combination with linear motors, for example, where extremely high accelerations can be achieved with the E6 while keeping a smooth motion.
The resilient spring element of the E6 energy chain was successfully tested in the Igus laboratory for 220 million cycles.
Thanks to its modular design, the E6 energy chain can be lengthened and shortened at any point.
The spring element connects the individual side parts into a sturdy energy chain which works fault-free during highly dynamic applications, even after millions of cycles.
The polymer spring elements are almost abrasion-free, as proven by tests by the IPA Fraunhofer Institute.
With its abrasion resistance and low wear level, the E6 energy chain is suitable for clean room applications.
Applications include laser/torch cutting systems and measuring/test machines.
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Contact Igus UK
Tel +44 1604 677240
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