Energy chain design reduces cable wear
An
Igus UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jul 21, 2008
"Auto-glide" bridges made of tribologically optimised plastic that go easy on cables and a special groove system provide a safe guide for the P4 energy chain.
In June 2008, the 375th ship-to-shore crane was equipped with an Igus energy chain.
The demands made on energy chains are increasing all the time.
Smooth running properties and low noise levels are increasingly needed, because many ports are moving closer to residential areas as they grow.
Igus' P4 is an energy chain series in which rollers do not roll over one another and where all chain links have the same short pitch.
Endurance tests at speeds of up to 7m/s have been carried out safely under operating conditions on an outdoor testing facility 125m long (which can be extended to 300m) on Igus' company grounds.
Harald Nehring, Manager for Energy Chain Systems at Igus says: "With the P4, we now have a product available that has sufficient reserves suitable even for the fastest and largest cranes currently conceivable".
"We have already received our first order to install the new system on a container crane in the largest German inland port".
"In addition, a test is being discussed for the P4 on a testing facility 245m long in a Chinese terminal on behalf of a customer".
The low-maintenance System P4, a modular system, makes safe energy and data transmission possible over distances of up to 1000m.
Specially developed for indoor and outdoor crane equipment as well as conveyor systems, it is particularly quiet and hard wearing at high speeds and filling weights of up to 30kg/m.
Thanks to the use of additional centre links, there is practically no weight limit.
The upper run and the lower run of the chain roll offset on one another.
This means the tribologically optimised plastic profile rollers are not rolled over.
Instead they roll on a consistently wide area, which increases the service life of the chain.
In addition, the pitch of the chain links is now identical with and without a roller, which means the energy chain achieves particularly smooth and vibration-free movement in the radius.
The rollers themselves are firmly integrated into the sides of the energy chain.
"Auto-glide" bridges made of tribologically optimised plastic that go easy on cables and a special groove system provide a safe guide for the energy chain.
The new P4 System is available with an inner height of 56mm and in five inner widths (200, 250, 300, 350 and 400mm).
Bending radii can be chosen from 250, 300 or 350mm.
The inner height 80mm and central links for "infinite" widening will be available from Autumn 2008.
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Contact Igus UK
Tel +44 1604 677240
Other Igus UK stories
-
P4 energy chain system has two sizes
Igus has introduced a range of products for port cranes at the TOC Europe in Bremen. -
Igus launches wear-resistant Iglidur compounds
Igus has launched the Iglidur J3 and Iglidur X6 compounds. -
Plastic bearings versus other alternatives
Some engineers hesitate to use plastic bearings because they have trusted metal and bronze bearings for years or they simply don't think plastics can handle tough applications, according to Igus UK. -
Igus continuous-flex cables use bundling technique
In nearly all Igus Chainflex cables, the conductors are bundled to eliminate problems associated with cables constructed in layers. -
Igus offers free chain and cable inspections
Igus has announced that its engineers are available once again to examine energy chains and flexible cables free of charge, before or during factory shutdowns in July and August.
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