Stronger, quieter energy chain

East Providence, Rhode Island – A new energy chain from igus in small and medium sizes is quieter, stronger, and dramatically reduces assembly time. The new E2.1 series chain saves users 50% on installation time and adapts to the requirements of the machine. The chain offers long service life and silent operation, and in the future, users will be able to choose the ideal energy chain or the correct energy tube for reliable cable guidance for over 850 different variants.

The new generation of the two-section energy chains was developed to improve on the preceding E2/000 series, which proved its worth over a period of 15 years. The E2.1 series offers extremely fast filling of the e-chain from the side or top, along the inner or outer radius, with a chain opener or screwdriver.

In this process, 1m of the e-chain can be opened in just two seconds. In addition to an inner height of 10.15mm and 26mm, users can also expand the inner height to 38mm and 48mm.

"By the end of the year, the customer will have the opportunity to put together the solution that suits them best from over 850 different chain combinations," said Jörg Ottersbach, head of e-chains division at igus. "Over 250 of these variants are already available for Motek."

A special design feature of the new E2.1 e-chain is the unique lens-shaped brake at the stop-dog of the chain links. This ensures a particularly quiet chain travel with low vibration and noise. Compared to the previous generation, noise emissions are reduced by up to 10 decibels due to the innovative brake design.

The E2.1 series is thus up to 15dB quieter than comparable energy chains in the market. This was proven by tests at 2m/s in an insulated sound chamber at the expansive igus test laboratory, the industry’s largest at 2,750m2.

In addition, the e-chains have a cable-friendly interior, which offers even more space with the same outer height compared to the E2/000. To match the design of the interior of the chain, igus offers a complete interior separation range consisting of lean separators with rounded edges for long service life of hoses and cables.

The assembly of the interior separation with lean separators is up to 50% faster than previous solutions, thus ensuring even faster harnessing. For side-mounted applications there are notch separators that ensure a custom-fit installation. The notch separator engages in a narrow integrated grid in the crossbar and guarantees a secure fit.

With matching highly flexible chainflex cables and connectors, the E2.1 is available as a complete, ready-to-connect energy solution for mechanical engineers worldwide. In addition to the E2.1 product range, these e-chains are also available as enclosed energy tubes of the R2.1 series, which has the same design features of the E2.1.

The E2.1 is also equipped with a QR code. Integrated directly into the e-chain, it offers the machine builder online information about the chain, including assembly instructions, or how to identify and order spare parts, with just a quick scan using a smartphone or tablet.