Designtips energy chain for unsupported applications

Design tips for unsupported applications

Energy chains and energy chain systems directly from the manufacturers

Energy chains from igus® in the online shop

Energy chains online shop

I am familiar with the igus energy chains and I know the required dimensions and types of movement for my energy supply system.

To the online shop

Energy chain configuration

I know the ambient variables of my application and would like to configure it conveniently online or consult an expert about an individual project.

Go to the configurators

Energy chain wiki

I am unsure what energy chain I should choose for my application and need further information.

To the information area

Types of movement

I know the type of movement and require the appropriate energy supply system: Horizontal movement, vertical movement, circular and spiral movement, etc.

Go to types of movement

Frequently asked questions

What are energy chains?

What energy chains are there?

What are the advantages of energy chains?

Where can I generate 3D CAD models?

Where can I download a comprehensive energy chain catalogue?

Are there suitable cables for energy chains?

How can energy chains become smart?

What are energy chains?

Energy chains (also referred to as energy supply chains, e-chains or cable drag chains) are mechanical machine elements. They are used to supply and protect energy, data and signals that have to withstand the most diverse environmental influences. The decisive fact about cable guides is the symbiosis of the components moving against each other. They include cables, hoses, interior separation elements, strain relief devices and guide troughs.

The materials used have to be optimally matched to each other so that maximum operating times and a long service life are achieved. Thanks to energy chains, downtime is avoided wherever energy in the form of electricity, gas, air or fluids is supplied to moving consumers.

What energy chains are there?

Small energy chains

Inner heights: 5 - 32mm

Go to product overview

Medium-sized energy chains

Inner heights: 21 - 48mm

Go to product overview

Large energy chains

Inner heights: 21 - 350mm

Go to product overview

For robots

Inner diameter: 12 - 46.8mm

Go to product overview

Protection against dirt and swarf

Inner heights: 21 - 75mm

Go to product overview

For long travels

Long travel distances of up to 800m and more

Go to product overview

For special environments

Cleanroom, ESD solutions and much more.

Go to product overview

Complete energy chain sets

Sophisticated engineering made simple

Go to product overview

All energy chains & accessories

Other energy chain families

Go to product overview

Guarantee of up to 4 years on energy chains

Learn more

All assembly instructions for energy chains at a glance.

Learn more

Discover energy chains in interactive 3D models

To the 3D models

Suitable cables for energy chains with 4-year guarantee

Buy cables

Let us inspire you - examples from the real world

Where are energy chains used? - igus energy chains already being used reliably in hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide - from beverage vending machines to steelworks. Over 400,000 customers worldwide from 50 industries rely on igus energy chains.

Multi-purpose hall at HUNGEXPO
Energy chains and chainflex special cables for complex installation under the hall floor

Go to application

Slab transport crane from BANG
Energy chains from igus as an energy supply system for indoor cranes under adverse conditions.

Go to application

All applications with energy chains
Over 400,000 customers worldwide from 50 industries rely on energy chains from igus.

Discover all applications

"After ten years of operation, we can say that we have had very good experiences with the product. Particularly in terms of durability. Operation and maintenance are kept to a minimum. We content ourselves with a visual inspection, and so far its operation has been outstanding."

Dirk Eickmeyer

Wasser- und Schifffahrtsamt (Water and Shipping Authority) Wilhelmshaven

We were convinced by the fact that the entire energy chain system is very compact. On the other hand, the plastic chain is much lighter compared to a steel chain. You need lesser forces to pull them from one end of the bridge to the other.

Joury van Gijseghem

Project Manager DEME

Since its delivery, the igus energy supply system has been running smoothly and required only minimal maintenance. As a result, we have saved enormously on labour and materials.

Zhang Quan

Head of the SWS development department

Wherever the maintenance-free and lubrication-free products from igus can be used, I install them. They are affordable, durable, simple and work even in dirty environments.

Ingmar Roosileht

Board member and Mechanical Engineer, Aramet OÜ

Although they have been in use for over two years, they still show no signs of wear. The energy supply systems are checked monthly. Here we can tell that no abrasion is visible so far.

Dipl.-Ing. Werner Kretzinger

Head of Electrical Engineering Maintenance at AVA Abfallverwertung Augsburg GmbH

Glueing instead of drilling

Compact solution for guiding cables on indoor cranes

Suspended power and data cables on indoor/jib cranes often pose a high risk as they can become tangled and tear off. With the new adhesive version of the guidelok swing GLO.S, the cable guide can be installed directly in the contour of the crane girder. A special guidelok swing rocker system allows for use with long girder lengths, ensuring low wear and cost-effectiveness.

With the new adhesive version, it is really easy to mount the cable guide securely to the crane girder - without drilling. Super-fast and simple installation with adhesive pads and assembly template.

To the shop for guidelok swing GLO.S - adhesive version

Order energy chain sample

Are you interested in our energy chain? Would you like to hold it in your hands before making a final decision to get the best possible impression?
You are welcome to order a free sample from us.

Order energy chain sample

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.

Download energy chain design tips

What are the advantages of energy chains?

Cable-friendly due to very smooth contours
Various types of movements possible
Lightweight, modular, strong, quiet, easy to open
Guiding energy, data, fibre optic cable, oil and air in one system
Configurable online
Predictable service life
Easy and low-maintenance, simple to install
Can be expanded as an intelligent, self-monitoring system with smart plastics
Large standard catalogue

Why energy chains from igus?

3D CAD portal

Designing energy chains faster. CAD models for a wide range of systems. Designing drag chains made easy.
Our e-chain is already being used reliably in many hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide - from beverage vending machines and CNC machines to steelworks. Unsupported lengths can be bridged with ease and long travels are conceivable for a wide range of industries. It has a modular design and is therefore easy to install. Completely media-friendly and designed for the smallest bend radius, igus chains are not only suitable for tight installation spaces, but also for large, heavy and stiff cables or hoses.

To 3D CAD portal

Suitable cables for e-chains

Extensive product range: Over 1,350 unharnessed cables, specifically for continuous motion in energy chains.
Variety for every application: whether control cables, servo cables, fibre optic cables, data cables or many more - always the right solution.
Meets the highest standards worldwide: our cables are certified in accordance with international approvals and standards.
All chainflex cables are put through their paces in our 5,500m² test laboratory - with a guarantee of up to 4 years.

Buy cables

Smart maintenance solutions for e-chains

Smart maintenance solutions for energy chains

Condition monitoring: by measuring the forces occurring during operation by means of assembled sensors, notifications can be sent or the system stopped if predefined critical values are exceeded.
Predictive maintenance: the use of sensors and software allows for dynamic replacement recommendations and the determination of optimum maintenance times. The aim is to maximise system safety and product service life

Discover smart maintenance solutions for e-chains

Further information on energy chains

Energy chain catalogue
The energy chain catalogue can be downloaded online!
► Download here (PDF)

Order free printed catalogue

Tested!
Every year, 3,000 e-chain tests are carried out to withstand the toughest influences.

To the test laboratory

Recycling program
Energy chains, regardless of the manufacturer, can be recycled at igus. How does it work?

Go to recycling programme

Online seminar
Benefit from the knowledge and experience of our speakers by participating in our online energy chain seminars. Interactive✓ informative✓ free of charge✓

Go to the online seminars

Consulting

I look forward to answering your questions

Han Song (Denis) Yap

Senior Product Manager for e-chain® ASEAN

+65 9834 4953 Write e-mail

Shipping and consultation

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Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 5.30 pm.

Online:
24h

WhatsApp-Service:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5.30 pm.