TRX revolutionises 3D movement

Telescopic triflex® TRX - space-saving installation with a retraction length up to 36%

Winner: iF Design Award 2022 and Red Dot Design Award 2022
The telescopic triflex® R TRX combines triflex® R energy chain and retraction system in one. The combination enables a space-saving installation with compensation of up to 36% of the e-chain's length. The length compensation also prevents loop formation at the robot. The round shape of the 'easy' design is highly resilient and makes it possible to insert and remove harnessed cables easily.

TRXC as a completely closed version

Design study for the Hannover Messe 2026

Request delivery time and price for TRXC

TRXE as easy or open version

Stock parts and can therefore be ordered directly

Online shop for TRXE

Telescopic and twistable combined in one e-chain

The TRX complements the functions of the triflex R series and now also makes them telescopic
Due to their patented design, the chain links of the TRX allow a length compensation of up to 36% to one another without losing the connection or the torsion resistance.
The rubber band inside the TRX retracts the links back to their starting point and the retraction force can be adjusted via the rubber band
Weight reduction of up to 83% compared to a solution with a retraction system (RSP)
The TRX design study is currently 100% compatible with the TRE.60.087.0.B, other chain sizes will follow.

Functional sample of the TRX e-chain®

The best way to explain the function and benefits of the TRX e-chain® is to use a working sample.
With this sample, you can see how this special e-chain works both haptically and by means of digital animation.
If, after pulling the rubber band, you would like to know what is happening inside the TRX and what makes the telescopic movement possible, scan the QR code on the sleeve. This will start an animation on your mobile phone/tablet: By means of X-ray vision, you will be able to see inside the TRX and how it works.
Try it out! You will be amazed.

Order free TRX sleeve

Experience the TRX from completely new angles

Start animation with the Play button and change the viewing angle with the mouse

Tech up

Up to 36% length compensation possible
Minimises loop formation
Space-saving design
Compatible with the triflex® R portfolio of the TRE range
Easy to retrofit

Cost down

Minimisation of bought-in parts
Shorter cable lengths
All components are individually replaceable
Minimisation of installation times thanks to the 'easy' design

Proof

The telescopic TRX is being tested for different characteristics in current tests in the igus® test laboratory.

Sustainability

Considerably less material and fewer parts are needed compared to conventional retraction systems, as a result of which resources are conserved.
Have your energy chain recycled in the igus Chainge recycling programme at the end of its life cycle. Irrespective of the manufacturer. You will receive a voucher for this: Chainge recycling programme
igus supports the circular economy of plastics and is investing in chemical recycling.

Cable guidance in the TRX

As cables or hoses cannot be elongated to the same extent as the e-chain, they are placed in the TRX according to a specific principle. (see picture on the right) In addition, the cables and hoses are fastened in place in the middle of the TRX so that they do not leave their position when the chain is pulled.
Thanks to the special arrangement of the cables and their additional strain relief in the centre of the TRX, the filling can easily cope with the length compensation of the e-chain.

upper chain: cables/hoses wound onto a reel as much as possible
middle chain: cables/hoses half unwound from reel
lower chain: cables/hoses are completely elongated in the TRX

Matthias Meyer explains the TRX on the igus trade show stand

3D movement as with all triflex R e-chains
Torsion resistance as with all triflex R e-chains
Can be extended and shortened like all triflex R e-chains
Compatible with TRE and TRC in the relevant size
The key is that the TRX can also telescope

Book an individual demonstration

The proof

The triflex® R TRX in the igus test laboratory
The TRX is currently undergoing the final test phase in our in-house test laboratory. The picture shows the TRE.60.B size, in which the TRX will be available first.
The first 7-8 chain links (starting from axis 6) are normal links of TRE.60.087.0.B. The rest of the e-chain is made of the new telescopic TRX e-chain.

Would you like to see it live? Then simply book a virtual appointment at our digital trade show stand.

Suitable products for the TRX

Angled tube with mounting bracket

The TR.920.237.60.01compact connection in combination with the TR.912.099 angled tube offers the greatest possible degree of freedom when connecting to the robot
The elongated holes in the adapter consoles of the angled tube enable direct installation on a large number of robot models without additional adapters.
The compact connection also impresses with its space-saving design, generating an optimum connection point even in confined cells.

Buy angled tube with bracket