e-chain® comparison test: igus® plastic e-tube R4.38L vs. closed competition energy chain in hybrid design (plastic / metal)

igus® compared its R4.38L energy chain made of plastic with a competitor's product in a comparative test at the industry's largest test laboratory in Cologne. Both chains were assessed in terms of their appearance, unsupported length, their behaviour under tensile forces, their load-bearing capacity in a breakage test and their ease of installation.

igus® R4.38L

Competition chain

1.5m unsupported length with****4 kg/m additional weight

No sagging after 96 hours
(96 mm)

19 mm sagging

Tensile test

At 7,481 N, the R4.38L can withstand more tensile force than
the competitor's chain.

2.200 N

Breakage test

At 1,590 N, the R4.38L can withstand more force
than the competition chain.

994 N

Ease of assembly

Can be opened on both sides
Links can be cut to length
Interior partitioning possible

Not hinged
Time-consuming cutting to length
Interior partitioning not
possible

Conclusion:
The igus® R4.38L e-tube is superior to its rival product in all areas tested.