Design tips for unsupported applications

Energy chain systems for every application

Horizontal movement

Protection against weather and dirt
Cost-effective and fully enclosed complete solution
Easy wall mounting
Optimum attachment to floor or ceiling.
Also with optimum chip protection

Horizontal motion

Vertical movements

Modular design
Especially quiet and space-saving design
Also for highly dynamic movement and lateral acceleration
Easy access for servicing
Fast and easy installation

Vertical movements

Circular and spiral movements

More versatile and flexible than cable reels
Guide electric current, air and fluids safely in a single system
Energy supply possible in all directions
If travels must be kept free

Circular and spiral movements

Energy chains for 3D movements and robots

3D movement and robots

Defined torsion stop dog for each e-chain link
Defined minimum bend radius
High tensile strength due to ball and socket joint
Optional retraction system
Option with fibre-rod for partial direction control

Robots and 3D movements

Special environments

e-chains suitable for cleanrooms
Avoidance of electrostatic charging
With protection against swarf and dust
Also with protection against hot chips
Very low-vibration and low-noise e-chains
Resistant to chemicals

Special applications

Energy supply systems

Ready-to-install energy supply systems
Cables with connectors
Harnessing time is reduced by up to 95%
Reduce process costs
Everything from one source
Minimise machine downtime

Ready-to-install harnessed systems

Online shop

I am familiar with the drag chains from igus® and know the required dimensions and types of movement for my cable carrier system.

To the online shop

Configuration

I know the environment variables of my application and would like to configure them conveniently online or request a customised project from an expert.

Go to the configurators

Knowledge Base

I am unsure about the selection of an energy chain for my application and need further information.

To the information area

complete set

No long searches for the right energy chain series and the right accessories. Sophisticated engineering made easy. Complete sets in just 3 clicks!

Go to the complete sets

Let us inspire you - examples from practice

Where are drag chains used? - Drag chains from igus® are already in reliable use in many hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide - from beverage vending machines to steel mills. Over 400,000 customers worldwide from 50 industries rely on energy chains from igus®.

Multi-purpose hall at HUNGEXPO

Energy chains and chainflex special cables for complex installation under the hall floor

Go to application

BANG slab transport crane

Energy chains from igus as energy supply for indoor crane under adverse conditions.

Go to application

All applications with energy chains

Across the globe, more than 400,000 customers from 50 branches of industry use igus energy chains.

Discover all applications

Order a drag chain sample

Are you interested in our drag chain, but would like to hold it in your hands to make a final decision and get the best possible impression?
Then you are welcome to order a free sample from us.

Order your free energy chain sample now

3D CAD portal

energy chain faster designing. 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 travel distances 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 suitable for tight installation spaces, but also for large, heavy and stiff cables or hoses.

Zum 3D CAD-Portal

The advantages of igus® drag chain systems

Gentle on cables
Low weight, modular, stable, quiet, easy to open
Carry 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 plastic
Large standard catalogue

Why energy chains from igus?

What is an energy chain?

The term Energy chain or also e-chain is closely linked to the terms Energy chain and Energy chain. The drag chain is a product that transports cables safely over a certain distance. They are primarily used for machines where the guided cables and hoses have to be moved a certain distance without being damaged, so that a machine shutdown is prevented. The drag chain is a safe means of transporting the energy and data cable and, if necessary, the data cable. media hoses via this route.

There are different types and versions of energy chains to meet different requirements. For example, there are completely enclosed versions that withstand external influences such as dirt or swarf and still guarantee the function of the machine. Variants specifically designed for several directions of movement, such as on robots, are also common, as are special materials that prevent electrostatic charging.

service life monitoring for all e-chain®

New sensor technology enables measurement of percentage wear levels of the pin/bore connection
Cost reduction through clear measurement of product service life - Avoidance of premature replacement of the e-chain system®
Output of service life information and warning messages via system HMI or local network
Transmission of sensor and dynamic data via newly developed LoRa module

Integrated service life monitoring with smart plastics