Energy chains wiki

Q: How can I determine the remaining service life of my energy chain during operation?

By using our i.Sense sensors , you can obtain a well-founded status report on your energy supply at any time in real time.

Q: What is the maximum possible travel length?

With roller energy chains , travels of 1,200 metres and more are possible.

All important technical topics relating to our energy chains

In this energy chain wiki, we offer you comprehensive information and practical tips on all aspects of the energy chains: from materials and practical solutions to instructions on selection, installation and maintenance.

This is what you will find on this page:

Basics of the energy chain

The components of an energy chain are crossbar, side link, separator and shelf

Structure of an energy chain

An energy chain consists of several interconnected chain links. The energy chain is closed by mounting brackets on both sides. A chain link has the following elements:

Upper crossbar (for tubes: lid)
Side part - inner and/or outer link
Lower crossbar (for tubes: bottom)
Separator for vertical separation
Shelf for horizontal interior separation

Materials

high-performance polymer igumid, which must withstand compressive and tensile strain, abrasion resistance, good toughness and strong behaviour at high and low temperatures. igumid G is the basic material for most applications. It can withstand continuous temperatures from -40°C to well over +120°C.

Design principle

With crossbars every link

With crossbars every 2nd link

Energy tubes

Specific designs for special applications

Frequently asked questions in the energy chains wiki

Simply filter by type of movement in the energy chain online shop and narrow down the results based on the dimensions.

With the "e-chain expert" energy chain configurator, you can put together your customised, ready-to-connect energy chain system in just a few steps.

Simply use our service life calculator to calculate the expected service life of the energy chain.

By using our i.Sense sensors, you can obtain a well-founded status report on your energy supply at any time in real time.

With roller energy chains, travels of 1,200 metres and more are possible.

The standard temperature range for plastic energy chains is generally -40°C to +130°C, and short-term +170°C.

Our cable chains have been specially developed for offices and furniture. For example, igus offers the ZF14 or OCR cable chain for organised cable guidance at the desk. Fastening options: magnetic, screwed and glued.

A detailed list of chemical-resistant energy chains provides information on the resistance of the igus materials igumid G, TE and NB to many chemical substances.

Depending on the application, pivoting or locking mounting brackets are recommended. Pivoting connecting elements are movable in the connection to the first chain link, i.e. a radius can also be moved here. A locking connecting element is fixed in the connection to the first chain link, i.e. this connection does not allow any movement.

Yes, plastic energy chains with the material igumid HT are resistant to hot swarf up to +850°C.

Yes, with the system autoglide you can realise travels of up to 80m without a guide trough.

Yes, all igus energy chain materials can be used for continuous operation down to -40°C.

Yes, you can find all energy chains made of the conductive ESD material here.

Yes, we recommend the TH3 energy chain, which has been specially developed for the food and beverage industry.

Yes, with igus plastic energy chains it is possible to save up to 57% and with chainflex cables up to 17%. Tech up now and improve energy efficiency.

With our redictive maintenance, you are shown the optimum maintenance time in real time at all times, depending on the actual movement profile and the current status of your energy supply.

Why energy chains from igus?

Quality: Tried and tested

Thanks to intensive research and extensive testing under real conditions

Lightweight, modular, strong, quiet, and easily openable
Easy and low-maintenance, simple to install
Predictable service life
Sustainability: recycle instead of throwing away

Design tips and white papers

Energy chains white paper

Find out in our white papers how you can improve the energy supply of your application and often bring the cost down in the process.

To the white papers

Tips for energy supply systems

Valuable practical tips to help you plan, optimise and design your own energy chain for maximum service life.

To the design tips

Design energy chains easily

Basics and calculations

The fixed end in the middle of the travel is always the most favourable solution. This is how the chain length is calculated.

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Types of movement

From unsupported applications to circular movements and zig-zag applications.

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Filling rules

General filling rules for cables and hoses in energy chains.

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Strain relief systems

Ideally, the cable/hose should be strain-relieved at both ends of the energy chain.

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Environmental influences (technical environment)

Material specifications: igumid material, cleanroom and ESD, environment with dirt accumulation, chemical resistance.

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Technical terms and definitions

Here you will find an overview of all abbreviations and formulae relating to the energy chain.

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Practical solutions

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