Igus meets customer demand with innovative E4Q e-chain

Igus, a leading manufacturer of motion plastics, has developed a new extender crossbar design for its E4Q modular energy chain series to enable the safe guidance of large hoses. The extender crossbar can be mounted on the energy chain with an adapter system, allowing individual adaptation to the hose diameter. The E4Q opening mechanism ensures easy installation and filling of the energy supply.

The E4Q energy chain series was launched in 2019 and has proven popular in various applications, from machine tools to linear robots. The series is known for its modularity and has enabled users to save up to 40% assembly time and 10% weight compared to the standard E4.1 series. In response to customer demand, Igus developed the E4Q e-chain with extender crossbars in a design study.

"Some customers wanted to guide large hoses in addition to cables," explains Phillip Hagedorn, Product Manager of e-chains at igus GmbH.

The extender crossbars can accommodate hoses used in industries such as wood processing, where large hoses are often required. The crossbars can be opened and closed without any tools and are available in 15 widths, providing users with a high level of variability when configuring their energy supply.

"We have developed two different widths and heights of the adapters," explains Hagedorn. "This allows the customer to adapt the extender crossbar to the hose diameter."

Using the extender crossbars significantly increases the interior space of the energy chain, allowing for the accommodation and routing of other cables alongside hoses. The energy chain can be easily divided using cable-friendly interior separation elements, enabling customers to lay out their cables and hoses as desired. The new e-chain with extender crossbars also allows for cost savings, as smaller energy chains can be used with extended crossbars for more inner height rather than a larger energy chain.

Igus has again demonstrated its commitment to innovation by developing the E4Q e-chain with extender crossbars. The adapter system allows for quick and easy adjustment of the energy chain to the hose diameter, while the E4Q opening mechanism ensures easy installation and filling of the energy supply. 

With this new product, Igus has provided customers with high variability and cost savings, making the E4Q series an even more attractive option for various applications. Find out more about it at https://www.igus.sg/info/e4q-clamp.