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Calculation of chain lengths and pretension

This is how the length of the energy chains for linear movement is calculated:

First define the fixed end, i.e. the position of the immovable connection of an energy chain. We recommend placing the fixed end in the centre of the travel path. This gives you a cost-effective solution, as less energy chain and usually less cable is required. Of course, it is also possible to place the fixed end outside the centre of the travel path.

Note: The fixed end in the centre of the travel path is always the most cost-effective solution

For unsupported applications

Diagram for calculating chain length with dimension S and radius R.
Diagram for calculating chain length with dimension S and radius R.

In unsupported applications, the upper run of the energy chain moves parallel to the lower run over the entire horizontal travel.

For fixed end in the centre of the travel: L****k = S**/**2 + K

AbbreviationMeaningUnit
LkEnergy chain length[mm]
S/2Half way[mm]
KAdd-on for bend radius (K is taken from the data tables of the individual series)[mm]
RBend radius[mm]
Diagram for calculating chain length with S, S/2 and ΔM in an e-chain.
Diagram for calculating chain length with S, S/2 and ΔM in an e-chain.

For fixed end outside the centre of the travel: L****k = S**/**2 + ∆M +K

AbbreviationMeaningUnit
LkEnergy chain length[mm]
S/2Half way[mm]
KAdd-on for bend radius (K is taken from the data tables of the individual series)[mm]
∆M Deviation of the centre point [mm]
RBend radius[mm]

For gliding applications

Diagram for calculating the length of a sliding energy chain with dimensions and bend radii.
Diagram for calculating the length of a sliding energy chain with dimensions and bend radii.

A = moving end
B = fixed end
C = Guide trough with glide bar
D = Guide trough without glide bar
E = Total length of guide trough

In the case of the sliding energy supply, the energy chain slides on one half on the lower run and on the other half on a glide bar.

For fixed end in the centre of the travel: L****k = S**/2 **+ K**2**

AbbreviationMeaningUnit
LkEnergy chain length[mm]
S/2Half way[mm]
K2Add-on for bend radius if the mounting point height is lowered[mm]
∆CL Offset fixed end [mm]
RBend radius [mm]
D2 Over length for long travels gliding [mm]
H2 Clearance height with lowered moving end [mm]
HRiInner trough height [mm]

Pre-load

Energy chain with bend radius and height dimension for calculating chain length and pretension.
Energy chain with bend radius and height dimension for calculating chain length and pretension.

The required clearance height depends on the pretension of the energy chain with the total value HF. The dimension HF dimension can be found on the product pages.

AbbreviationMeaningUnit
HNominal clearance height [mm]
HFRequired clearance height [mm]

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