Energy chains Wiki

The energy chain, also known as e-chain® is a machine component that guides and protects flexible cables and hoses. Its protection reduces downtime and increases the service life of cables and hoses.

Customers can save time and money when using igus® energy chains.
igus® energy chains are already being used in a multitude of applications around the world – from beverage dispensers to steelworks.

More than 400,000 customers worldwide from 50 branches of industry use igus® energy chains.

Definition of Cable Management

Cable management is the protecting and guiding of dymanic cables in modern machinery. This is achieved byselecting the right type of energy chain for you application. Choosing the right energy chain for your cable management is easy with igus product finder tool. Just enter your requirements and the system will find it for you. The cable management of your machinery is important as moving cables need to be protected from wear and tear and sometimes ardous environments.

Find out more

Design energy chains easily

Fundamentals and calculations
Locating the fixed end in the centre of the travel is always the most cost-effective solution. How to calculate chain length.

Types of movement
From unsupported applications to circular movements to zig-zag applications.

Distribution rules
General filling rules for cables and hoses in energy chains.

Strain relief
Ideally, the cables/hoses should be strain relieved at both ends of the energy chain. They must be strain-relieved at the moving end of the energy chain at least.

Environmental influences (technical environment)
Material information: igumid material, cleanroom and ESD, dirty environments, chemically resistant.

Technical terms and definitions
Here is an overview of all abbreviations and formulae for energy chains.

Elements of an energy chain — Representation using the example of an E4Q chain link. Some energy chains deviate from this representation.

Energy chain elements

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

Upper crossbar (for tubes: lid)

2. Side element – inner and/or outer side link

3. Lower crossbar (for tubes: bottom)

4. Separator for vertical separation

5. Partial shelf for horizontal separation

Configure your energy chain

Identify the part number of your chain link

Read the part number of the opening bar to find out the desired width (Bi).

Read the part number of the inner link to find out the desired radius (R).

To reorder an entire chain link, select the previously determined width and radius via the part number.

Structure of the part number for two-part energy chain of the R2.1 series

part number of the opening bar:
The chain article consists of two parts, the crossbar and the chain base.

part number of the lower part of the chain:
The part number of the assembly is located on the side of the part.

part number of the entire chain link:
The part number is composed as follows:
Series.inner height.inner width.radius.colour
(for example: R2.48.115.100.0)