Smart, Reliable Energy Supply in the Smallest of Spaces

i.Sense ES.B: Intelligent breakage detection on theatre e-spool® guarantees safe movement at all times

The new theatre e-spool now comes with various smart features: the force of the three springs included is monitored using an inductive sensor. If the force falls below the specified value, the user is prompted to replace the spring. If the force is exceeded, there is a blockage that must be removed.

A rotation sensor monitoring system can also be installed to count the drum revolutions and determine the position of the chain. As further protection to increase system safety, i.Sense EC.P could also be installed on the chain's moving end in the future for intelligent push/pull force monitoring.

Intelligent condition monitoring successfully implemented across real-world applications:

e-spool theater with cable drum and lighting effect in a stage scene.

Tech up

Increases plant safety thanks to continuous function monitoring
Extends maximum theatre e-spool^® service life
Provides remote access to real-time energy supply condition information

Cost down

Avoid plant downtimes and expensive follow-up costs thanks to integrated breakage detection
Reduce maintenance costs with immediate alerts in the event of e-spool anomalies
Space-saving design without additional monitoring equipment

Proof

Ongoing test series in the industry's largest test laboratory for dynamic power transmission systems
Numerous successful energy supply applications
with i.Sense condition monitoring

Sustainability

Avoid resource-intensive emergency operations
Have your energy chain recycled at the end of its life cycle with the igus® chainge recycling program. No matter what manufacturer.

The e-spool® theatrical rigging system

The slip-ring-free alternative to the cable drum

Guide multiple cables safely and efficiently in confined spaces with e‑spool. This compact system uniquely combines two proven energy supply technologies: a standard energy chain and an integrated roller mechanism. The roller, supported by a built‑in spring, automatically ensures the correct cable length and consistent tension throughout operation.

When in the home position, the energy chain retracts completely, saving valuable space and protecting the cables. The twisterband links the roller to the shaft end block, forming a reliable interface for supply-side cable connections, delivering smooth, controlled energy transmission even in tight installations.

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Vertical chain hoists in stage rigging

White Paper:

Vertical chain hoists in stage rigging

Like every industry, stage technology has its own specific requirements for machine components and materials. In this white paper, we outline six practical tips to help you select and design vertical energy supply systems tailored to the demands of stage applications..

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Whitepaper with 6 tips, shown as a mockup with an orange cover and pages about zig-zag guidance for theatre and stage.

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Less maintenance work, higher availability, the ability to manage all the different cables and hoses in one system, intelligent status monitoring i.Sense ... I would always use intelligent energy chain from igus again!

Fabian Wilhelm

Project Manager at AOS Stade GmbH

24/7 push/pull force monitoring

Condition monitoring system i.Sense EC.P
Additional protection for the energy chain is provided by the smart plastics i.Sense EC.P system (EC = e-chain P = pullforce). It continuously measures the push and pull forces acting on the e-chain. If defined force thresholds are exceeded, the sensor detects this, reports the issue and, if necessary, shuts down the system to prevent costly consequential damage or complete system failure.

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