igus is launching a new opening tool for E2/000 energy chains, which the company says reduces the time it takes to open the energy chains by 31 seconds per metre (from 33 seconds to 2 seconds, based on a one-metre length of chain).
The chain opener is placed at the beginning of a length of chain, on one side link, then pushed along by hand. The wings on the opener then swing the bars into a 90-degree position outside. This method is completely safe and does not damage the chain.
One mechanical engineer has estimated that he would have saved two working days in one year using the opener for his E2/000 chains.
Follow the link to see a movie of the energy chain opener being used.