Igus is launching fully-enclosed RX energy tubes, which will be exhibited in the UK for the first time during this year's MACH running from 7-11 June 2010 at the NEC, Birmingham. The Igus RX range features smooth, domed outer contours for protection against debris and chips accumulation, as well as dust, dirt, oil, high humidity and temperature extremes. The covered pin/bore connections and stop dogs are concealed on the inside of the E-Tube to further protect against chip penetration.
Speaking about the RX energy tube range, Justin Leonard of Igus UK says: "All chips, whether coarse or tiny, fall off so that the cables and hoses within are almost one hundred per cent protected". The RX E-Tube is particularly well-suited to short, self-supporting lengths such as those found inside machine tools.
Despite its impermeability, the RX E-Tube is said to be easy to open and includes an inner separation system that has been optimised to reduce abrasion on the cables to a minimum. The original RX40 has a large interior height of 52mm, and the enlarged range now includes the RX48 (62mm inner height) and RX56 (73mm inner height). The tubes' lids are opened in the outer radius using a flat screwdriver to turn the clip locks anti-clockwise. The separation system has three vertical separators and a horizontal shelf for the safe and separate routing of cables and hoses. Since the cables remain accessible at all times with the RX E-Tubes, maintenance and machine downtimes are kept to a minimum.
Custom systems are also available to satisfy small reverse bending radius and high-temperature conditions. Made of special igumid HT material, the high-temperature option ensures that even red-hot chips at up to 850degC fall off without damaging the E-Tube.
RX E-Tubes can be delivered directly to the machine as ReadyChains, assembled to size and pre-fitted with cables and hoses, suitable connectors and even including a new guide rail. Leonard says: "With the help of pre-harnessed, ready-to-fit energy supply systems, assembly times decrease and storage costs drop considerably."
The RX40 E-Tubes have also won the IF Product Design Award 2010, which was presented at this year's Hanover Fair. Award jurors selected Igus after assessing 2486 products from 38 countries. Leonard comments: "Our award-winning RX model has broken the mould in E-Tube design and tops available impermeable standards."
Igus will be exhibiting at MACH in hall 5, stand number 5679, where examples of the Igus RX40 and ReadyChains will be on display. Igus engineers will be on hand to discuss energy chain and polymer bearing requirements, as well as demonstrating the latest products.
Follow the link for more information about the RX energy tubes.