Posted to News on 28th Feb 2012, 15:53
igus E6.1 energy chain is lighter, quieter and smoother
igus UK has completely redesigned many features of its quiet chain - the fast, quiet, and low-vibration E6 series. The second-generation E6.1 is up to 37 per cent lighter, even quieter than its predecessor, easier to assemble and makes new applications possible.
For ten years, the igus E6 series has been in use all over the world wherever quiet and low-vibration cable carrying is required at high speeds and with high accelerations. Justin Leonard of igus UK comments: "With the E6.1, the so-called polygon effect that can occur when an energy chain is rolling is reduced to a minimum, resulting in extremely low noise of down to 37 dB(A). In addition, rigorous testing of the second-generation E6.1 confirms improvements in abrasion resistance and lower wear, making it well-suited to clean room applications where up to ISO Class 1 - IPA is required."
Elastic polymer spring elements connect the side parts of the energy chain to one another and prevent relative movements between the joints. Since the classic pin/bore connection is no longer used, friction and abrasion are greatly reduced, even after millions of rolling cycles. According to an expert report presented by Cologne Technical College, up to 3.8billion cycles were confirmed possible with the E6.1, depending on the machine program being used.
Weight reduction
A significant weight saving of up to 37 per cent (compared with the existing E6.29) improves dynamics and lowers the required drive force; the new E6.1 is also 2dB(A) quieter. The optimised spring mechanism makes the E6.1 more modular, enabling the energy chain to be extended and shortened as required, and helps reduce assembly and disassembly time. While having the same internal dimensions, the E6.1 is both narrower and lighter, and the smooth interior helps to increase the service life of cables and hoses.
The combination of the inner link and outer link on the new E6.1 offers users a range of new possibilities. The pretension of the energy chain can be adjusted by reversing the inner link. This is useful for applications in tight spaces or for gliding applications. If, on the other hand, the outer link is reversed, the stop-dog limit is changed, and with it the direction of rotation of the energy chain; this makes small circular movements and S-shaped movements possible, in 'zigzag' chains, for example. For more information about the E6 series quiet chain go to www.igus.co.uk.
