Igus P4 energy chains are now available in two new sizes: P4.32 and P4.42. The P4.42 (42mm inner height) is a heavy-duty design for particularly demanding application such as those in cranes: performance characteristics include high speeds up to 10m/s, long travels up to 800m and high filling weights of up to 10kg/m.
In contrast, the P4.32 (32mm inner height) features a lighter and slimmer design for high speeds when installation space is limited. The upper run and lower run are rolling offset over each other. Though the plastic profile rolls are not completely parallel, they still roll on a wide surface, which greatly increases the lifetime of the chain.
Additionally, the pitch of the chain link is equal for links both with and without rollers, so that the energy chain is especially quiet and free from vibrations during operation. The rollers themselves are fixed into the chain side links, while the auto-glide cross bars are made of tribologically optimised plastic. A special trough system ensures that the energy chain runs safely.
With the P4 family there are now products with sufficient reserves available and for the largest cranes in service and being conceived for the future. A P4.56 energy chain has recently been installed on an RMG crane in the inland port in Duisburg (see photo). In another application, the P4 is used on a Chinese ship-to-shore crane in a container loading plant (240m/min speed, 126m travel).
There is also a new special cable for these energy chain applications too: the Fibre Optic bus cable Chainflex CFLG.2LB is a universally applicable bus cable for all bus systems, giving a high cycle life. The new fibre optic cable series for small radii down to 40mm in energy chains helps to save installation space on cranes. Because of the matched length of the fibre optic cores and the aramid strain and torsion relief, more than 8.5million double strokes have been proved for energy chains in a 38mm test machine. The highly abrasion-resistant TPE jacket protects against mechanical damage and is highly resistant to oil and chemicals.
Follow the links for more information about the P4.42 and P4.32 energy chains and the Fibre Optic bus cable Chainflex CFLG.2LB.