A new energy chain system for intralogistics and crane systems has been designed by motion plastics experts igus
igus says it has designed its ‘autoglide 5 syhttps://www.igus.co.uk/?utm_source=MachineBuilding.net&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=MB_Articlestem’ to guide energy safely over long distances and at low cost. The company observes that traditionally, companies have relied on busbar systems to transmit power and data in tight, compact spaces, and in situations where fast lane movements are required, such as storage and retrieval units. These can be, it says, expensive to maintain and can only be used for standard levels of power transmission - and they also have to be maintained regularly to avoid contact faults.
Justin Leonard, e-chain Director at igus told MachineBuilding.net “These shortfalls inspired our design team to look at an alternative. Instead of relying on a guide trough, the new igus autoglide 5 system lies on a steel wire rope, and is held in place by a recess in the e-chain. Thus designed, it can safely guide horizontal cables at speeds of up to 4m/sec and over distances of up to 80 metres. It is also maintenance-free and said to be easy to install – with an 88% shorter installation time compared to trough systems".
The new system can be used to manage energy, data, liquids, and air, says igus, making it well suited for crane systems and intralogistics. To install the autoglide 5 system, users lay the supplied metal guide rope along the aisle floor: it is also possible to use a plastic rope or a profile. The underside of the chain links has a recessed guide section in its centre, enabling the energy chain to rest safely on the rope. The system consists of comb-like injection-moulded crossbars and these prevent the energy chain from sliding, meaning that as a result a guide trough is not required.
igus offers its autoglide 5 system already fully harnessed as a readychain with highly flexible chainflex cables that are stated to be long-lasting, maintenance-free, and easy to clean. Whereas busbar systems, or the contacts of a pantograph are susceptible to wear and often need be replaced after only one or two years the igus autoglide 5 system, made from high-performance polymers, is durable and maintenance-free. Unlike the busbar system it has no open contacts, so the aisle is also easy to clean. igus is currently testing the service life of the new energy chain in its own 3,800 square metre test laboratory.