Wednesday 29 May 2013

New e-spool energy chain from igus at ABTT 2013


Routing many different cables in small spaces

e-spool is a next generation cable management system
that is more durable than traditional cable drums

igus UK, the leading energy chain and cabling specialist, has launched a new compact energy chain, e-spool, which enables users to guide many different cables in narrow spaces and allows them to save space thanks to its small footprint. The innovative e-spool, which won the iF product design award this year, is easy to install and flexible, providing cables reliably in any direction for travel up to 14m.

e-spool is a next generation cable management system that has been designed in response to customer demand for a solution that is more durable than traditional cable drums.  As a result, users can now benefit from a system that provides reliable operation for a wide range of lifting applications.

The new energy chain system links two different igus energy chains in an ingenious way: a standard igus e-chain from the E2/000 series is routed via a spool, and a twisterband connects the spool with the shaft bracket, which serves as the interface to the permanently installed cables.

The innovative e-spool is easy to install and flexible,
providing cables reliably in any direction for travel
up to 14m.
The chain is compactly wound up in its initial position and thanks to an integrated return spring in the spool, the desired length and tension of the energy chain is always ensured.  The e-spool chain is far more flexible than traditional cable drums, because instead of featuring sliding contacts, which are typically found in classic cable drums, the cables for data, compressed air and fluids can be connected without interruption and can be replaced or modified at any time.

It is available in three different lengths (0-4m, 4-7m and 7-14m) and two inner chain widths (80mm and 125mm), enabling many different media and diameter cables to be housed in one drum.  The twisterband TB 30 can hold cables with diameters of up to 16mm and cables can be routed one or both sides of the spool depending on individual customer requirements.

The e-spool is a truly multi-dimensional solution and when three-dimensional chains such as the igus triflex chains are used, energy supply is possible in all directions, whether it’s horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

It is ideal where space is limited and is suitable for many lifting applications where users are looking for space-saving energy chains, such as lifting platforms, cherry pickers, sorting lines, mobile cranes, platform applications, assembly or process cranes with grippers, or lighting rigs in the theatre industry. In addition, users can save space associated with storing the chain, as it has a smaller footprint than traditional zig zag chains used in these applications.

As with all igus e-chains, e-spool is reliable and the plastic energy chain is easy to install and use.   Users can simply press the cables into the chain from the outside, without the chain links being opened and closed.

e-spool is a complete modular replacement for classic cable drums,” says Justin Leonard, director at igus. “Robust and flexible, the e-spool energy chain is more durable than cable drums and enables power, data and media cables in one compact, straightforward system.  At igus we continue to work closely with customers developing innovative solutions and the e-spool is yet another example of how we continue to expand our offering to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

To complement the igus e-spool system, a comprehensive range of more than 950 chainflex cables is available, either as separate parts or pre-fitted.


For more information about the e-spool, please call igus UK directly on 01604 677240 or visit the website at: www.igus.co.uk/e-spool

About igus UK Ltd:
Based in Northampton in the UK, and with global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastic cable carriers in the world. Product lines include industry-leading e-chain cable carriers, chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglidur plastic plain bearings, igubal spherical bearings, drylin linear bearings and guide systems. The company has 26 subsidiaries across 31 countries and employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide.

With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cable since 1989, igus provides the right solution based on 80,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new products introduction each year

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