How to specify an energy chain

This step is to identify what services you intend on feeding through the energy chain.

• Examples such as; cables, pneumatics or hydraulics?
• How many services and also the diameter of those services?
• You also need to decide if interior separation is required? This means if you want to be able to separate the cables running the length of the chain.

Depending on the length of travel will depend on the best suited energy chain.

• Is it end fixed or centre fixed?
• Centre fixed is the most cost effective option as you only require half the amount of chain. The upper run moves backwards and forwards over the centre point
• The fixed end of the chain is at the end of the travel.

This can be looked at 2 ways.

• Is the energy chain replacing an existing energy chain? If so what are the dimensions of the existing trough?
• If this is a new application, are there restrictions within the application or on the machine?
• It is important to look at every part of the application/ machine to ensure there are no restrictions along the way.

Enviromental factors can have a great impact on the seclection process of the energy chains.  Examples such as;

• Extreme temperatures, either high or low.
• Harsh chemicals.
• Dirt & Swarf
• Moisture
• Conductivity
• Cleanroom
• Flammability

Knowing the bend radius is crucial to prevent kinking and damage to the cables. But what is the bend radius? The bend radius is the maximum radius that a cable will be bent in the application without causing damage to that cable. The image to the right shows the bend that the cables will endure. Different cables have different limitations, so it is vital that you have the correct bend information. Elements for consideration;

• The minimum bend radius. The radius below which the cable can not be bent.
• Check the manufacturers minimum bend radius for the cable.
• Are the cables in space constraints within the application?
• Can you increase the bend radius? The larger the radius, the less mechanical stress on the cables.
• What is the temperature range? Ensure you pick the correct cable for the temperature required.

There are numerous options of orientation for the energy chains; rotational, horizontal and vertical.

• Depending on the orientation can depend on certain elements of the energy chain; such as the end brackets.
• For vertical and rotational applications you require locking brackets to ensure no movement.
• For horizontal applications you can have pivotal, allowing a degree of movement.

On the majority of energy chains, not just igus® ones, the part numbers can be found on both the side links and cross bars. Click on the orange arrows to expand the image.
Side links can be found along the side of the energy chain and the cross bars run across the width of the chains.