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Energy chains Wiki


The energy chain, also known as e-chain®  is a machine component that guides and protects flexible cables and hoses. Its protection reduces downtime and increases the service life of cables and hoses. Customers can save time and money when using igus® energy chains.
igus® energy chains are already being used in a multitude of applications around the world – from beverage dispensers to steelworks. More than 400,000 customers worldwide from 50 branches of industry use igus® energy chains.

Would you like more information about e-chains® or an individual consultation? Our experts will be happy to get in touch with you.
Contact an expert
e-chain

Elements of an energy chain Representation using the example of an E4Q chain link. Some energy chains deviate from this representation.

Energy chain elements


An energy chain consists of multiple interconnected chain links. The energy chain is closed off with mounting brackets on both sides. A chain link has the following elements:
 
1

Upper crossbar (for tubes: lid)

2

Side element – inner and/or outer side link

3

Lower crossbar (for tubes: bottom)

4

Separator for vertical separation

5

Partial shelf for horizontal separation


Design energy chains easily

Energy chains design Here you can find the most important information about energy chain design – basics and calculation, filling rules, and more.
To the design guidelines

Energy chain white paper

Energy chain white paper Find out from our white papers how you can improve energy supply for your application, often reducing costs.
To the white papers

Tips for energy supply systems

Tips for a robust energy supply system Valuable tips on how to plan your own energy supply system project, optimise the system and design it for the longest possible service life.
To energy supply tips

Tech up, Cost down

Here you may discover the energy chain systems that bring Tech up and Cost down. Start innovating the technology of your machines now and bring down costs for your company.
► Tech up and Cost down now

Popular topics


FAQ-Frequently asked questions

How do I quickly find the right energy chain?

We recommend the product filter in the shop. In the shop, just filter by movement type and narrow down the results using the dimensions. 

How do I find the entire energy supply system with cables, mounting brackets, interior separation, etc.?

With the e-chain® expert energy chain configurator, you can assemble your individual ready-to-connect energy chain system in just a few steps.

How long is an energy chain service life?

Just use our service life calculator to calculate the expected energy chain service life.

For more FAQ's

Be inspired - Examples from the field

Cranes Machine tools Woodworking industry Material handling Robotics Bulk handling Offshore Explore all applications
Multi-purpose hall at HUNGEXPO

Multi-purpose hall at HUNGEXPO

Energy chains and chainflex special cables for complex installation under the hall floor
BANG slab transport crane

BANG slab transport crane

Energy chains from igus as energy supply for indoor crane under adverse conditions.
All applications

All applications with energy chains

Across the globe, more than 400,000 customers from 50 branches of industry use igus energy chains.

Why energy chains from igus®?


Why energy chains from igus? Quality: inspected and tested
Thanks to intensive research and extensive testing under real conditions in the industry's largest test laboratory, igus® guarantees a long service life for your cable guidance system. Our continuously growing expertise is incorporated into collaboration with our customers to refine our products.
Energy chain examples More than 400,000 customers around the world are using igus energy chains
Today, igus energy chains are used in many hundreds of thousands of  applications all over the world.
Energy supply blog Interesting articles
You can find interesting articles and videos about energy supply in our blog!
Read more!

Consulting

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Monday to Friday from 8am - 8pm.

Online:

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The terms "igus", "Apiro", "chainflex", "CFRIP", "conprotect", "CTD", "drylin", "dry-tech", "dryspin", "easy chain", "e-chain", "e-chain systems", "e-ketten", "e-kettensysteme", "e-skin", "e-spool", "flizz", "ibow", "igear", "iglidur", "igubal", "igutex", "kineKIT", "manus", "motion plastics", "pikchain", "readychain", "readycable", "ReBeL", "speedigus", "triflex", "robolink", "xirodur", and "xiros" are legally protected trademarks of the igus® GmbH/ Cologne in the Federal Republic of Germany and where applicable in some foreign countries.

igus® GmbH points out that it does not sell any products of the companies Allen Bradley, B&R, Baumüller, Beckhoff, Lahr, Control Techniques, Danaher Motion, ELAU, FAGOR, FANUC, Festo, Heidenhain, Jetter, Lenze, LinMot, LTi DRiVES, Mitsubishi, NUM,Parker, Bosch Rexroth, SEW, Siemens, Stöber and all other drive manufacturers mention on this website. The products offered by igus® are those of igus® GmbH