Energy chain E6 low noise and vibration RWTH Aachen tests vibration behaviour of energy chains

The WZL tested five energy chains on a highly dynamic linear test stand with direct drive. The E6 energy chain and the 380 series from the E4.100 standard program both from igus® were investigated as well as three comparable energy chains from other suppliers. The energy chains all had interior widths from 100 to 105 mm and interior heights from 42 to 52 mm. The speed of movement and acceleration of the system were varied (speeds of movement: 25 m/min, 50 m/min, 100 m/min and 200 m/min; accelerations: 10 m/s2 and 20 m/s2). The vibration near the energy chains was measured at 6,000 Hz, using 3-axis acceleration sensors on the towing arm and in the support channel.

TÜV Rhineland certifies quiet running
The energy affecting towing arm is up to 28 percent lower with the igus® energy chain E6 than with the other energy chains tested. The RWTH Aachen found the E6 to have the lowest vibration level by far. In line with this proof of smooth running, an official report prepared by the TÜV Rhineland shows that the E6 is also extremely quiet. During laboratory tests in the company's technical centre, the energy chain was tested at 37 dB (A) self-supporting at 1 m/s.

Spring element tested with 220 million cycles
The key design feature of the igus® energy chain series E6, is that the classical pin/bore connection have been replaced by a resilient polymer spring .The so-called polygon effect that can occur when an energy chain is unrolled, is now reduced to a minimum. This leads to extremely low noise development and almost vibration-free running of the energy chain. This is ideal in the combination with linear motors, for example, where extremely high accelerations can be achieved with the E6 whilst keeping a smooth motion. The resilient spring element of the E6 energy chain was successfully tested in the igus® laboratory for 220 million cycles.

Almost abrasion-free, according to Fraunhofer Institute
Thanks to its modular design, the E6 energy chain can be lengthened and shortened at any point. The spring element connects the individual side parts into a sturdy energy chain which works fault-free during highly dynamic applications even after millions of cycles. The polymer spring elements are almost abrasion-free, proven by tests by the IPA Fraunhofer Institute. With its abrasion-resistance and low wear level, the E6 energy chain is suitable for clean room applications according to the specifications of the IPA Fraunhofer Institute (to be realised with special material ISO-Class 1). Further typical areas of application are laser/torch cutting systems, measuring/test machines, semi-conductor and electronics industry, medicine and pharmaceutical industry, tooling machines, automation and high-speed handling.

ESD version for constant conduction values
Finally, the E6 energy chain is also available as an ESD version (ESD = electro-static discharge), particularly for safety in explosion-protection areas as well as for ESD interference resistance in sensitive production areas. The E6-ESD chain is made of the special igus® material GC which has been certified by the Federal Physico-Technical Institute (PTB). Here, the spring element plays a central role. Thanks to this, the individual links in the energy chain are connected mechanically and electrically throughout all the installation positions. This way, E6-ESD achieves permanently constant conductive values without contact area wear in the long term.