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.

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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:

Upper crossbar (for tubes: lid)

Side element – inner and/or outer side link

Lower crossbar (for tubes: bottom)

Separator for vertical separation

Partial shelf for horizontal separation

Energy chain white paper

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

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Tips for energy supply systems

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

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Real-world examples

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

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Design energy chains easily

Fundamentals and calculations

Locating the fixed end in the centre of the travel is always the most cost-effective solution. How to calculate chain length.

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Types of movement

From unsupported applications to circular movements to zig-zag applications.

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Distribution rules

General filling rules for cables and hoses in energy chains.

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Strain relief

Ideally, the cables/hoses should be strain relieved at both ends of the energy chain. They must be strain-relieved at the moving end of the energy chain at least.

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Environmental influences (technical environment)

Material information: igumid material, cleanroom and ESD, dirty environments, chemically resistant.

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Technical terms and definitions

Here is an overview of all abbreviations and formulae for energy chains.

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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.

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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.

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.