Chemical-resistant energy supply systems for electroplating

Very high demands are placed on the components installed in electroplating plants. In the electroplating process, strong chemicals are used in the electrochemical baths, which energy supply systems and the cables near them have to withstand. Wherever steel energy chains reach their limit, igus® plastic energy chains show their advantages. Our chains are chemical-resistant and corrosion-free, light, cost-effective and thanks to their optimised sliding properties, long service life and maintenance-free operation.  The cables in the energy chain must also withstand this demanding environment. 

Would you like more information about products used for this industry? Our experts will be happy to get in touch with you.
 
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Energy supply options

Energy chains & guide trough systems

The energy chains and guide trough systems made from igumid EG+ material are resistant to chemicals and corrosion-free. 
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Flexible cables

Flexible cables
 
For applications in electroplating technology, we recommend tough chainflex® cables that are resistant to chemicals and abrasion. 
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Ready-to-install energy supply systems

With our ready-to-connect readychain energy supply system, you can reduce the installation effort to a minimum, save installation time and reduce machine downtime.
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Predictive maintenance

Finally, we recommend the use of predictive maintenance. This enables you to extend the maintenance intervals of your plant, save costs and reduce failure or downtime costs.
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7 reasons to change to igus®

 

Chemical resistance
 

... with the optimised igumid EG+ material

The material igumid EG+ is characterised by a high density and a very low total moisture absorption. This offers an increased resistance to aggressive chemicals such as those used in electroplating processes. igus® guide troughs made from igumid EG+ and igus energy chains can be used in temperatures from -0°C up to +100°C. The material is free of halogen and silicone and is RoHS compliant.
 
Expensive stainless steels such as 304 or 316 grades, which are traditionally used as guide trough material for protection against chemical influences, are no longer necessary.
 

Improved assembly

 

... with new locking principle


The trough, which is easy to handle and to assemble, can be installed in a very short time. This results in less installation work for the maintenance engineers. During a test installation by igus®, fitters were able to install a 30-metre long trough in less than 3 minutes, thanks to the simple assembly design.
 
The side plates are joined by hand and lock together without tools. The clamping mechanism especially designed for the system keeps it secure and robust. Thanks to the fast assembly, installation time and cost can be significantly reduced.
 
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Light weight facilitates use and reduces costs

 

... with guidelite plus made from igumid EG+

The weight factor: 1 metre guidelite Plus EG weighs only 1.8 kg, 1 metre stainless steel trough 7.5 kg. The use of plastic makes heavy metal guide troughs obsolete. Metallic guide troughs are susceptible to corrosion and expensive, in terms of purchase, installation and maintenance.
 
Tribo-polymers made it possible to design a much lighter guide trough for the tough environment, which is characterised by its smooth running and corrosion resistance. The potential weight savings pay off immediately, in design, operation and purchase.
 
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100% safety plus maintenance indicator


... with smart plastics 


These components give you plant reliability and planning security. If a component on the energy supply system is worn or damaged, the sensors detect this and give a signal or switch off the system as a precaution to prevent expensive subsequent damage. In addition, the sensors issue a predictive maintenance recommendation for individual components (e-chain® or cable) so that you always know if and when maintenance is necessary. This saves time and money.
 
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Reduce  purchasing cost by up to 58%


... compared to stainless steel guide troughs

Guidance systems made of metal have known weaknesses: corrosion, complex assembly, high weight and cost.   The Guidelite-plus-EG guide trough material ensures high chemical resistance, making it ideal for use in electroplating and fertiliser production. Due to their lightweight and modular design, assembly is significantly simplified.
 

More examples to save costs

Provide motor with single cores

Reduce up to 35% purchasing costs


... with robust chainflex® cables 

In various areas and applications, the use of single cores for motors has led to significant cost savings in procurement, as these can be purchased as a complete cable package including PE protective conductor. This, for example, is up to 35% more cost-effective than a solid 4-core CF35.UL motor cable.
 
In addition, an increase in the service life of cables could be gained, since individual cores can be used in a smaller installation space, which also benefits the mechanical design of the entire energy chain system.
 

95% less harnessing time


... with ready-to-install energy supplies

The energy supply systems installed in electroplating plants have to withstand the demanding environment. It is important to choose the right materials and ensure the materials of the individual components match to each other.
 
This is where pre-assembled readychain energy supply systems score points. They are specifically designed for the respective environmental conditions and are installed on site quickly and easily. In this way, the cost of assembly and installation time can be significantly reduced.
 
To the complete system


Sustainability- Yes, plastic energy chains are recyclable

Energy chains sustainability

Have your energy chains
processed in the igus® chainge recycling program no matter which manufacturer they came from
so that reusable granulate material can be obtained.

 
How it works ►