Hybrid energy chain YE - strong, shake-proof and compact

The hybrid energy chain YE is the best mix of lightweight plastic and strong steel that can easily handle high unsupported travels. It was developed to meet the requirements of construction machinery and lifting equipment. The requirement was to offer the maximum possible unsupported length with compact dimensions and the lowest possible weight. However, pure steel energy chains have the disadvantages of high assembly costs and weight. The YE system combines the higher strength of steel elements with the low weight and flexibility of plastic components. In addition, no screws, rivets or bolts are used, which can loosen under vibration.

  • Almost 50% lighter than comparable steel chains
  • YE.42: 91% more unsupported length compared to the E4.42 series
  • YE.56: 61% more unsupported length compared to the E4.56 series
  • YEHD.112: 68% more unsupported length compared to the E4.112 series
Online seminar: product presentation and applications of the hybrid energy chain YE

e-chain® with crossbars every 2nd link, openable from both sides

Series YE.42

Series YE.42

Inner height hi: 42mm
Outer height ha: 76mm
Inner width Bi: 50 - 400mm
Outer width Ba: 68 - 418mm
Bend radii R: 100 - 150mm
Pitch: 67mm
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Series YE.56

Series YE.56

Inner height hi: 56mm
Outer height ha: 90
Inner widths Bi: 50 - 600mm
Outer width Ba: 74 - 624mm
Bend radii R: 100 - 500mm
Pitch: 91mm
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iSet YE

iSET YE | Travels: 6 - 18m

Save time and costs with our complete energy chain system. No need to search long for the right accessories. Suitable for construction machinery, lifting platforms, telescopic loaders, construction machinery.
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e-chain® with crossbars every link, openable from both sides

Series YEHD.108

NEW: Series YEHD.108

Inner height hi: 108mm
Outer height ha: 146mm
Inner width Bi: 387 - 550mm
Outer width Ba: 435 - 598mm
Bend radii R: 250 - 600mm
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Series YEHD.112

NEW: Series YEHD.112

Inner height hi: 112mm
Outer height ha: 146 mm
Inner width Bi: 100 - 600mm
Outer width Ba: 148 - 648mm
Bend radii R: 250 - 600mm
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e-tube, openable from both sides, pivoting lid - protection against chips and dirt

Series YRHD.108

NEW: Series YRHD.108

Inner height hi: 108mm
Outer height ha: 146mm
Inner width Bi: 200 - 500mm
Outer width Ba: 248 - 548mm
Bend radii R: 250 - 600mm
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Real-world examples

YRHD in DWK Drahtwerk

Hybrid tube YRHD used at DWK Drahtwerk Köln as a replacement for steel tube

High stability and high fill weight - both requirements of the DKW Drahtwerk Köln have led to the selection of the hybrid chain YRHD.108.25.500.0 (tube variant) in order to implement the travel of 12.5m unsupported with a fill weight of 28kg/m can. The lid and shelves of the energy tube can be opened so that it is possible to add or replace cables later.
YE.42 at Sinopec

Two YE.42 hybrid chains side by side replace a steel chain at Sinopec

In steel chains, the built-in hydraulic hoses of this power catwalk application wear out very quickly, so that an alternative was sought. As the YE.42 hybrid chain consists of steel side plates that ensure an unsupported length that is approx. 100% longer (compared to plastic chains of the same size) and as the plastic links that have proven themselves for more than 35 years are used as crossbars, the YE series hybrid chain solves the customer's wear problem.
YE.42 at Genie

YE.42 hybrid chains for retrofitting a Genie work platform

The YE.42 series with a chain length of 7.5 metres is used in a Genie work platform. Flawless function after installation. The engineers on site particularly emphasised the ease of installation. It took much longer to remove the existing steel chain than to install the new YE hybrid energy chain, which was done within an hour in this application.
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Energy chain sample YE

Order a free sample

Order a free YE sample and convince yourself of the quality of the product.
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Tech up

Tech up

  • Almost 50% less weight 1
  • 50% longer unsupported length 2
  • High tensile strength
  • No screws, rivets or bolts that can become loose
    under vibration
  • Robust: steel mounting brackets with attachment options from any side
  • Smooth operation due to plastic pin connection
  • Wide range of interior separation elements
1 Compared to a pure steel chain of comparable size
2 Compared to a comparable plastic e-chain
 
Cost down

Cost down

  • Easy installation - plastic outer links
    with flange for easy
    e-chain® link assembly
  • Available as ready-to-install readychain system with cables, hoses and hydraulic components
  • Intelligent breakage detection - optional with i.Sense EC.B to avoid unplanned downtime.
Proof

Proof

  • First customer applications with high fill weights are already live
  • Tested in the igus laboratory: comparison of YE(HD) vs. E4.1 unsupported length at 5kg/m fill weight
Sustainability

Sustainability

  • 30% less energy consumption in production compared to steel chain
  • Have your energy chain processed as part of the igus Chainge recycling program regardless of the manufacturer
  • igus has been an investor in Mura Technology from the beginning and is helping advance chemical recycling. From plastic waste to crude oil in 20 minutes.
Unsupported length of the YE series Unsupported length FLG at 5kg/m fill weight

Test run: unsupported length with straight upper run with 5kg/m fill weight

igus® compared the YE(HD) and E4.1 in the test laboratory. The two series were evaluated in regards to their unsupported length with straight upper run FLG with a 5kg/m fill weight.

Result: 

With a fill weight of 5kg/m, the YEHD.112 series can travel up to 7.1m unsupported, and the E4.112 series reaches 4.5m. The YE.56 series can travel up to 5.5m unsupported, and the E4.56 series reaches 3.4m. The YE.42 series can travel up to 4.6m unsupported, and the E4.42 series reaches 2.4m.

Free white paper: Energy supply systems for machines with inclined axes

Whether it's a construction site, fire brigade equipment or a Hollywood movie set: lifting platforms with elevated axes and telescopic extension are used worldwide. Their designers need energy supply systems that are lightweight, robust, resistant and easy to maintain. This prompted the manufacturers to invest in research and development for decades. Read this white paper to learn about the benefits of the YE hybrid chain for aerial work platforms and other machinery and applications.
Download white paper here free of charge
White paper: Energy Supply in Work Platforms

Why plastic-steel hybrid energy chains?

Standard steel energy chains in access platforms vs. igus YE hybrid energy chains

Standard steel chains

Frequently observed problems with pure steel energy supply systems:
 
  • Corrosion at the joints, resulting in stiffness of the entire energy supply
 
  • Deformation of the crossbars leading to seizure/twisting of the energy chain. Sharp edges can also damage the cables and hoses
 
  • Screws, bolts and circlips can be lost over time and make the whole system unstable
 
  • Heavy, because of the metal energy supply system 
 
  • Chain links of steel chains are non-openable and cannot be partially replaced

igus YE plastic-steel hybrid energy chains

The problem solution:
 
  • Plastic-metal joints prevent seizure of the e-chain® links through corrosion
 
  • Plastic crossbars do not permanently deform. In addition, they can be replaced individually in the event of a defect. Rounded crossbars protect the cables and hoses
 
  • No screws or rivets connecting the e-chains®
 
  • Up to 50% lighter hybrid e-chain®
 
  • e-chains® links are openable as required. If required, cables can be added or removed. igus® chainflex® cables for every application: whether high UV resistance or high/low temperatures. 48 months guarantee on all cables
Outer links YE Plastic outer links - high tensile force absorption using plastic bolts. Plastic outer links provide 50% less weight, quick installation and smooth running
Side links YE Steel inner plates absorb the force of the fixed stop-dogs of the plastic outer plates and increase stability by 50%
Weight YE Strong and vibration-resistant - for heavy loads with compact dimensions and low weight. The advantage for access platforms is that each saved gram increases the potential payload
Crossbars YE Variable width: crossbars from the proven E4 modular system. Available from 50mm - 400mm inner width. Crossbars openable and removable along the inner and outer radius.
Standard interior separation system YE Standard interior separation from the proven E4 modular system available from stock
Steel mounting brackets Tough steel mounting brackets with attachment options from any side
YE rotation 1. In the case of a 0° rotation: 2 metres with 10kg/m fill weight
2. In the case of a 60° rotation: 6 metres with 4kg/m fill weight
3. In the case of a 75° rotation: 7 metres with 4kg/m fill weight
i.Sense EC.B The smart break detection i.Sense EC.B is now also available for the YE(HD) series. This protects your application from unexpected shutdowns.
Sample box telescopic work platform

All important to telescopic work platforms and cherry pickers

See for yourself the quality of our products. The sample box contains a selection of igus solutions for use in telescopic extensions and inclined axes.
Request a free sample box now