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Energy chains Wiki


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 the tips

Real-world examples

Application examples Across the globe, more than 400,000 customers from 50 branches of industry use igus energy chains.
Go to application examples

Popular topics


The energy chain (also called 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. Save time and money when purchasing and using igus energy chains.
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

What are the advantages of igus energy chains?
 
  • Cable-friendly due to smooth contours
  • Lightweight, modular, strong, quiet, easy to open
  • Little easy-to-perform maintenance, easy to install
  • Predictable service life
  • Sustainability: they can be recycled instead thrown away
Where are energy chains used?Today, igus energy chains are already being used in many hundreds of thousands of applications around the world - from beverage dispensers up to steelworks. Across the globe, more than 400,000 customers from 50 branches of industry use igus energy chains.

Interactive 3D energy chain models

Govie E4Q sleeve Discover energy chain systems in interactive 3D models now
To the 3D energy chain models

Design energy chains easily



Energy chain fundamentals

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.
Energy chain installation methods

Types of movement

From unsupported applications to circular movements to zig-zag applications.
Energy chain filling rules

Distribution rules

General filling rules for cables and hoses in energy chains.
Strain relief devices for energy chains

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.
Energy chain technical environment

Environmental influences (technical environment)

Material information: igumid material, cleanroom and ESD, dirty environments, chemically resistant.
Energy chain technical terms

Technical terms and definitions

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

FAQ - frequently asked questions


How can I find the right energy chain quickly?
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 the service life of an energy chain?
Simply use our service life calculator to determine the expected service life of the energy chain.

How can I determine the remaining service life of my energy chain during operation?
By using our i.Sense sensors you get an informed, real-time condition of your energy supply at any time.

What maximum travel length is possible?
With the rol e-chain, travels of 1,200m and more can be realised. Learn more.

How high is the standard temperature range for plastic energy chains?
As a rule, the standard temperature range for plastic energy chains is -40°C to +130°C, with +170°C in the short term.

Are there cable guides for offices and furniture?
Our award-winning cable chains have been specifically developed for offices and furniture. For example, igus offers the ZF14 or OCR cable chain for organised cable guides at the desk. Fastening options: magnetic, screwed and glued.
Are energy chains chemically resistant?
A detailed list provides information on the resistance of igus' igumid G, TE, and NB materials to many chemical substances.

Are plastic energy chains resistant to hot swarf?
Yes, plastic energy chains that use the igumid HT material can resist swarf as hot as +850°C.Can I also implement a long travel without a guide trough?Yes, with the autoglide system, you can achieve travels of up to 80m without guide troughs.

Can igus energy chains be used in the refrigeration sector?Yes, all igus energy chain materials can be used for continuous use down to -40°C.

Which energy chain is suitable for ESD use?
Yes, all energy chains made of the conductive ESD material can be found here.

Are there energy chains with FDA approval?Yes, we recommend the TH3 energy chain, which has been specifically developed for the food and beverage industry.

Can you save energy with plastic energy chains and chainflex cables?
Yes, it is possible to save up to 57% with igus plastic energy chains and up to 17% with chainflex cables. Tech up now and improve energy efficiency.How can I determine the optimal maintenance intervals for my energy supply?
With our i.Cee system for predictive maintenance, you are always shown the optimum time for maintenance in real time, depending on the real movement profile and the current status of your energy supply system.

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 about energy supply in our blog.


The terms "Apiro", "AutoChain", "CFRIP", "chainflex", "chainge", "chains for cranes", "ConProtect", "cradle-chain", "CTD", "drygear", "drylin", "dryspin", "dry-tech", "dryway", "easy chain", "e-chain", "e-chain systems", "e-ketten", "e-kettensysteme", "e-loop", "energy chain", "energy chain systems", "enjoyneering", "e-skin", "e-spool", "fixflex", "flizz", "i.Cee", "ibow", "igear", "iglidur", "igubal", "igumid", "igus", "igus improves what moves", "igus:bike", "igusGO", "igutex", "iguverse", "iguversum", "kineKIT", "kopla", "manus", "motion plastics", "motion polymers", "motionary", "plastics for longer life", "print2mold", "Rawbot", "RBTX", "RCYL", "readycable", "readychain", "ReBeL", "ReCyycle", "reguse", "robolink", "Rohbot", "savfe", "speedigus", "superwise", "take the dryway", "tribofilament", "tribotape", "triflex", "twisterchain", "when it moves, igus improves", "xirodur", "xiros" and "yes" are legally protected trademarks of the igus® GmbH/ Cologne in the Federal Republic of Germany and where applicable in some foreign countries. This is a non-exhaustive list of trademarks (e.g. pending trademark applications or registered trademarks) of igus GmbH or affiliated companies of igus in Germany, the European Union, the USA and/or other countries or jurisdictions.

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