igus lean energy chain and curved rail systems at MACH 2018 exhibition

At this year’s MACH exhibition, which runs from 9th-13th April at the NEC in Birmingham, igus will showcase a wide range of cost-effective, lightweight and maintenance-free bearings and cable management systems for a variety of engineering applications.

Developed to combine the advantages of the E2/000 and E4.1 energy chains in one product range, the E4.1L �lean’ features interior clip in slotted separators that provide up to an 80 percent assembly time saving. Visitors to the stand (H6 314) will see that the innovative design of these lean separators enables layer-by-layer insertion of shelves and cables, and the time savings are increased again by using the new lean honeycomb strain relief.

A complete energy chain system, igus readychain comprises pre-harnessed cables, plugs, connectors and energy chain. It may be quite a simple design or a complex one with chainflex cables alongside pneumatic and hydraulic hoses, which can be assembled and dispatched within three to ten days. OEMs also reduce component storage costs and lower individual parts ordering and shipping costs. In addition, readychain systems undergo extensive quality control and functional tests and come with the igus chain and cable guarantee to agreed and defined parameters.

For applications that require curved rails, such as machine tool guarding systems, the drylin W curved rails and self-aligning carriages offer the perfect solution. A pivoting spherical ball, made of the engineering polymer material iglidur J, is used to self-align the carriage for smooth, reliable movement along the curved rail. As with all drylin systems, they are self-lubricating and therefore run maintenance-free, and are unaffected by dirt or swarf.

Throughout the show, the igus team will be available on stand H6 314 to take visitors through the benefits and potential applications of their bearing products and cable management systems, as well as provide insight into the full range of igus products.

Plant Engineer