igus – press release
Twisting through three thousand degrees
New energy chain for circular movements in small spaces
To be able to turn lines through 3,000 degrees
in a minimum space, igus has now developed an
innovative compact energy chain system. The
“TwisterBand TB30”, presented for the first time
at the Hanover Industrial Fair, guides energy,
data and media with little wear and is extremely
cost effectively, according to the manufacturer.
At high rotating speeds, the system stays close
to the axis.
Where demanding rotary movements are required
at very high loads, igus energy chains with reverse
bending radii (RBR) are usually used. With these, circular movements of up to 540 degrees are possible.
However, the installation spaces involved are usually
large in terms of depth and width. As a medium-sized
solution in the Cologne company’s circular chain
range, the second possibility is the “TwisterChain”
energy chain system. This sturdy, smooth-running
energy chain was also designed for one and a half
complete rotations coupled with high dynamics. The
Picture PM0910-01: igus GmbH, Cologne
Innovative “TwisterBand TB30” from igus GmbH, Cologne. It can
be used to rotate cables continually by 3,000 degrees – eight times
round their own axis.
system’s diameter is not as wide, but much taller and
comes nearer to the axis of rotation.
New: Fast lightweight micro-solution
Where installation space is extremely limited, on the
other hand, a different, compact and very easy to fill
micro-solution is required. Following months of development work, the igus design engineers have presented such a solution. The new “TwisterBand TB30”
makes rapid rotating movements possible up to 3,000
degrees and depends only on the belt length or design
height in the axis of rotation. On account of the much
smaller centrifugal forces due to the smaller masses
involved, rotary speeds of up to 720 °/s are possible.
Picture PM0910-02: igus GmbH, Cologne
Power, data and media in one compact, straightforward system.
Without the chain links being opened and closed, users can press
the lines into the chain from the outside.
PM0910-GB/05-2010
Thanks to the small installation size and compact design, the energy chain system can be used safely in
all installation positions (horizontal or vertical).
igus – press release
Compact and straightforward
The plastic energy chain is very light and easy to use.
The single-component injection-moulded belt has
chambers attached that are filled in a similar way to
the igus patented “Easy” principle. Without the chain
links needing to be opened and closed, users can
simply press the lines into the chain from the outside edge. Design engineers have a comprehensive
range of 950 “Chainflex” cables available for all applications, either as separate parts or pre-fitted.
Power, data and media in one system
The new system is made up of continuous lines.
These can be electrical, pneumatic or even media
hoses. There is space e.g. for a servo/motor cable,
a control, bus or FOC cable and a hose routing fluids
as well. The package design is modular and extremely flexible, “and does not have to be customised to
individual customer specifications,” according to igus.
One type is already available ex stock, further larger
and smaller versions are planned.
Picture PM0910-03: igus GmbH, Cologne
At high rotating speeds of up to 720 °/s, all the lines are kept very
close to the axis.
From special machines to wind power
Applications for the slim design circular chain system are mainly in the field of robots (supplying axes
1 and 6) as well as in special machine construction
e.g. radar and telescope systems through medical
apparatus to attractions at amusement parks. Rotating movements in confined spaces also occur with
handling, lifting and assembly equipment of all kinds
as well as in test and trial jigs. A further possible area
of application is in wind power systems, where the
turbine blades have to be controlled through the support which must also be free to turn.
PRESS CONTACT:
André Kluth
Corporate Communication Manager
igus GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone +49-22 03 / 96 49-0
Fax +49-22 03 / 96 49-222
[email protected]
www.igus.de
DIN ISO 9001:2000
The terms “igus, Chainflex, Easy Chain, E-Chain, E-Chain System, Energy Chain, Energy
Chain System, Flizz, ReadyChain, ReadyCable, invis, Triflex, TwisterChain, DryLin,
iglidur, igubal, xiros, plastics for longer life and manus“ are legally protected trademarks
in the Federal Republic of Germany and, where applicable, in some foreign countries.
PM0910-GB/05-2010