Energy chains made from high-performance plastics are used worldwide. Their main task is to reliably guide cables. This can also be the case with indoor cranes used in production halls. Specifically for very simple sliding applications with up to 30 meters of travel, igus has now developed a new, particularly cost-effective and lightweight chain. The glide-chain G4.42 is characterized by its extra-large sliding surfaces and the targeted use of material, which is only used where it is necessary for the sliding movements. This innovative design makes the G4.42 up to 25 percent lighter than igus's standard chains. Another advantage of the G4.42 lies in the cost-optimized side part, which can be used on both the left and right. In combination with the large pitch, the glide-chain consists of few individual parts and also few different parts. This results in a price advantage of 30 to 40 percent compared to dimensionally equivalent standard chains from igus's E2 and E4 programs. 'In times when customers are under massive pressure to reduce their costs, we have developed a product that not only saves money but also has a long service life in application,' says Christian Ziegler, Head of Product Management e-chains at igus. The new glide-chain has also undergone intensive testing in the company's own 4,000 square meter test laboratory. igus also promises a four-year warranty on all its energy chains.
Closing the loop of energy chains
But what happens when the maximum lifespan of an energy chain is reached? For this, igus has launched the 'chainge' program. The recycling initiative aims to environmentally recycle used energy and drag chains. Regardless of the manufacturer, old plastic chains can be sent in to be recycled and thus contribute to the circular economy. Participants in the program receive a voucher for the purchase of new igus products in return. Since the introduction of the program, igus has already recycled over 170 tons of plastic. The recycled material is used by the plastic specialist to produce new series of energy chains. Recently, igus's standard series E2.1 has been made from recycled material.
