Glide pads for energy chains on long travels

Friction and wear-optimised sliding elements and roller e-chains extend the service life of igus energy chains in gliding operation

For gliding energy chain applications, igus developed glide pads several years ago. These can significantly extend the service life of energy chain systems. This solution is recommended for travels between 1m/s and 3m/s.

Wear protection of the energy chain
Especially for gliding applications in environments with abrasive media
Easy to fit

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Tech up

Low-friction and low-wear sliding elements increase the service life of igus e-chains in applications where the e-chains slide
For travel speeds from 1 to 3m/s
Especially in an environment where abrasive media are present
Easy to retrofit
Crossbars remain accessible (in the case of E4Q)
Complete package with fixed point transition

Cost down

Low costs
No rework necessary
Predictive maintenance – optionally with the additional i.Sense module

Proof

Test in the igus lab: 294,190 double strokes (10,003m), as of 4/9/2021. More information

Sustainability

Have your energy chain recycled in the igus chainge recycling programme at the end of its service life. Irrespective of the manufacturer
igus supports the circular economy of plastics and invests in chemical recycling

Product range:

Part No. Glide pad	For series	Part No. Fixed end adapter
GSC.E4Q.58**	E4Q.58	GSC.FP.56/58.SLS**	Submit an enquiry now
GSC.E4.56*	E4.56	GSC.FP.56.SLS**	Submit an enquiry now
GSC.E4Q.44***	E4Q.44	GSC.FP.42.SLS**	Submit an enquiry now
GSC.E4.42*	E4.42	GSC.FP.42.SLS**	Submit an enquiry now
GSCE4Q.34***	E4Q.34	GSC.FP.32.SLS**	Submit an enquiry now
GSC28*	GSC28	GSC.FP.32.SLS**	Submit an enquiry now
*Available from stock
**Available from May 2021
***Available from autumn 2021

Gliding or rolling

Glide pads for energy chains versus roller energy chains

igus glide pads for energy chains are characterized as an economical alternative to the roller e-chain for the lower speed range between approx. 1m/s and approx. 3m/s.

Standard applications are equipped without glide pads or rollers. If such e-chains applications are equipped with glide pads, the service life expectancy can be increased. Depending on the application, a doubling of the service life can be achieved with igus glide pads. In comparison, usually quadruples the service life expectancy. For highly dynamic plant with speeds above 3m/s, rol e-chains are the right and first choice.

Glide pads will not be able to provide the desired benefits in such systems; even glide pads with the best material composition will reach their limits.

For systems that run at high speeds and have to cope with high cable loads, roller energy chains are the only alternative.

Tested

Friction down - service life up

For over 50 years, igus has been developing for the production of and plastic energy chains. The aim of material development is to use ever new research to find materials that reduce costs and improve technology. An important factor is the durability of gliding plastic energy chains. From the very beginning, highly abrasion-resistant materials were used for the production of the e-chains. Just over 20 years ago the were introduced and they are constantly being further developed.

igus constantly performs tests in its real-world conditions, including on the glide pads. With 10 billion e-chain cycles per year in the e-chains and chainflex test laboratory, an enormous knowledge of plastic energy chains has been built up over the years.

The glide pads refined by igus for energy chains optimise friction and wear at low to medium speeds and extend energy chain system service life in horizontally gliding applications.