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Calculation of e-chain® lengths
How to calculate e-chain® length and camber for linear motion
If the fixed end of an; e-chain® cable carrier is located in the center of the travel, the cable carrier's length, "LK", is calculated by using half the length of travel and adding the value "K" for the bending radius. Placing the Fixed End in the center of the travel is the most cost-effective solution because it requires the shortest cable carrier, cables and hoses.
For unsupported applications
For undefined the energy chain's upper run moves parallel to the lower run across the entire horizontal travel.
The fixed end in the center of the travel is always the most cost-effective solution.
Fill weight - Weight of all cables and hoses, including contents (for media hoses) within the e-chain®.
Please consult an igus® e-chain® expert if you need help finding a suitable e-chain® cable carrier for your fill weight and travel distance.
| Abbrevations | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| LK | Energy chain length | [mm] |
| S/2 | Half length of travel | [mm] |
| K | Add-on for bend radius (K is taken from the data tables of the individual series) | [mm] |
| ∆M | Deviation of the centre point | [mm] |
| R | Bend radius | [mm] |
For gliding applications
Lk = S/2 + K2
A = Moving end
B = Fixed end
C = Guide trough with glide bar
D = Guide trough without glide bar
E = Total guide trough length
| Abbreviations | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| LK | Energy chain length | [mm] |
| S/2 | Half length of travel | [mm] |
| K2 | Add-on for bend radius if the mounting point height is lowered | [mm] |
| ∆CL | Offset fixed end | [mm] |
| R | Bend radius | [mm] |
| D2 | Over length for long travels gliding | [mm] |
| H2 | Installation height with lowered mounting | [mm] |
| HRi | Inner trough height | [mm] |
Camber
"Camber" is the curve of the upper run along its unsupported length. All igus® e-chains® are manufactured with camber, special "no camber" (NC) energy chains are available upon request. The camber allows for longer unsupported lengths and increases service life and operating safety. In the Installation Dimensions section of each respective energy chain description, you will find the measurement HF, which specifies the necessary clearance height, taking the camber into account. The camber allows for longer unsupported lengths and increases service life and operating safety. Upon request, we can deliver e-chains® without camber for restricted space applications - however, these "no camber" chains do not have the same load-bearing capacity.
The required installation height depends on the camber of the e-chains® with the total value HF. You can find the dimension HF on the product pages.
Advantages of Camber:
- Longer unsupported lengths
- Longer service life and better operating reliability
| Abbreviations | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| H | Nominal clearance height | [mm] |
| HF | Required clearance height | [mm] |
e-chain® cable carrier online tools
e-chain® cable carriers come in a variety of sizes ranging from 5mm inner height for the smallest installation spaces up to 350mm inner height for high loads. Find solutions for long, gliding and unsupported travels as well as for horizontal, vertical, zig zag and robotic applications. We also have open or closed systems with easy-to-open crossbars enables fast filling, and interior separators help increase the lifetime of the cables and hoses. Use the undefined to determine the service life of your e-chain® cable carrier.
Orange Services
Proper installation is essential for the life of your cable carrier, and igus® has a team of dedicated engineers ready to assist you every step of the way. From site inspection, to installation, to complete modernization, our team will ensure the longest possible service life for your cable carrier system.
Contact us at (800) 521-2747 to discuss your project today!