Hybrid e-chain® cable carrier made of plastic and steel

No rivets, no screws, easy cable change.

The YE hybrid energy chain is the best mix of lightweight plastic and sturdy steel that handles high cantilevered paths with ease. The YE system was developed from the requirements of construction machinery and lifting platforms. The requirement was to achieve the highest possible cantilevered length with compact dimensions and the lowest possible weight.

Pure steel energy chains have the disadvantages of a high assembly effort and weight. The YE system combines the higher strength of steel elements with the low weight and flexibility of plastic components. In addition, no screws, rivets or bolts are used, which can be loosened by vibration.

Browse the Catalog

Why choose hybrid e-chains vs. standard steel cable carriers?

Standard steel energy chains

Frequently observed problems with pure steel energy supply systems:

Heavier and more expensive than a plastic + steel e-chain®
Corrosion at the steel-to-steel joints impedes the smooth operation of the cable carrier
Deformation of the steel crossbars or side links leads to seizure or twisting of the cable carrier
Sharp steel edges can damage the cables and hoses
Screws, rivets, bolts and c-lips make assembly and service time consuming
Fasteners can vibrate loose

igus® YE.1 plastic-steel hybrid energy chains

Save weight and money:

50% lighter than a steel cable carrier
Corrosion resistant plastic to metal joints prevent seizure of the e-chain® links
Plastic crossbars and interior separation do not permanently deform and can be replaced individually
Smooth plastic surfaces provide an abrasion free surface with the cables and hoses
Disassembly and service of the e-chain® is done with just an igus® screwdriver
No screws, rivets, bolts, or c-clips need to connect the e-chain®

Hybrid e-chain® advantages

Tech up

Almost 50% less weight ¹
Longer unsupported length ²
High tensile strength
No screws, rivets or bolts that can become loose under vibration
Robust: steel mounting brackets with attachment options from any side
Smooth operation due to plastic pin connection
Wide range of interior separation elements

¹ Compared to a pure steel chain of comparable size
²Compared to a comparable plastic e-chain®

Cost down

Easy installation - plastic outer links with flange for easy e-chain® link assembly
Available as ready-to-install readychain® system with cables, hoses and hydraulic components
Intelligent breakage detection - optional with i.Sense EC.B to avoid unplanned downtime.

Proof

First customer applications with high fill weights are already live
Tested in the igus® laboratory: comparison of YE(HD) vs. E4.1 unsupported length at 5kg/m fill weight

Sustainability

30% less energy consumption in production compared to steel drag chains
Have your e-chain®, regardless of manufacturer, processed in the igus® "chainge recycling program"

Series YE.42

Inner height hi: 42mm
Outer height ha: 76mm
Inner width Bi: 100 - 400mm
Outer width Ba: 118 - 418mm
Bend radii R: 100 - 150mm
Pitch: 67mm

Shop Series YE.42

Series YE.56

Inner height hi: 56mm
Outer height ha: 90mm
Inner width Bi: 100 - 600mm
Outer width Ba: 124 - 624mm
Bend radii R: 100 - 500mm
Pitch: 91mm

Shop Series YE.56

Series YEHD.108

Inner height hi: 108mm
Outer height ha: 146mm
Inner width Bi: 387 - 550mm
Outer width Ba: 435 - 598mm
Bend radii R: 250 - 600mm

Shop Series YEHD.108

Series YEHD.112

Inner height hi: 112mm
Outer height ha: 146mm
Inner width Bi: 100 - 600mm
Outer width Ba: 148 - 648mm
Bend radii R: 250 - 600mm

Shop Series YEHD.112

hybrid e-tube, openable from both sides, pivoting lid - protection against chips and dirt

Series YR.42

Inner height hi: 42mm
Outer height ha: 76mm
Inner width Bi: 100 - 300mm
Outer width Ba: 118 - 318mm
Bend radii R: 125 - 150mm

Shop Series YR.42

Series YR.56

Inner height hi: 56mm
Outer height ha: 90mm
Inner width Bi: 100 - 462mm
Outer width Ba: 124 - 486mm
Bend radii R: 150 - 500mm

Shop Series YR.56

YRHD.108 series

Inner height hi: 108mm
Outer height ha: 146mm
Inner width Bi: 200 - 500mm
Outer width Ba: 248 - 548mm
Bend radii R: 250 - 600mm

Shop Series YRHD.108

iSet YE | Travels: 6 - 18m

Save time and money with our complete hybrid energy chain system. No need shop around for the right accessories. Suitable for construction machinery, cherry pickers, telescopic loaders, construction machinery.

Shop now

iSet YE hybrid steel and plastic e-chain

Shop now

Test run: unsupported length with straight upper run with 5kg/m fill weight

igus® compared the YE(HD) and E4.1 in the test laboratory. The two series were evaluated in regards to their unsupported length with straight upper run with a 5kg/m fill weight.

Result: With a fill weight of 5kg/m, the YEHD.112 series can travel up to 7.6m unsupported and the E4.112 only 4.5m. The YE.56 can travel up to 5.5m unsupported and the E4.56 only 3.4m. And the YE.42 can travel up to 4.6m unsupported and the E4.42 only 2.4m.

Unsupported length FLG at 5kg/m fill weight

Future-Proof Your Elevated Work Platforms

Discover how innovative energy supply systems are revolutionizing telescopic work platforms and cherry pickers. Learn about hybrid chains that combine the best of steel and plastic, maintenance-free solutions, and IoT-ready components that can reduce downtime and boost reliability.

Download free white paper