igus develops the honeycomb strain relief for e-chains

New system makes energy chain harnessing even easier

igus presented a unique strain relief for e-chains this year. Cables and hoses are simply inserted into a honeycomb and then tightly closed. At the 2017 Motek the motion plastics specialist presented an advanced system to replace the earlier models. Compared to the commonly used cable tiewraps or other strain relief solutions, the user can save about 80 percent assembly and engineering time.

The honeycomb strain relief system CFU from igus replaces the cable tiewraps that are commonly used in industry. The advantage is obvious: until now each cable had to be fixed separately in the energy chain, in the new solution the cables and hoses are simply inserted into the honeycomb and closed. In this way the outer walls of the honeycomb cavities lie gently and uniformly around the cables. The honeycomb system is assembled in seconds and is also extremely flexible as new cables can be inserted or replaced by hand. The further improved CFU combines a compact design with a simple and flexible filling.

Flexible design, universally applicable

Due to the flush finish with the e-chain mounting bracket, the new CFU can be used both in unsupported and gliding applications. The design allows easy scaling for individual chain widths. Different cables are simply inserted into the vertical rows of the CFU, the system is closed and then screwed at the top. Optional clips at the side plates connect energy chain and strain relief. With the honeycomb strain relief, the designer can already schedule the chain and strain relief before they know the exact cable assignment. This can be changed easily in the later stages. The system is currently being developed for the E4.1L chain. Together with the new separator system for a custom-made interior separation, the honeycomb strain relief makes the E4.1L the easiest to fill e-chain in the market.