More flexibility in the modernisation of machine tools

New extender crossbar clips from igus increase the inner height of energy chains by up to 200 per cent

Design engineers working on machine tools are familiar with the problem: if they want to use larger hoses as part of a modernisation project, this often requires the costly replacement of the energy chain. igus now produces alternative extender crossbar clips that can be retrofitted and increase the inner height of energy chains from the E2.1, E4QL and E4.1L series by up to 200 per cent.

A mechanical engineer is modernising a CNC milling machine. He would like to fit the system with a more powerful extraction unit. The problem is that the extraction hose has a larger diameter than the previous model. It is therefore too high for the igus E2 series energy chain, which is designed to protect the hose from wear and mechanical damage while it is in motion. Thus, the design engineer is considering switching to a larger energy chain. This, however, would be more expensive and oversized for the application. “To help design engineers save costs in such cases, we have found a solution that increases the inner height of energy chains with a simple upgrade,” says Dieter Reitz, Sales Manager for e-chains at igus.

New extender crossbar clips increase the interior space by up to 200 per cent

The igus solution for greater inner heights is based on a modular principle. Users simply need to remove the crossbars from the energy chains. You don't need tools for this. The crossbars can be unclipped from the locking mechanism. This is where the new solution comes into play: extender crossbar clips that can be clipped easily into the energy chain. They are shaped like a gate, which increases the inner height of the e-chain by up to 200 per cent, depending on the model. “Thanks to this modular solution, the E2.1, E4QL and E4.1L series energy chains are significantly more flexible in the face of changing conditions,” says Reitz. The extender crossbar clips are now available for the E2.26, E2.38, E2.48, E4Q.64L and E4.64L series.

More space for hydraulic and coolant hoses

The extender crossbar clips also offer advantages when lathes, laser cutting machines and grinding machines are upgraded. Design engineers often have to incorporate larger hydraulic or coolant hoses, for example when using more powerful units or new manufacturing processes. The increased inner height provides the necessary space for this and means that existing energy chains can continue to be used. This not only saves costs, but also helps to conserve resources as existing components can be used for longer.

Find out more about the new extender crossbar clips at:      https://www. https://www.igus.eu/energy-chain/news/crossbars