In March, high-performance plastic products manufacturer igus launched its new E4Q e-chain with extender crossbars for the safe guidance of large hoses.

The E4Q e-chain with extender crossbars is a “clever” adapter system which ensures quick and easy adjustment of the E4Q energy chain to the required hose diameter.

The tool-free E4Q opening mechanism on the crossbar ensures easy installation and filling of the energy supply.

In 2019, igus launched its series of energy chains under the name E4Q, which has already proven itself in applications worldwide – from machine tools to linear robots.

The E4Q scored points in the sector, with long unsupported lengths and long travels, and became particularly popular because of its modularity.

In addition, the user could save 40% assembly time and 10% weight, compared with the standard igus E4.1 series.

“Some customers wanted to guide large hoses in addition to cables, which is why we have now developed the E4Q e-chain with extender crossbars in a design study,” explains igus e-chains product manager Phillip Hagedorn.

The extender crossbar can be mounted on the energy chain with an adapter system.

According to igus, the extender crossbar is primarily suited to inserting hoses, for example, those used in the wood industry.

These can be opened and closed without any tools and are available in 15 different widths and offer users a high level of variability when configuring their energy supply.

Guide Hoses, Cables Safely in One System

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We have developed two different widths and heights of the adapters,” explains Hagedorn.

“This gives the customer the option of adapting the extender crossbar to the hose diameter.”

By using the extender crossbars, the interior space of the energy chain increases significantly.

In addition to the hoses, other cables can also be accommodated and routed that way.

With the product range of cable-friendly interior separation elements, the energy chain can be easily divided so that customers can lay out their cables and hoses as desired.

“Costs can also be saved with the new e-chain with extender crossbars, instead of a large energy chain, the user can simply insert a smaller chain with extended crossbars for more inner height,” Hagedorn concludes.