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Closed energy chain for dirt and swarf protection

The cable chain with chip guard guides cables and protects against dirt and chips.

In harsh environments, cables require special protection against dust, swarf, dirt and other external influences. The best protection is provided by the closed energy chain from igus - also known as energy tubes or e-tubes.

Typical industries and applications: Material handling, woodworking machinery, in all areas exposed to dirt and swarf ...

Discover the closed energy chains now

What are closed energy chains?

Compared to open energy chains (diagram 1), closed energy chains (diagram 2) are completely closed. Closed energy chains made of the igus material igumid G can be used at temperatures up to +120°C and those made of the material igumid HT for hot swarf up to +850°C. Laboratory tests and numerous references have made igus closed energy chains a safe cable protection for welding robots and machine tools for over 20 years. Discover below the best closed energy chains that protect cables from dust, dirt, sludge, compost, wood, textile fibres, paper dust, grinding paste, coolants, glass dust, glass splinters, coal dust, sand, etc.

igus cable carrier on a white background.

Diagram 1: Open energy chains

igus chainflex energy chain for guiding cables and hoses.

Diagram 2: Closed energy chain (energy tubes)

Closed energy chains for reliable cable protection

Cable carrier with mounted bracket for guiding hoses or cables.

Energy tube R2.1

Cost-effective and strong swarf protection with openable lid

  • Inner heights: 26 to 75mm
  • Available in two versions:
    • Openable in the outer radius from both sides
    • Openable in the inner radius from both sides
  • Large inner height and cost-effective
  • Quiet operation due to built-in brake
  • Smooth design with no interfering edges
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igus e-chain RX cable carrier in closed design.

RX energy tube

Extremely swarf-resistant for the direct swarf area

  • Inner heights: 42 to 73mm
  • Lid removable in the outer radius
  • Rounded contour allows swarf to bounce off easily
  • IP tested by TÜV NORD CERT GmbH
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Energy chain system for moving cables and hoses.

Energy tube E2 R

Good swarf protection at high speeds

  • Inner height: 25 to 45mm
  • Lid removable in the outer radius
  • Quiet operation due to small pitch of the chain links
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igus cable carrier with grey links and a black bracket.

Energy tube E2 R100

Cost-effective swarf protection

  • Inner heights: 21 to 50mm
  • Lid openable in the inner radius from both sides
  • Cost-effective protection against dirt and swarf
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Removed-background igus cable carrier for pipe applications.

Energy tube R4.1L

Save costs, time and weight

  • Inner heights: 31 to 48mm
  • Lid openable in the inner and outer radius from both sides
  • Completely closed
  • Integrated "brake" for quiet operation
  • Undercut design for optimum lateral stability
  • Highly customisable to the application
  • Optimum price-performance ratio
  • 30% lightweight and 80% faster assembly than comparable series
  • Double stop-dog system and large pin/bore connection for high force absorption
To the products
E4.1 roller energy chain in a straight configuration.

Energy tube R4.1

A series for almost every application

  • Inner heights: 28 to 108mm
  • Lid removable in the inner and outer radius
  • Completely closed
  • For particularly demanding applications
  • Undercut design for optimum lateral stability
  • Double stop-dog system and large pin/bore connection for high force absorption
  • High thrust on long travels and for long unsupported lengths
  • Noise-dampening "brakes" and noise dampers as an option
  • Integrated "brake" for quiet operation
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E4.1 Light energy chain with a closed, lightweight design for cable guidance.

Energy tube R4/light

Large inner heights with low mass

  • Inner heights: 56 to 80mm
  • Lid removable in inner and outer radius
  • Completely closed
  • Reduced thickness of the side panels and thinner crossbars
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igus energy chain with zipper opening and cables.

Energy tube zipper

Swarf protection around small installation space

  • Inner heights: 10,3 to 32mm
  • Lid on a belt on the outer radius
  • Tubular version for light dirt impact
  • Quiet operation due to small pitch of the chain links
  • Also available as a closed "tube version"
  • iF Design Award for zipper design
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Triflex R cable chain in a loop shape.

triflex R

Movements in three axes - completely closed

  • Inner height (fillable): 10 to 46.8
  • Ideal for demanding movements in all axes
  • TRC version also protects against dirt and swarf as it is completely enclosed.
  • High torsion resistance
  • Easy to shorten and lengthen
  • Defined torsion stop-dog and minimum bend radius
  • Many other versions available
  • iF Design Award 2004, 2007 & 2013
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Real-world examples

The R4.1L energy chain routes cables separately in a Trumpf sheet metal machine.
Reliable igus energy tubes are used in bending machines from Trumpf
Machine with a blue automation module in a test or production setup.
Tight RX energy tube for combination machine for milling and drilling
Campaign graphic with the word “chainge” and four green step icons above it.

Chainge recycling programme for energy chain

Make your contribution to reducing plastic waste and improving recycling in the industry.

To the recycling programme
chainflex CF880 control cable with bend radius for cable chains.

CF890 cable

For flexible use, iguPUR outer jacket, oil-resistant, flame-retardant

To the cable CF890

Consulting

I look forward to answering your questions

Dieter Reitz
Dieter Reitz+49 2203 9649 7070Write e-mail

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