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Space-saving energy chain systems

Over 80% less space required

Energy chains are the most modular and probably the most compact form of energy supply system, especially if energy, data, air and fluids have to be transferred in one system. With more than 200,000 e-chains parts, we have the right energy supply system for your installation space.
Implemented in practice:

Space-saving energy chain systems in automatic punching and bending machines from Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG 

With the RM-NC and GRM-NC machines, Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG has developed the fastest servo punching and bending machines in the world. The energy supply is provided by igus energy chains and chainflex cables. These systems offer a compact solution in limited space in the machine, flexible and safe energy supply in mobility and length.

Recommended space-saving energy chains


System easy chain

e-chain easy chain,

Very easy to fill and cost-effective

Inner height from 5mm | Bend radius from 10mm. Simply press cables in and just pull out. Also available with multi-chamber system. Optimal flexibility, UL94-V2 classification.

System E2.1 micro

e-chain E2.1 micro

Stronger generation for smallest installation spaces

Inner height from 10mm | Bend radius from 18mm. Integrated brake for particularly smooth, quiet operation. 25% higher unsupported length and 100% higher fill weight compared to identical types.

System E2.1

E2.1 e-chain

Stronger generation for smallest installation spaces

Inner height from 26mm | Bend radius from 48mm. 10% stronger compared to previous series E2/000. 20 % to 30% larger sliding surfaces for longer service life in gliding operation compared to previous E2/000 series.

Energy chain systems vs. cable trolleys

Reduce cable lengths/steel construction and installation space

In a cable trolley system, the cables are attached at the end of the travel and the cable loops are pulled all the way by the trolley. In a specific example, this results in the following savings:
  • Cable trolley: 115m cable length
  • Energy chain: 52m cable length 
  • Cable trolley: 3,000mm system height
  • Energy chain: 800mm system height
In addition, approx. 10% steel construction can be saved for the cable station.
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Energy chain systems vs. cable drums

Reduce installation space considerably

Depending on the travel/cable length, a motor cable drum has a diameter of up to 8 metres. In addition, space is required for the motor and the slip ring body. In the case of an energy chain system, irrespective of the travel, only one moving arm is required on the crane - which is integrated in the installation space of the crane - and the installation space for the trough of the chain on the ground.
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Hundreds of thousands of customers rely on igus energy chains

Our energy chains are already reliably used in hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide - from beverage vending machines to steel mills. Over 400,000 customers worldwide from 50 industries rely on igus® energy chains.

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Long-lasting energy supply

Long-lasting energy supply Long service life of 10 years or more. With up to 36 months guarantee.

Cost down

Cost-effective energy chains Over-engineering happened yesterday. The best energy supply system does not have to be the most expensive as well.

Additional ways of saving

Energy chains saving potential Tech up, Cost down with energy chain systems


The terms "Apiro", "AutoChain", "CFRIP", "chainflex", "chainge", "chains for cranes", "ConProtect", "cradle-chain", "CTD", "drygear", "drylin", "dryspin", "dry-tech", "dryway", "easy chain", "e-chain", "e-chain systems", "e-ketten", "e-kettensysteme", "e-loop", "energy chain", "energy chain systems", "enjoyneering", "e-skin", "e-spool", "fixflex", "flizz", "i.Cee", "ibow", "igear", "iglidur", "igubal", "igumid", "igus", "igus improves what moves", "igus:bike", "igusGO", "igutex", "iguverse", "iguversum", "kineKIT", "kopla", "manus", "motion plastics", "motion polymers", "motionary", "plastics for longer life", "print2mold", "Rawbot", "RBTX", "readycable", "readychain", "ReBeL", "ReCyycle", "reguse", "robolink", "Rohbot", "savfe", "speedigus", "superwise", "take the dryway", "tribofilament", "triflex", "twisterchain", "when it moves, igus improves", "xirodur", "xiros" and "yes" are legally protected trademarks of the igus® GmbH/ Cologne in the Federal Republic of Germany and where applicable in some foreign countries. This is a non-exhaustive list of trademarks (e.g. pending trademark applications or registered trademarks) of igus GmbH or affiliated companies of igus in Germany, the European Union, the USA and/or other countries or jurisdictions.

igus® GmbH points out that it does not sell any products of the companies Allen Bradley, B&R, Baumüller, Beckhoff, Lahr, Control Techniques, Danaher Motion, ELAU, FAGOR, FANUC, Festo, Heidenhain, Jetter, Lenze, LinMot, LTi DRiVES, Mitsubishi, NUM,Parker, Bosch Rexroth, SEW, Siemens, Stöber and all other drive manufacturers mention on this website. The products offered by igus® are those of igus® GmbH