Smooth operation with energy chains in automatic stamping/bending machines

• What was needed: E2/000-energy chain, triflex R-chains,  chainflex cables, drylin linear unit
• Requirements: flexible energy supply in terms of mobility and length, compact solution due to limited space in the machine, punching residues require safe solutions that cannot be blocked or damaged
• Industry: Machine factory
• Success for the customer: Energy supply system that is perfectly adapted to the requirements of the machines, space-saving and reliable solution

The RM-NC and GRM-NC high-speed servo machines from Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG produce up to 300 precision parts per minute and offer customers the invaluable advantage that they are fully compatible with the widely used mechanical machines in the RM and GRM series. The Bihler machines work with servo-drive technology, a sophisticated control technology with intuitive operation. The servo drives of the individual units ensure high-precision and fast punching and bending processes.
During the development of the new machines, the question of the energy supply to the six units also arose. As the arrangement of the units in relation to each other is not fixed, the energy supply system must be very flexible - not only in terms of manoeuvrability, but also in terms of length. In addition, the movements of the energy supply units in relation to each other are not defined. Because the space required in or on the machine is limited, the energy supply system must not take up too much installation space. And during punching and bending, pointed and sharp punching residues can occur at any time, which could block the energy chain or damage the cables.

Bihler's design engineers tested various energy supply systems. The E2/000 energy chain from igus proved to be the best in combination with the chainflex cables. The chains, which move underneath the tools, use a partially enclosed design that is additionally protected with a fabric hose. This prevents punching residue from getting into the chain. The energy chains in the upper and lower areas have zones with a reverse bend radius so that they can adapt to any desired position in a space-saving manner. The cables used are chainflex servo cables of type CF270.UL.D and encoder cables of type CF113.027.D on the units and for the adjustment drive. The
Bihler factory personnel require six energy chains per machine, which are filled not only with the comparatively heavy servo cables and signal cables, but also with hoses for cooling and lubricant. Each of the six chains has a different length and a defined configuration. And because Bihler wants to be just as fast and flexible in its own assembly as the users of the Bihler servo machines are in their work, igus supplies a set of six pre-filled and harnessed chains as " readychains" in a readychain rack specially designed for this purpose.

The E2/000 chains are not the only energy chain application in the world's fastest servo punching and bending machines. Customers can order the machines with additional power units, which are mounted directly onto the existing units on a second level. This option is also frequently utilised by customers. The servo drives of these units are then supplied with power, signals and coolant - again on a second level - using three-dimensionally moving triflex R chains from the igus product range. The chains are then mounted outside the machine housing. Plain bearings from the igus portfolio are also used in the RM-NC and GRM-NC: The linear axis of the complete press unit moves with a drylin linear unit.