New E4Q e-chain with extender crossbars for safe guidance of large hoses
A clever adapter system ensures quick and easy adjustment of the E4Q cable carrier to the hose diameter
By Mark McGwin
1 March 2023 – igus®, the world leader in motion plastics and moving cable management systems, has developed a new extender crossbar design for its E4Q modular e-chain® cable carrier series to guide large hoses safely.
With the help of an adapter system, the e-chain can be individually adapted to the hose diameter. The tool-free E4Q opening mechanism ensures easy energy supply installation and filling.
In 2019, igus launched a new series of e-chain® cable carrier systems named E4Q, which has already proven itself in applications worldwide, from machine tools to gantries. It is particularly popular because of its modularity. The E4Q scores points with long unsupported lengths and long travels. In addition, the user can save 40% assembly time and 10% weight compared to the standard 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 Phillip Hagedorn, e-chain Product Manager at igus GmbH.
The extender crossbar can be mounted on the energy chain with an adapter system. For inserting hoses, for example, those used in the wood industry, igus relies on the proven E4Q crossbars. These can be opened and closed without tools and are available in 15 widths. This offers users a high level of variability when configuring their energy supply.
Guide hoses and cables safely in one system
“We have developed two different widths and heights of the adapters,” explains Hagedorn. “This allows the customer to adapt the extender crossbar to the hose diameter.”
Using the extender crossbars increases the cable carrier’s interior space significantly. In addition to the hoses, other cables can be accommodated and routed. With the product range of cable-friendly interior separation elements, the cable carrier can be easily divided so customers can lay out their cables and hoses as desired. Costs can also be saved with the new e-chain with extender crossbars because instead of a large energy chain, the user can insert a smaller chain with extended crossbars for more inner height.
The E4Q can quickly adapt to the hose diameter with an easily installable adapter system.
