News from the test lab: igus puts automated high-speed system into operation

Energy chain systems are tested at speeds of up to 8 m / s over a travel distance of 400 meters

(PresseBox) ( Cologne , 14/8/19 ) The motion plastics specialist igus operates the largest test laboratory in the industry on more than 3,800 square meters. For energy chains and lines alone, 10 billion cycles are driven every year. Now igus has commissioned a new automated test facility for long distances on the grounds in Cologne Porz-Lind. Plastic energy chains and cables are hereby tested for a travel speed of up to 8 m / s over a travel distance of 400 meters.

Safely managing data, energy and media on long routes is a major challenge for operators of sewage treatment plants, waste incineration plants, cranes, power plants or even mines. Fast speeds and a high filling weight often present problems for cable carriers such as motor cable drums, busbars or even festoonings. An alternative is igus energy chain systems, which are tested in igus' own test laboratory. In order to give the customer the certainty that his energy supply system will always work reliably over long distances, igus has now put into operation a new automated test system. 

New test stand for long distances

Energy chains and cables are being tested at a speed of up to 8 m / s on a track of currently 200 meters in the outdoor area at the igus location in the south of Cologne, which corresponds to a 400-meter-long travel path. With additional units, travels up to 1000 meters can be simulated in the future. The fully automatic system considers a wide range of applications in terms of acceleration and speed. In addition to the mechanical stress caused by the movement of the transfer vehicle, environmental influences act unimpeded on the tested energy chains and lines. The test stand is part of the industry's largest 3,800 square meter experimental laboratory. More than 10 billion test cycles per year are performed on e-chains and chainflex lines at a total of 180 test stations. 4th

Roller energy chains are being continuously tested

Energy chain systems from igus can be moved effortlessly over distances of up to one kilometer and more to a filling weight of 50 kg / m. As a guide for highly flexible chainflex cables and hoses, they can be guided smoothly and with low friction during long travel distances through guide channels and housings. Including roller power chains of the series P4, which are tested on the grounds. The series has already proven its worth in more than 1,000 crane and gantry applications worldwide, with travel distances of up to 800 meters, high speeds of more than 5 m / s and several million cycles with low vibrations and traversing noise. Rollers integrated in the chain link reduce friction to a minimum and thus increase service life. Due to the offset between upper strand and lower strand, the plastic rolls are not rolled over, but roll past each other to allow a particularly quiet run. As a result, the coefficient of friction decreases and the drive power is reduced by 57 percent. At the same time, igus uses its plastic know-how to further increase the life of the e-chains. For example, in the P41.56, lubrication-free and maintenance-free tribo polymers are integrated into the pivot bearing bearing for long distances; this doubles the life of the e-chain. A basis of this new development was also the numerous real experiments in the igus test laboratory. For example, in the P41.56, lubrication-free and maintenance-free tribo polymers are integrated into the pivot bearing bearing for long distances; this doubles the life of the e-chain. A basis of this new development was also the numerous real experiments in the igus test laboratory. For example, in the P41.56, lubrication-free and maintenance-free tribo polymers are integrated into the pivot bearing bearing for long distances; this doubles the life of the e-chain. A basis of this new development was also the numerous real experiments in the igus test laboratory.

The test system can be seen in the video at: https://youtu.be/QusrqQ41ZEw

igus? GmbH

Igus GmbH is one of the world's leading manufacturers of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings. Based in Cologne, the family-run company is represented in 35 countries and employs 4,150 people worldwide. In 2018, igus generated sales of 748 million euros in motion plastics, plastic components for agile applications. igus operates the largest test labs and factories in its industry to provide customers with innovative tailored products and solutions in the shortest possible time.