igus is introducing a significant new design study for cable management: pull-e-cable, a compact and cost-efficient low-profile system that enables safe long-travel cable movement without a classic energy chain. The development is designed specifically for applications with very limited installation space and where cost pressure is high – such as camera systems, moveable displays, laboratory automation and lightweight automation axes. The new system guides one or two cables over long linear travels of 10 to 50 metres while saving up to 50% installation space versus conventional energy chain systems.
"We were looking for a solution to guide one or two cables – for example measuring system cables or bus cables – in a cost-effective way. Depending on the application, larger energy chains with guide troughs would have been required which are not economical for the customer," explains Jörg Ottersbach, Head of the e-chains Business Unit at igus GmbH. "It was therefore our aim to design a lean and cost-effective solution that could also be an alternative to the busbar system."
pull-e-cable achieves this by dispensing entirely with the conventional e-chain, and instead using a low profile guide channel with two deflection rollers to move cables safely and with low friction. Where required, the system can also be combined with a drive to automate linear movements.
The benefits are clear: reduced material, lower weight, compact footprint and lower drive power demand. The solution therefore opens new engineering envelope possibilities in sectors where every cubic centimetre counts, and where very simple reliable linear repetitive movement must be realised with minimum component complexity.
igus will also offer the system with fully harnessed chainflex cables. chainflex cables have been specifically developed for applications in motion and come with a four-year guarantee. As a result, customers get a fully matched, engineered, tested and quick to deploy cable guiding solution.
