Specifically designed for horizontal use in intralogistics and crane systems, the new igus autoglide 5 from Treotham guides energy safely on long travels and at a low cost.

For years, busbar systems have provided power and data transmission in tight, compact spaces and for fast lane movements. However, these are expensive to maintain, can only be used for power transmission as standard and must be regularly cleaned to avoid contact faults.

The new autoglide 5 energy chain system was developed by igus to be able to safely guide horizontal cables at speeds of up to 4m/s and up to 80 metres travel distance even without a guide trough.

The autoglide 5 instead lies on a steel wire rope held in place by the e-chain contour, making it much quicker to install.

“The autoglide 5 can easily be installed in the aisle on a rope or a profile,” says Christian Strauch, industry manager of intralogistics at igus.

“It is above all attractive with its low price, an 88 per cent shorter installation time compared to trough systems, and its maintenance-free operation.”

To install the autoglide 5, the intralogistics technician only needs the supplied metal rope stretched on the aisle floor. Guidance via a plastic rope or a profile is also possible.

The e-chain can travel safely on the rope thanks to the guide element on the underside of the chain links.

For wear-resistant and precise gliding of the upper run of the chain on the lower run, igus engineers relied on the autoglide elements, which consist of comb-like injection-moulded crossbars that prevent the energy chain from sliding out.

“Thus, the new energy supply offers a real alternative to the busbar systems,” Strauch says.

Busbar systems are highly susceptible to wear and need to be replaced after only one to two years. With the autoglide 5, igus has developed a durable and maintenance-free energy supply system made of high-performance polymers.

In the igus laboratory, the autoglide 5 has already convinced with its quiet operation, and igus is currently testing the long service life of the new energy chain.

Another advantage is easy cleaning, Strauch says.

“Since the autoglide 5, unlike the busbar system, has no open contacts, the aisle is easy to clean.”

Treotham offers the igus energy chain system already fully harnessed as a readychain with highly flexible chainflex cables.

Treotham Automation Pty Ltd
1300 657 564
www.treotham.com.au