Compact rotation with plastic: igus develops a new cost-effective rotary energy chain

Small new rotary module for robots and handling and camera systems reduces costs by up to 73%

It is light, compact, and made entirely of plastic: the new PRM (Polymer Rotation Module) rotary igus energy supply system from Treotham. Specifically for tight rotational movements in cables and hoses, igus has now developed a system consisting of a polymer energy chain and a low-friction plastic guide trough. Users can increase the service life of their machines and systems with buying costs up to 73% less than those of a comparable steel guide trough. The new e-chain system expands the igus range of complete sets that can be ordered directly from Treotham Automation.

If cameras, robots, and even handling systems are to work in 24/7 production operation, their cables must be well protected. So, in addition to slip rings, rotary energy supply systems are often used to rotate cables and hoses safely through 360 degrees. “In our previous rotary modules, the chain always settled into a steel channel,” says Michael Berteit, Engineering Projects and Assembly Service Sales Manager for igus GmbH. “The trough was a major cost factor and wasn’t always attractive to users, especially in smaller applications.” So igus has now developed a trough specifically for compact rotary movements, made entirely of plastic. The motion plastics specialist uses wear-resistant, durable high-performance plastics. The result is a system that costs up to 73% less and is up to 85% lighter than a steel trough. An additional advantage of a plastic trough is protection against corrosion. Also, the plastic complete system demonstrated its long service life in the test laboratory. It withstood more than three million double strokes.

The energy chain system can be ordered directly from Treotham as a complete system.

igus rotary energy supply systems score particularly well against slip rings because the cables have a defined movement. In addition, several forms of media can be guided at the same time. The chain can be adjusted at any time, and cables can be quickly replaced during maintenance. Treotham currently offers the new igus PRM rotary energy supply system for outer diameters ranging from 200 to 500 millimetres as a complete set. Users can also deploy ready-made kits for linear travels of 8 to 200 metres. These kits consist of an energy chain from the proven, E4.1 series, corresponding mounting brackets, strain relief elements, separators, a guide trough with or without a glide bar, suitable installation sets, and an igus screwdriver.

Contact Treotham to learn more about rotating energy supplies or visit www.igus.com.au/PRM

About Treotham:

Treotham Automation is a leading supplier of high-quality electrical components and products to a wide range of industrial markets. Being the distributor for many world leading suppliers in their respective fields, Treotham Automation offers a diverse range of products to a variety of industries. With multiple warehouses and experienced staff, Treotham Automation strives to provide customers with a total solution, with the highest quality products, the best service and ongoing technical support. For more information, visit www.treotham.com.au