igus E6 energy chains used by Strothmann GmbH

• What was needed: plastic-energy chain, readychain®
• Requirements: The energy supply of the blank loader must be adapted to the high speeds of the machine
• Industry: Automotive industry
• Success for the customer: igus® energy chain reliably supplies the blank bearings with power and runs with very low vibration

By utilising linear motor technology, Strothmann has recently been able to significantly increase the dynamics of the blank feeders. Speeds of up to 6 m/s are achieved in the horizontal axis - that is almost twice as fast as a feeder with a toothed belt drive - and 2 m/s in the vertical axis, and that with payloads of up to 250 kg. The acceleration of up to 20 m/s² is around twice as high as that of a conventional feeder. Thanks to the high horizontal speeds and the elimination of the toothed belt, the feeders can also cover very large distances quickly - this opens up completely new layout options for the system. Strothmann developed and supplied a blank loader for the sheet metal feed of a cutting press, which manages with a standard working clearance of 2 to 2.50 metres when placing the blanks on the belt. When changing the tooling, however, the axis travels 13 metres. Such travel distances are not possible with toothed belt drives, given the high precision and dynamics.
The energy supply must be adapted to the high speed and acceleration values and allow a continuous, reliable supply of energy, compressed air, cooling medium and control information even over long distances.

Strothmann uses igus®® energy chains from the E6 series for the blank loaders - and also for other handling systems with linear technology - which have proven themselves in many highly dynamic applications. The Strothmann developers also took into account the fact that the energy chains of the MagShuttle systems have to withstand high stresses when selecting the supplier. As the igus®® energy chains have a proven long service life even under high dynamic loads, they are the right choice for the MagShuttle systems and also for other handling systems from Strothmann.

In addition to the long service life, the E6-series offers numerous other advantages. For example, it is characterised by extremely quiet, low-vibration running - making it a good match for the low-vibration drive concept of the linear motor. The so-called polygon effect, which can occur when an energy supply unwinds, is reduced to a minimum. The extremely low noise development is confirmed in an expert opinion from TÜV Rheinland. The wide product range allows the optimum chain size to be selected in each case; the designer can also choose from a wide range of options for the interior separation. The same applies to the mounting bracket.