Project: Build a CNC plasma cutter
Product used: System E4 Energy Chain

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Brian Reid, a student from the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), used System E4 Energy Chain® on an undergraduate project, which continued on to become part of his teachers assistanceship for his Masters of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Reid designed and built a CNC plasma cutter, capable of cutting complex 2D shapes out of various steels and aluminum, for OIT’s welding shop.

Reid used the E4 Energy Chain donated by igus® to manage the stepper motor-control wires, the plasma torch lead and the automatic torch height controller cables. Energy Chain not only efficiently managed all the cutter’s cabling, but also kept control wires away from the plasma lead, which prevented induction issues.

“Igus’ cable carrier allowed for a clean installation without sacrificing functionality and aesthetics,” said Reid. “All the cables are safely and neatly tucked away in the Energy Chain.”

When asked about igus’ Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, through which Reid was able to receive the Energy Chain for free, he said, “For a company to go out of its way to support student projects sets a precedent that will be hard for any other company to compete with.”

Reid received an “A” on his project and the CNC plasma cutter he built is currently being used to manufacture parts for other OIT projects.