E4Q.L Series e-chains®

Many applications do not need the E4Q's thickness and thinner e-chains are sufficient to guide the cable packages in these instancse. This is especially true of unsupported energy supply systems with low or medium loads, such as those in machine tools, woodworking equipment, and car washes. igus has developed the L version to offer users the advantages of the E4Q in these applications at an attractive price. Depending on the width, the E4Q.L is approx.15% more cost-effective than the E4Q.58 and approx. 40% stronger than the prior models (E4 Light and E4.1 LEAN). "Thanks to the outstanding strength of the E4QL, we can serve completely new applications more cost-effectively than ever before while offering the proven E4Q advantages," says Christian Ziegler, Head of e-chain® Product Management.

"We have completely rethought the stop-dog system. Development goals were more strength and service life than the predecessors with two stop-dogs while retaining the option of a Reverse Bend Radius (RBR)," says development engineer Stefan Strack. A reverse bend radius allows the e-chain to bend in two directions. In the E4Q.L Series, this functionality is achieved through the use of three stop dogs, making it the first igus e-chain to incorporate this feature.

Building on the proven inner/outer link design, igus developed an innovative reverse bend radius concept. The inner link continues to define the chain's bend radius through the size of the stop-dog pocket. For the first time, the outer link is also utilized to create a reverse bend radius. By reducing the size of the stop dog, the e-chain can bend backward to predefined angles while maintaining controlled movement.