Lightweight energy chains for CNC glass cutting machine in XXL format

Problem

The Turomas-Tecnocat Group is dedicated to the construction of machines for the glass cutting process. While the company's glass cutting machines could previously only process glass with a maximum length of 6 m, this system is the first in the world to store, transport and process workpieces that are even 12 m long.
The giant glass processing machine consists of an automated warehouse, an overhead loading station with suction cups, a swivel table that picks up the glass from the loading station and sends it to the cutting table, and two swivel and synchronized unloading tables to pick up the glass.
Both for the cutting tables, more precisely the bridge and the cutting tool, as well as in the overhead loader, energy chains were needed for safe cable routing. Due to the long travels, particularly long chain versions were in demand, which can also keep up with the high outputs in acceleration and speed of the linear motors of the cutting table. Due to their dimensions, they should be as lightweight as possible and still ensure stable but also low-noise movement.
Since the charging station rotates around itself for transport from the warehouse to the cutting table, it should be equipped with a rotating cable guide.
Overall, the aim was to create a plant that would ensure high productivity and reliability at low cost.

Solution

For the cutting table of the XXL glass processing machine, the machine builder opted for E6.52 (E6.52.100.100) energy chains with a length of 4 m in the Y-axis (cutting tool) and a roller energy chain of the type 3838R (3838R.12.150.0) in the X-direction (bridge) with a length of 8 m.

The axes move with linear motors that achieve an acceleration of 16 m/s2and a speed of 212 m/min. The e-chains placed in both axes support this performance and also ensure quiet movement of the glass cutting machine. In addition to the cutting table, the energy chains were also integrated into the overhead loader, where they have to follow the complex movements. Three chain systems were installed here: one for transporting the glass panes over a travel distance of 40 m, another for an 11 m long travel and a third rotary energy supply system that follows both the rotation of the charger and the vertical stroke. The so-called twisterband has been developed for rotational movements in the smallest of spaces and allows a rotation of 360°.

The energy chains enable the desired high productivity of the system at low cost and low noise generation to ensure optimal working conditions. In addition, the safety of the plant, which works with fragile material, is also increased. After the tests, the installation was also able to prove itself in practical use at the customer's site. So far, this has been producing continuously, at the time of the last inspection for a whole year without incidents and without the need for extraordinary maintenance work.