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If the energy chain's upper run operates without touching the lower run over the entire travel, the application is considered unsupported. The unsupported length FLG is the distance between the moving end and the beginning of the energy chain's radius curve, along which the energy supply's upper run exhibits negligible sag. This ensures the longest service life for the energy chain. The unsupported application is the most frequently used energy chain application.
You are interested in an energy chain to guide cables and hoses in machines and plants safely and in an economic way? Here you can find 10 tips on making the most of your investment.
From the contents:
Unsupported length - straight FLG:
The energy chain either has a camber or is straight.
Unsupported length - with sag FLB:
The energy chain has a sag of more than half an e-chain height.
Critical sag:
The sag is greater than the permissible value for FLB. Installation with critical sag must be avoided.
The values in the load diagram are essential for finding a suitable energy chain for your fill weight and travel and determining the maximum load for the selected energy chain.
The black area on the load diagram indicates the unsupported length (FLG) in which the energy chain exhibits no sag. If the travel or cable weight increases, the energy chain begins to sag (FLB, the light grey area).
| Y Axis | X Axis | S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill weight [kg/m] | Unsupported length [m] | Travel [m] | |
| Reference Example A: | 1.5kg/m | 2.0m | 4.0m |
If your application (fill weight and travel) fall outside the unsupported length range for the desired energy chain, you have the following options:
Supports in the unsupported area (FLG and FLB)
A: The overall unsupported straight travel can be extended to a maximum of 50% of FLG.
B: The overall unsupported straight travel can be extended to a maximum of 100% of FLG.
C: The overall unsupported straight travel can be extended to a maximum of 100% of FLB .
For unsupported applications, the acceleration (a) is the more critical parameter than the speed (v). High acceleration can cause the energy chain to vibrate, reducing its service life. This is especially serious if the energy chain already has a sag greater than FLG. Maximum values for acceleration (a), speed (v), and service life are achieved only with energy chains incorporating the FLG unsupported straight.
But then igus® e-chain systems® can sustain very high loads. To date, a peak acceleration of 784 m/s2 has been achieved during continuous use.
 | Standard maxium speed and acceleration values (unsupported) |
| FLG | FLB | ||
| v max. | [m/s] | 20 | 3 |
| v peak | [m/s] | 50 | - |
| a max. | [m/s2] | 200 | 6 |
| a peak | [m/s2] | 784 | - |
Select the right energy chain for your application in the online shop.
Configure the energy supply system quickly and easily with the energy chain configurator.
More information about basics and calculation, filling rules, and more.
