e-chains® comparison test: igus® plastic e-tube R4-38L vs. competitor's enclosed energy chain in hybrid design (plastic/metal)

e-tube R4-38L In a comparison test in the industry's largest test laboratory in Cologne, igus® compared its plastic R4-38L energy chain with a competitor's product. In a fracture test, the two chains were evaluated in respect of their appearance, their behavior when subjected to tensile forces and their load capacity; their ease of installation was also assessed.
 
igus® R4-38L Competitor´s chain
4.9 ft unsupported length with
2.69 lb/ft additional weight
No sagging after 96 hours
(96 mm)
19 mm sag
Tensile test The R4-38L copes with a tensile force of 7,481 N, which is more than
the competitor's chain.
2.200 N
Fracture test The R4-38L copes with a tensile force of 1,590 N, which is more that
the competitor's chain.
994 N
Ease of installation Snap open on both sides
Link-wise cutting possible
Interior separation possible
Not snap open
Cutting to length costly
Interior separation not
possible

 
Conclusion:
The igus® R4-38L e-tube is superior to the competitor's product with regard to all the aspects tested.

More information:

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The E4-1 system combines all the benefits of its three predecessors in the E4 range.

Test laboratory for energy chains

More than three billion test cycles per year are carried out at a total of 180 testing stations.