D. Mounted on the side
(turned 90°)
Mounting E-Chains/E-Tubes on their sides “turned 90°” are possible when space is at a premium.
Short strokes with or without support
igus® Energy Chains can, with restriction, be used “unsupported” when mounted on their sides.
The unsupported length depends on the following parameters:
• Fill weight
• Width of Energy Chain
• Bending radius
• Parallel application
The greater the fill weight of the Energy Chain, the shorter its unsupported length. (see figure 12a).
When turned 90°, the E-Chain/E-Tube width is now its height; greater heights render the entire body more mechanical
stability.
Small bending radii give higher stability.
If parallel movement of two E-Chains are required, the unsupported E-Chain length will become shorter.
Normal fastening and support by the standard mounting brackets will suffice for applications with small loads.
With greater fill weight and longer unsupported length, the Energy Chain requires either complete or partial support.
Figure 11 shows an application where the Energy Chain is running on one side and supported along its entire travel.
Because of the vast multitude of different applications, we always recommend that you contact igus® for advice
with respect to your specific application.
Gliding (Long) travel
Lengths of travel in excess of 260 ft (80m) are possible with igus® Energy Chains “turned 90°” and a suitable
guiding system. All E-Chain types have been designed to glide on their side parts with minimal wear.
The guiding tray material may be galvanized steel, stainless steel or a UHMW plastic material depending on the
demands as to travel speed and service life.
igus® Energy Chains require neither roller or ball bearings.
Figure 12 depicts the guide tray design.
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Figure 9: Series 98 Energy Tube mounted on its side (turned 90°) on a milling machine. Minimal supports
on the stationary and moving ends of the Energy Tube allows the curve radius to remain unsupported (short travel).
For long travel support recommendations see figure 12.> 
Figure 10: Series 40 Energy Chain applied on its side and with “reverse bending” links to perform complex rotary
movements. Depending on the stroke/travel and fill weight, some lateral support may be required. See figure 12a
for unsupported span capacities of side mount Energy Chains/Tubes. 
Figure 11: Series 50 Energy Chain side mounted and completely supported by a slide plate in a longer travel
application. |
