Quickly opened but tightly sealed – new chip-repellent e-tubes

The igus R2.1 tube series are not only easy to fill thanks to lids that can be opened from both sides, but they are also tightly sealed, promises Treotherm. The tubes, which keep chips out, only consist of a link and a crossbar that functions as a form-fit lid. The lids can be opened very easily from both sides, along either the inner or outer radius. Users can choose the type that is best for their needs, which makes assembly and maintenance work even easier.

“The chip- proof e-tubes from igus are primarily of interest in the area of machine tool making as a reliable energy supply in an environment where chips are often present,“explains Lukas Czaja, Head of Industry Management Machine Tools at igus. “This industry is faced with the enormous challenge of mastering the increasing pressure of prices combined with rapidly growing technical requirements. The R2.1 series provides outstanding chip protection, can be assembled efficiently and stands out due to its very good price/performance ratio.”

During the chip test in the igus test laboratory, it was shown that the tubes of the R2.1 series are among the tightest sealed energy-tubes on the market. During this laboratory test, the tube is moved continuously in a chip drum filled with two kilograms of metal chips of very different sizes and shapes. After 100,000 cycles, the size 40 e-tube only let 0.5 grams of chips accumulate inside.

The smooth contours guarantee that the chips do not accumulate between the stops and assure that the cables are not damaged or abraded. Due to a brake in the stop- dogs of the individual chain links, operation of the chain is also considerably quieter. Due to the double stop- dogs, the energy-tube can absorb high fill weights and can even master long unsupported lengths.