Lathe and grinder with durable energy chains: top condition after nine years

The company Kaspar Walter GmbH & CO. KG designs and manufactures electroplating systems and machines for surface treatment of cylinders according to the latest state of the art. The machine manufacturer in Krailing near Munich was looking for suitable cables and cable guides for its turning and grinding machines, among other things.
However, the company's systems have special requirements for the components. The mechanical stress of all components, especially the energy supply systems, is particularly high. The reason for this is the uninterrupted use of the machines, as work is carried out here seven days a week in three day shifts, virtually in continuous operation. Over time, this results in an enormously high number of cycles, which the energy supply systems have to withstand without any problems. Added to this are aggressive environmental conditions that can have a damaging effect on the components over time. These include very high humidity, which can also expose the system components to harmful chemicals.

For at least 15 years, Kaspar Walter GmbH & Co KG has been using energy supply systems from igus®, whereby different types of chains have been installed in open or closed form. In addition to ESD variants, completely pre-assembled energy supply systems, so-called readychains, are now also used. The igus® e-chain® are made of extremely robust plastic that can withstand even the most extreme conditions.
Seven energy supply systems, including two readychains, are used in the turning and grinding machines. Six move the axis, one moves the control panel. Readychains were used for the tool carrier right from the start. The travelling speed of the tool axis is approx. 9 m/min, the travel is approx. 2.5 m. Based on the positive experience, the next step was to equip the travelling control panel with the pre-assembled version.
After nine years, a turning and grinding machine was replaced with the successor model. This showed that the energy chain systems, consisting of e-chain® series 38 and 39 together with chainflex® -cable, were still in perfect condition despite the aggressive environmental conditions.