An energy chain for long distances floats in a magnetic force field and is wear resistant and noise-free for use in cleanrooms, automotive paint plants, industrial robots and linear motors.

Igus unveiled the new energy chain for long distances at the Hanover Fair, Germany, earlier this year. It is the first energy chain available globally that floats in a magnetic force field and is wear resistant and noise-free. Possible application areas include cleanrooms, medical engineering, measurement engineering, automotive paint plants, industrial robots, electronics manufacturing, materials handling and linear motors.

LeviChain is held in a state of constant tension magnetically and is fixed within a metal guiding trough mechanically.

This means the upper run of the energy chain can run freely and does not make contact with anything.

Customary friction and wear are eliminated, because the upper and lower runs of the energy chain are unsupported and do not touch each other.

The magnetic field also means the energy chain does not have to unreel or glide on itself and so noise is kept to just 41.7dB(A) at a distance of 1m.

The almost silent, wear resistant LeviChain is cleanroom-compatible in accordance with ISO Cleanliness Class 4 (at v = 0.6m/s).

The driving force required is independent from the weight the energy chain transports when it is travelling at a constant speed.

Therefore, even a low initial force can achieve a high rate of acceleration.

A maximum additional load of 4 kilograms per metre is possible without any problems.

An 'E-band' connecting the energy chain links replaces standard pin-hole connections.

This means no wear happens at these points.

The E-band design works faultlessly with lightweight metal parts, which enable the 'floating' energy chain to maintain a constant linear motion.

LeviChain's design means it is ideal for long, unsupported travels up to 40m.

The magnets have a centring effect.

This means the energy chain remains in position no matter how quickly it accelerates or decelerates.

The upper and lower chain runs can move independently of each other at high speeds and bending radii between 45 and 100mm.

The upper run always 'floats', whereas the lower run can be guided magnetically or mechanically.

The new energy chain is available now, pre-assembled in three widths up to 75mm.

The energy chain can be easily filled with cables and hoses by pressing them through an opening, which snaps back into place automatically.

The LeviChain system can be installed in unsupported, hanging and standing applications and requires very little height and width space.