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e-chains®, chainflex®, cables, harnessed systems readychain®

+381 11 63 098 17

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Plug-in e-chain®: make your energy chain ready to plug and play

What is a plug-in e-chain? What differentiates it from a readychain? ...
The plug-in e-chain is a new evolutionary stage of the well-known readychain variants. In this version, the cables are already connected on both sides, and the plugs are integrated. Thus, the entire readychain is designed as a pluggable assembly. The counterpart, an add-on housing with bushing, can be flanged to the machine housing.

... connected in seconds ...
With a plug-in e-chain, assembling your energy supply system is child's play. The connectors fixed in the mounting bracket of the chain ensure easy and quick attachment in the application. With these ready-to-install assemblies, setup time can be reduced by up to 80%. The plug-in principle enables quick replacement - like the power cable of a laptop - without tools, without know-how, without technicians. Errors due to absolute "plug-in safety" are also ruled out.

... 100% individual!
The required connectors, housings and connections can be planned individually, making each plug-in e-chain a customised product. You will receive an interface solution that is 100% tailored to your application and replaces the previous configuration of different individual parts. Feel free to challenge us with your most complicated connection! Challenges give rise to innovations, such as the readychain® micro-speed shown above.

Request pluggable harnessing

Your benefits at a glance

Tech up

Tech up

Simplest fastening in your application
Integrated strain relief and seal

Cost down

Cost down

Save 80% assembly time
Optimised ready-to-install assemblies
For service: unplug it, plug it back in, done

Proof

Proof

Cost-effective interface solution: one connector instead of many individual connectors
Almost infinite combinations
Absolute plug-in safety

Sustainability

Sustainability

Existing igus^®energy supply systems can be integrated with individual configurations

New product presentation by Markus Hüffel

Quick and easy assembly

For this purpose, we have developed the Module Connect adapter

Wherever fast reaction times are required, e.g in the event of a fault, the plug-in e-chain with the Module Connect adapter ensures fast connection of the energy supply system and avoids long downtimes.

For example in an automatic parking system, where the customer leaves his car for parking. The car is weighed and measured by the system and automatically moved into a suitable parking position. If there is a downtime due to a cable break in the e-chain or a leakage in the pneumatic hose, for example, every service technician should be able to disconnect the defective energy chain and connect a new, harnessed energy chain. With the adapter this is possible quickly and easily - without the need for basic electronic knowledge.

Module Connect adapters are not only used in automatic parking systems and ensure fast maintenance, but also in production or pharmacy systems and wherever energy supply systems need to be plugged in.

adapter Module Connect

German Design Winner 2021: The Module Connect Adapter

Modular plug-in connector for energy chains - Module Connect

Plug in your energy supply with just ONE connector

All about Module Connect in one video

The connector modules can be adapted to the filling and geometry of the e-chain in one or more layers. This enables ideal cabling in terms of function and design for every application.

Combining the system with the universal strain relief system from igus enables secure attachment directly in the connector housing. The soft elements used enclose the cables and hold them securely in place without damaging them. Visually reminiscent of a honeycomb, the flexible structure adapts itself to different cable diameters which provides universal strain relief.

For Module Connect, there are a variety of application possibilities, such as at the chain fixed end or moving end, between two e-chains or for the insertion of cables in terminal boxes or switch cabinets.

Learn all about Module Connect here

Just plug it in: readychain speed

Moving energy made easy with plug-in modules

The aim of every igus readychain is to make module assembly as simple as possible. A few years ago, readychain speed revolutionised the field of harnessed energy chains. The designers have fused connectors and mounting brackets into a single unit that can be plugged directly into the switch cabinet. readychain speed connects harnessed e-chain systems in seconds and without the use of tools.

In general, pre-assembled modules have the advantage that a one hundred per cent tested component enters production and all components are matched to each other. This smooth process is particularly important in cycle time or assembly line production. Compared to individual components, readychain modules require only a fraction of the assembly time. With the help of the readychain speed from igus, throughput times are once again significantly reduced.

Request readychain speed

RC speed

The diversity of the plug-in e-chain at a glance:

RC micro-speed

readychain®
micro-speed

MC adapter

Module Connect including adapter

RC speed

readychain speed

Application examples with readychain®

MULTISPRINT multi-spindle lathe

Unique supply system enables safe and reliable energy supply

The heart of the MULTISPRINT multi-spindle lathe is the spindle drum with six spindles for simultaneous machining of several workpieces. The drum moves the workpieces to the tools quickly and very precisely. For spindles to return to the starting position after machining has been completed in the six stations, the drum has to turn 300 degrees in reverse. The biggest challenge: a safe energy supply system for all six spindles.

Multi-spindle lathe

Completely pre-harnessed readychains at delivery

Minutes instead of days: complete solution from igus reduces the assembly time of machining centres

In its robotic machining centres, Taiwanese tool manufacturer Hartford uses fully harnessed energy chain systems from igus.
This cuts out many process steps for the manufacturer, reducing assembly time from several weeks to just half a day. At the same time, customers can always depend on receiving a safe and reliable solution from a single source when they order readychains from igus.

Automatic handling of medication: Mach4

Automatic handling of medication: harnessed energy chains ensure 20,000 movements per day

Modular automatic medication picking systems are used for the fast storage and retrieval of medicines in chemists, hospitals or care homes and can be adapted to almost all spatial conditions on site. They must be compact and modular in order to enable problem-free extension and a reliable supply.
readychain systems can be ideally adapted to circumstances and spatial conditions.

Energy chains in a picking system with 20,000 movements a day

readychain solutions for shore power supply

3,000 shore power connections per year with flexible energy supply systems

The Mongstad offshore base is one of the most frequently used bases in Norway. The ships change twice a day in order to be loaded with equipment for the offshore platforms in the North Sea. The base operates around the clock.
Therefore, a reliable, robust and flexible system for supplying shore power from igus is used. A harnessed e-spool is integrated in a three-metre long container that can be handled by forklifts to position the system along the various berths.

Shore power connections

Applications readychain

Applications with readychain systems

Where the automation of machines and industrial plant is concerned, there is a whole series of different reasons to decide in favour of pre-assembled energy supply systems.
Manufacturing costs decrease, sources of errors are practically excluded. Less project planning work is needed whereas reliability increases. Possible areas of use are in assembly/installation engineering and handling technology, in conveyor technology or in mechanical engineering.

igus cables harnessed with HARTING connectors

igus readychain & HARTING components

What is typical of this special partnership?

readychain production can play to its strengths with HARTING as supplier and design-in partner. Quality, lead time, productivity and also price are good reasons for industrial cable harnessing at igus. Combining this machine processing with specialised assembly areas and Kanban bearings leads to the incomparable flexibility of igus readychain:

Ready-to-connect directly from the cable manufacturer
In desired length: with centimetre accuracy without minimum order value
Special forms of harnessing are part of our everyday business

Ready-to-install cables and guide systems with HARTING

Good reasons for a plug-in e-chain from igus

For the production of machines and equipment, there are many good reasons to decide in favour of pre-harnessed energy supply systems:

Harnessing time is reduced by up to 95%
Reduction in manufacturing costs
Minimal amount of logistics work – no storage space necessary
Procurement optimisation - one system, one part number
Reduce assembly time – less machine downtime
On-site installation - international service with 35 subsidiaries
Special designs are possible – igus is developing further components

Learn more background here in the igus blog

RC USPs

Modules Connect available in the shop

Move Module Connect into the shopping cart at a click ...

... available from stock!

For users who want to configure their individual interface themselves, there are now Module Connect sets with three or four cable inputs.
They consist of carrier housings, connector housings, sealing inserts and strain relief. Accessories, such as single and double locking devices and fixing elements, can be ordered to match the application. Contact inserts for individual configuration are also available at igus!

Order the sample box free of charge

USP picture

Ready to install instead of separate parts No company has to deal with installing energy chains and cables for their machines any more. With our readychain system, we provide individual, harnessed energy supply systems, which can be easily installed on site.

Order free of charge

The largest test lab worldwide

USP picture

From more than 15,000 tests performed per year, we have created what is probably the world's largest test database. This database gives us the ability to always select the right product for your specific application. Individual tests for your industry are also possible.

Ready-to-install energy supply systems

USP picture

Do you need a completely harnessed energy supply system?
igus® takes responsibility for the entire procurement process - from the purchase of all necessary components to the assembly of the ready-to-install system. Save up to 95% harnessing time!

Go to readychain overview

Consulting

I look forward to answering your questions

Markus Hüffel

+49 2203 9649 347

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