With the rotation module online configurator of the motion plastics specialist igus, engineers can configure and order individual rotary energy supply systems in seconds. This will eliminate weeks of co-ordination by e-mail and telephone, resulting in a shorter design time. Configurator users also benefit from a reduced price for the rotating energy supply as igus passes on the effort saved directly to the customer.

Stress prevails in the planning office: The new industrial robot, which is intended to weld body parts in a car factory, is faced with a problem - the rotating energy supply system is still missing. This important component is intended to supply the robot arm's welding tools with energy and data during its rotational movements. However, a standard system does not fit into the limited installation space, and a customised solution would take too long.

 "Individual designs often require increased co-ordination effort by telephone, e-mail and during on-site visits, which can take up to three weeks," confirms Michael Berteit, Sales Manager- Engineering Projects and Installation Service, igus. 

To save customers this effort in future, igus has developed the new online configurator for rotation modules. With this tool, engineers can quickly and easily configure and order a customised rotating energy supply system. They also save money. 

"We pass on the design effort that igus saves to our customers in the form of a reduced price. We want to help our customers save as much time and money as possible", says Berteit.

igus has designed the online configurator in such a way that users can operate it intuitively. All you have to do is specify the desired outer diameter of the system and decide on an energy chain series and width - e.g. for the E4.21 model of the E4.1 series, which is known for its versatility, robustness and reliability. Using a preview, the configurator then visualises the dimensions of the rotating energy supply system in millimetres: the minimum inner diameter, the length of the e-chain including the mounting bracket, the maximum rotation angle and the height of the system. If all parameters meet the customers' requirements, they can see the price and delivery time of the individual solution directly in the online configurator and request a quote at the touch of a button. In addition, it is possible to download a PDF with all application parameters and to receive a CAD model as a STEP file. 

Berteit explains, “From configuration to enquiry and integration, we want to help our customers save as much time and money as possible. We are currently working on a specific online shop, so that in future it will be possible to order the individually configured system."

Rotating energy supply systems from igus are not only used in automation technology, but also in wind turbines, where they can ensure the safe transmission of energy and data to the control systems in the rotating nacelles or rotor blades. They can also be found in medical technology, especially in imaging equipment such as computer tomographs, machine tools, cranes and bucket wheel excavators. A rotation module consists of two circular guide trough segments. One trough part is attached to the stationary part of the system, the other one to the rotating part. Users can choose the fixed end of the e-chain as they like as both the inner and outer parts of the rotary modules can be turned. They allow rotation angles of up to 540° on one level and rotation speeds of up to 360°/s. This has been proven in advance in extensive tests in the 4,000m2 test laboratory in Cologne and a wide range of applications - with energy chains, some of which have been in use for over 20 years. igus enables their customers not only to design individual rotary modules extremely quickly, but also safely.