In a bid to supply energy, data, fluids and air simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions, igus has developed the micro flizz energy supply system. With this, travel speeds up to 6 m/s and accelerations up to 4 m/s2 are possible. It offers a compact energy supply system which travels up to 100 metres. 

 

Narrow compact spaces and fast movement in lanes, such as in the storage and retrieval units, are some common usage scenarios for these busbar systems. Their big disadvantage is that they can normally only be used for energy transmission. In order to be able to supply not only energy but also data, fluids and air simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions, igus has developed the micro flizz energy supply system. With this, travel speeds up to 6 m/s and accelerations up to 4 m/s2 are possible. 

 

The new system consists of a plastic energy chain that travels in an aluminium channel. In addition to highly flexible chainflex control, data and motor cables for tight bend radii, the energy chain can also guide hoses as well as fibre optic cable with data rates of up to 10 GBit/s, achieved by extensive testing in the in-house 2,750 sq m test laboratory. 

 

igus provides a guaranteed service life of 36 months on all chainflex cables. If the user wants to monitor the transmission characteristics of the used bus cable, igus offers the option of using the intelligent CF.D system in the micro flizz. The smart plastics innovation detects changes to the transmission characteristics of the cable in advance and provides timely information about an essential replacement. Therefore maintenance is planned in advance and an unexpected shutdown is avoided.

 

Its integrated side wings hold the chain firmly in the stretched condition in a special groove in the upper and lower part of the channel. Together with plastic springs on the crossbars of the e-chain, they provide a soft and quiet rolling. This means the friction, wear, energy consumption and noise development are reduced significantly. Another advantage is that the system is easily accessible and easy to clean. Micro flizz is also ideal for pharmacy and food production. The energy chain system is available in three different sizes depending on the diameter of the cables.