Circular movements can be realized with several solutions from the igus® E-Chain® range. The Twister-Chain® range provides the biggest choice for rotary movements. TwisterChain® solutions are particularly recommended for spacerestricted applications such as articulated robots, revolving tables, etc.
2. Rotary motion with standard Energy Chains®
The video opposite shows an application that was solved with standard E-Chains®. Such solutions are possible if a great deal of space is available and if the angles of rotation are limited to a maximum of 450°. All igus® E-Chains® / E-Tubes and Chainflex® cables are appropriate for this situation.
Circular motion with RBR
1. Rotary motion with TwisterChain®
iglidur® PRT slewing ring and E-Chain® from the E2 Series in "RBR" design
3. Rotary motion with"RBR"
"RBR" is "reverse bending radius" and means that the E-Chain® can bend in two directions. Each igus® E-Chain® can incorporate RBR designs, with the exception of several radii, for the E-Tubes R117 to R98 and for the Series 07, 09, 14, 15, and 17. The RBR does not necessarily need to be identical to the normal bending radius of an E-Chain®. Part No. 280.15.100/425.0, describes a Series 280 E-Chain® with an inner width of 150 mm, standard bending radius of 100 mm and RBR of 425 mm. Most rotary motions can be achieved with the RBR option. Angles of rotation up to 540° have been realized. Below is an example of rotary motion using an RBR E-Chain®. Please consult igus® for your particular application.
A = free-standing part
B = rotating
C = end of travel
Example for a circular motion with "BBR". Here, the outer ring rotates. The inner ring could rotate just as well
Options 2 and 3 of the circular movements use less installation height. The e-chains® glide mostly on surfaces of plastic, stainless steel or steel and are guided by guide plates in a circular motion. See "side mounted" for further design tips.
Bending radii, circular radii and e-chain® widths are variable with this product line
Circular motion with RBR
Series 250 with 360° RBR rotary motion on a robot
Preferred Series for rotary motion applications All "RBR" E-Chains®
Guide troughs
Depending on the dynamics and load of the application, the guide troughs are made of steel or stainless steel. For applications with a high cycle frequency, we suggest coating the guide troughs with polymer. igus® E-Chains® require no additional gliding elements for contact with the base or sidewalls. igus® offers complete systems including guide troughs, but we are pleased to offer support with drawings for your own construction.
Delivery program
E-Chains® with "RBR" are available as standard from stock for the complete Triflex® range. In addition, we supply a number of E-Chains® which are equipped as standard with "RBR". For all other types, "RBR" means custom-made, and we will be more than willing to offer you this option. igus® E-Chains® with "RBR", available as standard Easy Triflex®/Triflex®.
Technical data rotary motion:
max. angle of rotation = 540° (larger angles possible)
v max. = 10 m/s
a max. = 20 m/s2
Guide troughs for rotary motion applications
Rotary motion with RBR, diameter 6000 mm, with RBR, the inner ring rotates
Table of "RBR" E-Chains® available from stock
The E-Chain® Series appearing on the table are "RBR" - versions available from stock. Almost all igus® E-Chains® can be delivered as a "RBR"- version. Please contact us for any special inquiry.
Part no.
03.05.10/70 - 05.16.018/018 - 06.20.018/018 - 06.30.018/018 - 06.64.018/018
Part number
10.1.028/028.0 - 10.1.038/600.0 - 10.1.048/048.0
10.1.075/220.0 - 10.2.028/028.0 - 10.2.038/600.0
10.2.048/048.0 - 10.2.075/220.0 - 10.3.028/028.0
10.3.038/600.0 - 10.3.048/048.0 - 10.3.075/220.0
10.4.028/028.0 - 10.4.038/600.0 - 10.4.048/048.0
10.4.048/400.0- 10.4.075/220.0 - B15i.050.100/460
Part no.
2400.09.055/250 - 1500.038.075/450 - 2700.1500.150/090
Part no..
TE14.50.028/028 - TE26.120.063/063
Part number
27.07.075/300/2 - 27i.12.125/400/2
240.07.060/060 - 250.05.060/060 - 250.07.060/060
Part no.
28.00.063/063 - 38.00.125/125 - 40.00.135/135 - 40.00.150/150 - 40.00.175/175 - 40.00.200/200 - 40.00.240/240 - 40.00.250/250 - 40.00.300/300 - 40.00.350/350 - 40.00.400/400 - 40.00.500/500
Part no.
5050.01.150/150 - 5050.02.150/150
Part no.
E/Z14.1.038/038 - E/Z14.2.038/038 - E/Z14.3.038/038
E/Z14.3.075/075 - E/Z14.4.038/038
Circular motions with the igus® multi-rotation
module system (MRM)
module system (MRM)
With the multi-rotation module system (MRM) you can implement larger angles of rotation of 900° and more. Thanks to add-on modules the angles of rotation can be extended "virtually" indefinitely. One position for rotations till 540°, two positions for 900°, larger angle of rotation with more positions possible. The rotation and add-on modules are ideally suited for rotary motions with high fill weights and limited space.
Several individual systems are stacked and integrated into a total system
The maximum rotation of the individual layers can be simply added, therefore permitting circular motions up to 900 degrees and more
Compact design - with "limitless" expansion options even for confined installation spaces
High additional loads possible
e-chains® can be harnessed without restrictions
Circumferential speeds up to 1 m/s
Operational principle
Is the defined rotation angle of the lower layer reached, the next upper module is carried along automatically The entire system requires only a mechanical power transmission.
The structure reduces possible sources of interference. The multi-rotation module system is ideally suited for turning applications, for high loads and harsh environments.
In contrast to sliding contacts, e-chains® can also guide lines for air, gas or fluids, as well as bus cables and fibre-optic cables.
They can also be used under adverse environmental conditions
Circular motions using twisterchain®
The twisterchain® range offers the largest selection for rotary motion. The twisterchain® new is constructed in modular design in width, height and radius and therefore very flexible in applications where rotation motions up to 540° or more, as well as rugged solutions are required. twisterchain® solutions are particularly recommended for spacerestricted applications such as articulated robots, revolving tables, etc.
Rotary speeds up to 1 m/s and more
Circular motions possible up to 540° (with special mounting brackets)
Stable, high additional load possible
The next generation of twisterchain® guide troughs will cut down on assembly time and costs, while increasing service-life!
Circular motions with the next generation igus® twisterchain®new
twisterband application with two stacked systems
Circular motions with minimal space: 20 times around the own axis with twisterband
Cost-effective and low wear/maintenance circular motions can be implemented with the igus® twisterband in confined spaces, while reliably guiding energy, data and media.
Rotary motions up to a total of 7,000° (*Vertical installation orientation: up to 3,000°, horizontal: 7,000° and more possible)
Rotary speeds up to 360°/s are conceivable
Minimum installation space - very lean installation around the rotating axis
Can be reliably used in various installation orientations (horizontal or vertical)
Compact, modular and lightweight
c-chain® infinitely revolving e-chains®
igus® has standardised modules of the c-chain® systems available for many e-chains® of Series E4.1. This enables the fast use of product solutions that are tailored to the application
No idle retract motions
Compact, modular, ready-to-install system
Energy guide plus required cables and hoses
Speeds up to 3 m/s
Travel up to 50 m and more.
Safe power supply with E4/4 E-Chains as an RBR version in this harbour crane
Circular motions with "RBR" E-Chains® are also possible in standing installations
More than 100,000 products available! Delivery and consultation Mon-Fri from 7am-8pm and Sat from 8am-12pm!