igus C6 e-chain for cleanrooms

High abrasion resistance is crucial for machine elements in cleanrooms. igus has therefore now developed the C6, an energy chain designed to meet the highest cleanroom class. ‘C’ stands for its place of use — the cleanroom — and ‘6’ for the number of individual parts per chain link.

The chain is specially designed for longer unsupported applications on machines and systems, and is based on the E6 and E6.1 cleanroom series from igus. A new connector system and a specially tribologically optimised high-performance polymer make it even smoother, easier to assemble and virtually free of any particles in motion.

Using the system, cables and hoses are to be guided in an abrasion-resistant and smooth manner even on medium travel distances in cleanrooms such as in electronics production, the semiconductor industry, packaging machines, medical technology and pharmaceutical production. For this, igus relies on a new type of connecting system for the individual chain links, which makes the chain easy to assemble and lightweight, as well as strong and vibration-dampening. The system is designed to save 74% weight compared to the previous series.

The idea for the C6 was developed in cooperation with a large electronics manufacturer and the Fraunhofer IPA. Test series with the e-chain are currently running in the in-house cleanroom laboratory in Cologne. The initial tests are reported to have shown the high abrasion resistance of the chain, so the company is optimistic that it will also receive cleanroom ISO class 1 classification.