Using the secrets of nature
igus energy chain E4Q wins German Design Award
The E4Q energy chain series was developed by igus to provide a solution for unsupported and long travel distances. The E4Q has now received the prestigious German Design Award for its pioneering design.
With a large number of awards in recent years, igus is once again proving this year how advanced design can bring tangible benefits to the user. This also applies to the E4Q energy chain. It is noticeable that igus has taken a new approach here. "In order to optimize the material and thus the weight of the energy chain, our developers were inspired by nature," explains Michael Blaß, Head of the e-chain systems division at igus. "The rounded design is reminiscent of a stream pebble and can be found on the outside of the chain links and on the stops. This reduces the weight by 10 percent compared to the previous E4.1 series and therefore reduces drive energy." Despite the material cut-outs, the new development is 20 percent stronger and more stable. The chain links of this energy chain generation also have a completely new opening bar concept with locking plates. These ensure that the series can be opened and closed in seconds without tools. This makes filling particularly easy and reduces assembly time by 40 percent.
German Design Award honors innovative design trends
The advantages of the E4Q have now been recognized by the international jury of the German Design Awards. The E4Q and the innovative Module Connect Adapter, which allows energy chains, cables and lines to be connected to the machine using a click system, were awarded in the Excellent Product Design category. The German Design Award is the international prize awarded by the German Design Council. Its aim is to discover, present and reward unique design trends. 5,000 products/projects from 60 countries were submitted this year.
You might also be interested in
Igus training factory to end shortage of skilled workers
Igus is increasingly training junior staff itself. A new training factory at the company headquarters in Cologne-Porz will support this. The company aims to no longer be reliant on external specialists by 2027.
read more...Energy chains: glide easily over long distances
The energy chain specialist Igus presented its new energy chain called Glide-Chain at the Hannover Messe. It has been specially developed for gliding applications and is particularly suitable for travel distances of up to 30 meters, such as those...
read more...Timing belts and conveyor belts
Precise positioning
Habasit will be showcasing its product portfolio for the packaging industry at Fachpack: Habasync timing belts, for example, enable the precise positioning of conveyed goods and are therefore well suited for the stop-and-go operation of automated...
read more...Career entry at Vahle: 16 young people start their training
Paul Vahle GmbH & Co KG welcomes 16 new trainees to the Kamen site today. As in previous years, the system provider for mobile industrial applications is organizing a four-day introductory event at which the new trainees will get to know the...
read more...For drumming and towing - cables that pull along
With the Reeltec and Festoontec product series, TKD Kabel offers a portfolio of robust cable solutions for cranes and hoists. The specialist for application-oriented cable solutions thus also supports the increasing digitalization and automation of...
read more...Crane retrofit in Emmerich
In the inland port of Emmerich, Tsubaki Kabelschlepp has overhauled the cable routing of a container gantry crane belonging to Contargo Rhein-Waal-Lippe. A pre-assembled Totaltrax solution was used, which the experts for energy chain systems...
read more...Igus reaches one billion in sales and increases number of active customers
With 277 motion plastics innovations, igus is presenting a record number of lubrication-free plastic innovations in 2025 under the motto "Go Zero Lubrication": from PTFE-free materials and a complete energy chain series made of recycled material to...
read more...Automation solution for positioning axes
Adjustment tasks in logistics
SEW-Eurodrive is expanding its portfolio with an adjustable drive system based on stepper motors. It offers machine manufacturers a resource-saving implementation of adjustment axes with both open-loop and closed-loop control.
read more...Partner for intralogistics drive solutions
Heidrive will be presenting drive solutions for conveyor and warehouse technology at LogiMAT 2025. Sister company Allied Motion will also be represented on the stand.
read more...