Page 26 - Energize October 2022

NEWS

Setting a new standard for crane cable

guides on Jib cranes

rend setting crane manufacturer, Stahl Cranes and Hoists in Vereeniging, is shifting its machines, industrial machines and even
Jib crane cable management systems from the old system of festoons and pulleys to 3D printers and robotics. Whatever the
Treliable and snag-free energy chain systems from specialist supplier, igus. size or application we are able to produce
Manufactured from engineered polymers, the energy chains are mechanical machine energy chains that are fit for purpose and
elements that guide and protect data and power cables needed to operate the crane. Rather able to outlast and outperform just about
than the cables being exposed and hanging from the festoon system, the energy chains secure everything available in the marketplace
the cables within the chain and provide the required movement without damaging the cables. today.
Stahl Cranes and Hoists Sales Manager Marius Ferreira says the latest crane manufactured “With ongoing research and
and supplied to SEW Eurodrive’s Gauteng factory, is supplied with an energy chain system development at the company’s
from igus. Its ease of installation on the crane and lack of rotating moving parts makes for a headquarters in Germany and plants
less complicated system with fewer structural attachments, clamps and weld points. across the globe, the company continues
to innovate and develop solutions and
Abrasion resistant materials for almost any application,”
The 3-ton monorail system is used in the company’s parts wash bay for the cleaning of concludes Ian.
equipment from its customer sites around the country. The potential for dirt and ingress
is therefore significantly higher than usual applications and the use of abrasion resistant ABOUT IGUS
polymers ensures that the cable and energy chain do not wear out. Compared to a trolley igus GmbH develops and produces
system on a festoon there are far few moving parts, no lubrication and the energy chain motion plastics. These lubrication-free,
system is less likely to be damaged by accident as is the case with the older method. high-performance polymers improve
“With the introduction of igus energy chains on our cranes there is virtually no reason technology and reduce costs wherever
to return to the old festoon systems. Data gathered from our cranes using energy chains things move. In energy supplies, highly
suggest they are considerably more reliable, need almost no maintenance, do not use flexible cables, plain and linear bearings
lubricants and most importantly keep the cables out of harms’ way. as well as lead screw technology
“In conjunction with igus’ Chainflex cables which are specially designed to bend and flex made of tribo-polymers, igus is the
there is no reason why the energy chain and cables should not last the lifetime of the crane worldwide market leader. The family-run
with just routine maintenance. Growing demand for these energy chains has led to keener company based in Cologne, Germany,
pricing and is considered more cost effective throughout its lifespan,” says Marius. is represented in 35 countries and
employs 4,900 people across the globe.
Engineered polymers In 2021, igus generated a turnover of
Igus managing director, Ian Hewat, says the success of its systems lie in the engineered €961 million. Research in the industry’s
polymer materials on offer which simply cannot be matched globally. igumid G, a largest test laboratories constantly yields
high-performance plastic which possesses a variety of traits for a number of different innovations and more security for users.
environments, can handle strenuous loads and extreme temperatures. It is also abrasion- 234,000 articles are available from stock
resistant and suitable for outdoor use. A host of other materials are available for even and the service life can be calculated
extreme or unusual applications. online. In recent years, the company has
“We supply our energy chains for applications as diverse as heavy port cranes, mining expanded by creating internal startups,
e.g. for ball bearings, robot drives, 3D
printing, the RBTX platform for Lean
Robotics and intelligent “smart plastics”
for Industry 4.0. Among the most
important environmental investments
are the “chainge” programme – recycling
of used e-chains - and the participation
in an enterprise that produces oil from
plastic waste.

Contact Ian Hewat, igus South Africa,
Igus energy chain installed on Phone 011 312-1848,
wash bay crane ihewat@igus.net, www.igus.co.za

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