Igus provides extreme steel solution

The pre-harnessed new energy chain system supplied by Igus UK comprises E4/4 Heavy Duty (HD) plastic energy chains, aluminium guide troughs and Chainflex cables, all specially designed for dynamic applications in rough, corrosive environments.

Igus was asked by Corus to install energy chain systems on 17 outdoor portal cranes and nine indoor magnet cranes. The steel is exposed to extreme heat while being formed into rails, when the indoor cranes are used, while the steelworks’ location on the coast means that the outdoor cranes must withstand sand and saltwater spray, as well as adverse weather conditions. In addition to high temperatures, the equipment is exposed to extremes of humidity.

Igus first installed energy chain systems at the Corus plant nine years ago, and has since converted a number of Demag cranes whose wear-resistant energy chains are still in operation, without any need for maintenance stoppages, according to the client. The new E4/4HD chains increase the load-bearing surfaces of the cranes by 120%, and will run smoothly even with high additional loads.