Eureka
Home Advertise Magazine Events Eureka TV Directory
  


Subscribe

Floating chain levitates with no wear
07/08/2006 Email to a friend   Comment on this article
An energy chain can be held in a magnetic field, reducing both noise and wear

Floating chain levitates with no wear
1 2 
Igus has developed an energy chain that ‘floats’ in a magnetic field.

The upper and lower parts of the chain do not touch one another, making it almost wear-proof and much quieter in operation, says the company. Permanent magnets in a metal guiding trough create the field that supports the chain – which, unlike normal Igus chains, includes a metallic element.

LeviChain can extend up to 40m, with a bending radius of 45-100mm. The drive force required to move the chain is independent of the extra load at a constant speed, so even a low initial force can create a high acceleration.

An ‘E-band’ – which hooks chains together on a band – replaces the usual pin-hole connection. The chain is supplied in three widths up to 75mm and can easily be filled with cables and hoses.

Potential applications for the chain include clean environments such as medical and electronics manufacturing lines.

 
Author
Lou Reade
 
 
This material is protected by Findlay Media copyright 2012.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
 
Bookmark this article using:
 
Del.icio.us digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon
 
 
Your comments / feedback
Do you have any comments or feedback on this article? Please contact us by filling in the form below.
NameHide name
Your Email Address
Comments
Send
Your comments/feedback may be edited prior to publishing. Not all entries will be published.
Terms and Conditions

To comment on news stories or blogs you need to complete our 60 second registration process. Once completed this then allows you to download any and all white papers, register for e-zines and access our detailed supplier directory for FREE.

If you are all ready a registered user then enter your e-mail address and login.

You will need to have logged in prior to entering your comments in the boxes provided.

Please enter your email address to login and gain free access to this site.
 
If you are using this site for the first time registration is quick and completely free.
 
Register Now - Register Now


Email Address :  

Remember Me: - If this box is ticked you will be automatically logged in when you return.

Important: To protect your privacy, do not select 'Remember Me' if other users have access to the computer you are using.

View Privacy Policy
 
Related Companies
Igus (UK) Ltd
 
 
Related News
Researchers seek to tackle challenges of hypersonic flight
 
ACAL Energy commissions innovative fuel cell system
 
Thermal management module reduces CO2 emissions by 4%
 
Zytek powertrains lead Gordon Murray T.27 to victory
 
Pressure transmitter simplifies construction of test and assembly automation
 
 
Related Technology
Overrunning alternator pulley improves internal combustion engine
 
Software drives hardware improvements
 
Magnet gear trains push the frontiers
 
British automatic breaks through to low cost
 
Sponsored story: Evolutionary chain
 
 
Related Technology Spotlight
Parker commercialises hydraulic hybrid system
 
 
Related Blogs
Recycled plastic barrels create cheap wind power for developing countries
 
 
Related Videos
Rays of hope