igus has developed a new product especially for material handling systems, automated warehousing and retrieval systems, industrial rolling doors, or work station equipment where tools are moved manually. "Micro Flizz" is a specially-designed energy chain system, which supplies moving equipment with electrical or pneumatic services via a rolling conveyor. The energy chain runs in an aluminium guide channel, which supports the upper and lower run of chains, allowing a lightweight, low wear system. The compact, space-saving system is closed at the top, which provides protection against dirt and debris.
igus CEO Frank Blasé says, "Our energy chains and “Chainflex” cables are popular among those using material handling equipment for vertical applications. With the new "Micro Flizz", we are now offering a completely new approach to the supply of energy and data for horizontal movements, too”.
"Micro Flizz" is a genuine alternative to other solutions for fast and frequent movements. The system differs from those currently available; induction based systems are still very new and relatively costly. Remote data transmission systems are open to interference between the transmitter and receiver from walls, structures, or even particles in the surrounding atmosphere. Often extra control units are required, adding cost and inconvenience.
No extra control boxes for frequency converters are required with “Micro Flizz”, as power is supplied directly using igus Chainflex cables.
“Micro Flizz” is based on a simple principle, and since it is a physically connected system, it is very reliable. The system is installed in an enclosed trough, so it is extremely well-protected and highly reliable.
The modular system, which comes in various chain widths, heights and bending radii, allows power and data supplies to be adjusted as required. Data lines, copper or fibre-optic, can be combined with power cables or pneumatic hoses. This is a huge advantage for material conveyors, which pick items with a pneumatically-driven gripper. The cables are strain-relieved at both ends of the energy chain to ensure they cannot move within the system.
The way igus has designed its "Micro Flizz" energy chain is completely unique. Tiny side fins on each individual chain link open out a few millimetres when the chain is straight, keeping the entire energy chain in one groove, both in the upper and in the lower part of the guide channel. When the chain bends around the radius, the fins retract, releasing the chain so that it can run smoothly. Securing the chain in the upper groove prevents it from falling out onto the base of the guide channel or running onto the lower chain run. It also prevents the energy chain from lifting out at high speeds (up to 6 m/s), or during high accelerations. Another distinctive feature is that, on every chain link, there is a small plastic spring, which touches the base first when the chain is lowered. This serves to absorb the movement and reduces vibration, making "Micro Flizz" even quieter.
The system has extremely low due to reduced friction and the first-class materials used. According to igus, this is another difference to Busbar type equipment, which is subject to wear and needs parts to be regularly replaced.
The modular nature of "Micro Flizz" allows for easy installation with simple commercial fixings. The system can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at any angle in between these two positions.
Possible uses are very diverse. igus CEO Frank Blase: "The "Micro Flizz" is particularly ideal for small and medium-sized systems. There is no limit to speed and acceleration. Stretches of up to 60 metres already look promising in the test phase." Test results obtained up to now are verifying a virtually non-wearing run covering just over one million cycles at a speed of 4 m/s, which is equivalent to 6,000 km. Blase reports that feedback received from the first users, "confirms that "Micro Flizz" is reliable and far exceeds expectations."