A one-piece, injection-molded energy chain developed by igus in its E1 series offers a simplified and more reliable cable management solution for highly compact spaces.

Designers often skip cable guides in small installations — such as in food vending machines, laboratory equipment or electric doors — risking cable damage and increasing maintenance costs. This new, compact energy chain is engineered to close that gap.

Source: igus

Made from a single piece of high-performance plastic, the E1 chain is more cost-effective than traditional assembled chains. Its unique easy-chain principle allows users to push individual cables through flexible teeth without tools, securing them and defining a controlled bend radius. This protection prevents cables from chafing, kinking and breaking, ensuring a longer system service life.

“We received positive feedback from designers around the world who have been searching in vain for a cost-effective cable guide solution for compact installation spaces,” said Kira Weller, product manager for e-chains at igus.

To accelerate its transition to high-volume production, Igus is actively seeking design engineers for pilot projects. The company aims to collaborate with users to adapt the e-chain for various applications, including those with extremely short movements of only 40 millimeters.