Guide data, energy, liquids, and air in the tightest spaces with igus

Fast and smart: The micro flizz reliably conducts energy, data, and media even at high speeds in a compact space. For predictive maintenance, users can now integrate the CF.D into the energy chain system. (Source: igus GmbH)

Energy, data, and media are guided at high speeds in tight spaces, which is a major challenge for many users, for example in intralogistics. With the micro flizz, igus offers a compact energy supply system for travel distances of up to 100 meters. It consists of an energy chain, flexible chainflex cables for tight bending radii, and a guiding channel made of aluminum. The micro flizz can now also be used with the new smart CF.D system. This system proactively monitors the data transmission properties of the cable and warns in time of a failure.

Close, compact spaces and quick aisle movements, for example by rack handling systems, are common application scenarios for busbars. Their major disadvantage: they can typically only be used for energy transfer. To be able to carry not only energy but also data, liquids, and air simultaneously in horizontal and vertical directions, igus developed the energy supply system micro flizz. With this, travel speeds of up to 6 m/s and accelerations of up to 4 m/s² are possible. The micro flizz consists of a plastic energy chain that is guided in an aluminum channel. In addition to highly flexible chainflex control, data, and motor cables for tight bending radii, the energy chain can also carry hoses as well as optical fibers with data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s. Thanks to extensive testing in the company's own 2,750-square-meter test laboratory, igus guarantees a lifespan of 36 months for all chainflex cables. If the user wishes to monitor the transmission properties of their installed bus cable, igus now offers the possibility to integrate the intelligent CF.D system into the micro flizz. The smart plastics innovation detects changes in the transmission properties of the cable in advance and provides timely information about a necessary replacement. This allows maintenance to be planned proactively and prevents unexpected plant downtime.

Modular and easy-to-clean system

The main advantage of the micro flizz, besides optional intelligent monitoring, lies in its special design: integrated "side flanges" securely hold the energy chain in a stretched position at all times within a special groove in the upper and lower parts of the channel. Together with plastic springs on the links of the e-chain, they ensure gentle and quiet rolling. This significantly reduces friction, wear, energy consumption, and noise development. Another advantage: thanks to its modular construction, the system is easily accessible and simple to clean. Therefore, the micro flizz is also suitable for use in the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors. The energy chain system is available in three different sizes depending on the diameter of the cables.