Wellschlauch 2.0: igus presents new ideas for energy management

e-skin can even be used in cleanrooms for short unsupported spans. (Source: igus GmbH)

In mechanical and plant engineering, but also in medical technology or the automotive industry, corrugated hoses are a standard component of energy management. At the Hannover Messe, igus GmbH from Cologne is introducing a completely new idea: e-skin. This easily openable hose has a self-supporting function unlike comparable products, so it supports itself and can even be used in cleanrooms for short free-standing lengths. Existing corrugated hose systems are given a defined movement with the attachable e-shell.

Corrugated hoses are used in a variety of applications, especially where the demands on energy management are not particularly high. Their advantage is that they are lightweight, versatile, and can carry energy, media, and data in a particularly cost-effective manner. With e-skin and e-shell, igus demonstrates at the Hannover Messe the development potential of this product and how it makes energy management even lighter.

e-skin: Compact design for self-supporting lengths

e-skin is a hose consisting of an upper and lower shell that snaps together and is completely closed. The simple and resealable opening mechanism allows for straightforward maintenance and inspection of the installed lines. Unlike conventional corrugated hoses, e-skin has a defined direction of movement and also supports itself. This allows it to be used as a horizontal energy supply for short free-standing lengths. The modular expandable pipe also offers more space than round corrugated hoses due to its oval construction. Lines can be guided particularly gently through interior partition modules. Likewise, e-skin can be individually tailored to the respective application by choosing different materials. The injection molding process also enables different color options, even for the lower or upper part — even in small quantities. Thanks to its design and high flexibility, e-skin can be used flexibly across many industries — from machine tools to medical technology to demanding electronics manufacturing. High process speeds and accelerations are achievable, for example, in pick-and-place applications. Its abrasion resistance, dustproof, and waterproof properties also make it ideal for use in cleanrooms.

e-shell: Reinforcement of existing systems

In addition to e-skin, igus offers a reinforcement for existing corrugated hose systems: e-shell. The clip is simply attached to the standard corrugated hose, filling the joints of the hose on the top side. This stabilizes the hose and allows movement only in one direction. With guiding elements on both sides, the corrugated hose has a free-standing length. When this solution is used with multiple hoses, they can be reliably guided side by side. Thanks to the defined minimum bending radius, e-shell safely and reliably protects the lines inside the corrugated hose.