Floating chain levitates with no wear

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.