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Overhead Crane Busbar System vs. e-chain®
Faster, smarter alternative to an overhead crane busbar system
For facility managers and engineers in the material handling and automation industries, the biggest headache is often the inefficiency and high maintenance demands of traditional crane busbar systems. These systems, while common, are notorious for their rigidity, frequent breakdowns, and limited functionality restricting energy transmission to just power, with no capacity for data or fluid transmission. Busbar systems make it challenging to keep your operations running smoothly due to unexpected maintenance, costly downtime and the safety risks that come with outdated power distribution systems. The inability to transmit data or fluids alongside power in a compact, efficient manner further compounds the challenge, leaving you stuck in a cycle of reactive maintenance, with your productivity and profitability taking the hit. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a threat to the sustainability of your operations.
Don't let outdated technology hold your operations back any longer. Make the switch to the e-chain system today and experience the difference in power distribution that propels you ahead of the competition. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see the e-chain system in action.
Consider the facts before using a busbar system in your application.
TechTalk: Overhead crane electrical busbars vs e-chains®
Get an in-depth look into busbar systems and energy chains, read this tech talk and consider the facts before deciding which system will best suit your application.
What are the differences between e-chain® and an overhead crane busbar system?
Energy chain system
In the solution with cable carriers, the cables are fed into the e-chain® in the middle of the travel. The e-chain® is pushed or pulled to halfway.
Crane busbar system
Busbars are high maintenance systems that require a lot of care and adjusting.
System Comparison: of an overhead crane busbar system
White Paper: e-chain® with steel-rope guide vs electrical busbar?
Consider the facts before deciding which system is best for your application.
While busbars are a common solution for energy transfer in moving applications across long distances, the autoglide 5 from igus is a worthy alternative that offers features not possible with busbars.
Alternative overhead crane busbar system products
Replacement Types of Busbar Systems
8 Facts to consider before choosing an overhead crane busbar system.
Busbars are horizontal metal conductors used to supply power along the runway or bridge of a crane through steel or copper conductor bars. A collector arm slides along the conductor bar, allowing current to pass from the electrified conductor bar to the moving collector and on to the moving hoist or other traveling element.
Busbars require frequent inspection and maintenance, leading to downtime for the crane system. The collector shoes installed on the collector arms need to be regularly inspected and replaced when they wear out, requiring the system to be powered down for maintenance. Additionally, busbars are limited in the complexity and type of energy they can supply, and they expose bare loaded conductors to the surrounding environment, causing serious safety concerns, especially in hazardous or explosive environments.
Busbars are limited to power or occasionally control circuits, and adding additional components may require a full rebuild of the cable management system. They are also restricted to the transfer of electricity, which may not be sufficient in the era of Industry 4.0 where data transfer, such as for Ethernet, sensors, and camera systems, is essential.
Busbars are not suitable for areas with strict hygiene requirements, cleanroom environments, or environments with explosive and highly flammable products. They can also experience problems when used in environments with dust, debris, or corrosive elements.
e-chain is designed to withstand demanding environments, with a clean and durable design that reduces the need for frequent maintenance and inspection. It remains stable even under high loads and is resistant to moisture, heat, dirt, and debris. Additionally, it can guide energy, data, air, and liquids all in one system, making it suitable for the transfer of electricity as well as data transfer, which is essential in the era of Industry 4.0.
e-chain is suitable for long travels up to 1,000m and is proven to withstand the most demanding environments. This addresses the safety concerns associated with busbars and makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Unlike busbars, the e-chain system can guide energy, data, air, and liquids all in one system, making it suitable for the transfer of electricity as well as data transfer, such as for Ethernet, sensors, and camera systems, which is essential in the era of Industry 4.0.
e-chains, especially the autoglide 5 system, require significantly less installation time and effort compared to busbars, reducing overall setup costs and complexity.
System Comparison:
Energy chain systems instead of festooning
Provide guidance for cables and energy chains while keeping them protected and safe in wind and fluctuating temperatures. This minimizes downtime.
More crane technology information
Contact an Expert
Whether you're interested in end-to-end, fully assembled solutions or looking to build your own customizable project, let us assist you with a solution based on your specific application and requirements. Contact us via the form below or call us at (800) 521-2747 to discuss your project today!