Cable carrier

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An example of a standard type chain with cables running through it

These structures are variously known as drag chains, energy chain, cable chain or cable carriers depending on the manufacturer.

Cable carriers are designed to surround and guide flexible cables and hydraulic or pneumatic hoses connected to moving automated machinery. They reduce wear and stress on cables and hoses, prevent entanglement, and improve operator safety.

Cable carriers may be arranged to accommodate horizontal, vertical, rotary and three dimensional movements.

1 History
2 Structure
3 Variants
4 Cables
5 Application examples
6 External links

[edit] History

Steel carriers were introduced to the market for the first time in the 1950s [1]. Nowadays, plastic (specifically, polypropylene or PP) cable carriers are also widely used.

As of 2007 there were more than seven manufacturers worldwide, including Murrplastik, igus, Kabelschlepp, Metreel, M Buttkereit, Gortrac and Cavotec.

[edit] Structure

Most carriers have a rectangular cross section, inside which the cables lie. Cross bars along the length of the carrier can be opened from the outside, so that cables can be easily inserted and plugs connected. Internal separators in the carrier separate the cables. Cables can also be held in place with an integrated strain relief. Mounting brackets fix the ends of the carrier to the machine.

[edit] Variants

Today cable carriers are available in a plethora of styles, sizes, price and performance ranges. The following variants are possible:

open
closed (protection from dirt and debris, such as woodchips or metal shavings)
low noise
cleanroom compliant (minimal wear)
multi-axis movement
low noise;
high load resistant
chemical, water and temperature resistant

[edit] Cables

Cable carriers are often used with special highly flexible cables to extend the cables' service life.

[edit] Application examples

Cable carriers are used anywhere where there is moving automation involving the transferral of energy, data, liquids or gases. Examples include machine tools, cranes, car washes, medical and laboratory equipment, automatic warehousing, forklifts, industrial robots, offshore oil rigs and stage technology.