US Tsubaki's Comprehensive Guide to Cable Drag Chains

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Cable drag chains, known by various names such as cable carriers, cable tracks, and energy chains, are flexible hollow structures designed to guide, support, and protect cables, hoses, and hydraulic lines during motion. These systems are crucial in various industries, preventing tangling and damage to cables and hoses that could lead to accidents and costly downtime.

Materials Utilized in Cable Drag Chains

Manufacturers typically use either steel or plastic to fabricate cable drag chains, depending on the application's specific requirements and constraints. Each material presents unique characteristics that make it ideal for different uses.

Steel and Metallic Components

Since Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp's introduction of cable drag chains, steel has been a primary construction material and continues to be the preferred choice for industrial applications, thanks to its high tensile strength and exceptional temperature resistance.

Common types of steel in drag chains include:

• Stainless steel: Offers enhanced environmental resistance and is capable of handling heavy loads.
• Zinc-plated steel: Suitable for traditional applications requiring substantial load-bearing capacity.
• Hybrid materials (metallic and nylon): Ideal for applications where design flexibility and high speeds are necessary.

High-Performance Plastics

Beginning in the early 2000s, manufacturers began to incorporate plastic, especially polypropylene (PP), into cable drag chains. Today, plastic counterparts are as widely used as steel alternatives, providing distinct advantages for specific applications. Recognizing the diverse nature of cable track applications, Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp offers a comprehensive array of materials, ensuring the best protection based on application demands. In addition to a broad selection, Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp can create custom tracks tailored to unique requirements.

Specialized plastics found in cable drag chains include:

• Chip-repellent materials: Safeguard against flying metal chips at extreme temperatures.
• Cleanroom materials: Designed to prevent dust and debris, suitable for super clean environments like semiconductor manufacturing.
• Electrostatic discharge materials: Essential for manufacturing sensitive electronic devices.
• Flame-retardant materials: Appropriate for environments with flammable substances.
• Magnetically detectable materials: Their fragments can be detected by metal sensors, making them ideal for industries needing minimal product contamination, such as food processing.

Types of Cables Utilized in Drag Chains

Cable drag chains are designed to guide, support, and protect an assortment of constant flex cables and hoses, such as:

• Bio-oil and microbial-resistant cables: Designed for abrasion resistance and eco-friendliness as they consist of recyclable materials.
• Data cables: Suitable for operation across temperatures from -40°C to 70°C.
• PUR (polyurethane) cables: Capable of functioning between -20°C and 80°C for flexing cables, or -40°C to 80°C for fixed cabling.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) cables: Operate within a range of -10°C to 80°C and known for flexibility and good oil resistance.

Applications of Cable Drag Chains

Cable drag chains come in several designs to meet various application needs, generally categorized as:

• Linear: Suitable for movement ranging from short distances to over 100 meters.
• Circular (or rotary): Designed for circular motion.

They can also be classified by application type:

• Standard carrier: Simplistic design for easy installation of cables.
• Advanced carrier: Features varying chain widths and enhanced separation options.
• Extreme carrier: Constructed from steel or stainless steel for challenging conditions.
• 3D application carriers: Capable of movement in multiple dimensions through rotational or swivel mechanisms.

Common uses for cable drag chains include:

• Port cranes
• Green energy systems
• Machine tools
• Process automation equipment
• Vehicle transportation systems and car washes

Quality Drag Chains: Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp

U.S. Tsubaki, a division of the Tsubakimoto Chain Company, holds an ISO certification and excels in manufacturing top-quality power transmission, motion control, and bulk material handling equipment, including drag chains under the Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp brand. To delve deeper into our offerings, please visit the LIONSHELL product page and get in touch with us for assistance in selecting a product that aligns with your specific requirements.