US Tsubaki's All About Cable Drag Chains Guide

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Cable drag chains, also known by various terms such as cable carriers, cable tracks, and energy chains, serve as flexible hollow structures essential for guiding, supporting, and safeguarding cables, hoses, and hydraulic lines in motion. These components are vital in industrial settings for preventing tangling and damage to hoses and cables, which can lead to hazardous situations and operational downtime.

Materials Used in Cable Drag Chains

Manufacturers choose from steel or plastic for fabricating cable drag chains, based on application specifications and limitations. Each material type boasts distinct beneficial features that render them suitable for various uses.

Steel & Metallic Components

Since their initial introduction by Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp® in the 1970s, steel has remained a primary material for cable drag chains. It is favored for industrial applications due to its exceptional tensile strength and high-temperature resistance.

The types of steel commonly utilized in cable drag chains include:

• Stainless steel: Known for improved environmental resistance and heavy load capacity.
• Zinc-plated steel: Used in traditional applications with significant load requirements.
• Hybrid (metallic & nylon): Ideal for scenarios that demand design flexibility and high speed.

High-Performance Plastics

In the early 1980s, polypropylene (PP) began to gain popularity in the fabrication of drag chains. Nowadays, plastic options are nearly as common as those made from steel, each providing unique advantages for certain applications. Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp® recognizes that every cable track situation is distinct, and thus, they offer a broad range of materials. Instead of relying on a single type of material, they are equipped to design custom tracks for unique application needs.

Specialized plastics used in drag chain production include:

• Chip-repellent materials to guard against flying metal chips, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,500°F.
• Cleanroom materials engineered to minimize dust generation, suitable for sensitive environments like semiconductor manufacturing.
• Electrostatic discharge materials for protecting delicate electronic devices during manufacturing processes.
• Flame-retardant materials ideal for environments with flammable substances.
• Magnetically detectable materials that can be identified by metal sensors, essential for applications requiring stringent contamination controls, such as food processing.

Types of Cables Used in Drag Chains

Drag chains provide support, protection, and guidance for various flexible cables and hoses, including:

• Bio-oil and microbial-resistant cables constructed from recyclable materials resistant to abrasion and biofuels.
• Data cables designed to operate within a temperature range of -40°C to 70°C.
• PUR (polyurethane) cables suitable for applications, with specific temperatures ranging from -20°C to 80°C for flexible designs or -40°C to 80°C for fixed types.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) cables maintain flexibility and good oil resistance, functioning between -10°C to 80°C.

Applications of Cable Drag Chains

Cable drag chains come in a variety of designs adaptable to numerous applications, categorized into two main types:

• Linear: Used for straight-line movement, handling distances from less than one meter to over 100 meters.
• Circular (or rotary): Designed for movement along curved paths.

Additionally, cable carriers can be categorized based on application type:

• Standard: Basic designs that facilitate quick cable installation.
• Advanced: Features adjustable chain widths and enhanced separation options.
• Extreme: Typically constructed from steel or stainless steel, tailored for challenging environments.
• 3D application carriers: Designed for movements across multiple dimensions.

Common applications for cable drag chains include:

• Port cranes
• Green technology systems
• Machine tools
• Automation and process equipment
• Vehicle transport and washing systems

Quality Drag Chains: Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp®

U.S. Tsubaki, a subsidiary of Tsubakimoto Chain Company, prides itself on being an ISO-certified manufacturer. They produce high-quality motion control, power transmission, and bulk material handling equipment, including drag chains under the Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp® brand. For more detailed information about our offerings, please visit our Tsubaki-KabelSchlepp® cable carriers page.