Cable Drag Chains
Cable Drag Chains (also known as energy chains, drag chains , or cable carriers ) are protective systems used to guide and protect cables, hoses, and hydraulic or pneumatic lines on moving machinery. They are essential for dynamic applications where cables must move repeatedly without tangling, wearing out, or becoming damaged.
ORTON make Cable Drag Chains are used for conveying flexible cables / hoses etc. to movable units with maximum reliability. The construction of these chains is such that they cannot bend below a fixed minimum radius which is decided based on the cable / hose size.
ORTON make Cable Drag Chains can be used for conveying cables & hoses. In case of hoses, the medium can be air, liquid or any gaseous matter.
These chains can be used for horizontal applications, vertical applications, circular movements as well as combined horizontal and vertical movements.
Types of Cable Drag Chains :
- Plastic Cable Drag Chains : Lightweight, Corrosion-resistant. Used in applications with less mechanical stress
- Metal Cable Drag Chains : High strength and durability. Suitable for heavy-duty and high-temperature environments
- Open vs Closed Drag Chains : Open type : Easy access for maintenance or replacement
- Closed type : Offers better protection from dust, dirt, and liquids.
Advantages of Cable Drag Chains :
- Extended Cable Life ensures uniform bending radii, reducing strain on cables. Minimizes frequent cable replacements and maintenance.
- Cable Protection prevents cables and hoses from tangling, twisting, or breaking and shields cables from mechanical wear, impact, and environmental damage (dust, heat, moisture).
- Efficient Cable Management organizes multiple cables and hoses in a compact, structured way and simplifies routing in machines with moving parts (like CNC machines or gantry robots).
- Improved Machine Reliability supports uninterrupted power and data transmission during machine movement and minimizes downtime caused by cable failures.
- Enhanced Safety prevents loose cables from interfering with moving machine parts and reduces trip hazards and electrical risks in industrial environments.
- Modular design allows for quick assembly, disassembly, and cable replacement. Customizable lengths and configurations.
Suitable for a wide range of industries including automation, robotics, material handling, and packaging.Available in various materials (plastic, metal) and configurations for different load and motion requirements.
ORTON cable drag chains can be used for conveying cables and hoses, wherein the medium in the hose can be air, liquid or any gaseous matter.
Cable Drag Chains Application Industries :
Cable drag chains, also known as energy chains or cable carriers, are used to guide and protect cables and hoses in dynamic applications. They are widely adopted in various industries that involve moving machinery or automation systems.
Key industries where cable drag chains are commonly used :
- Automotive Industry : Robotics and automated welding systems, CNC machines for part fabrication, Assembly line automation systems
- Machine Tools Industry : CNC milling, turning, and grinding machines, EDM machines, Laser cutting and plasma machines.
- Material Handling Industry : Conveyor systems, Gantry systems and cranes, Packaging and palletizing equipment
- Industrial Automation : Robotic arms and pick-and-place systems, Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), Motion control and servo systems
- Textile Industry : Automated looms and knitting machines, Dyeing and finishing equipment
- Medical and Laboratory Equipment : Imaging and scanning systems, Lab automation machinery, Diagnostic machines with moving parts .
- Renewable Energy : Wind turbine cable management, Solar panel cleaning robots. Tracking systems for solar installations
- Railway and Transport Systems : Pantographs and train control systems, Moving platform elements, Automated door and seat systems
- Construction and Mining Equipment : Drilling rigs, Tunnel boring machines, Excavators and cranes with movable arms .
- Food and Beverage Industry : Automated bottling, packaging, and sorting lines, Hygienic handling equipment with dynamic movement
