Everything You Need to Know About Drag Chains - YIHEDA

What is a Drag Chain&#;

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Also known as drag chain and cable protection chain, it is a product used to protect cables, gas pipes, oil pipes, and water pipes that make reciprocating movements, mainly for protection, storage, and traction. Typically used in industrial automation and robotics applications, it consists of interconnected housings and links that protect wires and cables from damage under conditions of motion and vibration. Drag chains are often installed outside machines or equipment to manage the movement of wires and cables.

 

Understanding the Composition of Drag Chain

It is generally a combination of links and connectors. Optional accessories are available, such as dividers and comb plates. The links are repeating units, and the travel determines the number of links. The joint contains the moving and fixed ends, which play a fixed role. Specifically divided into the following components:

 

Housings are commonly crafted from plastic or metal materials, safeguarding wires and cables while providing support and protection for the connections.

 

Chain links: interconnected components made of plastic or metal, usually flexible and wear-resistant for use in motion and vibration conditions.

 

Drive Systems: Used to connect drag chains to equipment and are usually made of metal.

 

Accessories: include connectors, brackets, fixings, etc., for mounting and securing the drag chains.

 

 

Drag Chains Used in Various Industries and Applications

 

Suitable for all occasions of reciprocating motion, linear motors, CNC machine tools, travel cranes, robots, manipulators, lifting equipment, automated warehouses, etc.

Automation equipment: Drag chains can connect all kinds of automation equipment, such as machine tools, robots, automated production lines, etc. It can protect wires and cables and support and protect the equipment.

 

Electronic equipment: Drag chains can connect various electronic equipment, such as computers, controllers, communication equipment, etc... It protects wires and cables and provides good anti-interference performance.

 

Motion control systems: Drag chains can connect various motion control systems, such as CNC machine tools, robots, automated storage systems, etc... They can protect the wires and cables and provide good support and protection for the equipment.

 

Special environment: Drag chains can be used for applications in special environments, such as high temperature, low temperature, high humidity, corrosion, etc. It protects wires and cables and provides good protection and durability.

 

 

(1) Long life: Made of high-quality material, it can withstand high load, high speed, and frequent movement, and the imported part can run more than 20 million times.

 

(2) Multiple installation methods: With multiple installation methods, such as lateral, vertical up, vertical down, etc., it is easy to install. It can quickly put cables and pipelines inside the drag chain, thus reducing installation time and cost.

 

(3) Adaptable to different motion trajectories and angles: It can meet various running speeds. The fastest speed can reach 20m/s, and acceleration can reach 50m/s², adapt to different motion trajectories and angles, and move under horizontal, vertical, and bending conditions.

 

(4) Complete size: The drag chain is complete. The minimum inner height is 7mm, the maximum inner height is about 80mm, and the maximum inner width is up to 500mm.

 

(5) Rich variety: complete variety, including silent type, dust-free type, anti-static type, two-way bending type, three-dimensional movement type for robot needs, etc., to meet different user needs.

 

 

 

 

 

The selection and installation steps of the drag chain are as follows:

 

1&#;Determine the inner height and inner width of the drag chain

Determine the inner height of the drag chain according to the maximum cable diameter or the maximum diameter of other pipelines, and 10-20% space must be left in the direction of height and width to determine the inner width.

 

2&#;Determine the pipeline arrangement and separation

According to the number and diameter of pipelines, make a suitable arrangement. Heavy or thick pipelines should be placed in the middle, and other pipelines should be placed on both sides and join the separation piece for space separation.

 

3&#;Determine the bending radius of the drag chain

According to the bending radius required by the pipeline, determine the bending radius of the drag chain. The bending radius of the drag chain must be greater than the minimum radius required by all pipelines, combined with the installation height, to determine the final bending radius.

 

4&#;Choose the suitable drag chain code

Consider the requirements of the use environment, choose the corresponding drag chain code, choose the dust-free grade, silent grade, etc.

 

5&#;Determine the number of chain links according to the stroke and bending radius

 

6&#;Determine whether comb plate joints are needed or not

Select whether comb plate connectors are needed. Comb plates are usually used to fix cables

 

7&#;Select the suitable installation method

Consider the installation method, such as hanging, supporting, sliding, etc., and choose the suitable installation method to select the suitable drag chain.

 

Additional, you could contact us for more professional selecting information about drag chains.

 

 

Eg. The customer selects the VBD32 series drag chain (pitch P=33.5mm), bending radius R=38mm, stroke s=500mm. Then the drag chain length is calculated as follows:

One &#;When the fixed end is in the middle of the stroke:

Lk=s/2+K=500/2+3.14*38+2*33.5=436.32mm

2&#;When the fixed end is not in the middle of the stroke: For example, the offset &#;M=100mm

Lk=S/2+&#;M+K=500/2+100+3.14*38+2*33.5=536.32mm

3&#;For specific length calculations, please get in touch with us.

 

 

The relationship between drag chain length and stroke

Stroke S: refers to the maximum distance the moving end of the drag chain moves, the fixed end is the best solution when it is in the middle of the stroke, and the length of the drag chain is selected as the shortest. lk=S/2+K The formula applies to all applications where the fixed end is in the middle of the stroke, except for rotary and long stroke motion.

 

 

 

Drag chains are widely used in many fields, from simple machine tool applications to electronic equipment, stone machinery, glass machinery, door and window machinery, injection molding machines, manipulators, lifting and transportation equipment, automated warehouses, etc. In the overall mechanical equipment, although drag chains only account for a small part, they play an important role in protecting the moving parts of mechanical equipment and are known as the "umbilical cord" of modern industrial automation. Therefore, drag chains are frequently encountered in the installation or maintenance of modern mechanical cables. Understanding the correct way to disassemble and assemble drag chains can save us a lot of time and improve work efficiency.

 

The disassembly and assembly methods for different types of drag chains are slightly different:

 

1. One-piece non-openable type

 

 

When disassembling, first use a suitable flat-blade screwdriver to gently lower one side plate from the side chain link to lift out the connecting shaft, and then twist the other side plate out of the connecting shaft to easily remove the chain link;

 

 

When installing, you only need to align the limit slots of the chain links to be spliced, push gently with force, and a click means that the chain links have been installed in place.

 

2. Two-piece openable type

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When disassembling, find a movable crossbar, insert a suitable flat-blade screwdriver into it to open the crossbar, open several sections, rotate the crossbar to open it, and then slightly press the chain link inward to remove the connecting shaft from the side plate, and then easily remove the chain link;

 

 

When disassembling, first press the drag chain body flat with one hand, hold the flat-blade screwdriver with the other hand, aim at the gap in front of the baffle, and tilt it upward with force, at least tilt off the upper and lower four crossbars, and then gently hold the side plate with your hand to shake and remove it;

 

 

When installing, first splice the side plate in place, then pre-install the crossbar at a 30° angle, and press down the side of the crossbar with both hands to tilt it upward (it is best to knock it with a rubber hammer). When you hear a click, it means that the crossbar is installed and the drag chain link has been spliced.

 

3. Four-piece openable type

 

 

When disassembling, first press the main body of the drag chain with one hand, hold a flat-blade screwdriver with the other hand, aim at the gap in front of the baffle, and lift it up with force. At least lift off the upper and lower four crossbars, then gently hold the side panel and shake it off;

 

 

When installing, first splice the side panels in place, then pre-install the crossbar at a 30° angle, and press down the crossbar with both hands to lift one side upward (it is best to knock it with a rubber hammer). When you hear a click, it means that the crossbar is installed and the drag chain links are spliced.

 

 

1. For the maintenance of the drag chain, the following measures can be taken

 

2. Regularly check whether there is any loosening of the joint screws to avoid the drag chain falling off or the pipeline being damaged due to the loosening of the screws.

 

 

 

3. Check regularly whether the pipeline is tangled; if there is, it needs to be rearranged neatly. The winding of the pipeline may cause the drag chain to jam or run smoothly, and rearranging can avoid this situation.

 

4. Clean the drag chain regularly to remove the dust and dirt. Because long-term use will lead to the accumulation of dust on the drag chain surface, which will affect the use effect, the drag chain surface should be cleaned regularly.

 

5. Lubricate the drag chain regularly to reduce its wear and friction and prolong its service life. However, it is necessary to pay attention to using suitable lubricant and lubricate at appropriate time intervals.

 

6. For the comb plate joint, check the comb plate's fixing regularly and strengthen the fixing to prevent the comb plate from loosening and falling off.

 

7. Check regularly whether the bending radius of the drag chain meets the requirements to ensure that the drag chain can operate normally and avoid operation failure caused by the bending radius not meeting the requirements.

 

8. If it is found that the drag chain has been damaged or there is a running failure, it needs to be replaced or repaired in time to ensure the normal operation of the machine. Regularly check whether the joint screws are loose or not.

 

 

 

(1) Collapse:

 

If the drag chain is found to have collapsed waist during use, you can choose to strengthen the support or customize the drag chain with a gliding function to solve the problem;

Note that when strengthening the support, the support can only be added on one side of the fixed end to avoid adverse effects on the movement of the drag chain.

(2) Too many and too many cables:

 

If the pipelines are too many or too messy, you can choose to install a separator piece to divide the internal space of the drag chain into multiple spaces to realize the separation of electricity, oil, water, and gas while placing various pipelines neatly;

To ensure the separation effect of the separator, it is necessary to arrange the direction of the pipelines reasonably according to the actual situation to ensure that all kinds of pipelines can pass smoothly.

(3) Installation height:

 

When installing the drag chain, paying attention to the difference between the theoretical installation height and the actual installation height is necessary. The theoretical installation height refers to the height difference of the joint, while the running space of the drag chain should be reserved according to the actual installation height;

To ensure the accuracy of the installation height, it is recommended to make strict measurements and calculations before installation and choose the appropriate drag chain model and size according to the calculation result.

 

 

Equipment name: Linear motor

Design purpose:

To achieve reciprocating motion.

To protect cables from damage or tangling.

Keep the equipment neat.

 

Parts application description:

Easy installation and removal by fixing with sheet metal parts.

Using drag chains to arrange cables neatly to avoid tangling and damage.

Selecting appropriate drag chain specifications and materials according to actual needs to ensure smooth operation and durability of the drag chain.

Regularly check whether the drag chains and cables are loose or worn, etc., and timely maintain and replace them.

 

Example case:

A factory uses multiple linear motors in its production line. Since the equipment needs to make frequent reciprocating movements, the cables are prone to tangling and damage, which affects productivity. To solve this problem, the factory introduced a drag chain suitable for linear motors and fixed the drag chain to the machine with sheet metal parts. After using the drag chain, the cable was neatly arranged, reducing damage and tangling, and the production efficiency was significantly improved. The factory also regularly inspects and maintains the drag chains and cables to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

 

 

Understanding Cable Drag Chain Size Charts

In the fast-paced world of automation and machinery, ensuring smooth operation while maintaining equipment integrity is paramount. One of the critical components that help achieve this is the cable drag chain. A cable drag chain, also known as a cable carrier, serves to organize and protect cables and hoses in moving applications. As industries evolve, so does the importance of selecting the appropriate size of these chains. This article delves into the significance of cable drag chain size charts, providing insights on how to use them effectively.

What is a Cable Drag Chain?

A cable drag chain is a modular system designed to guide and protect flexible cables, hoses, and other components in a variety of applications, including CNC machinery, robotics, and conveyor systems. These chains allow for unrestricted movement while guarding against wear and tear, maintaining the durability and functionality of the equipment. They come in various sizes and designs, tailored to suit specific needs.

Importance of Size Selection

Selecting the correct size of the cable drag chain is vital for several reasons

1. Protection A well-fitted cable drag chain safeguards cables from abrasion, crushing, and accidental disconnection. If the chain is too loose, cables can chatter and wear out quickly; if it&#;s too tight, it may cause unnecessary strain on the cables.

2. Efficiency Proper sizing contributes to the efficient movement of cables. An appropriately sized chain ensures that cables do not get tangled or constrained, allowing for smooth operation.

3. Cost-effectiveness Using a size that is too large might lead to excess weight and space consumption, while a size that is too small can lead to frequent replacements and increased downtime. Both scenarios can inflate operational costs.

Reading the Cable Drag Chain Size Chart

A cable drag chain size chart typically provides detailed metrics about various chain options, including inner and outer dimensions, the maximum load capacity, and bend radius. Here&#;s how to interpret these metrics effectively

1. Inner Width (a) The space within the chain where the cables are housed. The width should be selected based on the total width of the cables and hoses that need to fit comfortably.

cable drag chain size chart

2. Inner Height (b) This dimension defines the height of the chain and should accommodate the cables vertically. Consider any additional shielding or connectors that might be added.

3. Outer Height (B) This metric gives an insight into the overall space the chain will occupy in your equipment.

4. Bend Radius (R) This is a critical specification as it dictates how sharply the chain can bend without causing damage to the cables. Ensure that the bend radius meets the minimum requirements of your application.

5. Max Load Capacity Each chain has a maximum load it can handle. Selecting a chain that aligns with the weight of the cables and hoses is key to preventing premature failure.

Steps to Select the Right Cable Drag Chain

1. Determine Cable Specifications Measure the diameters and quantities of cables that will be used.

2. Assess Installation Space Examine the physical space in which the drag chain will be installed, accounting for movement requirements and environmental factors.

3. Refer to the Size Chart Use the cable drag chain size chart to find compatible chains that meet both the size and load specifications necessary for your application.

4. Consider Future Needs If you're anticipating upgrades or additional cables in the future, consider selecting a slightly larger chain to allow for some flexibility.

5. Consult Experts When in doubt, consult with manufacturers or experts who can provide tailored advice based on your specific requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding cable drag chain size charts is essential for selecting the right product that ensures efficient and safe operation of machinery. By paying attention to dimensions, load capacities, and future needs, businesses can make informed decisions that enhance performance and reduce maintenance costs. A well-chosen cable drag chain is an investment in the reliability and longevity of any automated system.