What Are Linear Guide Drag Chains?

Cable drag chains**, also known as cable carriers, energy chains, cable track and cable carriers, are flexible hollow structures that guide, support and protect cables, hydraulic lines, hoses and other moving parts.

Cable carriers and energy chains are also known as linear guide drag chains. Flexible, hollow, modular structures are designed to guide, support, and protect cables, hoses and pneumatic lines when moving linearly. They are used to reduce wear, prevent tangling and ensure cable durability in automated machines, which use linear rail systems for moving fluid and electrical lines.

Key Features and Selection Criteria

2.1 Material

These are often made from nylon reinforced or engineering plastics, which offer excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistant, and low temperature resistance.

2.2 Structure

Composed of individual links which can be easily opened to allow for assembly and disassembly. This allows cables to be installed without having them threaded through.

2.3 Sizing

The key measurements are the inner height (5-350 mm), the inner width (40-150 mm) and the bending radius.

2.4 Protection

To reduce wear and avoid tangling, cables should be divided by partitions.

Common Applications

• - Industrial Automation : Assembly lines, CNC machines and robotic arms.

• - Material Handling: Conveyors, automated warehouses.

• - Heavy-Duty Motion : Machines with high load and long travel in the automotive or aerospace industry.

Installation Tips

• - Partitions : Internal partitions can be used to keep cables from overlapping, causing wear.

• - Bend Radius : Check that the minimum bending radius of the drag chain is compatible with the specifications for the cables and the air pipes.

• - Accessibility: Select designs with links that can be opened to allow for easy maintenance and cable replacement.