Myriad terms are used to define cable drag chains and they make choosing the right one a grueling process. Due to increased automation in modern industry, these kinds of cable carriers have increased applications across several sectors.
What are cable drag chains?
They act as a protective covering to secure cables or hoses to keep them separated and allow moments around automated machinery. With a number of industries embracing automation, the need for a CKS Cable drag chain is imperative. Several other terms are used for cable drag chains including:
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- Cable chain
- Cable tracks
- Energy chains
- Cable carriers
Regardless of the terminology, they all serve the same purpose. When an object moves with cables or hydraulic cables such as automated machinery, the cables need protection. It prevents the pieces from tangling with each other.
Cable drag chain structure and material
They come in a typical rectangular design that allows several hoses or cables to fit with separators in the track to prevent entanglement during use. The outside of these tracks has crossbars to provide access to the cable inside. The mounting brackets are used in order to hold the cable drag chain to the machinery. You can find cable drag chains in several materials.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel drag chains work best in heavy-duty environments. They provide better thermal protection in extreme heat along with more support for heavy-duty hoses or a large number of cables.
Flame retardant
Flame retardant material is a diverse group of chemicals that are added to manufactured materials, such as plastic and textiles, and surface finishes and coatings to slow down or prevent fire growth. This material is perfect for a location with high combustion risk. It protects machinery and cables or hoses from fire.
Zinc-plated steel
Zinc-plated steel is a variation on steel that is ideal for applications that need to carry heavyweight cables or hoses.
Cleanroom materials
Cleanrooms, such as those required in pharmaceutical or semiconductor manufacturing environments, need equipment that doesn’t allow dust, debris, or other contaminants to enter. Some kind of cable drag chains provides an enclosed design to provide the required protection to be used inside the cleanrooms.
Magnet detectors
Food service sites require equipment that has components a magnet can pick up. These magnetic detectors protect consumers from accidental contamination of food products by machinery.
ARAW aluminum chain
Aluminum offers protection without weighing down drag chains for long-distance applications. These chains prevent smaller chain guides from twisting or overheating while providing an extra barrier against the smaller cable tracks.
Bottom line
We hope that the above information has provided you with adequate insight into cable drag chains. If you need a CKS Cable drag chain that is second to none, contact us right away. Our products offer quick turnaround on quotes and deliveries.