Cable chain cables
LAPP drag chain cables are power and control cables for use in (highly) dynamic cable chains. Their properties have been optimally adapted for permanent flexing. The cables are available in different shielded or unshielded variants and are divided into 3 performance classes ("Basic Line", "Core Line" and "Extended Line"). This enables you to find your product very quickly! Additional properties such as high resistance to oil, abrasion and weather conditions as well as UL/CSA certifications make many of them true multi-talents.
What are drag cable chains?
All products that you find in the product group “drag chain cables” are power and control cables for power supply or signal transmission that, due to their highly flexible properties, can be used in a cable chain. They are ideally suited for all moving applications in which cables are flexed very frequently in one or more places.
Which LAPP service do you want to take advantage of?
1
I only need drag chain cables, but I would like to read the advisor.
→ Stay on this page and find out more about drag chain cables.
2
I know my way around here and
I would like to
configure the cable chain myself.
3
I prefer a
pre-assembled cable chain, with everything it comes with!
→Request full-fledged cable chain systems ÖLFLEX® CONNECT CHAIN.
LAPP is your component supplier. However, if you are not looking for individual products, but rather for holistic solutions, LAPP is also happy to be your component supplier AND system supplier.
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What is a cable chain?
A cable chain is a mechanical system that protects, supports and guides cables and media hoses. This is always where dynamic movements occur continuously. These can run horizontally or vertically, but can also be circular and spiral shaped. The cables inside the cable chain transmit energy, signals or data between two points in relative movement to each other. As a result, the cables need to move, rotate or combine movements.
Cable Chains are often also called power chains,
power guide chains, cable drag chains or cable carriers.
Note: the cable chain must always be designed in accordance with cable features and not the other way round.
You're asking yourself:
- How does a cable chain work and where is it used?
- What types of cable chain systems are there?
- How are cables installed in the cable chain?
Don't worry. We will answer all your questions. Right here →
Our drag chain cables are guided and protected from the cable chain for several million bending cycles in moving machine applications. Without these cable chains, the cables would quickly be damaged and fail due to the permanently acting forces during operation.
Where are drag chain cables used?
Cable chains are usually used wherever something has to be moved, packed, cut or positioned with precision. For example, think of filling plants, laser cutters, machine tools and handling devices. Cable chains are also indispensable in CNC machining machines and press construction. And hardly to believe: cable chains can also be found outside purely industrial environments, for example in theatre and stage construction.
Other applications of drag chain cables outside of cable chains:
- In moving machine parts such as handling devices
- For connecting closely adjacent applications where kinking movements of the cable are to be expected
- In applications with high levels of vibrations because extra-fine wire conductors do not break as quickly
- In applications where space is tight, also for fixed installation as drag chain cables are much easier to bend and install
- In the loop of wind turbines where slow rotational movements occur
Which properties are crucial for drag chain cables?
Cables must meet a number of requirements to be considered suitable for cable chains:
- Drag chain cables mainly have extra-fine wire conductors, and, less often, fine-wire conductors for maximum movement flexibility.
- Drag chain cables have high flexibility and a small bending radius. Depending on the type, these products can be flexed continuously to the smallest permissible bending radius without impairing their functionality. The bending radius is defined as a multiple of the cable diameter (e.g. 10 x outer diameter).
Note: The minimum bending radius of the cables must correspond to the bending radius used of the cable chain system! - Drag chain cables are characterised by being the smallest possible outer diameter. The multi-core variants usually contain no more than 25 cores to be stranded. We also recommend dividing the required number of cores between several cables. Wherever particular space savings or very large conductor cross-sections are required, single-core cables usually have a clear advantage (single-core cables, identifiable by SC in the product name).
- Drag chain cables are stranded with different lay lengths, depending on the flexibility to be achieved. The principle applies: the shorter the lay length, i.e. the core stranding, the more flexible the cable is.
- Drag chain cables are characterised by their low weight. Ultimately, the cable chain must not only support its own weight, but also that of the cables placed in it over a length of m, accelerate and finally brake.
- Drag chain cables are made from sheath and insulation materials that meet cable chain requirements and the prevailing environmental conditions. The application often determines the material in this way!
What effects do these properties have on the application possibilities?
The aforementioned properties have a major impact on the following application parameters to be observed when selecting a cable.
Excessive wear and a long service life can only be avoided if the drag chain cable is optimally aligned with the prevailing conditions.
First clarify the specifications of all cable types before determining the cable chain version.
- Travel distance
The travel distance describes the travel distance to be covered in a dynamic application. - Expected traversing speed
At what speed is the drag chain cable exposed to in the cable chain? Power and control cables are typically suitable for speeds of up to 10 m/s. - Maximum acceleration
What acceleration is the drag chain cable exposed to in the cable chain? Acceleration of up to 80 m/s2 is possible for power and control cables. - Number of bending cycles
How many bending cycles does the drag chain cable withstand in the cable chain? This means how often it can be bent without any noticeable functional impairment. Our drag chain cables are tested for several million bending cycles. The actual number depends heavily on local conditions. - Ambient conditions
- What temperatures prevail in the application?
- What moisture is the cable exposed to?
- Will the cable be used indoors or outdoors?
- Are oils, chemical substances present?
- What is the prevailing degree of pollution?
Cable chain systems can be installed over long travel distances, reach speeds of up to 10 m/s, support a high filling weight and withstand extreme temperatures, chemical agents and oils, dirt and dust. The only question is: which one is right for you?
What are the differences between drag chain cables from LAPP?
In this product segment, you will find cables from the ÖLFLEX® CHAIN and ÖLFLEX® FD product families, which are designed for voltage classes 300/500 V, 450/750 or 0.6/1 KV. In both families, you will find unshielded and shielded cable variants (the latter can be identified by C in the product name).
Cable insulation material
Drag chain cables with a PVC cable insulation can be used universally; those with a PU sheath are particularly suitable for high-speed chains, outdoors and harsh applications where temperature resistance, abrasion, UV and oil resistance are essential. If, on the other hand, aggressive media act on the drag chain cable, such as cleaning agents and disinfectants or chemicals in general, it is ideal to use cables with a ROBUST cable insulation that are resistant to the commonly used ECOLAB® cleaning agents used in the food and beverage sector.
Product certifications
Almost all (with a few exceptions) of our ÖLFLEX® CHAIN cables can demonstrate UL product certification for use in North America. They have either an AWM UL Recognition Mark or a UL Listing Mark such as TC-ER or MTW.
Our ÖLFLEX® PETRO FD 865 CP has been DNV-GL certified for maritime applications.
In addition, many of our items are fire protection classified according to EU Directive 305/2011 (BauPVO/CPR).
Not sure how to best explore our variety of drag chain cables?
We have constructed a guide that will allow you to select products that are tailored to your needs and level!
Please pay attention to the LAPP performance classes, which we will explain below in more detail.
What are the performance classes used for LAPP drag chain cables?
To make it easier for you to choose drag chain cables, we have categorised our cables according to similar performance qualities. At Lapp, we differentiate between three performance classes:
- Basic Line
- Cost-effective and sufficient for many applications.
- Use for moderate travel distances or accelerations.
- Core Line
- In the mid-price segment.
- For continuous flexing use with moderate travel distances or high acceleration.
- Extended Line
- In the higher price segment.
- For highly flexible, constantly flexing use with long travel distances or high accelerations.
- Always includes halogen-free cables that withstand a wider temperature range than Basic and Core cables.
Depending on the performance class, the ÖLFLEX® CHAIN and ÖLFLEX® FD cables can be used for small bending radii, longer travel distances, faster acceleration or traversing speeds.
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