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Now this end link will be able to bend just like the other chain links. The red area is cut away to allow the end link to bend ¶ Other Considerations Cable drag chains have been an integral part of manufacturing since their introduction in the 1950s. This innovation prevented damage to cables that would otherwise hang loosely from machinery until it sustained severe enough damage to warrant replacement. Regardless of terminology, these devices serve the same purpose. When a moving object requires cables or hydraulic hoses to move, such as automated machinery, the cables require protection. By enclosing the cables or hoses into a carrier, you prevent the pieces from tangling with each other and the machinery. A cable drag chain is a protective covering that secures cables or hoses to keep them separated and permit movement around automated machinery. Consequently, with numerous industries embracing automation, the need for these drag chains is essential. Opening the latch is fairly straightforward with the right tool. A 2.5mm flat head screwdriver is perfect for this job (our Voron kits usually include this screwdriver). Take note of a small icon (it actually looks like a screwdriver) on one side of the latch - this is the side we will pry open. Look for the small screwdriver icon
On the same side, look for a small indent, insert the screwdriver and pry upwards. Do not pry the wrong side of the latch! Doing so can break the latch. ¶ Closing the latch Drag conveyors are best suited for dry, free-flowing materials and are most useful for agricultural, railway, chemical, cement, and other applications which require metering and efficient movement of product. They can be inclined as well as horizontal, but their paddles must be designed for vertical conveying, if desired. They are easy to implement into plants and can be configured to have multiple inlets/outlets, making them a great plug-and-play conveyor type. They can also be used in tandem with other open conveyors to help reclaim any lost material, giving them additional applications in recycling, environmental protection, and accumulation functions. Types of drag conveyors A variation on steel is zinc plated steel that merges standard applications that need to carry heavyweight cables or hoses. Cleanroom Materials Present in the oil and gas market since the early 1970s, we have supplied hundreds of systems to all continents and applications. Our focus is quality and superior service life. We offer full engineering support in all relevant marketplaces. Customers benefit from our extensive industry, product and engineering know-how.The end links on either end of a cable chain are actually different. Unlike the normal chain links, these end links are fixed and cannot bend relative to the other links. However, one of these end links can be easily modified using a pair of cutting pliers. Find the end link with a small notch on either side, use your pliers and expand the notch slightly. Cable drag chains have applications across several sectors and in multiple types of machines within those industries. Some industries that have a use for hose or cable conduits, including cable carriers, are: Rail and Transit Vehicle movers and car washes are some of the transportation industry applications for cable drag chains. These chains permit flexible or linear movement of the cables, even in applications that require heavy-duty use, such as moving extremely heavy vehicles. Robotics There are some basic types of drag conveyors available to buyers, and this section will detail these types for those interested. This list is not exhaustive, as there are manufacturer-specific types not shown here, but know that specialized and custom drag conveyors exist. Drag chain conveyors Figure 2: A drag chain conveyor - notice the material in and around the chains. There are two important considerations when sizing your cable chain: the internal dimensions and bend radius. The internal dimensions usually refer to the internal cross-sectional width and height inside of each chain link. For example, a 10x10 cable chain has an internal width of 10mm and height of 10mm. Bend radius refers the smallest radius that can be formed by the cable chain when bent. For example, R18 refers to a radius of 18mm. ¶ Open type cable chains
Such innovation occurs with the addition of accessories such as wheels to promote smoother movement over prolonged distances. Another advancement has been the development of heavy-duty drag chains for use in tough environments, such as high-wear and high-stress operations of automated equipment. A cable chain, also known as a drag chain or energy chain is a flexible hollow structure used to guide and protect cables and hoses together in one system. It ensures a constant supply of energy, data and signals to machinery and equipment while it is continuously in motion. To start, determine the desired rate of material movement through the drag conveyor, which will be affected by flight size and shape, drive speed, and conveyor length. This means that you should bring the desired conveyor span, your space and schedule requirements, and the material being conveyed, so that your supplier knows the application at hand. These specifications will help determine the flight size, shape, and material, as well as the most effective drag conveyor type and appropriate drive. Product needs and protectionWhen laying down your cable chain, pay attention to which side the latch opens up from. Ideally, you want to be able to open these latches with your screwdriver without completely uninstalling the entire cable chain. This article presented an understanding of what drag conveyors are and their types, designs, and uses. For more information on related products, consult our other guidesor visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platformto locate potential sources of supply or view details on specific products. Sources: Many robotics rely on power cables or hydraulics to power their components, which need to move smoothly with the machinery. Cable carriers provide this movement without damaging the integrity of the cables or the function of the robotic equipment. Food and Beverage Manufacturing Cable chains are also categorized as either open or closed types. All cables chains used by LDO (except for 7x7 size chains used in V0 kits) are open type cable chains. In open type cable chains, each link contains a latch that can be opened up. This allows for cables to be conveniently laid into the cable chain - especially in situations where the cable connector is too large and would otherwise not fit through the insides of a chain link. Note that end links usually do not contain a openable latch and require that they be removed and later re-attached when laying down cable. ¶ Opening the latch Cable drag chain is used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications wherever there are moving cables or hoses. Constructed from durable, hard-wearing plastic cable drag chain can withstand the most arduous environmental conditions. Some of the most common are
Image credit: https://www.biomassengineeringequipment.com/comparing-modern-drag-chain-conveyors-and-old-conveyors/fr-engimech-private-limited/ KABELSCHLEPP Metool is a market leader in drag chain technology, with over four decades of offshore experience. We have installed hundreds of systems all over the world and we are a specialised engineering resource, offering global support to our customers.The number of cables that can be fitted into anenergy chainis virtually limitless. Since we offer a full range of internal separation solutions, this can be done safely and to meet almost any layout required. The huge benefit of energy chains is that almost any combination of cables and hoses can be run in the same system, something that cannot be said of alternative technologies like busbars and festoons. Where can energy chains be used? The standard drag conveyor, or simply drag chain conveyorsuses two endless chains with evenly spaced paddles between them, which drag along the bottom of a trough to transport material. The amount of bulk moved by each paddle is dictated by its surface area, as well as the chain speed, and they are replaceable once they wear down. The chain speed is typically slow which decreases energy consumption, and the whole assembly is easy to use, simple, and cost-effective. Certain models can run at up to 50 ft/min with a capacity of 10 cubic feet per minute at a length up to 400 feet per drive. They are ideal for non-sanitary, non-abrasive products such as grain, pebbles, and more, and are often used as feeders for other machines. Their major disadvantages are their propensity to wear down, as materials interact directly with the chain and can cause issues. Also, the chains will unevenly stretch over time, requiring consistent maintenance to ensure proper alignment. En-masse drag conveyors Figure 3: En masse conveyor - notice the single chain.
Drag conveyors are not unlike most other conveyors in terms of operation – a motor powers an endless single or double-stranded chain of flights (see Figure 1) which pulls or “drags” material through the bottom of the conveyor. The chain can be partially or completely enclosed, but in all cases, there must be some form of housing to allow material to be dragged by the flights to the outlet(s). These flights, known also as paddles or scrapers, are distinct in that they can use up to 50% of the available space within the conveyor for material movement, instead of the typical 20-45% of other conveyor types. They are, therefore, able to move more material with less power and are generally an efficient option of conveyance. The gaps between each paddle are large enough to allow for multiple inlets and top-loading of materials into the conveyor, making it a great-multi-purpose option. Offshore applications for our drag chains include maritime and port; energy, oil and gas exploitation; and similar mechanical or operational requirements. Our drag chains can be used in: Design of chains and turnkey assemblies: chain, hose, cable and fittings, and trays and substructures KABELSCHLEPP Metool was the first company to pioneer the use of hose in drag chains in the North Sea, thus extending hose service life substantially. Since then, we have delivered many systems and applications to every continent and every offshore theatre in the world. Detailed references are available on request.
easy chain® Series E06, energy chain, to be filled at the outer radius
Unlike standard models, en-masse conveyors utilize a single-stranded chain with paddles attached to both sides, sometimes referred to as “skeletal chains” for their resemblance to vertebrae. The chain runs in an over-under arrangement, where typically the bottom strand is the carrying element and material is fed through the top strand; however, there are split en-masse conveyors that house both strands in their own troughs, effectively creating two conveyors moving in opposing directions. The single-strand allows for a compact utilization of space and can use up to 90% of available space in the conveyor, instead of the usual 20-45% from other conveyor types. This effective use of space combined with one less chain creates an even more efficient conveyor than the previous kind, using less horsepower and energy to operate. The conveyed material is also completely enclosed, allowing en-masse conveyors to move hazardous, sanitary, hi-temperature, or otherwise hostile materials. This material will also not adversely affect conveyor performance, as the single-chain is less effected by material wear. They are a versatile option for designers for horizontal and low-incline applications, and their only downside is their limited flight width and price. Tubular drag conveyors Figure 4: A tubular drag conveyor - notice the round flights and single chain. Our installation services are of the highest quality, and we can easily handle difficult installations. Our drag chain comes with full documentation and warranties, and offers longevity, serviceability and operational safety. Initially, cable carriers were only made from steel. This metal was readily available due to mass production methods used for the past several decades. Plus, without the war efforts needing to use large amounts of steel, manufacturers could take advantage of this versatile material. Flame retardant cable carriers offer a solution for use in locations that pose a combustion risk. These types of carriers protect machinery and cables or hoses from fires. Zinc-Plated Steel
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