LAPP cable 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 screened or unscreened variants and are divided into 3 application-oriented performance classes ("Basic Line", "Core Line" and "Extended Line"). This allows 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.
Where are cable 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 machine tools and press construction. And incredible but true: cable chains can also be found outside purely industrial environments, for example in theatre and stage construction.
Other applications of cable 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 cable 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:
- Cable chain cables mainly have extra-fine wire conductors, and, less often, fine-wire conductors for maximum movement flexibility.
- Cable 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 for the cable chain system!
- Cable 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).
- Cable 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.
- Cable 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 drag chain requirements and the prevailing ambient conditions. The application often determines the material in this way!
What effects do these properties have on the application possibilities?
First clarify the specifications of all cable types before determining the cable chain version.
The aforementioned properties have a major impact on the following application parameters and need to be considered when selecting a cable.
Excessive wear and a long service life can only be avoided if the cable chain cable is optimally aligned with the prevailing conditions.
- What temperatures prevail in the application?
- What moisture is the cable exposed to?
- Will the cable be used indoors or outdoors?
- Are oils or chemical substances present?
- What is the prevailing degree of pollution?
How do the cable chain cables from LAPP differ?
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 unscreened and screened cable variants (the latter can be identified by C in the product name).
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).
What are the performance classes used for LAPP cable chain cables?
To make it easier for you to choose cable 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.