3 exceptional cables for plastic and steel drag chains

To choose the right cable for your drag chain, it's essential to consider factors like bending radius, speed, acceleration, and operating distance of the chain. At HELUKABEL, we offer a diverse selection of cables designed to meet the technical demands of drag chain applications, with the following being some of the most commonly used:

1.1. HELUKAT® PROFInet Type C

The HELUKAT® PROFInet Type C is a green PUR cable known for its excellent mechanical properties. It is ideal for use in moving parts and cable carriers, as it can handle high mechanical loads effectively.

With a minimum bending radius of up to 12 times its outer diameter during flexing, this cable meets the technical demands of many drag chains. Also, it operates with a peak voltage of 125V and a relative velocity of propagation of approximately 66%.

Structurally, the cable features a PE-insulated core with four distinct colors: white, yellow, blue, and orange. These cores are twisted with optimal lay lengths and protected by anti-interference layers, which include a plastic-coated aluminum foil and a tinned copper braid, ensuring reliable signal integrity.

Moreover, HELUKAT® PROFInet Type C is halogen-free and flame retardant, meeting VDE, EN, and IEC standards. The cable is also resistant to oil, UV radiation, hydrolysis, microbes, coolants, and is highly resistant to abrasion, tearing, cutting, etc.

In addition to the HELUKAT® PROFInet Type C, two other drag chain cables in the same category are HELUKAT® 600S and SPE 1000BASE-T1 Highflex.

1.2. SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC 340-C-PUR

SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC 340-C-PUR is a grey PUR cable. Thanks to its long-term application in multi-shift operations with extremely high bending stresses, it is commonly utilized in mechanical engineering, machine tools, production lines, and systems engineering.

During flexing, the cable’s minimum bending radius varies based on its cross-section. For cables with a cross-section of 0.14 - 0.25 mm², the minimum bending radius is 7.5 times larger than the outer diameter, while for cross-sections of 0.34 - 1 mm², it is 10 times larger. Additionally, the cable is rated for up to 11 million bending cycles and can travel a maximum distance of 30 meters. With a maximum speed of 4 m/s and acceleration of 50 m/s², it is highly suitable for use in drag chains.

Regarding the cable structure, the core insulation is made from PP material, and the cores are twisted in pairs with optimally matched lay lengths. These twisted pairs are wrapped in a fleece, followed by a braided screen of tinned copper wires, offering approximately 85% coverage to reduce interference. The cable also boasts properties like being halogen-free, flame-retardant, oil-resistant, abrasion-resistant, UV-resistant, and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

For additional options, you may also consider the following similar products:

· SUPERTRONIC®-PVC

· SUPERTRONIC®-C-PVC

· SUPERTRONIC®-310-C-PVC

· SUPERTRONIC®-PURö

· SUPER-PAAR-TRONIC-C-PUR®

1.3. PURö-JZ-HF

PURö-JZ-HF cable features a special PUR outer sheath. It is an exceptionally robust cable known for its high abrasion resistance and tensile strength. Its resistance to mineral oils, especially coolant emulsions, makes it ideal for critical applications in machine, tool and plant construction, rolling mills and steelworks.

With a small bending radius of just 7.5 times larger than the outer diameter during flexing, PURö-JZ-HF cable is perfect for drag chain systems. The cable supports up to 10 million bending cycles and can travel a maximum distance of 15 meters, with a maximum speed of 3 m/s and acceleration of 10 m/s².

The cable’s core sheath is made from oil-resistant PVC and is labeled with consecutive white digits. The cores are twisted to the optimal length, and the twist is wrapped in a fleece. Also, an additional green-yellow core, known as the protective conductor, is included.

In terms of properties, the cable is resistant to oils, UV radiation, ozone, oxygen, weathering effects, hydrolysis, microbes, coolants, hydraulic fluids, seawater and wastewater, etc. It also offers excellent resistance to abrasion, notch, tears, cuts, etc.

In addition to PURö-JZ-HF cable, you can explore other similar options such as the PURö-J-HF and JZ-HF-CY, which share many of the same features.

Additionally, several other cable products that meet the requirements for bending radius, speed, and acceleration are also available for your consideration:

· MULTIFLEX 512®-PUR

· HELUCHAIN® MULTISPEED® 522-TPE UL/CSA

· HELUCHAIN® MULTISPEED® 522-C-TPE UL/CSA

EKD Systems is a drag chain manufacturer, founded in 1970, and now a part of the HELUKABEL Group. It offers a broad range of products, with the most popular being their plastic and steel cable chains, including the following notable products:

All of these products meet international standards and are suitable for a wide range of industries.

Above are the HELUKABEL cables specialized for energy chains as well as some drag chains from EKD Systems. Each drag chain may be compatible with different cable types depending on specific requirements. For detailed advice and further information, please feel free to reach out to the HELUKABEL Vietnam engineering team for assistance!

HELUKABEL® Vietnam