What sizes are HELUKABEL’s plastic drag chains available in?

Thanks to their compact, lightweight, flexible, and easy-to-install features, plastic drag chains are widely utilized across various industries. Common applications include the automotive sector, CNC machines, assembly lines, and robotics.

The plastic drag chain market is divided into various types, each catering to specific functions and applications:

• Single chain: Designed for basic applications requiring minimal movement and flexibility.
• Multichain systems: Provide higher load capacity and greater flexibility, suited for complex operations.
• Custom plastic drag chains: Tailored for unique applications to ensure accuracy and efficiency in specialized industrial needs.
• Specialized drag chains: Engineered for specific applications requiring exceptional durability or resistance in harsh conditions.
• Standard plastic drag chains: The most common type, offering reliable and stable performance for general use.

HELUKABEL - a leading manufacturer and supplier of cable solutions, including cable accessories, offers high-quality plastic drag chains that cater to diverse industrial needs. HELUKABEL’s drag chains are designed for flexibility, durability, and optimized performance across both standard and specialized applications.

HELUKABEL’s drag chains are made from high-quality polyamide reinforced with glass fiber (PA6 GF 35), offering exceptional strength and load resistance. Products such as the PLE, Kolibri, and PKK plastic drag chains are built to withstand harsh environments with an operational temperature range of -20°C to 100°C. For specific applications, the materials are adjusted for:

• High impact resistance (HI)
• Food-grade compliance (FDO)
• Fire resistance (V-0)
• Explosion protection (EX)
• Electrostatic discharge resistance (ESD)

All materials are recyclable and suitable for various environmental conditions, except concentrated acids and bases.

3.1 Features of Kolibri plastic drag chains

Kolibri drag chains are compact, lightweight, and flexible, making them ideal for fast-moving applications in limited installation spaces. Built with high-quality materials, Kolibri drag chains ensure durability and optimal performance. Common applications include robotics, material handling, paper production, textile industries, and water treatment plants. Key specifications of Kolibri plastic drag chains:

• Bending radius: 15–400 mm
• Inner height: 7–50 mm
• Inner width: 7–195 mm
• Weight: 0.06–2.7 kg/m

4.1 Features of PKK plastic drag chains

PKK drag chains combine years of development with a versatile design, incorporating all the advantages of plastic drag chains:

• Quick assembly and disassembly: Easy-to-handle design reduces installation and maintenance time.
• Adjustable length: Flexible systems allow easy shortening or extension of the chain.
• Three-dimensional movement: Enables movement in all directions for complex machinery or tight spaces.

5.1 Features of PLE drag chains

Designed to be both lightweight and robust, PLE plastic drag chains are ideal for applications in machine tool technology, processing technology, and conveyor and lifting technology. Some notable advantages of PLE plastic cable chains include:

• The well-fitting locking bars increase stability and reliability.
• The design allows for opening on both the inner and outer radius, saving time during installation and maintenance.
• Stepless stay length up to 1,000 mm
• PLE plastic drag chains with aluminum bars are cheaper and lighter than steel chains. For sliding applications, these chains can operate continuously over distances of up to 100 meters.

5.2 Types of PLE drag chains

PLE drag chains are distinguished from standard plastic chains by their extreme stability and the rigid, continuously adjustable aluminum profile. The bars can have lengths of up to 1,000 mm. The internal design of the chain offers high flexibility and provides optimal cable protection, even under high acceleration and at high travel speeds. Currently, PLE plastic cable chains are available in three versions:

• The PLE (PLE with plastic inserts or plastic insert-profile) ensures a perfect guide at high speeds. Errors during installation of the cables are nearly impossible, with this variation, the hole design of the stays meet exactly the requirements of the lines. Plastic inserts are available in 5 mm steps. The plastic insert-profile can be ordered according to drawing.
• In case of limited installation space, the PLS (PLE with foam insert-profile) are used. Again, the optimal guiding of the lines at high speeds and acceleration is ensured. All lines are in the neutral axis (middle of chain height).
• For space reasons the PLP (PLE with plastic dividers) may be chosen. This inexpensive design allows secure guiding of large amounts of cable. The highly variable stay distribution opportunities through the small steps (3mm) in height and the infinitely adjustable plastic telescopic dividers (PT) allow maximum space for all needs, even when changes in cable diameters are required.