Robust cable carrier systems for steel mills

BMG supplies and supports the full range of Tsubaki chain, power transmission and motion control products, including Kabelschlepp cable carriers that have been developed for dependable use in diverse industries.

“Typical applications for these cable carrier systems extend from standard applications, like machine tools, cranes, car-wash systems and medical and laboratory technologies, to more complex applications, including industrial robots, offshore oil rigs and aerospace,” explains Carlo Beukes, Business Unit Manager, BMG’s Power Transmission Division.

“Apart from offering a comprehensive selection of standard solutions, which are immediately available nationally from BMG, we can also offer customised systems, developed specifically to meet a customer’s specific requirements.

“BMG specialists offer a technical advisory service to ensure the correct cable carrier is selected for every application. These systems are available in standard widths or are customised to the exact specifications required. Depending on the application, either full-plastic, hybrid (with the sideband made of plastic and stays made of Aluminium) or Steel and Stainless Steel materials are recommended. As a total solutions provider, the company can also supply fully harnessed systems, with cables and connectors pre-installed.”

Benefits

Heavy-duty Kabelschlepp cable carrier systems – which are heat resistant and lubrication-free- are ideally suited for use in harsh, corrosive industries, like steel process plants. In standard applications in steel mills, solid plastic cable carriers with fixed chain widths are recommended. Advantages include cost-efficiency, quick availability ex-stock and fast and easy cable installation. This system, which is available with fixed or openable crossbars, is ideal for short travel paths and high travel speeds.

In advanced applications, specialists recommend the use of cable carriers with variable chain widths, available from the light, heavy-duty or linkless series. Aluminum frame stays are available in custom widths, to the exact millimeter required, while plastic frame stays are available in 4, 8, 16 mm width increments. This system has been designed for quick and easy opening to the inside or outside radius.

For extreme applications, heat-resistant steel cable carriers – with a robust design for heavy mechanical loads – are advisable. These durable systems are available in heavy-duty steel (S) and corrosion resistant Stainless Steel (SX). The design of the S/SX series allows for increased unsupported lengths and large additional loads without sagging, when perfectly sized to the application, even in the harshest environment. The stroke system, with special bolts and locking rings, is designed to offer extended service life. All steel Kabelschlepp cable carriers are lubricant-free.

The Kabelschlepp range also enhances safety, prevents downtime and minimise repair costs. Emergency cable carriers – the ECC series – detects a blockage in the travel lengths of cable carriers and automatically switches the system off to prevent damage to the entire cable system. In addition to the emergency stop function, this series also offers a bridging safeguard for the braking distance in both directions of travel. Once a blockage has been removed, the system is easily re-coupled and ready for operation immediately.

Also in the range is the Steel-Line series that includes lightweight cable carriers and robust units, offering reliable service for extended periods, particularly in environments where large amounts of fine, abrasive media are generated. Rust-free steel band covers are available to protect routed cables against influences like steel and aluminium swath and chips, wood and plastic chips and other industrial aggregates. Depending on the application, either screwed or riveted connections are used.

The plastic range of cable carriers consists of the Basic-Line series (Solid and “Press Inn” cable carriers with fixed chain widths), Vario-Line (variable chain widths), the Tube-Line series (covered cable carriers with flexible energy conduits) and 3D-Line (cable carriers for 3D movements).

Also available are Life-Line safety cables that include control, power and data cables, as well as coaxial, system and signal cables. Totaltrax complete systems consist of matched components – cable carriers, cables and connectors – with assembly plates, ready for connection.

BMG stocks Kabelschlepp chain carriers in modular form, so that any width can be efficiently and quickly accommodated. The BMG team of specialists assists with the planning and design of each system, and through installation and start-up, to ensure optimised trouble-free operation.