Cable carrier chain, leads, plug connections; a safe cable carrier system consists of a number of different components. For the user this means a rather complex process in which the individual components must be perfectly matched in order to be fully functional. For the customer, a reliable and much less troublesome solution that is also optimised in terms of costs, means ready-to-install complete systems. Such systems are offered by KABELSCHLEPP Metool under the brand TOTAL TRAX.
In machine and plant engineering the demands on technical parameters and performance are increasing – and this also applies to components or assembly parts such as cable carrier systems. Cable carrier systems can be found in all automated processes because without energy, data or signals automation is not possible. What’s more, many application areas, for example in machine tool engineering at the processing centres where milling, drilling and polishing take place or in handling systems, machines or systems with several drag chains are quite common.
The solutions deployed here can differ quite a lot in terms of material, size, dynamics, noise levels or resistance against certain environmental conditions. Further high demands are made on components for the power supply and data transmission, as the functioning of the entire system depends on the reliability of their operation. Given the numerous individual components involved, the assembly faced by engineers and technicians takes up considerable time and costs.
Far-reaching advantages can be gained by using ready-to-install bespoke cable carrier systems – such as TOTALTRAX solutions from KABELSCHLEPP Metool. For example, procurement and processing procedures are streamlined, supplier coordination is reduced, and storage capacities are optimised. A supplier offering all components has major benefits for the user: just one order and one incoming goods inspection, stocking of components becomes unnecessary, consequently warehousing also becomes obsolete, releasing capital funds. In many respects manpower, time and money are saved – and when adding up all individual benefits the totality of the savings is considerable.
Diversity to suit
One of the hallmarks of the Ilkeston-based supplier is the material variety in their portfolio. Whether steel, plastic or hybrid solutions with plastic chain conveyors and aluminium stays, KABELSCHLEPP Metool is always able to select the optimal material quality for the respective application. Moreover, differentiated types and model series are available: economical, versatile
standard types, robust, weight-optimised, highly stable fast or silent cable carriers, for large unsupported lengths, with fixed chain widths or customised to the exact millimetre, with large interior heights or special design requirements and many more features.
In combination with highly-flexible cables suitable for drag chains the respective cable guidance will be designed to suit the individual application requirements. This also includes the respective connectors, which enables a particularly simple and fast assembly.
KABELSCHLEPP Metool also offers a comprehensive cable range specially designed for dynamic applications. For indoor and outdoor applications layer-stranded and bundle-stranded, shielded or unshielded, temperature or UV-resistant, cost-effective or high-end products with high mechanical resistance are available. The cable series covers every need in control, high-performance, single-conductor, data, BUS, LWL and Coax cabling, as well as common system cabling to Siemens or Indramat standards.
‘Plug-and-Play’ instead of costly own assembly
In addition to the respective chain, the cables to be guided and the connectors, the cable carrier systems also include accessories such as dividers for the cable separation and connection components. The selection of the correct individual components that need to be matched to suit one another is important in order to meet the operating requirements with point precision. Added to this, there is design, procurement and professional assembly.
Altogether this makes for time-consuming and, generally speaking, costly process steps, which can be significantly reduced by using the ready-to-install TOTALTRAX solutions. Construction and development, procurement management, accounting, logistics and quality assurance all benefit from not having to use their own resources. The project planning, the bringing together of all individual parts, specialist tools, storage and assembly spaces, the customer’s personnel expenditure or expensive expert personnel for assembly and electrical installation, even unpacking activities including disposing of residual materials – users are getting everything from a single source.
As early as during the preliminary stages, the expenditure for planning control and purchasing is reduced, the countless building components are recorded under one order reference, all specs are summarised in one order and there is just one contact for any potential queries. Right on time all components are at hand – ready for assembly. Upon request the delivery scope will also include suitable transport frames or any other frames or bulkheads which may be necessary for handling or assembly. This results additionally in synergy effects with regard to purchasing price, which becomes particularly apparent in the area of machine tool engineering and plant engineering. Here, but also in general automation, cranes, handling and feeder devices, at airports or in aerospace technology, renowned manufacturing brands already bank on cable carrier systems of the TOTALTRAX range. Using TOTALTRAX, design engineers can fully concentrate on their main task. This creates the potential for a more efficient capacity utilisation – a particularly important factor at a time when the economy is experiencing a further upturn. It also improves the chances of developing new products to expand their own product portfolio.