How to Install a Cable Carrier Vertically

Vertical standing configurations are often used for vertical access in metal-cutting machine tool applications and for pick-and-place machines.

Important Factors
One of the most important factors in a vertical standing application are how the cables are laid in the cable carrier and how they are secured at the end points. When installing the cables, it is crucial that they can bend freely and are strained relieved at both ends.

Another important factor to remember is that mounting brackets must be attached so that the cable carrier does not bow out. Locking mounting brackets or one-sided locking mounting brackets are available for almost every style and size of Energy Chain®. In vertical standing applications in particular, locking KMA mounting brackets are highly recommended because they can be attached flush to the machine.

Lateral Acceleration
If lateral acceleration occurs, the Energy Chain® should be supported along the outer radius.

For taller standing applications, it is generally recommended that minimally the first three links on the outer radius be supported. For extreme heights and weights, it is always ideal if the entire distance is supported.

Advice from igus®

1. Consult with one of our sales engineers who can assist with the many aspects of your application, including loads, stroke heights, bending radii and cable carrier types.
   
   
2. If a cost-saving solution is necessary, contact an igus® sales engineer to find out more about using a cable carrier to combine vertical and horizontal movements.

Vertical hanging configurations are often used with storage and retrieval systems. In this type of application, a cable carrier can be used to house the different types of moving cables and hoses used on the system, while at the same time preventing them from becoming caught on shelf parts or protruding pallets.

Important Factors
As with vertical standing, the two most important factors in a vertical hanging application are how the cables are laid in the cable carrier and how they are secured at the end points.

When hanging the cables, it is crucial that they bear their own weight so the cable carrier does not absorb any additional tensile forces. It is also important to secure the cables at both end points and use interior separators to keep the cables from tangling.

Camber
A traditional Energy Chain® cable carrier with camber is suitable for a hanging application if enough space is available.

However, most storage and retrieval systems have to operate in narrow aisles and so a cable carrier without camber (pretension) will deliver the best performance because it will operate within a smaller space. If the space restrictions are rigid, a no-camber version should always be used. Consult igus® for Energy Chain® solutions without camber.

For applications with strict space constraints, a less conventional configuration known as “zig-zag” can be used. This type of installation is often used for modern platform technology, such as adjustable stages, where a variety of cables need to be housed and protected.