MechMate CNC Router Forum

MechMate CNC Router Forum (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/index.php)
-   60. Wiring & Cable Management (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4)
-   -   Cable Chain Not Laying Flat (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3680)

Zouave Sun 22 January 2012 13:13

Cable Chain Not Laying Flat
 
READ the whole thread. In the end no changes to E-Chain should be needed due to wire weight !!!

So, I attached my cable chain to the rails, and the end lifted clear of the supports. Not thinking much of it, I spaced it up with a pair of washers, same problem. I took it off and laid it on my table, and both ends curled up like a ) on its side. Because of this, it does not connect nicely to the gantry. Has anyone else had this issue? Easy fix anywhere? I am getting almost 4 inches of lift at either end. Will it go away with time?

domino11 Sun 22 January 2012 14:52

What brand and part no are you using? How about some pics?

Zouave Sun 22 January 2012 16:04

McMaster Carr, part #4516T253.

The bend radius is almost 4", which I anticipated, but it won't even lay flat, which is the problem. Will post a pic soon.

melissa Sun 22 January 2012 19:32

It may well lay flat (or at least flatter) after the cables are installed.

Copper is heavy :).

rischoof Mon 23 January 2012 03:40

I had the same problem with my one. I disassembled the cable chain, that costed some time and I removed a small ammount of material from each segment. I was able to do it with my table saw. First I removed a little bit from some segments and looked if it was suficient, I had to remove a little bid more after I removed the material it is straight when I placed it flat on the table. I made a picture where I removed the material but I can not upload from the computer I use this moment

rischoof Mon 23 January 2012 04:44

3 Attachment(s)
Eric,
Here are some pictures how I modified my cable chain. I removed material where the pencil is pointing

http://mechmate.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1327318647

I removed the material (very small ammount) on my table saw. Here's a picture from my set up. the pencel is simulating the saw, the wooden block is the guiding from the table saw, and shown is the position how you have to move the cable chain parts over the saw.

http://mechmate.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1327318647

picture of the result, a little bit negativive

http://mechmate.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1327318647

Good luck

Fox Tue 16 September 2014 10:11

In response to this old thread.

For all beginners this seems like so many things on a CNC build, out of order, BUT....

I had the same 'problem' which puzzled me a little... which in fact is not a problem, but a feature.
Once you fill your chain with all cables and span some width, it will sag considerable.
Mine is (without touching it) now sagging, instead of bulging.
If I would have 'fixed' the issue I would have removed the pre-load and probably have ended up with an unusable chain (top touching bottom)...

SO DON'T 'FIX' THIS

(unless you have a really small table and very little cables/weight in your e-chains... and too much time)

darren salyer Tue 16 September 2014 19:23

I wish this forum had a "LIKE" button for posts like yours, Fox.
Great info for future builders.

MetalHead Wed 17 September 2014 05:45

Well it sort of does. :) I made this a sticky thread so it stays on top.

Gerald D Wed 17 September 2014 10:43

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox View Post
. . . .probably have ended up with an unusable chain (top touching bottom)...
Some chains are designed for the "top touching bottom" situation . . . . it cannot be avoided on very long chains.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...de_channel.png

Fox Wed 17 September 2014 12:13

True, but mine isn't...it snags, I think most are not unless you order specialty items.
Nice to hear from you, and the info is now really complete :) .

pblackburn Sun 21 September 2014 10:57

We use many cable chains where I work. It is like anything, all in the design, specs, costs and quality. The best thing in any case is to talk to the manufacturer and they will be able to best assist you and picking a chain for your design criteria. The IGUS chain I went with will remain rigid because I am under the unsupported length with permissible sag ratio for that chain. For you that have extremely long tables, there are solutions that will allow you to support the chain if need be. There are many support systems out there for the chains. Some energy chains are as Gerald stated, designed to ride on the top of the lower section of the chain.

Tom Ayres Sun 21 September 2014 17:04

Mine (IGUS) sags greatly primarily because it is split at each link to allow easy cable insertion and removal, and is packed to the gills. If I were to do it all over it would be the closed type or at least closeable even though I'd struggle getting the cables in. Don't know if it was meant to drag on top of the other but it does.

rischoof Wed 24 September 2014 11:58

cable chain a year after modification
 
1 Attachment(s)
I like to show a picture from my cable chain, which I modified as shown above. the machine is in use for 2 years, it's medium loaded with hoses and cables ( water in and out, 3 signal cables and 2 power cables for spindle, there is one power cable not in use)
I didn't mount the yellow locks in the cable chain.
I have a small machine so the y axis as shown in the picture is the longest cable chain of the I have.
In the middle it's 10 mm lowered
:)Attachment 15058

Gerald D Wed 24 September 2014 13:35

Even if it were 100mm lowered, it will still be doing its job. There is no law, or no reason why it should stay straight.

pblackburn Wed 24 September 2014 13:51

Gerald, I agree.

As long as it is not binding or snagging. It should be fine.

Tom Ayres Wed 24 September 2014 14:43

That's why I'm not at all worried about mine. It does what I can't do and that's hold the cables together in an orderly fashion.:)

AlexTup Sun 31 October 2021 16:13

-
 
Hi,
thanks for the replies.

I understand which cable should i to use. My last question is about if i can send together powerline cable an balance mic cable in the same path .
Is possible crosstalk o interference between they?

thanks again


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 13:30.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.