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#1
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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? |
#2
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What brand and part no are you using? How about some pics?
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#3
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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. |
#4
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It may well lay flat (or at least flatter) after the cables are installed.
Copper is heavy . |
#5
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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
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#6
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Eric,
Here are some pictures how I modified my cable chain. I removed material where the pencil is pointing 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. picture of the result, a little bit negativive Good luck |
#7
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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) Last edited by Fox; Tue 16 September 2014 at 10:13.. |
#8
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I wish this forum had a "LIKE" button for posts like yours, Fox.
Great info for future builders. |
#9
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Well it sort of does. I made this a sticky thread so it stays on top.
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#10
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Quote:
Last edited by Gerald D; Wed 17 September 2014 at 10:51.. |
#11
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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 . |
#12
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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.
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#13
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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.
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#14
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cable chain a year after modification
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 20140921_220422 (640x384).jpg |
#15
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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.
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#16
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Gerald, I agree.
As long as it is not binding or snagging. It should be fine. |
#17
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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.
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#18
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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 |
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