Open Type Cable Drag Chain
Openable top bar — change one line without stripping the loom.
An open type cable drag chain is an engineering-plastic energy chain whose top crossbars open along the length, so cables, air hoses and hydraulic lines can be laid in or replaced without unthreading the whole loom.
What is an open type cable drag chain?
The open type cable drag chain (also called a cable carrier or energy chain) guides and protects the power, signal, pneumatic and hydraulic lines that run to a moving axis. As the axis travels, the chain holds every line inside a controlled bend radius so the conductors do not chafe, tangle or fatigue.
Because the top bar opens at any link, a single cable can be added, inspected or swapped in place — which is why the open construction is the fastest to install and maintain. The open profile also dissipates heat well, making it a strong default for cleaner machining environments.
Key features
- Openable top bar (crossbar) at every link for in-place cable changes
- High-strength PA66 reinforced polymer links, gravity injection moulded for rigidity
- Gravity-stamped high-strength steel mounting flanges
- Modular single-link design, cut to your exact axis travel
- Low friction and low noise; resists cutting oil and chemical lubricants
- Configurable inner width and height for mixed cable and hose bundles
Typical applications
- CNC machine tools and machining centres
- Automated production lines and robotic axes
- Laser cutting and laser processing equipment
- 3D printing and additive machinery
- Pick-and-place and material-handling systems
How to size an open cable drag chain
Set the inner height at least 10% greater than the outer diameter of your thickest cable, and the inner width to all cables laid side by side plus 10–15% clearance. The bend radius (R) follows the allowable bending radius of the thickest or stiffest cable — too small a radius accelerates conductor fatigue. Send the cable count, diameters and axis travel and MEGUS will size the chain and calculate the link count.
- Chain bodyHigh-strength PA66 reinforced polymer, gravity injection moulded
- MountingGravity-stamped high-strength steel flanges
- Top barRemovable crossbar for localised maintenance
- LengthModular single-link design, cut to axis travel
- ResistanceLow friction and noise, resists cutting oil and chemical lubricants
- ApplicationsCNC machine tools, automation, laser processing, 3D printing
How do I choose the inner width and height?
Inner height should be at least 10% more than the outer diameter of the thickest cable. Inner width is all cables placed side by side plus 10–15% clearance. Send the cable count and outer diameters and we will size it for you.
How do I choose the inner width and height?
Inner height should be at least 10% more than the outer diameter of the thickest cable. Inner width is all cables placed side by side plus 10–15% clearance. Send the cable count and outer diameters and we will size it for you.
Open type or fully enclosed?
Open gives better heat dissipation and faster maintenance and suits cleaner environments. Choose enclosed when there are hot or sharp flying chips, coolant splash or dust that could enter the chain.
Can I order a single replacement length?
Yes. Give us the axis travel and the fixed-end position and we calculate the length and number of links, then supply a cut-to-length chain.
Where are MEGUS cable drag chains made?
They are manufactured in Taiping District, Taichung, Taiwan, and shipped door to door to more than 40 countries. MEGUS has produced machine-tool protection components for 36 years.
Rapid quote — send axis travel, dimensions, environment severity and quantity. Reply within 24–48 hours.
