Good afternoon, All! I am new to the community and have a question for the group. Can someone tell me what sizes and how long of a drag chain I will need for my X-50? For both the “x” & “y” axis? I am trying to outfit my machine before I tear something up!
Russell
Hey Russell,
A full-blown¹ drag chain with spindle cable and two coolant hoses is usually 50 mm wide. There are some 3D printed parts here and here that give information on the length.
You will find a lot of information here: drag chain
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1.)
X drag chain:
11.8 mm spindle cable + 8 mm Z motor cable + 8 mm coolant hose + 8 mm coolant hose + 4 mm signal cable for Z limit sensor + 2 mm distance between every single cable, ensured by the strain relief 3D printed part = 50 mm
11.8 mm spindle cable + 8 mm Z motor cable + 8 mm coolant hose + 8 mm coolant hose + 4 mm signal cable for Z limit sensor + 4 mm for light at spindle + 2 mm distance between every single cable, ensured by the strain relief 3D printed part = 56 mm
For Y drag chain add the cable for the X motor and X limit sensor.
Note that for spindles with sealing air, spindles with a temperature sensor, and for ATC spindles you need even more hoses for the compressed air and cables.
Morning!
I bought 2 of these 18x50 from Amazon for my X50 and for yours you will need 3 pieces instead of 2 (for the 48" run you will link 2 pieces together.)
I use a shielded cable and 3/8" rubber cooling lines. I also run the laser control in the same chains. I did not use any 3D printed parts but I cut some metal brackets out of aluminum L-bracket material. 3D printed parts might have made it a little better, but it has worked great and for more than a year and looks very clean.
Be blessed!
Bill C.
Thank you!
This is great information, and I appreciate the reply.
Russell
Thank you Bill, this helps a lot!
Russell