Cable guidance for dust and dirt

• What was needed: E4.1-energy chain; E4/4-energy chain; pre-assembled readychain® e-chain®
• Requirements: The environment in the production of concrete and sand-lime bricks is characterised by large amounts of dirt, sand and splash water. The cable ducts therefore had to be extremely stable and reliable. Quick and easy to install systems with a high level of user-friendliness were also important.
• Industry: Mechanical engineering
• Success for the customer: The robust e-chain system® E4.1 and E4/4 provide the machine specialist with safety despite abrasive dust and dirt. They also have a modular design and are particularly easy to install.

Masa GmbH dedicates its development and production activities entirely to the concrete block industry. At its Porta Westfalica site, the specialist focusses on machines and plants for the production of concrete slabs, aerated concrete and sand-lime bricks. Reliable technology, first-class quality and customised plant concepts in partnership with the customer are at the heart of the company's business activities.
Reliable machines in the production of concrete and sand-lime bricks require robust and durable components that guarantee extreme stability even in an environment characterised by dirt, sand and splash water. This requirement also applied to a new project - a wet sawing system for the production of sand-lime bricks in customised shapes. The machine is used to produce 500 kg blocks in customised shapes so that they can be installed directly in the right place on the construction site. To ensure the reliable supply of water, energy and data, a cable routing system designed for the harsh environmental conditions had to be found. It is true that the cable guides only travel short distances in the application and are therefore not exposed to very high mechanical loads. However, it was all the more important for the plant manufacturer that the cable routing system be quick to install and absolutely reliable during operation.

Here, Masa relies on e-chain® from the E4.1 series, which ensures the supply of water, energy and data. The E4.1 offers modularity and ease of installation. Smooth inner surfaces protect the cable and ensure a very long service life. Even abrasive substances such as sand and dust do not affect the stability of the chains. To ensure quiet running, the chain links have brakes on the radius stops. A wide range of applications are possible thanks to numerous options for width dimensions and interior separation as well as maximum travel distances of over 200 metres.
While Masa usually orders the chains sold by the metre, pre-equipped cable carriers from the readychain® range are usually selected for longer lengths. The finished complete package offers the user a special degree of safety and convenience.
The experts also rely on our systems for other machine types. In the production of block making machines for interlocking pavers, paving slabs or kerbstones, for example, an E4/4 energy chain is used during mould changes and protects hydraulic hoses and cables. The E4/4 is particularly suitable for long travel distances of up to 1,000 metres or for free-standing applications lying on their side. It is also characterised by high compressive forces and rigidity, which increases its resistance to wet and harsh weather conditions.
Finally, our  drylin® linear plain bearings  are also used for vertical guidance in block making machines, where they also prove to be very robust and reliable. They work quietly and lubrication-free.