AutomationDirect Expands Cable Management Portfolio with Murrplastik’s Advanced Drag Chain Series
In an era where industrial automation demands higher speeds, greater precision, and quieter working environments, the infrastructure supporting these systems is under unprecedented pressure. Recognizing the critical need for robust, high-performance cable protection, AutomationDirect has officially expanded its product catalog to include the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series of drag chains. Engineered for the rigors of robotic, packaging, and high-dynamic motion applications, these new additions represent a significant step forward in cable management technology.
Main Facts: Engineering for Dynamic Motion
The introduction of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series is a strategic move by AutomationDirect to provide engineers and plant managers with solutions that go beyond simple cable housing. At the core of these new offerings are two proprietary technologies: EVOSILENCE and the SOFT-STOP system.
The EVOSILENCE technology is a breakthrough in mechanical design, specifically engineered to mitigate the high-frequency acoustic output typical of industrial cable carriers. By reducing operating noise by up to 10 dB(A), these drag chains contribute to a more ergonomic and compliant workplace environment, particularly in facilities where human operators work in close proximity to automated machinery.
Complementing this is the SOFT-STOP system, which serves to significantly reduce mechanical stress. In high-cycle applications, the constant acceleration and deceleration of a cable carrier can lead to premature material fatigue. The SOFT-STOP system dampens the impact forces at the end of each motion stroke, thereby extending the service life of the chain and, by extension, the cables housed within.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
- MP35 Series: Designed for medium-duty applications, these chains accommodate cables and hoses up to 30 mm (1.18 in.) in diameter.
- MP45 Series: Engineered for higher capacity, this series supports cable bundles up to 40 mm (1.57 in.) in diameter.
- Construction: Both series are manufactured from high-grade polyamide, chosen for its durability, chemical resistance, and structural integrity under dynamic stress.
- Access: A standout feature is the snap-open access available from both the inside and outside bend radii, enabling rapid cable installation and maintenance without the need to dismantle the chain from the machine.
Chronology of the Partnership
The integration of Murrplastik’s drag chain technology into the AutomationDirect ecosystem is the latest milestone in a long-standing trend of "industrial democratization." Over the past several years, AutomationDirect has shifted its focus from basic electrical components to comprehensive automation solutions that include complex mechanical hardware.
The decision to bring the MP35 and MP45 lines into the fold follows months of internal testing and market analysis. As robotics become smaller and more agile, the legacy cable management solutions often proved too bulky or too loud for modern cleanroom or precision-assembly environments. Murrplastik, a leader in cable management systems, provided the ideal engineering partner to address these specific pain points.
This release marks a continued effort by the two companies to streamline the procurement process for system integrators. By providing these specialized components through AutomationDirect’s user-friendly digital platform, engineers can now source high-end European-engineered cable protection alongside standard industrial controls, significantly reducing supply chain complexity.
Supporting Data: Why Cable Protection Matters
In the world of high-cycle industrial automation, cable failure is a leading cause of unplanned downtime. Cables subjected to constant bending, torsion, and vibration are prone to "core migration" and insulation breakdown.
The Cost of Cable Failure
Industry studies suggest that improper cable management can reduce the lifespan of high-flex cables by as much as 60%. When a cable fails, the immediate cost is not just the component itself, but the labor required to troubleshoot the connection, the downtime of the robotic arm or packaging line, and the potential for safety hazards caused by exposed wiring.
The MP35 and MP45 series address these risks through several design pillars:
- Integrated Strain Relief: The end brackets include built-in strain relief, which is critical for preventing pull-out forces from damaging cable connectors at the point of termination.
- Modular Flexibility: The ability to add or remove links allows for highly customized cable routing, ensuring that the bend radius of the cables is never exceeded—a common oversight that leads to signal degradation in data lines and mechanical fatigue in power lines.
- Cable Organization: Optional internal separators ensure that cables and hoses remain isolated, preventing tangling or "cabling" (the twisting of internal components) that can occur during high-velocity motion.
Implications for Modern Industry
The launch of these drag chains has broader implications for how automated systems are designed and maintained. As the industry pushes toward Industry 4.0, the "intelligence" of the system is not just in the software, but in the reliability of the physical infrastructure.
Enhancing Human-Machine Collaboration (HMC)
As collaborative robots (cobots) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) become more common, the noise profile of a factory floor is shifting. While these machines are inherently safer, the mechanical clicking and clattering of legacy cable carriers can be a source of stress and distraction. The 10 dB(A) reduction offered by EVOSILENCE is not merely a technical statistic; it is a contribution to a more human-centric industrial design.
Maintenance and Lifecycle Management
The "snap-open" design of the MP35 and MP45 series is a response to the "time-is-money" reality of modern manufacturing. In many legacy systems, replacing a single faulty sensor cable required hours of machine disassembly. By allowing technicians to snap the chain open, insert a new cable, and close it in minutes, the MP35/MP45 series significantly lowers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the end user.
Sustainability and Durability
By extending the service life of both the cables and the carriers themselves, these products align with broader sustainability goals. Reducing the frequency of component replacement directly reduces the consumption of raw materials and lowers the carbon footprint associated with shipping and inventory management.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dynamic Cable Management
The partnership between AutomationDirect and Murrplastik highlights a growing demand for "plug-and-play" industrial hardware. As robotics become more prevalent in non-traditional sectors—such as food and beverage packaging, logistics, and medical device manufacturing—the demand for clean, quiet, and reliable cable management will only grow.
Engineers looking to implement these solutions can now access full CAD files, technical drawings, and selection guides directly through the AutomationDirect website. This digital-first approach ensures that designers can integrate these drag chains into their virtual models long before the first bolt is tightened on the factory floor, minimizing the risk of design errors and ensuring perfect fitment during the build phase.
Conclusion
The addition of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chains to the AutomationDirect catalog is a testament to the evolving needs of the modern automated workplace. By focusing on the "small" details—noise reduction, ease of access, and strain relief—these components solve the "big" problems of downtime and maintenance.
As we move toward a future defined by rapid, high-cycle, and highly autonomous operations, the reliability of the "lifelines" of the machine—the cables and hoses—will remain the silent partner to success. With these new solutions, AutomationDirect has once again positioned itself at the forefront of industrial enablement, providing the tools necessary for engineers to build machines that are not only faster and smarter but also quieter and more durable than ever before.
For professionals currently designing or upgrading robotic systems, the MP35 and MP45 series offer a compelling balance of performance and accessibility. By integrating these advanced cable management systems, plants can ensure that their motion applications operate at peak efficiency, free from the disruptions of cable failure and the auditory fatigue of high-cycle operation.
For further technical specifications, installation guides, or to request a quote, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official AutomationDirect website.
