AutomationDirect Expands Dynamic Motion Portfolio with Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 Drag Chain Series
By Industrial Automation News Desk
Based on reports by Puja Mitra
Main Facts
AutomationDirect has significantly bolstered its industrial automation and motion control catalog by introducing the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series drag chains. Engineered specifically to manage, guide, and protect vital cables and pneumatic or hydraulic hoses, these advanced cable carriers are tailored for high-demand, high-cycle dynamic applications. The systems find their primary utility in advanced manufacturing environments, including automated robotics, high-speed packaging machinery, and multi-axis CNC systems where continuous, rapid movement puts immense physical stress on wiring and tubing.
The newly integrated lineup distinguishes itself through advanced material science and mechanical engineering features aimed at tackling two of the most persistent issues in high-speed industrial facilities: excessive mechanical wear and disruptive operational noise. Both the MP35 and MP45 series leverage proprietary EVOSILENCE technology, a design innovation that drastically reduces operating noise by up to 10 dB(A)—a substantial improvement in plant acoustics that contributes to compliance with occupational health and safety standards. Furthermore, the chains incorporate an engineered SOFT-STOP system designed to gracefully limit physical stress, shock loads, and structural wear during the reversal of motion profiles.
Dimensionally, the MP35 series is engineered to accommodate individual cables and hoses measuring up to 30 mm (1.18 inches) in diameter. For heavier-duty applications involving larger wiring groups, the MP45 series scales up to support cable bundles measuring up to 40 mm (1.57 inches) in diameter. Constructed from high-grade, resilient polyamide, these drag chains feature snap-open access from either the inside or outside bend radius. This dual-access design allows maintenance and engineering personnel to perform rapid cable installation, inspection, or replacement without requiring the drag chain to be fully uninstalled or removed from service, thereby minimizing expensive production downtime.
Chronology
The integration of Murrplastik’s drag chain technology into AutomationDirect’s distribution ecosystem follows a continuous trajectory of portfolio expansion geared toward comprehensive motion control solutions.
- Foundation of Modern Cable Management: Historically, early industrial automation setups relied on loose wiring, basic conduits, or rudimentary tracks that frequently suffered from fatigue, pinching, and premature failure under continuous high-speed movement. As robotics and automated packaging lines evolved to demand faster cycle times and greater precision, the industry required specialized cable carriers capable of millions of bending cycles.
- Technological Innovations by Murrplastik: Recognizing the limitations of standard cable tracks, component manufacturers like Murrplastik invested heavily in research and development to address noise pollution and mechanical fatigue on the factory floor. This led to the development of specialized dampening systems (such as EVOSILENCE) and progressive deceleration profiles (SOFT-STOP).
- The AutomationDirect Partnership: AutomationDirect, known for its rapid fulfillment model and extensive selection of industrial electrical and mechanical components, identified a growing market demand for premium, highly reliable cable management hardware. By partnering with Murrplastik, AutomationDirect secured access to top-tier German-engineered drag chains.
- Current Market Introduction: The official release of the MP35 and MP45 series marks the latest milestone in this partnership, bringing sophisticated, low-noise, and user-friendly cable carrier technology directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, and plant maintenance operations with immediate availability and streamlined purchasing.
Supporting Data & Technical Specifications
To fully understand the engineering value proposition of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series, it is essential to examine the technical parameters and structural specifications governing their performance in industrial settings:
Dimensional Capacities
- MP35 Series:
- Maximum individual cable/hose diameter accommodation: Up to 30 mm (1.18 in.).
- Designed for medium-duty robotic arms, pick-and-place units, and standard packaging machinery.
- MP45 Series:
- Maximum cable bundle diameter support: Up to 40 mm (1.57 in.).
- Engineered for heavy-duty multi-axis systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and complex gantry setups carrying multiple power, control, and fluid lines.
Material Composition & Structural Design
- Base Material: High-performance engineered polyamide. Polyamide offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high resistance to oils, greases, coolants, and most industrial chemicals, as well as inherent self-lubricating properties that reduce friction between links and internal cables.
- Access Mechanism: Snap-open links accessible from both the interior and exterior bend radii. This eliminates the tedious process of "threading" long cables through closed tubes, drastically cutting labor hours during initial builds and field retrofits.
- Organization and Strain Relief: Modular lengths allow exact configuration to travel distances. Integrated strain-relief end brackets prevent pullout forces from transferring directly to the terminal connections of the cables. Additionally, optional internal separators and dividers allow technicians to physically segregate power lines from sensitive data or signal cables, preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and mechanical chafing.
Acoustic and Mechanical Performance Metrics
- Noise Reduction: EVOSILENCE technology reduces operational noise emissions by up to 10 dB(A). In industrial environments featuring dozens of automated cells running concurrently, a 10 dB(A) drop represents a perceived halving of noise loudness, greatly improving the acoustic comfort of the working environment.
- Stress Mitigation: The SOFT-STOP system cushions the articulation points as the chain reaches the limits of its travel curve. By absorbing kinetic energy smoothly, it prevents the high-frequency vibrations and shock impacts that typically fatigue both the polymer links and the copper conductors housed inside.
Official Responses & Industry Perspectives
While direct corporate statements regarding this specific product rollout emphasize efficiency, industry analysts and automation experts have been quick to weigh in on the broader significance of incorporating advanced cable management into accessible e-commerce supply chains.
Industrial motion control specialists note that cable management is frequently treated as an afterthought in machine design, yet it remains one of the primary failure points in automated systems. When a cable carrier fails, it can shear power lines, sever sensor feeds, and cause catastrophic, unplanned line stoppages. By offering robust polyamide chains equipped with life-extending dampening features, suppliers like AutomationDirect help mitigate these risks.
Furthermore, engineering consultants have praised the inclusion of user-centric features such as dual-sided snap-open access. In modern manufacturing plants, where every minute of downtime translates to thousands of dollars in lost revenue, the ability to replace a faulty sensor cable or add an extra pneumatic line without completely dismantling the cable carrier system is a massive operational advantage. Maintenance teams no longer need to disconnect entire wiring harnesses; instead, they can pop open the relevant section of the MP35 or MP45 chain, service the specific line, and resume production in a fraction of the time.
Implications for the Industrial Automation Sector
The introduction of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chain series through AutomationDirect carries several profound implications for OEMs, systems integrators, and plant maintenance professionals:
1. Elevated Standards for Factory Acoustics
As automated manufacturing facilities become denser and faster, factory floor noise has become an increasingly critical concern for plant engineers and safety managers. High-speed reciprocating machinery naturally generates a clattering or snapping sound as cable chains reverse direction thousands of times per day. The integration of EVOSILENCE technology proves that mechanical components can be engineered to actively combat noise pollution at the source, reducing the need for costly acoustic enclosures or mandatory hearing protection gear in certain zones.
2. Extended Lifecycle and Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
In high-cycle applications—such as pick-and-place robotics operating at blistering speeds—cables and hoses are subjected to continuous bending stress, torsion, and friction. Without adequate protection and controlled movement, copper conductors work-harden and snap, and pneumatic hoses develop micro-cracks. The combination of structural polyamide housing, internal separators (to prevent wire crossing), and the SOFT-STOP system drastically extends the operational lifespan of both the carrier and its contents. For end-users, this translates directly to fewer maintenance interventions, reduced spare parts consumption, and a lower total cost of ownership over the machinery’s lifecycle.
3. Democratization of High-Performance Components
AutomationDirect has built its reputation on making industrial-grade automation hardware easily accessible, transparently priced, and available for rapid shipping. By bringing advanced Murrplastik cable management solutions into its ecosystem, high-end German engineering is made readily available to smaller machine builders and independent integrators who might otherwise struggle with complex supply chains or high minimum order quantities. This empowers smaller shops to build robust, whisper-quiet, highly reliable automated machinery that can compete directly with systems produced by massive global OEMs.
4. Streamlined Maintenance and Engineering Workflow
Design engineers continually seek ways to reduce assembly time, while maintenance technicians prioritize ease of service. The modular nature of the MP35 and MP45 series—coupled with integrated strain-relief end brackets and dual-sided snap-open access—addresses both design-phase efficiency and field-level serviceability. Engineers can configure precise lengths and internal layouts using optional separators with minimal hassle, while technicians can perform rapid field repairs without specialized tools.
Conclusion
The addition of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chain series to AutomationDirect’s product offerings represents a notable step forward in practical industrial motion control. By combining high-strength polyamide construction, generous cable capacity (up to 30 mm and 40 mm respectively), and specialized engineering innovations like EVOSILENCE noise reduction and SOFT-STOP stress mitigation, these drag chains address the core challenges of modern high-speed automation.
As automated machinery continues to demand faster cycle times, quieter operations, and uncompromising reliability, components that protect the electronic and pneumatic lifeblood of these systems will remain indispensable. Industry professionals seeking to upgrade their dynamic motion applications can review the complete specifications, access engineering documentation, and place orders directly by visiting the official AutomationDirect website.
