AutomationDirect Expands Dynamic Motion Portfolio with Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 Drag Chain Series
By Industrial Automation News Desk
Enhanced and Expanded Feature Report
Main Facts: Next-Generation Cable Management for High-Cycle Industrial Applications
AutomationDirect has significantly bolstered its industrial automation and motion control portfolio by introducing the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series drag chains. Engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of modern automated environments—such as high-speed robotics, automated packaging lines, and complex material-handling systems—these drag chains are designed to securely manage, route, and protect vital electrical cables, pneumatic hoses, and data lines during continuous, dynamic motion.
The newly added product lines introduce advanced engineering features aimed directly at minimizing downtime, reducing acoustic footprints in factory environments, and extending the operational lifespan of sensitive cabling. At the core of the MP35 and MP45 series are two proprietary innovations: EVOSILENCE technology, which noticeably dampens operating noise by up to 10 dB(A), and a SOFT-STOP system, engineered to mitigate mechanical stress, shock loading, and premature wear during rapid directional changes.
By combining these noise-reduction and stress-mitigation technologies with durable polyamide construction, modular configurations, and user-friendly maintenance access, AutomationDirect and Murrplastik aim to provide machine builders, systems integrators, and plant engineers with a robust cable carrier solution that performs reliably under intense industrial cycles.
Chronology: The Evolution of Dynamic Cable Protection and the AutomationDirect Partnership
The Historical Challenge of Cable Routing in Motion
Since the advent of industrial robotics and computer numerical control (CNC) machinery in the mid-20th century, engineers have faced a persistent design dilemma: how to supply power, signals, and fluids to moving axes without fatiguing or tangling the lines. Early automation systems relied on loose cable loops, spring-loaded reels, or rudimentary troughs, all of which suffered from rapid mechanical wear, snagging hazards, and unpredictable cable failures.
The invention of the articulated cable carrier—commonly referred to as a drag chain or energy chain—revolutionized factory floor design. These modular tracks constrained cables within a controlled bending radius, shielding them from abrasive surfaces, hot debris, and continuous tension. However, as industrial machinery grew faster and cycles intensified, traditional drag chains began introducing new operational challenges, particularly excessive mechanical noise, vibration, and high stress points at the links.
Murrplastik’s Technological Leap
Recognizing the limitations of legacy cable carriers, manufacturers like Murrplastik invested heavily in advanced plastics engineering and kinematic simulation. The development of specialized polymer compounds allowed for lighter yet stronger links. More importantly, engineers targeted the acoustic and mechanical shock issues inherent in high-speed reciprocating motion.
The integration of features like the SOFT-STOP system and acoustic dampening geometries (marketed as EVOSILENCE) represented a major generational leap in cable carrier design. Instead of rigid, clacking link transitions, modern chains were engineered to absorb impact energy smoothly.
AutomationDirect’s Strategic Expansion
AutomationDirect, known for its rapid-fulfillment model and extensive catalog of automation components, continually evaluates its product ecosystem to support evolving factory floor requirements. The inclusion of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series marks a strategic broadening of AutomationDirect’s mechanical motion and cable management offerings.
By integrating these high-performance chains into its online ordering platform, AutomationDirect has streamlined the procurement process for engineers seeking premium German-engineered cable protection alongside its established lines of PLCs, sensors, drives, and pneumatics. This addition bridges the gap between electrical control architecture and physical motion hardware, giving builders a single-source destination for complete automation systems.
Supporting Data and Technical Specifications
To properly evaluate the integration capabilities of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chain series, engineers must analyze their physical dimensions, load capacities, material compositions, and accessibility features.
Dimensional Capacities and Sizing
- MP35 Series: Tailored for medium-duty applications, the MP35 series accommodates individual cables and hoses up to 30 mm (1.18 inches) in outer diameter. It is ideally suited for compact robotic wrists, vertical axes, and standard packaging machinery where space is at a premium.
- MP45 Series: Designed for heavier-duty payloads and larger bundles, the MP45 series supports cable and hose bundles up to 40 mm (1.57 inches) in diameter. This makes it optimal for multi-axis gantry systems, heavy industrial robots, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) carrying multiple fluid lines and heavy power cables.
Key Technological Systems
- EVOSILENCE Technology: High-speed automation lines often generate a high decibel output due to the constant rattling of energy chains against guide channels or themselves. The MP35 and MP45 chains incorporate specialized dampening geometry that reduces operating noise by up to 10 dB(A). In industrial settings, a 10 dB(A) reduction represents a halving of perceived loudness, significantly improving operator comfort and compliance with occupational noise regulations.
- SOFT-STOP System: Mechanical shock at the end of stroke limits or during sudden reversals can fracture standard plastic links and fatigue internal copper conductors. The SOFT-STOP system cushions link articulation, distributing kinetic energy evenly across the chain’s pitch and reducing peak stress loads by a substantial margin.
Construction Materials and Modularity
- Polyamide Body: Both series are manufactured from high-grade, glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide. This material provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high resistance to oils, greases, coolants, and common industrial chemicals, as well as dependable performance across wide temperature ranges.
- Snap-Open Access: Maintenance efficiency is critical in minimizing plant downtime. The MP35 and MP45 chains feature snap-open crossbars accessible from both the inside and outside bend radii. Technicians can lay in or remove cables without needing to disassemble the entire chain or disconnect it from the machine, saving hours of labor during retrofits or troubleshooting.
- Internal Organization and Mounting: The systems feature integrated strain-relief end brackets to anchor cable bundles securely and prevent pull-out forces from transferring to terminal connections. Additionally, optional vertical and horizontal separators allow technicians to compartmentalize the interior space, preventing friction and tangling between pneumatic hoses, high-voltage power lines, and sensitive shielded data cables.
Official Responses and Industry Context
Industry analysts and technical specialists have welcomed the availability of the Murrplastik lines via AutomationDirect, viewing it as a response to broader trends in smart manufacturing and workplace ergonomics.
The Push for Quieter, Safer Factories
As automated facilities trend toward higher densities of collaborative robots and high-speed machinery, acoustic management has transitioned from an afterthought to a core design criterion. Plant safety managers increasingly scrutinize ambient noise levels to protect worker hearing and maintain productive communication on the shop floor.
Industry manufacturing consultants note that integrating noise-dampening components like the EVOSILENCE-equipped MP35 and MP45 chains directly addresses these modern factory requirements without sacrificing mechanical performance or cycle speeds.
Streamlining the Engineering Supply Chain
In contemporary industrial engineering, time-to-market is everything. Machine builders face immense pressure to compress design and assembly phases. Representatives from AutomationDirect highlight that making complex mechanical sub-assemblies—such as dynamic cable carriers—readily accessible via digital catalogs with transparent pricing and rapid shipping empowers engineers to prototype and build faster.
By partnering with established global brands like Murrplastik, AutomationDirect bridges the gap between high-end industrial engineering components and accessible e-commerce distribution. This model allows small-to-medium system integrators to access Tier-1 automation hardware without minimum order constraints or lengthy quote cycles.
Implications for the Industrial Automation Sector
The introduction of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chains into AutomationDirect’s distribution network carries several broad implications for machine builders, maintenance professionals, and the overall industrial automation landscape.
1. Extended Component Lifespan and Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Cable failure is one of the leading causes of unplanned downtime in automated machinery. When internal conductors break due to micro-fractures, mechanical pinching, or excessive torsional stress, troubleshooting can take hours.
By deploying drag chains engineered with stress-mitigation features like the SOFT-STOP system and optimal bending radii, facilities can drastically reduce cable fatigue. The result is a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) driven by fewer service calls, reduced spare parts consumption, and maximized uptime across continuous multi-shift operations.
2. Enhanced Workplace Ergonomics and Compliance
With regulatory bodies enforcing strict occupational health and safety standards regarding workplace noise, machine designers must engineer quieter systems. The ability to lower noise emissions by up to 10 dB(A) via EVOSILENCE technology gives OEMs a competitive edge when bidding on projects for modern, noise-conscious smart factories. Quieter machinery leads to more comfortable working environments, lowering fatigue and improving overall facility safety.
3. Accelerated Prototyping and Maintenance Agility
The combination of dual-side snap-open access, modular sizing, and integrated strain-relief end brackets simplifies both initial assembly and ongoing maintenance. Engineers designing custom test rigs, specialized packaging equipment, or retrofitting legacy machinery benefit from modular components that can be customized on the fly.
Furthermore, easy online access through AutomationDirect ensures that replacement links, separators, and mounting brackets can be procured with minimal lead time, safeguarding production schedules against unexpected supply chain bottlenecks.
Conclusion
The addition of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chain series by AutomationDirect represents a convergence of high-performance mechanical protection and efficient digital distribution. By addressing the critical engineering challenges of noise reduction, mechanical stress mitigation, and maintenance accessibility, these advanced cable carriers are well-positioned to become a staple in the design of next-generation automated machinery. Engineers and system integrators seeking to upgrade their dynamic motion applications can review complete technical documentation and purchasing options directly through the AutomationDirect website.
