AutomationDirect Expands Dynamic Motion Portfolio with Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 Series Drag Chains
By Industrial Automation News Desk
Specialized Reporting on Cable Management, Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing
Main Facts
AutomationDirect, a prominent provider of industrial automation products, has announced a significant expansion of its cable and hose management portfolio. The company is now offering the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series drag chains, engineered specifically to manage, support, and protect critical cabling and fluid lines in high-demand dynamic applications such as industrial robotics, automated packaging machinery, and high-speed material handling systems.
At the core of the new offering are two advanced engineering innovations developed by Murrplastik:
- EVOSILENCE Technology: A proprietary acoustic dampening design that dramatically reduces operating noise by up to 10 dB(A), contributing to quieter, more OSHA-compliant factory floors.
- SOFT-STOP System: An integrated deceleration mechanism that limits mechanical stress, absorbs kinetic shock, and reduces wear and tear during rapid directional changes, thereby extending the operational lifespan of both the cable carrier and the internal bundles.
Dimensional and Access Specifications
- MP35 Series: Designed to accommodate individual cables and hoses up to 30 mm (1.18 in.) in diameter.
- MP45 Series: Built for larger cable bundles and thicker industrial lines up to 40 mm (1.57 in.) in diameter.
- Dual-Access Flexibility: Both series feature a snap-open design accessible from either the inside or outside bend radius. This allows engineers and maintenance technicians to perform rapid cable installations, retrofits, and routine inspections without having to decouple or entirely remove the drag chain from active service.
Constructed from robust, high-grade polyamide, the drag chains come equipped with integrated strain-relief end brackets, flexible modular lengths, and optional internal separators. These features ensure that complex bundles of power lines, signal cables, and pneumatic tubing remain neatly organized, adequately strained, and fully protected against the rigorous demands of continuous industrial cycling.
Chronology of Product Integration and Market Release
The introduction of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series into AutomationDirect’s catalog represents the culmination of strategic sourcing, rigorous compatibility testing, and supply chain alignment designed to meet shifting manufacturing demands.
- Q3 2024 – Market Identification: Industry analysts noted an escalating demand among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators for cable carriers capable of handling higher velocities and accelerations without sacrificing acoustic comfort or component durability.
- Q1 2025 – Partnership and Testing Phase: AutomationDirect initiated evaluations of Murrplastik’s heavy-duty dynamic cable carrier lines. Engineering teams focused testing protocols on stress tolerance under multi-axis robotic movements, assessing how the EVOSILENCE and SOFT-STOP systems performed under sustained cyclic loads exceeding millions of operations.
- Q2 2025 – Catalog Integration and Logistics Prep: Following successful trials, technical documentation, CAD models, and inventory forecasting were integrated into AutomationDirect’s digital ecosystem to ensure seamless ordering and rapid fulfillment.
- Official Launch (Current Period): AutomationDirect formally added the MP35 and MP45 series to its active e-commerce and distribution channels, making advanced European-engineered cable carrier technology readily accessible to North American industrial facilities with no minimum order requirements.
Supporting Data & Technical Analysis
To fully appreciate the impact of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 drag chains, it is essential to examine the technical parameters governing modern dynamic cable management. In high-cycle industrial environments—such as automotive body shops, pick-and-place robotics cells, and high-speed palletizers—cable carriers are subjected to punishing physical forces.
Comparative Technical Breakdown
| Feature / Specification | Murrplastik MP35 Series | Murrplastik MP45 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cable/Hose Diameter | Up to 30 mm (1.18 in.) | Up to 40 mm (1.57 in.) |
| Primary Material | High-Grade Polyamide (PA) | High-Grade Polyamide (PA) |
| Noise Reduction | Up to 10 dB(A) via EVOSILENCE | Up to 10 dB(A) via EVOSILENCE |
| Stress Mitigation | SOFT-STOP System | SOFT-STOP System |
| Access Type | Snap-open (Inside/Outside radius) | Snap-open (Inside/Outside radius) |
| Key Accessories | Strain-relief brackets, modular links, separators | Strain-relief brackets, modular links, separators |
| Target Industries | Robotics, Packaging, Material Handling | Heavy Automation, Packaging Lines, Multi-axis Robotics |
The Engineering Significance of Noise Reduction and Stress Mitigation
Industrial noise pollution is a significant concern for modern manufacturing facilities. High-speed reciprocating machinery frequently generates high-decibel whining and clicking as cable carriers articulate back and forth. By incorporating EVOSILENCE technology, the MP35 and MP45 series successfully drop operational noise levels by up to 10 dB(A). Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a 10 dB(A) reduction represents a halving of perceived sound volume to the human ear. This substantial drop improves worker comfort, reduces long-term hearing fatigue risks, and helps facilities stay well within Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Simultaneously, the SOFT-STOP system addresses a core mechanical failure point in cable carriers: link fracture caused by aggressive whipping and abrupt end-of-travel shocks. By cushioning the impact as the chain reaches the limit of its bend radius, the system dampens peak shock loads. This minimizes microscopic fatigue cracks in the polyamide links, significantly extending the mean time between failures (MTBF) in continuous three-shift operations.
Official Responses and Industry Perspectives
While direct commentary from corporate executives highlights the strategic alignment between AutomationDirect and Murrplastik, broader industry feedback underscores a strong market appetite for modular, easy-to-install motion protection systems.
Industry analysts specializing in factory automation infrastructure have pointed out that supply chain accessibility is often the primary bottleneck for system builders. "When an engineer designs a high-speed packaging line or programs a complex six-axis robot, cable management is rarely treated as an afterthought—it is a critical design pillar," notes an independent automation consultant. "The challenge has always been sourcing robust, low-noise carriers without facing multi-week lead times. By bringing Murrplastik’s engineering pedigree into a high-availability distribution model, AutomationDirect solves a very practical logistical problem."
Furthermore, feedback from maintenance technicians emphasizes the value of the dual-access snap-open design. In traditional closed-link or difficult-to-access carriers, replacing a single compromised sensor wire or hydraulic line could require tearing down half the cable assembly, resulting in costly unscheduled downtime. The ability of the MP35 and MP45 series to open from either the inner or outer radius means technicians can isolate and replace individual lines in minutes rather than hours.
Implications for Industrial Automation and Future Outlook
The introduction of these advanced drag chains carries several notable implications for the future of machine building, maintenance practices, and plant engineering:
1. Enhanced Reliability in High-Speed Robotics
As industrial robots operate at increasingly rapid velocities to maximize throughput, the physical stress placed on internal cabling multiplies exponentially. Flex fatigue, conductor breakage, and jacket abrasion are common failure modes that can halt production lines abruptly. The combination of polyamide durability, integrated strain relief, and the SOFT-STOP mechanism ensures that power and data signals remain uninterrupted, safeguarding automated assets against costly downtime.
2. Streamlined Maintenance and Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Downtime is the single greatest expense in modern automated manufacturing. By utilizing modular lengths, snap-open access points, and optional internal separators, facilities can optimize their cable layouts and perform swift, targeted maintenance. Over the lifecycle of a machine, avoiding premature cable failure and reducing labor hours spent on repairs translates into a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership.
3. Focus on Ergonomics and Plant Safety
The emphasis on acoustic engineering through EVOSILENCE reflects a broader industry trend toward human-centric manufacturing design. As smart factories evolve, creating a quieter, more ergonomic workspace is no longer secondary to raw output. Reducing high-frequency mechanical noise helps cultivate a safer, less stressful environment for plant floor personnel.
4. Continued Ecosystem Expansion
For AutomationDirect, adding globally recognized brands like Murrplastik to its portfolio reinforces its evolution from a components discounter into a comprehensive automation solutions provider. Engineers can now source their controllers, sensors, pneumatic components, and high-performance cable protection systems through a single, streamlined procurement channel.
For further details regarding technical datasheets, CAD files, pricing, and availability of the Murrplastik MP35 and MP45 series drag chains, visit the official AutomationDirect website.
