E-Chain....How Much do I need?

[maginter]

Hi All -

I have a 48 x 96 and am wanting to change over to E-chain for my wiring. For those of you that have doe this. How much do I need for the two runs and what size have you been using?

TIA,

Mark

[wberminio]

I have the same size machine. I used a total of 18ft
see this tread for more info.

www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/28/22269.html (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/28/22269.html)

[maginter]

Thanks!!

[wberminio]

Mark

I forgot to mention...The amount I used is to go the
full x and y axis.Also you will need end clips;I got 2 pairs.Let me know if you other ?'s

Mounting.. etc...

Erminio

[maginter]

Thanks for all the information. This will be very helpful. If I could get a couple of pictures on how you mounted the track, that would save a lot of experimenting.

Thanks again!

Mark

[wberminio]

I'll post some pictures asap.
The post
www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/28/22269.html (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/28/22269.html)
has photos and information I used.You need to fabricate some means of attaching the chain.It's
not too difficult.

[Gary Campbell]

Mark...
A couple more pics of the X axis Echain.
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/28/26312.html?1198071784
Gary

[maginter]

Hi Guys -

Back again! ;@)

For those of you that have moved to an E-Chain configuration, what wire did you go to for the motors?

Thanks,

Mark

[Gary Campbell]

Mark..
If you are speaking of the stepper motors, the wire that came with them is fine. I was able to put the E chain on both the X & Y travels with the OEM wire with a little left over.
Gary

[blackhawk]

Mark - I just did my 48x96 PRT alpha and I only used 10 feet of track. You only have to attach the fixed (non-moving) end in the center of your travel. I used an IGUS 250-05-075 energy chain with a 2050-34PZB bracket pivot. The bracket pivots are the ends that attach to the chain and then mount to the fixed and moving end. That part number includes a pair, so you just need to order 2 of that part number to complete X and Y. If you want more info just let me know.

[Gary Campbell]

Mark...
The minimum that is needed is 1/2 your travel, plus the circumference of the half circle that the chain makes when installed. You can use more as myself and others have done, or go with the minimum.

You need to know the bend radius of the chain you are using. There is a good explanation of this on the McMaster website, search for "cable carrier". The sizes they carry, radii, widths etc. are all listed. The part #'s I used are listed in the post that Erminio linked to above.
Gary