¶ Drag Chains
¶ Purpose/Background
The purpose of the cable chains/drag chains is to allow the cables and tubing to not rub nor bind and allow the spindle to move. For cable chain total length, keep in mind that you only really need a chain for the portion that is moving. This means you could start your X chain around the center of the gantry if you want (rather than the end) and same for the Y chain, about the center of the frame or so. If you have enough links or if you prefer the aesthetics, you can of course make the chain go the full length (or width) of the frame even though in that case, part of it will never see any bend/movement
As far as I know, each chain has a special piece on one end (let's call it "End A"), another special piece at the other end ("End B") and then a number of chain links in between. All of these are connected via round pieces (one per side), typically yellow. I think if you get those yellow pieces out, you can disconnect the links from each other. This way, you can shorten one chain (remove some links in the middle) and then insert them into the other chain. This way you can "build" your chains to the length that you need. If you purchased 3x 1m of chains for example, you would end up with an extra “End A” and an extra “End B” (and maybe a few extra middle links)
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See mods page for 3d printing options.
¶ How Much/Many
The standard Ali kit comes with a total of 42 pieces of H25 and 4 ends, at 25x57mm (inside dimensions) size.
¶ Types
Open, Semi-open, fully enclosed
¶ Options
There are many ways to adjust/setup your PrintNC with chains. Some prefer to have the water cooling tubing in the chains, others do not.
The most common is to attach one end to the Z carriage for the X and another on one of the Y rails. One user went thru their build, and specifically talks about chains at this point. Another here. Essentially, place some “L” brackets (and optionally some angle aluminum) to help support the chain.
Another way is to mount the chain to the enclosure above the PrintNC like @Logan BC does.
If you want to be fancy, you could print and replace the standard “yellow” dot to match your PrintNC color scheme. (see Projects by Brian or Arya's build.
¶ Adjustment
Video on how to take them apart, put them together, and have them hold at 45, 0 or -45
"In case you received your drag chain with the Ali kit, the best length combo i have found for standard PNC is 16 and 26 links for Y and X, respectively"
¶ Standard Length, Width, and Bend Radius
Suppliers
¶ Other
- Pro-tip. The corner of your table where the cable chain goes makes a horrible drink holder. (@Trader, BC CA)
- Check out 7-cable-management-mistakes-you-dont-know-youre-making