ENGINEERING & SPECIFICATIONS CABLE & RODLESS CYLINDERS

The equations below determine the inertia force developed when the maximum weight, stopping distance and maximum velocity are known and when the load is moving.

Horizontally: F = ( V2 – f) W

Upward Vertically: F = ( V2 – 1) W

Downward Vertically: F = ( V2 + 1) W

Upward
on an Incline: F = ( V2 - sin q – f cos q) W

Downward
on an Incline: F = ( V2 + sin q – f cos q) W

The value of “F” obtained from the equation can be compared to the “maximum inertia with internal cushions” found in Table 1 to select the best cylinder for application.

If external cushion devices with longer stopping distance are used, do not exceed 60% of cable tension strength for the value of “F”.

By rearranging the first equation, the critical velocity for horizontal loads can be calculated for a known weight and cylinder bore.

       V = g(F/W + f) 2sg

Use values for “F” and “s” from Table 1 when using internal cushions. Do not exceed this critical velocity unless external cushion devices are used.

It is very important that cable cylinder cables are properly adjusted to obtain maximum cable and seal life.

Loose cables tend to “whip” at the beginning and end of the stroke, shortening cables and seal life. Excessive cable tension deteriorates the cable and its covering.

Properly tensioned cables prevent all this but periodic inspection is necessary to maintain maximum operating life.

All cables exhibit two types of stretch, constructional and elastic. When cable is stranded, the individual wires and strands are laid in their proper position but are slightly loose. When the cable is subjected to an initial load, the wires align themselves into a tighter position. This readjustment under tension is the constructional stretch.

After the constructional stretch has been eliminated by proof loading, the cables can be tightened to the operating tension. With the load physically blocked in midstroke, apply operating pressure to one end of the cylinder. Tighten the slack cable to the value indicated on Table 3 (the torques listed are for maximum rated pressure). Repeat the procedure with operating pressure applied to the opposite end. The fish scale method could be use here also, but would take more time to obtain the correct tension.

Once the constructional stretch is removed by proof loading, any further stretch is elastic stretch which relates to the actual material characteristics. Before operating the cylinder the constructional stretch
must be eliminated by proof loading:

1. Tighten the trolley locknuts to the torque indicated on
Table 2.
2. Maintain the proof load tension for 30 seconds.
3. Loosen nuts and repeat.

If a torque wrench is not available, the cable tension can be estimated using a common fish scale. Apply the fish scale at the midpoint of the span between two sheaves or between a sheave and the load. The fish scale should read the value indicated on Table 2 when the cable is pulled 1% of the span.

OPERATION: Operate the cable cylinder just same as you would any other cylinder. Be sure to operate it at pressures within the catalog ratings. For air operation, use a filter-regulator-lubricator in the supply line to protect your valves and the cylinder. Use a flow control valves to control speed in each direction. Adjust the cushion needle valves to get smooth stopping at each end of the stroke without bounce or impact. Flow control valves are always desirable for speed control and improved cushion action. For heavier loads and higher speeds, shock absorbers should be used.

To insure acceptable life, the application should be within the limits of the recommendations below.

• For most applications, maximum velocity of 5 feet per
second. See page 21.
• Maximum operating pressure 150 psi air and oil (500 psi
on hydraulic modes 20P and 25P) on Cable-Trol ®.
• Temperature range 32 - 150 o F.

INSTALLATION: The cylinder should be mounted firmly to the machine, utilizing the two mounting holes in each head. Pipe air or oil lines making sure that no fitting is scraping the cable or sheave. The cylinder should then be cycled a minimum of 20 times, after which the cable should be retensioned. This procedure should be followed again after the first eight hours of use.

MOUNTING TROLLEY MODELS: Mount the cable cylinder parallel to the load path so that the trolley can move the load through the full designed stroke of the cylinder. Bolt or pin the trolley to the load so that the load does not pull the trolley off its path of travel. Avoid twisting the trolley in any way that could increase or vary cable tension during the full stroke.

MOUNTING NON-TROLLEY MODELS: Mount the cable cylinder so that the cable leaves the sheave on the center of the groove. Connect the cable to the load using GREENCO re-usable cable terminals in such a way that the cable tension will not vary during the stroke.