How wide and high must the trough be?
Take the chain's outer width plus 4 mm on short travels and up to 10 mm on long ones, so the chain does not bind with temperature changes. Trough height is at least twice the outer height plus 10 mm of space, since upper and lower runs rest on each other. A trough cover is optional but keeps swarf out.
What may the chain glide on?
On a smooth, hard surface: powder-coated or galvanised steel, or plastic glide strips. Rough weld seams, rust or protruding screw heads wear the side band away quickly. On long travels we fit UHMW-PE glide strips in the trough; they are cheap to replace and protect the chain.
What exactly do glide shoes do?
Glide shoes are replaceable plastic caps on the side band of the upper run. They absorb all wear instead of the link. Versions with a wear indicator exist: as soon as the coloured layer appears, replace only the shoe — a fraction of the cost of a new chain.
Where does the driver sit in a gliding layout?
Higher than in an unsupported layout, because the upper run rests on the lower run. Calculate driver height as twice the outer height plus a few millimetres. Remember the chain becomes slightly longer as a result; include that in the length calculation.
| Travel | Trough width clearance | Glide surface | Glide shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 10 m | +4 mm | Verzinkt staal | Aanbevolen |
| 10–25 m | +6 mm | Glijdstrip PE | Verplicht |
| 25–50 m | +8 mm | Glijdstrip PE | Verplicht + indicatie |
| > 50 m | +10 mm | Glijdstrip PE | Verplicht + indicatie |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use an existing cable tray as a guide trough?
- Only if the internal size fits and the glide surface is smooth and continuous. Perforated cable trays are unsuitable: the edge of every hole scores the side band.
- How often must glide shoes be replaced?
- That depends on travel, speed and contamination. Include them in the six-monthly inspection and replace when the wear indicator shows or more than half the thickness is gone.
- Do you supply troughs made to length?
- Yes, in sections with connectors, including glide strips and mounting brackets. Provide travel, chain size and mounting height in the quote request.
Read next
- How do you calculate unsupported length and sag?Fill weight sets the unsupported length. When to switch to gliding, and how much sag is acceptable.
- Plastic or steel cable carrier: when do you choose which?Travel, fill weight, temperature, swarf and noise decide — with concrete thresholds per criterion.
- How do you correctly fill cables into a cable carrier?From unrolling and neutral position to strain relief: a seven-step installation sequence with the most frequent mistakes.