How to Size Your Carrier

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STEP 1: Make a list of all cables, wires, and hoses.

 

STEP 2: Determine minimum cavity height (dimension B) by adding a safety factor to the outer diameter of the largest cable or hose.

 

Gortrac Carrier Cavity AB

Safety Factors: Cables: +10%   Hoses: +20%   Total ideal fill: 60%

Diagram illustrating clearances for cables and hoses in a holder, with labels for tight fit and optional separator.

 

STEP 3: Determine carrier cavity width (dimension A) by adding the outer diameters and appropriate safety factors (determined in step 2) of all cables and hoses. If using vertical cavity separators, add separator width. If using horizontal cavity dividers, be sure that the same safety factors apply and there is adequate vertical space between dividers.

Gortrac Carrier Cavity AB

 

STEP 4: Consult the sizing index of the Quick Selection Guide for pre-selection of appropriate series.

 

STEP 5: Check carrier width (dimension C) and carrier height (dimension D) against potential space restrictions.

Gortrac Carrier Cavity CD

 

STEP 6: Select carrier bend radius (dimension R) of carrier by consulting cable/hose manufacturer’s specifications for minimum bend radius.

 

STEP 7: Check depot (dimension k) and curve height (dimension H) dimensions against potential space restrictions.

 

STEP 8: Determine total required machine travel (total travel). See diagram below Step 10. (Note: To minimize carrier length, the fixed end of the carrier should be mounted at the center of travel, when possible.)

 

STEP 9: Consult the specifications page for the curve length (dimension CL) of the chosen carrier.

 

STEP 10: Calculate Carrier Length:

Carrier Length = (Total machine travel / 2) + CL dimension (curve length) + Offset distance from center of travel

*If fixed end is not mounted at the center of travel. For minimum carrier length, the moving bracket should be mounted directly above the fixed bracket when the machine is in the center of travel. Offset is the dimension between the fixed and moving bracket at the center of travel.

Side view travel diagram

Now that you have this basic information, you can start specifying the technical detail about your carrier in the
Cables & Hoses RFQ.

Choosing your mounting brackets: View our mounting video

B= Cavity Height: (determined by the outer diameter of the largest cable/hose + safety factor)

A= Cavity Width: (determined by adding the outer diameters of all cables/hoses [ =safety factor and divider widths])

C= Outer Width

D= Outer Height