The cable belongs to the Core Line performance class and is ideally suited to continuous use in power chains with moderate to high travel paths and accelerations. Other potential applications include non-stationary machine parts, linear robots or handling systems, and wind turbines (Wind Turbine Tray Cable). The two UL listings of MTW (Machine Tool Wire) and TC-ER (Tray Cable-Exposed Run) for North America allow for both flexible use in industrial machinery and fixed installation in open cable trays. The ÖLFLEX® CHAIN TM and ÖLFLEX® CHAIN TM CY are designed for North American operating voltages of 600 volts or 1,000 volts (WTTC).
The wire is made from fine, conductor class 6 copper. Special stranding technology allows for use in continuously flexing applications like drag chains with up to five million bending cycles. It is also suitable for moderate torsion in wind turbines with rotation angles of +/- 150° per metre. In the shielded CY version, tin-plated copper braiding provides reliable protection against electromagnetic interference and ensures compliance with EMC regulations. The outer sheath is made from a specially designed thermoplastic polymer. The cable can withstand oil-based lubricants (UL Oil Res I/II) and other chemicals, and is also highly flame resistant in line with CSA FT4. The temperature range in fixed installation ranges from -40 to +90 °C, making the cable suitable for use in tough ambient conditions outdoors. Resistance to UV radiation is also par for the course, along with suitability for direct underground installation in line with US standards.