In industrial environments where efficiency, durability and maintenance are key, choosing the right type of drag chain can make a big difference. Whether for applications in automation, heavy machinery or conveyor systems, the choice between a plastic or metal drag chain depends on several technical and operational factors.

Below, we compare their main features to help you make an informed decision:

Weight and ease of installation

• Plastic: Much lighter, which reduces the load on actuators and motors. In addition, installation is usually faster and easier.

• Metal: Heavier, which can increase energy consumption. Installation requires more time and, in some cases, specialized tools.

Resistance to the environment

• Plastic: Ideal for humid or chemical environments. Will not rust or corrode.

• Metallic: Excellent for extreme temperature conditions or environments with presence of chips or abrasive materials, although it may require anticorrosive coatings.

3. Noise and vibration

• Plastic: Offers quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where low noise is required (such as automated plants or laboratories).

• Metal: Produces more noise and vibration when moving, especially in high speed or long travel applications.

4. Durability and load

• Plastic: Although robust, its load capacity is lower. Recommended for light cables or medium speeds.

• Metallic: Supports heavier loads and longer runs. It is the preferred choice in high performance industrial systems.

5. Cost and maintenance

• Plastic: Lower initial cost and almost no maintenance. Fewer moving parts and no need for lubrication.

• Metal: Higher initial investment and may require periodic maintenance, especially if exposed to corrosion or wear.

Which one is best for your operation?

It’s not a question of which one is better overall, but which one is more suitable for your application. If you are looking for light weight, low maintenance and a clean environment, plastic drag chain is your ally. But if you need to withstand heavy loads, extreme temperatures or demanding industrial environments, metal is your best choice.

Before deciding, we recommend you to evaluate:

• Length of the route.

• Type of cables or hoses to be housed.

• Working environment (temperature, humidity, chemicals).

• Frequency of operation.

At Greenmatik, we help you select the right drag chain for your automated washing systems or industrial applications. We have robust, safe and customized solutions so that your equipment never stops.