Drag Chains in Action at the Steel Mill
HELUKABEL supplies Maschinentechnik Roth with a custom solution for mobile drilling machines
In basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) plants, where molten iron is transformed into high-quality steel by blasting it with oxygen, the environment is as extreme as it gets—high temperatures, flying sparks, heavy dust, and constant vibration take a toll on both operators and equipment. At the heart of the process are massive steel converters, where the molten steel is tapped through a hole in the converter floor and then resealed using refractory bricks.
To ensure this critical operation runs smoothly, Maschinentechnik Roth GmbH & Co. KG—an established machinery supplier for the steel and rolling mill industry—relies on ultra-durable equipment. For its mobile core-hole drilling, setting, and grouting system (KBSE), Roth needed an energy transmission solution built for the rigors of steel production. The company found that solution at HELUKABEL.
The steel mill's mission: Drilling and setting safely
Roth’s mobile KBSE system plays a pivotal role in the production process: drilling precise tap holes in the converter and positioning refractory bricks to seal them. To perform these tasks, hydraulic and water lines—as well as electrical cables—must be safely routed to the work area. That’s where high-performance drag chains come into play.
A Custom Solution from HELUKABEL
HELUKABEL supplied two HELUCHAIN® STEEL LINK 4-SL drag chains, each fitted with guide troughs and customized specifically for Roth’s system—one for drilling, the other for setting. The closed steel construction shields cables and hoses from intense heat, airborne debris, and physical impact. To further enhance protection, robust aluminum cover segments from the “SilberStar” series were added to provide additional heat resistance.
For the engineers at Maschinentechnik Roth, having absolute confidence in the drag chain's durability and performance is essential in such a high-stakes environment.
Technical Specs at a Glance
• Travel distance: 2,500 mm
• Drag chain lengths: 3,750 mm and 3,300 mm
• Temperature resistance: Galvanised steel -40°C to +250°C, stainless steel -80°C to +600°C
Built for Harsh Conditions, Backed by Experience
Maschinentechnik Roth has trusted HELUKABEL products for years—and with good reason. These drag chains, customized for extreme operating conditions, extend machine service life and provide reliable protection for sensitive hoses and cables. They contribute directly to safer, more efficient operations on the steel production floor.
Customer Benefits: At a Glance
✅ Robust drag chains improve the lifespans of machines
✅ Protect cables and hoses from sparks, debris, and heat
✅ Increase the safety and security of drilling and setting operations
✅ Fully customized to meet application-specific requirements
Working together to improve the steel industry
This project showcases how tailored solutions from HELUKABEL can significantly improve the performance and longevity of industrial equipment. We’re proud to partner with Maschinentechnik Roth in advancing safe, efficient steel production—and to bring our technical expertise to bear on complex challenges across heavy industry.
Want to learn more about our drag chain solutions? Click here to explore our full drag chain portfolio.