Horizontal Cable Tray S Offset and Stock-Axis Spacing

Define the parallel incoming and outgoing runs

An S offset moves a tray sideways and restores its original heading. This model makes one +45° horizontal fold followed by one −45° fold. Tray width is 200 mm and side height is 50 mm. The incoming and outgoing runs stay in the same base plane.

Use 350 mm before the first stock axis, 350 mm between the two stock axes and 350 mm after the second. Measure all three lengths along the original straight-stock length direction. The second fold retains the opposite wall, so identify both retained walls before comparing a formed corner with a stock station.

Calculate the formed offset using tray width

Let P be original-stock axis spacing, W tray width and θ = 45°. The outgoing reference edge offset is O = P sin θ − W(1 − cos θ). For P = 350 mm and W = 200 mm, O = 188.91 mm. The parallel centerlines share this offset because both runs have the same width and heading.

The longitudinal advance from the first reference corner to the outgoing run is Q = P cos θ − W sin θ = 106.07 mm. The incoming lead and outgoing tail add another 700 mm, so the outgoing end is 806.07 mm ahead of the starting end in this example. These formulas follow the alternating retained-wall construction shown in the model.

Each full V opening is 2W tan(θ/2) = 165.69 mm, with an 82.84 mm half-notch. The model checks each end against its adjacent notch plus a 10 mm margin and the middle spacing against both adjacent half-notches plus 10 mm. For this width and angle the middle threshold is 175.69 mm.

Worked example dimensions

Mark the opposite-wall V cuts and inspect the exit

The two original-stock stations are 350 and 700 mm and total straight stock is 1050 mm. Mark the first V on its closing side and retain the opposite wall. At the second station, switch to the other closing side and preserve its opposite connection.

Inspect Original, Mark, Cut and Form in order. Both V cuts close as the outgoing leg becomes parallel to the incoming leg. Use the top camera to compare the offset and the two opposite retained axes. Change P, apply the calculation and watch the footprint update while each 45° opening stays controlled by tray width.

Review the fabrication detail

This is ideal sharp-fold tray geometry. Review the actual tray profile, material allowances, joint fastening and cable turning space before choosing the installation dimensions.