igus UK Limited

When it comes to choosing a drylin linear module driven by a leadscrew, the process can sometimes seem quite daunting, especially when specifying the maximum speed of the leadscrew or the torque that’s required for the motor. Linear motion specialist igus has simplified this process by developing a series of graphs, which are included in the ‘Drive Technology’ section of its catalogue. 

igus has launched a new video that demonstrates the potential weight savings design engineers can achieve by simply switching to igus drylin linear bearings. By replacing a typical steel shaft and steel linear bearing with an igus RJMP bearing and hollow aluminium shaft, the weight reduction of the system can be as much as 85 per cent.

igus has developed a new tough, cost-effective energy tube called the R2.75 E2. The fully enclosed design of the e-tube, with an inner height of 75mm, ensures that no external debris can get inside to damage the cables and hoses. This makes it perfect for the machine tool, woodworking and textile industries, as well as general mechanical engineering applications. The e-tube lids, have an innovative hinge system, enabling them to be opened from either side.  This allows for faster filling of cables and hoses as well as easier access in service. Additionally, the double stop dog system makes for a strong tube which can carry high fill weights.

Expanding its range of cost-effective modular robolink  systems, igus  introduces the robolink D direct drive articulated arm – a tougher, more durable solution compared with remote drive versions – supporting lean automation. Typical robotic applications are repetitive tasks, such as on assembly lines and pick-and-place equipment. To support this, the new robolink D system is completely modular due to the direct drive situated within each joint, which helps achieve significant cost savings.

A robotic mannequin has been recently developed by a British engineering company, i-bodi Technology, a subsidiary of Crawley Creatures Ltd, to help the Ministry of Defence test chemical and biological (CB) protective suits and equipment for its Armed Forces.

igus will be showcasing a range of its new products at this years Advanced Engineering Show taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, on the 11th and 12th November. The new products being showcased on igus’ stand (K72) include: tribo-tape, tribo-filament, e-cord micro, E4.1 energy chain and the CRC clean-room chain

Linear motion specialist igus has developed its latest linear belt drive for use in the entertainment and theatre industry. The drylin toothed belt axis is ideal for the movement of stage systems or prop adjustments, offering a range of possible applications. Due to the use of iglidur  polymer plain bearing materials in all moving parts, the drylin toothed belt axis is self-lubricating and maintenance-free, ensuring quiet running while minimising background noise.

Energy chain specialist igus has unveiled its latest accessory for e-chains and e-tubes, the CFV strain relief element. This offers the chance to strain relieve cables outside of the chain cross section, even in enclosed energy tubes. The CVF ensures that cables within the moving e-chain do not move around when moving and with a stepped design to secure cables of different diameters, it ensures simple installation when strain relieving several cables.

The history of the plastic plain bearing goes back a long way, spurred on by the discovery of the lower friction properties of nylon in around 1860. But in the last few decades, the composition of plastic materials has been refined considerably; in the last 30 years igus has developed 35 different tribologically-optimised materials, which offer a lower coefficient of friction than conventional metals or composite materials – from the economical iglidur G all-rounder to the FDA-conforming iglidur A180 material. In addition to being lubricant free, plastic bearings are maintenance-free, impervious to dirt, water, chemicals, heat and shock loads; and because they have essentially the same dimensional structure as conventional bearings they are relatively straightforward replacements.

A range of cables, targeting cable carrier applications that do not require high cycle rates, has been introduced by igus. Marketed as a cost effective alternative, the company guarantees that the chainflex M range has a service life of one million double strokes and can be used in theatres, tools and jigs, packaging machines and some machine tools.

At the Engineering Design Show 2014, igus will be debuting products including the robolink D, tribo-tabe, tribo-filament, e-cord micro, and the CRC clean-room chain on stand D20. The Engineering Design Show is scheduled to take place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, between the 22nd and 23rd October 2014.

Targeting manufacturers who are required to adhere to the RoHS Directive, iglidur plastic bearings offer reliable performance with lowered environmental impact. The bearings, from igus, are well-suited to a wide range of applications including those found in the automotive, transportation, construction, industrial, medical and food & packaging industries.

At the 2014 Machine Building Show at the NEC in Birmingham from 30th September to 1st October, igus will be showcasing its product portfolio including the drylin W linear guide, the E4.1 light energy chain and the readychain rack. Offering excellent wear and friction properties, the modular drylin W range offers a complete linear drive solution, integrating DC motors, linear switches and chainflex motor cables.

The output of highly complex nappy production lines at Ontex Mayen has tripled over the past few years without any investment in new machines. This has been made possible by ensuring that the production line runs with virtually no downtime, as well as to continual improvements made on the production process. In addition, set-up times have been reduced significantly.

Jaguar Land Rover has reduced the downtime on one of its factory robots by 66% thanks to installing equipment from igus UK. Triflex RS is a very compact multi-axial energy supply system that safely houses the energy cables, and as a result, enables manufactures to increase reliability and make operational cost savings.

igus UK has developed a new addition to its popular drylin W linear guide series. The compact drylin W mono slide is a complete system that consists of fewer parts, reduces installation space and is easier to assemble, enabling design engineers to save installation time and associated costs.

igus UK has introduced new knife edge roller bearings that enable manufacturers in the food and beverage industry to increase process efficiencies. The iglidur tribo plastic bearings are reliable, and lubrication-free, and as a result, offer excellent performance in conveyor systems. igus knife edge rollers have been developed to the specific demands of the food and beverage industry, such as operating temperature and FDA-conformity.

igus UK has launched a new heavy duty version of its robust igubal clip spherical bearings. The easy-to-fit heavy duty bearings can withstand high loads, provide exceptional rotational, linear or swivelling movements, and as they are plastic do not require regular maintenance. As a result, downtime is avoided and the low weight ensures clearly energy-efficient operation.

Energy chain specialist igus UK has launched a new roller energy chain, the 3500R, and a modular plastic guiding profile, guidelite, which are ideal for long travels. They are part of igus’ growing modular system for all types of movement, which provide cost-effective and simple solutions for all energy supply.

Calling all designers - plastic plain bearing specialist igus is holding its sixth biennial manus competition for innovative plastic bearing applications. Designers have until the 28th February 2013 to submit their entry. The manus awards, which were initially launched in 2003, celebrate innovative and creative applications with lubrication and maintenance-free polymer bearings that distinguish themselves through technical and/or economic efficiency.