igus UK Limited

To ensure smooth, dependable motion of the cutting head and carriage in its latest XYZ router, Routout CNC has chosen to base the machine’s design on the use of bearings and linear guides from engineering polymer expert, igus UK. Key benefits of the igus products in this application are that they require no maintenance or lubrication, and that their operation is unaffected by the presence of dust.

Quality Boat Lifts is using iglidur plastic, plain bearings from igus on lifts used by residential and commercial marinas, and private owners, to remove boats from the water. The leading boat lift company offers seven different maintenance-free boatlift devices such as the ALUM-A-VATOR, which meets 40-year industry standards, and its rugged, industrial grade Superlift. Quality Boat Lifts where looking for a reliable bearing that they could use in the direct-cable winding drive shaft, which raises and lowers boats in and out of the water.

igus UK, will be showcasing its high performance triboplastic bearings, energy chains and cables at the International Armoured Vehicle show in Farnborough, on stand D38. Visitors to the stand will be able to see live demonstrations of its industry-leading maintenance-free bearings as well as its energy chains and chainflex continuous-flex cables, which are perfect for dirty and dusty environments and are proven in military equipment.

Dynamic cabling expert igus UK now has a complete NFPA-compliant range of control, bus, motor, servo and measuring system chainflex cables with more than 650 versions available from stock within 24 hours. Conforming to the 79-2012 standard (Chapter 12.9) of the National Fire Protection Association, mechanical engineers can use these specifically designed flame retardant cables for energy chain applications without compromising on durability or safety.

igus UK now has a range of ESD/ATEX energy chains which are available from stock within 24 hours, enabling designers to build machines more quickly and efficiently. There are approximately 280 ESD/ATEX chain versions readily available, including a selection of smaller ‘zipper’, medium E2/000, and heavy duty E4.1 and E4/light energy chains, which constantly discharge electrostatic build up in a controlled way.

Aerial Camera Systems has found products from igus, an expert in cable carrier systems and plastic bearings, to be the ideal choice for demanding applications in a wide range of tracking camera systems. ACS has been using igus products for more than 20 years, during which time it has found them to offer exceptional reliability even in the toughest of operating environments.

Robot developers and laboratories can now enjoy a lightweight, maintenance and corrosion free range of connection joints for humanoid systems; Robolink is suitable for use in areas of general lightweight construction, handling, automation, camera applications, etc.

The new PRT type 03 slewing ring bearing from igus has been specifically designed to help reduce the cost of a slewing ring without compromising performance. Even though this bearing is very economic, it can run without any lubrication or maintenance, and is also a space saving design.

On looking to replace expensive PTFE-lined metal bearings in its home theatre, gaming and cinema seats, D-BOX Technologies approached plastic bearing specialist igus. The seats use three types of intelligent movement – subtle pitch, roll and heave – to move the occupant gently forwards and backwards, from side to side, and up and down. That, combined with encoded vibrations, meant the bearings had to be robust, yet cost-effective.

P4.32 is a cable carrier system designed to self-support on long travels and can even be used without additional guide troughs. Providing a cheaper option to standard e-chains, P4.32 rol-e-chain is suitable for a wide range of applications and industries including cranes, material handling, gantry robots and warehousing.

igus UK will demonstrate and showcase its latest additions to its industry-leading energy chains and chainflex continuous-flex cables, as well as its maintenance-free range of plain, spherical and linear bearings at this year’s MACH Exhibition – the UK’s premier manufacturing technologies event.

The new RSP (Retraction System Pneumatic) adjustable retraction system from igus is for multi-axis robot applications. Adjustable retraction system for safe and consistent cable and hose guidance.

One of the most common problems that can occur when cables used in energy chain applications are stressed beyond their limits is corkscrewing. What is it? Why does it happen? How can you avoid?

Complete joint module system now ready for action

Cable carrier specialist igus UK supplies and manufactures plastic energy chains and energy chain systems for moving cables that are durable, low cost and, above all, maintenance free. When commissioned to design the iconic theme park ride ‘Star Flyer’ – an extreme vertical Chair-O-Plane – in Vienna, ride designer Funtime Industries faced the mammoth task of specifying a reliable moving system to supply power up to the top of the 117 metre tower.

Energy chain innovator igus UK has developed the new c-chain energy chain system, which allows machine signal and media to be carried in continuous motion. The intelligent c-chain design concept originated from a solution igus developed to eliminate the empty runs that conventional pick and place applications suffer from due to linear motion. The new system moves in a continuous circular motion, smoothly and without vibration at a continual speed of between 2 and 3 m/s – creating an increase in productivity of up to 30%.

Cable and energy chain specialist igus UK has teamed up with ePLAN, the total engineering solutions software provider, to develop QuickPin 2.0, an easy online configuration tool. Using the intelligent ePLAN P8 platform, QuickPin 2.0 makes the selection of chainflex cable and connectors very quick and easy.

Guide troughs are used to enable energy chain to glide smoothly and securely over travel lengths stretching from 5 metres and upwards, depending on the type of chain used.

Polymer researcher and bearings specialist igus UK has developed a plain bearing material that is based on 54 percent sustainable and natural raw materials. The basic polymer of the new iglidur N54 plain bearing is mainly made of castor oil, rather than finite crude oil. The company’s mechanically and tribologically optimised biopolymer is suitable for universal use in the low-load range.

Energy chain expert igus UK has specialised in plastic energy chains since 1971 and, through material and technological advancements, is the market leader in this field.