igus UK Limited

Energy chain expert igus UK is inviting maintenance engineers to book a free energy chain and flexible cable annual check-up before or during factory shutdowns scheduled in July and August.

igus has reached a new milestone in the energy chains sector with the introduction of the fully-enclosed RX energy tubes. On display in the UK for the first time during this year’s MACH Show, which runs from 7th to 11th June at the NEC, the igus RX range features smooth, domed outer contours for maximum protection against debris and chips accumulation, as well as dust, dirt, oil, high humidity levels and temperature extremes. The covered pin/bore connections and stop dogs are concealed on the inside of the E-Tube to further protect against chip penetration.

Energy and data supply expert igus has now added a bus cable for the CC-Link industrial serial field bus system into its range. The data transmission properties of the Chainflex CFBUS.035 cable correspond to the CC-Link specification and have been tested and approved by the global coordinating office, CC-Links Partners Association (CLPA) in Japan. This now means igus can supply dynamically flexible bus cables for all standard field bus system, including Profibus, Interbus, CAN-bus, Device Net, Profinet and Ethernet, ex stock.

Integrating strong, secure strain relief into energy chain mounting brackets is essential to ensuring good cable performance in moving applications. Limited space, high pull forces, vibration, temperature extremes, oil and coolant lubricants are all challenges that need to be tackled by any strain relief system. Unfortunately, conventional strain-relief products do not always cope well with such conditions.

When Global Laser was asked to provide a mount for its laser alignment system on a sawmill, limited working height meant that the standard static mount would not cast a long enough beam length. The proposed solution involved using a DryLin rail guidance system from linear technology expert igus.

Reinforced plastic cable carriers from energy chain specialist igus were selected by GÜDEL to help minimise downtime across its range of automated systems. The cable carriers guide and protect moving cables and hoses in systems ranging from multi-axis robots and press-transfer systems, to factory-automation equipment and gantry robots.

Energy chain specialist igus has introduced six new product lines to its Triflex R system of third-generation 6-axis robot energy chains. The multi-axial energy supply system, developed specifically for sophisticated 6-axis robotic applications in harsh industrial environments, now comprises well over 200 components.

Plastic bearing expert igus has developed a range of innovative slewing bearings that use two self-lubricating, low friction polymer sliding elements in place of conventional ball bearings. As a cost-effective, low noise alternative, the igus PRT polymer slew ring bearing modules are also highly wear resistant, easy to install and completely maintenance-free, while at the same time are robust and have a very high load capacity.

igus has developed a new optical fibre cable, called Chainflex CFLG.2LB, which is suitable for all bus systems. This dual-core optical fibre bus cable is designed specifically for energy chain applications, where extremely small bending radii and high cycle life are expected without loss of data.

Plastic bearing expert igus has extended the range of its dimensional series E igubal rod end bearings with the introduction of the EBRM-16 V. By inserting a steel reinforcement into its igubal rod end bearing, igus has increased the tensile load capability by up to 50% when compared to its pure plastic versions.

Linear technology expert igus has developed a completely new breed of hybrid linear bearing that both rolls and slides. Called DryLin WJRM, this innovative bearing system reduces driving force significantly and is particularly well-suited to applications that combine sliding and rolling movements, such as manually adjustable doors, guards, partitions and locks, as well as for light handling tasks.

igus the market leader for energy chain systems and flexible cables has introduced a new range of products for port cranes at the TOC Europe in Bremen. The aims are to improve technique, increase lifetime whilst saving costs.

Some engineers hesitate to use plastic bearings in their designs. Maybe because they have trusted metal and bronze bearings for years or they simply don't think plastics can handle the tough applications or environmental elements. Plastic bearings, however, can endure extreme temperatures, heavy loads and high speeds. However, it's important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of the options available.

igus has recently expanded the new “xiros” plastic ball bearing range. The positive feedback from customers’ has resulted in the xiros maintenance-free polymer ball bearings becoming an independent product line. The name xiros is derived from the Ancient Greek xsiros which means dry, and ball bearings for lubricant-free dry running. The inner and outer rings are manufactured in two further materials and there are additional dimensions available.

igus have stretched the bounds of possibility further than ever. Tribology is the science of the interaction of friction, lubrication and wear, and forms the basis of igus products. It has been estimated that direct and consequential annual loss to industry due to wear is 1-2% of GDP, which for the UK would be up to an incredible £28 billion. The application of tribological knowledge results in considerable savings in energy, material use, production, maintenance and labour.

igus have expanded their range by introducing lubrication-free flange and pedestal bearings with plastic ball bearings. The new xiros polymer ball bearings with angular compensation were developed for maintenance-free use in conveyer belts, track rollers and deflection rollers. The light, corrosion-free and anti-magnetic bearings do not need any oil or grease, and compensate alignment errors caused by deflection and/or tolerances. Potential applications include conveyer engineering, automotive parts suppliers, newspaper printers, food and drinks industries, and also the textile and glass production and stone processing.

igus has several new developments in power and data supply for robotic equipment on show at the Automatica in Munich. The company has developed a new universal module called Triflex RS, specifically for robotic applications in very cramped conditions. The multi-axis robotic energy chain Triflex RS is always guided parallel and close to the robot arm, preventing a loop forming or cables becoming strained at the robot head. The low-profile module can be mounted directly to the existing fastening points on the robot. The moving end of energy chain is attached to the sixth axis with a mounting bracket. This system allows general movements, so no specific programming is required. Thanks to its compact design, the system can even be used if there is a valve cluster or distributor box on the third axis.

igus have developed a lubricant-free toothed belt drive, specifically for the low-cost sector for the fast positioning of small loads of up to 15kg. The new linear unit DryLin ZLW-0630 Basic is compact, very small and a lightweight design – a fast alternative to leadscrew drives or pneumatic cylinders. The 500 mm stroke version of the maintenance- and corrosion-free lightweight model weighs only 800 g. The stroke length is variable up to a maximum of 1,000 mm.

igus has developed the largest ever plastic energy chain in the world for offshore applications on offshore oil drilling platforms. The new E4.350 is wear-resistant, maintenance-free and resistant to seawater and mineral oil. Its material is naturally corrosion-free and the high-performance plastics from which it is made of are lighter and less expensive than comparable stainless steel energy chains.

Energy chain expert igus is now offering a highly functional internet service that comes with an optimised display solution for mobile phones.