igus UK Limited

A new data cable series has been introduced by igus into its chainflex product range, especially for confined spaces. The CF298 (unshielded) and the CF299 (shielded), which have a small bend radius down to 4xd (from 15mm), are suitable for short, very fast moving applications, such as those found in pick-and-place machines.

Returning to the North East for this year’s Manufacturing & Engineering exhibition, igus will be at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, on 5th and 6th July 2017. Visitors to the igus stand will see a wide range of cost-effective, lightweight and maintenance-free bearings and cable management systems for a variety of applications.

A high-temperature option has been added to igus' R4.1L series of enclosed energy tubes that can withstand short-term contact with hot chips up to 850°C. Developed specifically for use in equipment, such as welding and plasma-cutting machines, the lids of the chain are made of igumid HT. This special high-temperature material ensures that the searing debris will not stick to the tubes or burn into the material.

Expanding its drylin W modular, linear guide system igus has added rails made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP). The GRP material is a lightweight alternative to aluminium yet more cost-efficient than carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) linear guides. The automotive industry is one example where the cost and weight of the design are both important considerations, and the new drylin W GRP rail is suitable in this case.

The new hygienic design energy chain, called the TH3 series has been introduced by igus, and has been developed for use on machines in the food and beverage processing and packaging industries. Its open design, which received a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017, makes it very easy to clean, while rounded corners and simple, threadless connections prevent dead spaces where debris and germs can build-up.

Offering designers a new possibility to produce self-lubricating and maintenance-free parts and small batches, igus uses custom-made 3D printed injection moulding tools. Engineers can now choose from the entire range of 50 iglidur high-performance plastics, including specialists for high load, food contact, underwater or high temperature applications, with delivery within five days of order.

Recently the cable management system on Severn Trent Water’s grit tank needed replacing at Coalport Sewage Treatment Works (STW), and it didn’t just want to replace it with the same one as before. As even though the old system had been in service for years, it had several flaws, so this was an opportunity to completely redesign and improve the whole cable management system.

A new app for iOS and Android has been released by igus that enables engineers to calculate dimensions and tolerances for bearings according to ISO 286. The igus Fit Calculator, which can be easily found and downloaded from the smartphone’s or tablet’s app store, is very simple to use and requires no registration. By selecting the nominal bearing size (between 0.01-500mm) and required tolerance grades for the housing bore and shaft, the igus Fit Calculator app calculates the dimensions and tolerances instantly. 

Developing the new chainflex medium voltage cable, the CFCRANE.PUR, igus has designed the cable to be suitable for very long travels of up to 1,000m such as those found in crane installations. Motor cables of this series are highly flexible, flame retardant, and oil and UV resistant. As a retrofit solution or for special projects, they are now available to order from stock.

Offering a space-saving and cost-effective solution for applications requiring vertically suspended cable management, igus now offer standard ‘zig-zag’ energy chain modules. Suitable for stage technology and hydraulic aerial work platforms, this innovative solution was previously available as a custom order, but new standardised, modular designs enable faster delivery and lower cost.

With continuous research and development igus has developed a new material for very high speeds in continuous operation. The iglidur L350 is suitable for use in fans, blowers or electric motors. In rotational tests in the igus test laboratory in Cologne, the material proved its full potential against its metallic counterparts.

When igus offered Kasen Cranes an alternative solution for cable management, the industrial cranes and gantries company took the opportunity. Traditional cable management systems have many shortcomings and require regular maintenance, but users are often reluctant to consider alternatives. Kasen Cranes worked closely with igus engineers to implement a new system for its on-site demonstration gantry and then used this to showcase the benefits to customers.

LiveChat from igus is a recently launched online service which is available Monday to Friday during regular business hours, and enables customers to talk directly with igus technical advisors.

The world’s first 600cc production four-stroke motorcycle was introduced back in 1999, the Yamaha YZF-R6 which produced over 100 horsepower in stock form. Since then, Yamaha has incorporated a number of upgrades to improve speed and engine performance. The R6 engine has also been used in the nationwide Formula Student race series, where university students design and build single seat racing cars that are then raced at the iconic Silverstone circuit.

This year’s Subsea Expo, running from 1st-3rd February at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (Aberdeen AECC), will see motion plastics company, igus on stand 182, presenting its specialised solutions for the subsea industry from bearings to energy chains and cables.

Due to its lifting solutions for commercial vehicle and marine applications, the Palfinger brand has become synonymous with innovation and reliability, the company has sites across the continents including Europe, North and South America, and Asia, as well as over 4,500 sales and service centres located in over 130 countries across five continents.

The robolink D 5-axis articulated arms are offered from igus as an assembly kit consisting of arm, motor and gearbox, or now as a ready-to-connect articulated arm, enabling machine and system builders to rapidly implement their own low-cost robotic automation systems.

Guaranteed temperature ratings for all chainflex cables operating in fixed and moving applications are now provided by igus, as well as for cables in energy chains. The announcement follows the installation of a second climatic test chamber during the company’s recent test lab extension in Cologne, Germany.

  The iglidur A181 material from igus can now be ordered online in more than 110 dimensions up to 50mm diameter, with or without flange, with no minimum order quantity.

Enhancing the E4.1 modular e-chain system, igus provides a solution for guiding corrugated tube in parallel. Named E4.1 TUB, the new side sections of the outer links have a clip that enables PMAClips to be easily attached. In this way, a corrugated tube can be routed in parallel to an energy chain quickly and without tools.