From technical innovation and the standard up to a far-sighted solution: this characterises the evolution of igus roller energy chains. For more than 45 years, the motion plastics specialist has been developing energy supply systems that reliably guide cables for all media – such as Ethernet, servo, motor – as well as hoses.
To make it easier for wheelchair users to travel off the beaten track, HOSS Mobility GmbH has developed a self-balancing electric wheelchair without front wheels. Supports are used to ensure that this does not tip over even without a power supply. They can extend quickly in an emergency, which heavily stress the bearings. Therefore, the developers rely on igus bearings made of iglidur tribo polymers. Since they are compact and resistant to dirt and shock, they are ideal for use in the support structure.
In order to be able to quickly supply and install the right plain bearing solution at all times, igus keeps more than 12,000 different iglidur plain bearing types made of tribo-polymers in stock. But sometimes customers demand plastic components which are not in the catalogue.
High speeds and high waves not only make for a lot of fun on board high-speed boats, they can also be dangerous as passengers experience a physical shock every time the boat’s hull strikes the water. Vibration-dampening seats with bearings that absorb these shocks are therefore called for. Designers are able to rely on wear-resistant igus linear bearing technology, thanks to the use of tribo-polymers that are lubrication-free, maintenance-free and corrosion-free.
Robots are increasingly making their presence felt not only in the industry, but also in football. At the international robotics competition – the RoboCup – in Sydney this year, the team B-Human from Bremen showed what small robots can do in the popular sport. Here, the German Standard Platform league champion could fight for the world championship title against the reigning world champion from Leipzig.
For lubrication-free sliding in a very small space, igus has now developed three new materials made of maintenance-free tribo-polymers as coating material for metal components such as metal sheets, valves or even shafts. This means that, for users who do not have enough space to install a plain bearing, a wear-resistant, compact and cost-effective solution is now available
“Industry 4.0”, “Internet of Things” and “Smart Factory” – these concepts are no longer a vague promise of what is to come. Companies are already able to benefit from the use of intelligent systems and products. At EMO 2019, igus will be showing how machine tool manufacturers and customers can raise their maintenance to a new level and, at the same time, reduce costs by using smart machine components.