High unsupported lengths and long travels with large fill weights create extreme stress on energy chains. igus, the motion plastics specialist, has developed the E4Q energy chain series to tackle this. Based on the robust and proven E4.1 energy chain standard, the new range brings a long service life and a high degree of modularity.
In order to be able to evaluate data from machines and systems centrally, Fanuc is now presenting its new open industrial IoT platform called “FIELD system”. The system can connect production machines of all manufacturers by means of a local network topology, enabling comprehensive data analysis of the entire process chain. In this infrastructure, apps from Fanuc and also from third-party suppliers are used. Now, igus has developed a smart plastics app for the new system. The app can be used by maintenance personnel to monitor the condition of their igus components, for example, energy chains and cables and plan all their maintenance work in good time.
For a reliable energy supply in cleanrooms, igus has developed its modular and openable e-skin energy supply range. The energy chains provide plant with data, media and energy without unwanted particles contaminating the air. This was also proven by the Fraunhofer Institute IPA. All four energy chain types were convincing in the tests – with and without cables – and received the Fraunhofer Tested Device Certificate of ISO Class 1 for use in cleanrooms.
Additive manufacturing gives designers new freedom and flexibility in the design of special solutions, including the development of efficient vehicle components. If lightweight and durable wear-resistant parts are required, igus offers the right solution from its 3D printing service. Users can order their special part made of tribologically optimised polymers from igus online in just a few seconds. You can choose from over 55 lubrication-free iglidur materials.
In times of increasing digitalisation of factories and warehouses, au-tomated guided vehicles (AGVs) are continuously conquering intralo-gistics. The reliability requirements are high in order to ensure faster processing and unimpeded material flow. AGV manufacturers are therefore equipping their systems with motion plastics components from igus, which make the autonomous vehicles less maintenance-intensive, lighter and more energy-efficient.