Dusty environments can become a problem for overhead conveyors in industry and logistics. When particles settle on conventional metal bearings, deposits cause sluggishness and, in the worst case, failure. To solve this problem, igus is launching a new hybrid ball bearing from the xiros series. Made of stainless steel and high-performance plastic, it allows for lubrication-free and therefore dirt-resistant operation with a load capacity of up to 39kg.
In production and automated systems, linear axes are exposed to various mechanical loads. Apart from coarse dirt, the small parts falling into the system pose a particular risk, for example during assembly or maintenance work. igus has developed the drylin linear axes ZLX-806016-PT and SLX-806016-PT, which prevent foreign objects from entering the axis and at the same time protect users against injuries. Thanks to a fully integrated metal cover, they are a completely closed and robust system, which is easy to assemble and reliably protects the guide, bearing and drive. They are suitable for workspaces, machine panelling or automation solutions, but also for applications in public areas where accessibility and trouble-free continuous operation are required.
Compact industrial articulated arm robots still pose challenges for design engineers when it comes to energy supply. There are hardly any suitable solutions on the market that can cope with the fast rotational movements along the first axis and the limited space available. igus is now closing this gap with a new unsupported energy chain from the twisterchain series. This product also solves a second problem: the energy supply along the fifth axis of palletising robots. Here, too, many design engineers have been experimenting with their own solutions.