Even today, 3D printed wear-resistant parts from igus often have the same service life as original parts. Now igus goes one step further and makes the printed components intelligent. Manufactured in filament printing, they warn against overload and report their maintenance requirements. The special feature: for the first time, the sensors are directly “printed into” the parts. As a result, they not only have extremely short delivery times and low costs but also feature useful Industry 4.0 options.
Coupling joints are exposed to various types of loads, such as permanent vibrations, edge loads and high tensile forces and compressive strength. The demands on the material used are therefore extremely high. With the igubal GPZM coupling joint, the motion plastics specialist is now presenting a double joint that is not only lubrication-free and maintenance-free, but also 20 per cent more flexible than the conventional solution thanks to a new housing material. This firmly encloses the ball stud, prevents the penetration of dirt and increases the dependability of the moving application.
Connecting cables individually not only takes time, but is also prone to errors. This is why igus has developed the Module Connect interface concept, with which energy chains can be easily plugged together. To connect the connector to the energy chain, the user can now use an individual adapter. The energy chain thus becomes an interface that saves 80 per cent of the installation time. The design and functionality of the adapter also convinced the jury of the German Design Award 2021.
A forgotten screwdriver in an energy chain, a bent trough as well as ice, snow and bulk material can quickly lead to a total failure of cranes with high costs. This prompted igus to develop a new push/pull force monitoring system. The EC.PR precisely records the force values of the floating moving end and adjusts the force limits. This prevents high repair costs and damage to the system.
An offshore inspection device, a floating catamaran and a driver assistance system for people with reduced mobility. What they have in common is the extraordinary use of high-performance plastics in bearing technology with which they won the 2019 manus award. A joint initiative, which the plastics specialist igus announces every two years, is now looking for unique applications with plastic plain bearings. The winner will receive prize money of up to 5,000 euros. To mark the tenth anniversary of the manus award, the jury is offering a sustainability prize.