Linear technology
The motion plastics specialist igus is expanding their drive technology range with new toothed belt axes: the compact, robust and lubrication-free drylin ZLX high-performance series. The anodised aluminium profile of the axes has been developed in a completely new geometric design. As a result, drylin ZLX not only looks like a mechanical engineering profile, but can also be quickly and easily integrated into a modular profile system. With a load capacity of 150N and speeds of up to 3m/s, the new toothed belt axis is suitable for automated production lines, pick-and-place systems and 3D printers, among others.
Produce orthoses that splint injured fingers in hospital in record time using a 3D printer: students at Trier University of Applied Sciences are developing a compact platform that measures fingers. The igus Young Engineers Support (yes) is supporting them by providing free miniature linear guides.
Cost-effective automation in a confined installation space. To provide an easy introduction to automation, igus has now developed a new double-shaft stepper motor for its drylin linear technology. It can be used to drive two linear axes. Another possible application is the installation of a hand wheel on the second drive shaft. In an emergency, users can turn the motor by hand. Manual zero point calibration is also possible
Laboratory equipment, espresso machines, tiny houses: wherever installation space is scarce and components are difficult to reach, designers are looking for space-saving and maintenance-free linear guides for adjustment and positioning tasks. igus is therefore adding new miniature linear guides in Installation Size 06 to its drylin W series. They are not only compact but also lubrication-free.
Injection-moulded from regranulated high-performance plastic and therefore very cost-effective and sustainable, the new polymer carriages from the igus drylin econ series make adjustment and positioning tasks simple. They cost less than 20% of what their milled aluminium counterparts do. Thanks to movable bearings, they can even handle cornering on curved aluminium rails without any problems.
The robot kitchen from Cook-e, a French company, prepares fresh, healthy dishes without human help and is intended to relieve restaurateurs of the pressure associated with the skilled worker shortage. To allow the robot to operate even in restaurants with little space, the developers use compact, hygienic igus toothed belt axes.
Festival season is in full swing. To keep the queues at the beer to reasonable lengths, One Two Beer GmbH has developed an automatic beer tap. Its core is a mobile tap head that moves to the bottom of the cup, which it fills in five seconds without foam-over – built with a lubrication-free, hygienic, durable lead screw from the igus dryspin series.
Wood and plastic? Is that a good combination? The motion plastics specialist igus has researched the idea in a recent design study and tested the friction and wear behaviour of its plastic linear bearings on a wide variety of wood, and the result is impressive. The drylin econ J4 plain bearing has demonstrated its exceptional compatibility with various kinds of wood, opening new possibilities for furniture makers and design engineers when choosing materials.
Cleaning with chemicals is a daily occurrence for machines in the food processing industry. Even the smallest blind spot can collect moisture and can lead to contamination within the machine. More and more operators are therefore designing parts with an emphasis on Hygienic Design. igus is a member of the EHEDG and has developed the first linear guide system, based on the Hygienic Design guidelines. Using FDA-compliant materials such as the high-performance polymer iglidur A160, high-alloy stainless steel and a washable interior of the carriage ensures the hygienic design is adhered to.
The programming of motor control systems and the integration into machine environments often takes several days, amounting to costs of several thousand euros. A barrier that the Cologne-based company igus is now removing. With the free motion sample programmes, it is possible to commission the dryve series motor control systems in just a few minutes, and connect them to higher-level programmable logic controllers (PLC). This benefits automation newcomers and professionals alike.