Tuesday 20 December 2016

igus presents Zigzag modules from the modular e-chain® system

igus presents Zigzag modules from the modular e-chain® system

With the standard zigzag energy chain module, igus offers a space-saving and cost-effective solution for vertical applications. The zigzag module can be individually configured thanks to the e-chain's modular design and delivered quickly. This offers solutions for guiding energy and data in the theatre, lighting and storage industries as well as in hydraulic work platforms.

All shows need spectacular stage backgrounds and effective lighting, from the Royal Theatre London to the Opera in Barcelona, and in many other musical applications around the world. The necessary stage equipment and lighting fixtures are usually moved vertically. For the reliable supply of data and energy, it is necessary to also guide the required cables vertically. The challenge on the one hand is to have a sufficiently low noise vertical movement and on the other hand to have a visually neat guidance of the cables in a restricted space. In both cases, igus GmbH developed an ingenious solution – the zigzag module: A folding energy chain with all the cables guided safely and neatly stowed away in a standardised box. The energy chain is stored in the box when the platform is down. When the platform goes up the e-chain unfolds and follows the movement – up to 30 m in height. The galvanised steel box can be unobtrusively integrated in the stage elements or fastened to the movable lighting units. When the lighting unit shuts down, the e-chain unfolds downwards. On special request, the box is also available in low-reflection black or in other colours.

Modularity reduces costs
The added value lies in the modularity of the system: The boxes were previously available individually or in small batches, but now the igus standard box can be configured, manufactured and delivered within ten days at a reasonable price without much design effort due to the modular system. The modules can be ordered in the size spectra of 75-500 millimetres chain outer widths as well as 600 to 3000 mm box lengths and up to 2000 mm maximum box height. In this way, expensive special designs are no longer necessary for most applications.

The intelligent design of the zigzag movement allows a silent vertical movement unlike rope retraction systems in comparable applications Also, the system can carry high loads. On the energy chain a moving end plate is fitted with double strain relief for the cables. The zigzag design is possible with almost all energy chains of the series E2 and E4, but the E4 series offers advantages in installation and filling, because it can be opened on both sides. The standard box is an ideal means of transport for a preassembled energy chain. Thus, the module can be delivered as a complete readychain system and thus can be quickly mounted as a ready-to-instal plug & play system with e-chain, chainflex cables and connectors.

For more details please visit: http://www.igus.in/energychains?C=IN&L=en

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Monday 19 December 2016

igus 2017 manus: International award for plain bearing applications goes into the 8th round

igus 2017 manus: International award for plain bearing applications goes into the 8th round

Once again, the opportunity to apply for the international manus award will now be open for companies and individual developers. Whether serial applications for the industry or individual parts – anyone can apply with a polymer plain bearing application. The winners will be awarded at the 2017 Hannover Messe, and the prize money is up to 5,000 euros.

Whether in water, on land or in the air, there is hardly an area where polymer plain bearings do not display their characteristic advantages. They save weight in the solar aircraft, they protect against corrosion in the wave power plant, they ensure a smooth drive on the road and are more economical and more durable than comparable metallic solutions. The prestigious manus award will now be held for the eighth time to show the tremendous potential of plastic bearings technology. The joint initiative of igus, the Institute for Composite Materials, the Industrieanzeiger and the Technical University of Cologne honours plastic plain bearing applications that are characterised by technical prowess and economic efficiency as well as the creativity of the developer. "The term 'manus' (lat. hand) symbolises the drive in the bearing technology to go new ways," says Gerhard Baus, authorised agent for plain bearings at igus GmbH. This was performed by 467 contestants from 34 countries at the last 2015 manus award. They showed the whole exciting range of application potentials of plastic plain bearings, from the prototype to the serial application: spherical bearings in a steeringless bicycle from Italy, linear bearings in a French machine for cake decoration or plain bearings in an Indian car washing machine. In the end, an innovative system for ear surgery from the Leibniz University of Hanover won the golden manus, which is used to treat inner ear deafness and severe hearing loss.

The awards ceremony at the 2017 Hannover Messe
The independent jury will select the award winners in February 2017. Participants can apply online until then with a short textual description as well as pictures and videos of their application. The prerequisite is that at least one built prototype of the presented application exists. The awards ceremony of the manus award will take place at the 2017 Hannover Messe at the igus stand. The winners of the competition will receive prize money of up to 5,000 euros. This page www.manus-award.com contains all information, participant applications of the past years as well as the link to the online registration.

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Tuesday 15 November 2016

igus provides fast custom parts with SLS for 3D printing services

igus provides fast custom parts with SLS for 3D printing services

As part of its 3D printing service, the motion plastics specialist igus now offers Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) with the wear-resistant high-performance plastic I3-PL in addition to the FDM method. Components that have complex geometries but need to be extremely strong can now be made quickly and at a low cost.

In industry, selective laser sintering (SLS) is currently one of the most widespread manufacturing methods in additive manufacturing.  A plastic component with exactly the right dimensions is created layer by layer from a special powder. A laser beam quickly melts the very small powder particles so that even complex shapes are not a problem.  The entire production process takes place without tools. Due to the high construction speed of the SLS method, large quantities of customised components can be made within just a few hours.  Compared to the FDM method, laser sintering is more precise and produces parts of greater stability and strength. As the surrounding powder provides support, additional supporting structures are not necessary. As a result, subsequent machining is no longer needed and the component can be used immediately. igus is now expanding its 3D printing service with this method, so that wear-resistant prototypes or small batches of components for moving applications can be made quickly and easily, and delivered in a short time (at least 48 hours).

Wear-resistant Tribo components from the 3D printing service
Given that many companies do not have their own 3D printer, the 3D service offered by igus gives customers the possibility of having their individual wear-resistant parts directly printed as FDM or SLS components. On the igus website, the customer can simply drag and drop the data in STL format.  Next, the required quantities can be specified and a suitable material selected. Finally, igus makes a formal quotation or an order can be placed immediately by the customer.  "Thanks to the new SLS printer that we now use in our own manufacturing facilities, components with a height of up to 300 millimetres can be made directly here on site", explains Tom Krause, the product manager responsible at igus. "This means that we can now make complex special parts many times more quickly."

igus provides fast custom parts with SLS for 3D printing services


iglidur I3-PL triples service life of moving applications
Small batches of up to 500 parts made of iglidur I3-PL can now be printed in a very short time. This material was specifically developed for laser sintering. The abrasion resistance of this high-performance plastic is at least three times higher than that of conventional SLS materials and it therefore considerably increases the service life of moving applications.  This has been shown by extensive testing in the 2,750 square metre igus test laboratory, for both rotating or pivoting as well as linear applications. "In this way, users get a Tribo material that is characterised by good mechanical characteristics, high resistance to wear and low coefficients of friction and that can be shaped to create almost any conceivable component," explains Tom Krause. "The parts can then be used immediately in the application, without the use of any additional lubricant."


About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Friday 11 November 2016

igus uses Cost-effective 3D-printed injection moulding tools in production


Injection moulding is an efficient method for production of high-performance plastics in moving applications. The injection moulding tools required in this regard are usually manufactured from steel, at costs that reflect this. With the first 3D printed injection moulding tool in plastic, igus has now developed a cost-saving alternative for production up to 500 pieces.

As an injection moulded part, machined from bar stock, or printed in the additive manufacturing – igus offers users a wide variety of ways to get its lubrication-free and maintenance-free plastic plain bearings in the required form quickly and without huge costs.  Therefore every manufacturing method has its own advantages: Whereas large quantities of any iglidur material can be produced in the injection moulding process, cheaper special forms can be made from bar stock. With additive manufacturing cost-efficient, smaller batches can be produced with special iglidur 3D print materials. Now, the motion plastics specialist has combined the two methods to offer the customer the freedom in the choice of materials, and at the same time to  enable the production of special forms in larger quantities.

The best of both worlds
By using 3D printing igus is now able to produce customer-specific injection moulds made of high-performance plastics in a short time. With the SLS process the appropriate tool can be produced quickly and used in the existing injection moulding machine. The prerequisite is that the injected moulded parts must have simple geometries. To make injection moulded parts the customer has a wide range of iglidur materials available that are tribologically-optimised and predictable online: from chemically and temperature resistant up to the highest performance materials for almost any movement. With the printed mould tools, the customer gets the possibility of obtaining the required special part quickly and cost effectively even in larger numbers whilst maintaining application suitability. Distinct advantages arise therefore, especially in the test phase. Users who want to test samples for subsequent batches are often faced with the challenge in terms of bar stock or 3D printed products, because these parts clearly differ from the moulded parts. For this reason, the final endurance test is often done with injection moulded parts. Due to the 3D-printed injection mould, the special part is very close to the series product in the test phase and the costs are reduced considerably at the same time.


About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Friday 21 October 2016

New tribo-tape from igus: Optimise wear and reduce contamination

New tribo-tape from igus: Optimise wear and reduce contamination

With the white Tribo-Tape made of iglidur W160, igus has extended its range of variable liners with an antibacterial and UV stable material. Therefore tribologically stressed surfaces in hygiene-sensitive applications, such as in medical and laboratory equipment, can be lined quickly and easily.

With its Tribo-Tapes made from friction-optimised polymer materials, the Cologne-based motion plastics specialist igus provides an easy way to reduce coefficients of friction. The liners with 0.5-1mm  thickness, which can simply be cut to size and optionally glued, create a sliding surface that reduces the frictional resistance in moving applications. This protects the components and at the same time saves energy and operating costs in machine tools as well as conveyor lines.

Fourth Tribo-Tape for hygienic environments
After supplying options for high wear, heat and chemical resistance or food compliance according to the FDA standard, igus now offers a fourth material with iglidur W160. Its antibacterial properties make the new Tribo-Tape an interesting material for hygiene-sensitive applications, such as in medical and laboratory equipment. Due to the white colour, the Tribo-Tape can be used just as well in the medical field as a visible part. "UV-stabilising additives in the plastic compound also prevents the alteration of material properties triggered by photooxidation," highlights RenƩ Achnitz, head of iglidur plain bearings. "Thus the maintenance-free iglidur W160 gets its tribological advantages permanently in the UV light also, for example, in machines for dental hardening or sterilisation." The liner can be ordered in various desired widths from 20 to 500 millimetres and optionally with an adhesive back for easy installation. Through the igus cutting service, the film is also supplied by the metre exactly matching in width and length or for freely designed finished parts. Therefore Tribo-Tape W 160 can be used flexibly even in a small installation space to reduce wear of moving applications significantly, effectively and at a low cost.

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Thursday 20 October 2016

Energy chains from igus give the "rowing tricycle" safe riding enjoyment

Energy chains from igus give the "rowing tricycle" safe riding enjoyment

Rowing is considered a strenuous, but healthy and effective sport. However, if no suitable body of water is available, only going to the gym or buying a stationary training device for your living room is an option. The RowTrike of the Portuguese engineering company Solien changes that. The action of the three-wheeled device is comparable to the original rowing motion on water, but the trike moves forward, instead of backwards as with a rowing boat. Moreover, the RowTrike can be manoeuvered like a bicycle to the left and right and thus travel on straight roads in the city as well as on winding country roads.

Small igus e-chain masters great demands
The hydraulic brake cables and electric cables of the RowTrike are reliably guided between the two mobile elements with a stroke of 600 millimetres. The device uses two 76 link long igus energy chains of the E2 micro series, and perform 80 "rowing strokes" per minute. The plastic chains are free of corrosion and lubricants, and are excellent for use even in rain, dirt and grime. The reliable energy guidance is ensured by the shock-absorbing property even when driving on a bumpy terrain.

Use of motion plastics in the sports and fitness sector
From lubrication-free plain bearings in suspension forks of mountain bikes and linear guide systems in weights machines up to energy chain systems in crosstrainers and ergometers, igus products are known for their versatile use in the sports sector. They make the operation of the sports equipment silent, vibration-free as well as maintenance-free.


For more information please visit: http://www.igus.in/energychains

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Tuesday 20 September 2016

igus presents New Tribo-Filament: Chemical-resistant components from the 3D printer

igus presents New Tribo-Filament: Chemical-resistant components from the 3D printer

The motion plastics specialist igus has expanded its range of wear-resistant Tribo-Filaments for 3D printing with the chemical-resistant iglidur C210 and now offers a total of six materials using the FDM method. Prototypes and small batches for even more applications - for example in contact with aggressive cleaning agents - can be implemented with this new solution.

The 3D printing is poised to revolutionise industrial production in future years. Here, the additive manufacturing always contains two different things, precise 3D printers and high-performance materials. The latter must comply with the special requirements of melting and shrinkage processes in 3D printing and in doing so, must not lose their characteristic material properties. The filaments of the motion plastics specialist igus are designed for friction and wear – components printed from these materials are up to 50 times more abrasion-resistant than standard plastics used for the 3D printing.

Specialist for the pharmaceutical and food industry
With iglidur C210, igus now offers a new material as Tribo-Filament, which is extremely resistant to chemicals. It withstands a large number of acids and solvents. The Tribo-Filament made of iglidur C210 is resistant even against hydrogen peroxide, which is frequently used as a bleach and disinfectant. In addition, the material is characterised by high wear resistance, which ensures a long service life for the printed component. It also proves to be tough against high temperatures. The Tribo-Filament can withstand application temperatures up to 180°C in the short term and up to 100°C in the long term. The material is available with a diameter of 1.75 or 3 millimetres and can therefore be used in commercial 3D printers for the FDM process. The filament made of iglidur C210 is suitable for a range of industries and applications, especially for hygienically sensitive areas such as in the pharmaceutical and food industry, where components often come into contact with aggressive cleaning agents.

Already six Tribo-Filaments are available
Besides the new material made of iglidur C210, igus has five other filaments in the range, which can be used to print components. According to requirements, each material has its own benefits for light processing (iglidur I150-PF), an extremely high strength (iglidur I180-PF) or high application temperatures coupled with the best wear resistance (iglidur J260 PF). All Tribo-Filaments from igus have significantly lower coefficients of friction than conventional 3D printing materials. Due to their abrasion resistance, they are particularly suitable for dynamic applications. Tribo-Filaments can be obtained as a filament material, or alternatively as an already finished, ready-to-install printed component from the igus 3D printing service. On the website three simple steps are sufficient, from configuration to order. Prototypes or special parts for small batch production can be produced easily, quickly and at a low cost. With the different Tribo-Filaments and their respective special properties, users can take full advantage of the 3D printing. More economical material and lower energy consumption as well as a quick production open up enormous savings potential.


About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Monday 19 September 2016

Linear axes variable width and length from igus based on the modular principle

Linear axes variable width and length from igus based on the modular principle

With the new drylin ZLW modular kit the motion plastics specialist igus offers even more versatility and designing freedom for design engineers - widths, rail distances and materials of the ready-to-install axes can be assembled according to your requirement. Thus, high-performance linear axes can be implemented at a low price.

Ready to install, maintenance-free and lubricant-free linear guides are becoming more popular in machine and plant manufacturing. "Off the shelf" solutions that fit exactly to the construction requirements of the user are uncommon To simplify product selection for design engineers, the motion plastics specialist igus has developed a construction kit for its drylin ZLW axes, with which the customers can individually assemble their own solutions. In this modular system, width, rail distances and length of the axes can be adapted quickly and easily. Due to the low profile of the toothed belt axes, even small installation spaces are sufficient for this. In addition, users can order the cross beams, rails and carriages made of aluminium or stainless steel. The latter is of particular interest for applications in the food industry, due to the majority of components being made from stainless steel, this is a unique when considering standard 'off the shelf' items.  A maximum service life is possible in combination with liners made of iglidur E7. The linear guides can be supplied with the igus motor or connected to the customer's which enables a variable motor integration to the right and left of the axis by means of solid and hollow shafts.

Now even higher loads and more dynamic applications are possible
Due to the new installation size ZLW-20, loads up to 75 kg can be lifted, with maximum stroke lengths of up to 3,000 millimetres. The wide drive belt also permits high speeds of more than 5 m/s depending on the load. The polyurethane toothed belt with steel cable reinforcement is set centrally on the carriage at the required belt tension. An underwater application is also possible with a special belt. Grooved ball bearings ensure a robust support and greater energy efficiency. A quiet running and a long service life even in continuous operation make the ready to install solutions interesting for numerous applications, such as the most varied handling tasks in the food or laboratory technology. Due to the open design, the linear axes are easy to clean and also insensitive to dirt.

For more details please visit: http://www.igus.in/wpck/2370/drylin_zlw?C=IN&L=en

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Linear Motion Bearings , Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Friday 19 August 2016

Flexible design, secure guidance: modern office furniture with e-chains from igus

Flexible design, secure guidance: modern office furniture with e-chains from igus

Picture PM2816-1
With the e-chain ZF14 from igus, cables are guided securely and unobtrusively on furniture. (Source: igus GmbH)

The workplace ambience is changing and with it furniture design. Today, modern office furniture is characterised by flexibility and increasing electrification. For these applications, the motion plastics specialist igus provides the ZF14 energy chain, with cables guided safely and unobtrusively on the furniture.

Desks whose heights can be adjusted by pressing a button, worktops that automatically move forward and backward, cabinets that extend a presentation display electrically – office furniture is increasingly being geared to the individual needs of their users. Simultaneously, the electrified furniture should fit harmoniously into the design of the room without disturbing cable clutters. One solution is a guidance system that allows cables and connectors to be bundled and routed safely. With the energy chain ZF14, igus has designed an energy chain for these applications in the office furniture industry.

Guide energy and data safely
The e-chain ZF14 integrates into modern furniture design and is fixed by means of mounting brackets that simply attach to the furniture. Mounting brackets can be either screwed on or bonded, thanks to the large smooth surface on the bottom The e-chain is then simply clipped in, small barbs on the mounting bracket snap onto the crossbar of the chain and ensure a secure hold. Thanks to the easy chain principle, the insertion of cables by hand is very easy, even when the energy chain is already installed on the furniture. The ZF14 is very cable-friendly in use because it has very smooth inner contours. In this way the cables are still securely guided, even after many years. The colour of the chain can be individually selected for major projects and can be based on the design of each piece of furniture. The development of ZF14 owes much to the specific requests of customers: thus, at present several thousand desks by American and European manufacturers of office furniture are being equipped with the ZF14.

A video on the ZF14 can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/988KLxXmgf0

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Logistics 4.0: Failsafe and fast routing of data and energy with igus

Logistics 4.0: Failsafe and fast routing of data and energy with igus

Reliable guiding of data, energy and media at 6 m/s and up to 100 metres in length in the most confined spaces – this achievement, designed as a complete and compact energy supply system, belongs to the advanced micro flizz from the Cologne-based motion plastics specialist igus. It consists of a plastic energy chain, flexible chainflex cables for movements with very tight bending radii and an aluminium housing. At the 2016 Logimat, Hall 3, Stand C51, igus presents the space-saving micro flizz MF10, which can be used, for example, for longitudinal travels in storage and retrieval machines.


Many bus bars are used today in the material handling industry. However, they have the disadvantage that they are only used for energy transmission. The micro flizz from igus is therefore the better alternative to supply energy, data and media at the same time, up to 100 metres horizontally. The energy chain made of plastic, which moves in a guide channel made of anodised extruded aluminium profile, has a built-in "side wing". This holds the chain firmly in the pre-tensioned position at all times in a special groove in the upper and lower part of the channel. The wings swing out automatically when the chain bends in the radius. Together with plastic springs on the crossbars of the e-chain, they provide a soft and quiet rolling, because the upper run of the chain does not rest on the lower run. This means the friction, wear, energy consumption and noise development are reduced significantly. A rolling carriage at the end of the chain acts here as a moving end. Using a counter-running arrangement, even two e-chains can run simultaneously in a guide channel in order to move still more cables.

From fibre optic cable to pneumatic hose

The modular design of this complete system allows easy adaption to different applications, and the filling of the energy chain can be varied.  Thus, for example, even fibre optic cables from the chainflex product range with transmission rates of more than 10 GBit/s can be routed without any problems. As on all other cables, igus also warrants a 36-month service life guarantee. Also, pneumatic hoses, as used in storage and retrieval vehicles with pneumatic grippers, can be integrated in the micro flizz. Even travel speeds of up to 6 m/s and accelerations of up to 50 m/s2 are reliably free of trouble and maintenance, and loads up to 50 kilograms can be carried by the moving end. A virtually wear-free operation was observed in an igus in-house test with over one million double strokes, or a covered distance of 6,000 kilometres. A winner of the iF Design Award, the system is also characterised by easy installation. With the universal 3 T-groove mounting bracket, the connection is quick and user-friendly, and is exemplary in storage and retrieval systems.

For more details please visit: http://www.igus.in/Chainflex

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories, Flexible Cables etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Monday 18 July 2016

New machine building standard for energy chains: Quieter, longer lasting, easier assembly

New machine building standard for energy chains: Quieter, longer lasting, easier assembly

Picture PM1916-1
The new quiet igus E2.1 can be opened with a screwdriver or the new matching chain opener that is supplied for free with each initial order. (Source: igus GmbH)

At the 2016 Hannover Messe igus presents E2.1, a new generation of its two-piece energy chain. Based on continuous development and new customer requirements, the original series has been significantly improved. Compared to the previous version, the E2.1 offers revolutionary innovations to significantly improve the service life of customer applications.

For over 15 years the motion plastics specialist igus has had the E2/000 energy chain series in its product range, which combines a versatile and lightweight assembly with strength and has become the standard chain in machinery construction for wood and metal processing worldwide. The E2.1 is a new energy chain in the range that also consists of two pieces: a chain link and a crossbar. This can be opened on the outer radius on both sides with a screwdriver or the new chain opener which is supplied for free with every initial order, and opened out or even completely removed subsequently. The crossbars can easily be closed again by hand. By means of a screwdriver, this new generation allows the crossbars to be opened from the side of the chain link, which is advantageous in pre-assembled chains and areas with restricted access. Another constructive advancement on the E2.1 is the 'brake' on the stop dog of the chain links. This ensures a very quiet chain travel with lower vibration and noise. Compared to the previous generation the E2.1 is quieter by around 50 percent.

Design for maximum service life
The new E2.1 series has a very cable-friendly interior which adds more space for the same outer dimensions when compared to the E2/000. "For example, this can be an advantage in machine tools, because often very little space is available here," explains Harald Nehring, authorised officer for e-chain systems at igus. In keeping with the design of the interior of the chain igus provides separators with rounded edges for a long service life of hoses and cables. For a precise mounting of the separators an integrated grid system is provided on the crossbars. At the Hannover Messe igus is showing the new E2.1 with an interior height of 38 millimetres and an inner width of 65 millimetres. Other options and a version that snap's open along the inner radius will also be developed in the following months.

For more information please visit: http://www.igus.in/energychains?C=IN&L=en

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Friday 15 July 2016

Modular corrugated tube from igus gains the top cleanroom classification

Modular corrugated tube from igus gains the top cleanroom classification

Picture PM2216-1
Upper and lower parts of the ultra-light e-skin join together immediately to make a sealed, cleanroom-compatible and unsupported energy supply system (source: igus GmbH).

With the e-skin, igus has developed a modular corrugated tube which is not only extremely easy to open, but unlike comparable energy supply products, also provides an unsupported operation in the smallest installation spaces. Now the motion plastics specialist has won the strict IPA ISO Class 1 certification for the product, this gives customers maximum safety for applications in cleanroom environments.

Absolute air purity is essential in many industries, especially in production, in the medical and pharmaceutical technology, semiconductor industry, aerospace technology, nano technology and measurement technology. Any contamination in cleanroom conditions has a direct damaging impact on products and processes and costs a lot of money. The e-skin from igus is used in the area of energy supply and provides a safe, robust and flexible supply of systems with data, media and energy without generating airborne particles above the narrow limit, which can contaminate the room.

Enclosed structures and abrasion resistance for clean production
Design and material of the e-skin have enabled the acquisition of the IPA ISO Class 1 certification through the Fraunhofer Institute. The corrugated tube is made up of tribologically optimised, abrasion-resistant plastic and its separable upper and lower shells can be easily put together by a "zipper" to a fully enclosed tube, which is highly dust-proof and water-resistant. This simultaneously guarantees its cleanroom suitability as well as a quick filling and maintenance of the cables. The assembly-friendly
e-skin is also extremely light and ideal for small installation spaces, for instance in pick & place applications.  Due to the stiffness of the material, the rib profile and a defined direction of motion, it is even applicable for short unsupported distances, unlike other corrugated hoses. Interior separation is also available as an option.


For more information please visit: http://www.igus.in/wpck/15724/N16_01_10?C=IN&L=en

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Tuesday 14 June 2016

2016 Gold vector award won by Heavy-duty Oil Rig Robot at Hannover Messe

2016 Gold vector award won by Heavy-duty Oil Rig Robot at Hannover Messe
Picture PM2016-1
The winners of the 2016 vector award were honoured at the Hannover Messe. The gold vector award was won by the company Robotic Drilling Systems from Norway. From right to left.: Rune BjĆørnbekk, Jimmy BostrĆøm (both Robotic Drilling Systems, speaker at the award ceremony and patron of the competition Ken Fouhy, vdi nachrichten, Harald Nehring, igus GmbH. (Source: igus GmbH)

Every two years, igus GmbH presents the vector award for novel applications with energy chain systems covering fast travels, adverse environmental conditions and dizzying rotations this year, the gold vector award went to the Norwegian company Robotic Drilling Systems, who use several energy chain systems from the motion plastics specialist igus in extremely limited spaces within their robots.

The "Drill-floor Robot DFR-1500" from the Robotic Drilling Systems is the central robot in a fully automated oil drilling system. In an area where normal work involves the manual carriage of individual drilling elements to and fro and fixing with bolts with enormous effort, the company is working on the oil platform of the future, where the drilling is completely prepared and executed by robots. The DFR-1500 uses individual drilling elements and brings them into the correct position for the drilling operation.  RBR systems from igus are used in the articulated joints of the robots, and are responsible for the supply of energy, data and media. RBR stands for "reverse bend radius", because the chains are used lying on their side and the chain links can move in both directions, allowing rotational movements. This sophisticated energy supply system solution convinced the jury of the 2016 vector award, consisting of representatives of specialised media, business and research, who honoured the application by Robotic Drilling Systems with the gold vector award. The award, also with Euro 5,000 prize money, was received by Jimmy Bostrom, Chief Operating Officer at Robotic Drilling Systems, in front of around 500 guests at the award ceremony in the fair stand of igus GmbH at the Hannover Messe.

Silver for fast rotational movements
The silver vector went to Italy this year, selected from among the 190 submissions from 26 countries competing for the 2016 vector awards. In machine tools manufactured by Fidia, a completely pre-harnessed and pre-assembled MRM (multi rotation module) from igus is installed, which implements rotational movements of up to 720 degrees. As a result, fast rotation speeds of 180°/s and acceleration of 30°/s² and extremely fast changes of direction are possible. The module is simply installed on top of the machine tool and connected, allowing a very fast rotation of the z-axis.

Production plant for concrete elements wins the bronze
The application by Ebawe Anlagentechnik GmbH of Eilenburg in Saxony, which the company designed and constructed for a project in Thailand, was awarded the 2016 bronze vector. The plant is used for the industrial production of very varied concrete elements. The concrete distributor must go to the cleaning spot once or twice a day so that a smooth operation can be ensured. This, however, is about 50 metres away from the actual workplace of the plant. The solution was a chain from igus moving within a trough in the main workplace. A second system composed of e-chain and trough is used for the long spur track route to the cleaning place. The chain for the shorter moving trough is locked and the chain including trough moves on rollers above the lower system until its chain is fully extended. This entire process takes place fully automatically.

2016 Gold vector award won by Heavy-duty Oil Rig Robot at Hannover Messe
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Gold for oil drilling robot Inside the articulated joints energy chains with reverse bending radii supply energy, data and media in a minimum of space. (Source: igus GmbH)

Special award for innovative water catamaran
Catamaran boats always need two berths next to each other in the port due to their large width – this is expensive and sometimes not even available in high season. Cranage in particular is also extremely cumbersome, since there are few facilities available with a minimum width of eight metres. To resolve these problems, the Futura Yachtsystems Entwicklungs GmbH & Co KG developed the first width-variable water catamaran, which was awarded the 2016 special vector. The application enables the hulls to extend and retract, thus reducing the width from 8 metres to just 4.85 metres. In addition to the drylin linear units, seawater-resistant energy chains from igus are used, which guide the cables and hoses safely.

All information on the competition and the breadth of submissions - even from past years - are available at http://www.vector-award.de.

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Monday 13 June 2016

igus sets the course for the future: Speeding things up with digital innovation

igus sets the course for the future: Speeding things up with digital innovation

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From the individual lubrication-free bearing to the complex, individually configured energy chain system with over 500 components – igus has the aim of concretely implementing the automated process from online configuration to digitally supported manufacturing and delivery for all product categories in three years. As a result, the customer will be able to obtain his individual motion plastics product even more easily, more reliably and, of course, much faster. (Source: igus GmbH)

In the last fiscal year, igus GmbH was able to increase its sales considerably – namely, by around 18 per cent to a total of 552 million euros. More and more companies around the world are placing their trust in plastic solutions for moving applications because they lower costs and increase service life. To make it even easier for customers to retain their individual motion plastics product anywhere in the world, igus is investing considerable funds in the digitisation and intelligent networking of products, servicing and logistics.

In 2015, igus achieved sales of 552 million euros with its motion plastics, an around 18 per cent rise compared to the preceding year. Out of the total sales, 55 per cent was achieved in Europe, 27 per cent in Asia and 18 per cent in America and Africa. The reason is that high-performance plastics for motion continue to be in great demand all over the world. Guarantees of growth continue to be e-chains, cables and bearing technology but relatively new ball bearing and low-cost automation products are also acquiring increasingly greater significance. "The era of plastics for motion has begun", says Frank Blase, CEO of igus GmbH. "motion plastics are lubrication-free and corrosion-free, while requiring very little maintenance, and are proving their worth in more and more applications due to their low weight, durability and energy efficiency, especially compared to conventional metal solutions." The more than 100,000 motion plastics products include individual parts such as bearings among other things. However, the great majority of orders are for individually configured modules such as an assembled energy chain with 500 individual components and more. Every one of the daily 7,000 orders is different. A complicated challenge – particularly since igus delivers the goods so quickly (at least 24 after receipt of order).

Finding and configuring online made easy
Last year, igus invested heavily in product innovations as well as in servicing and logistics – and the company is continuing along this path in 2016. On all levels, the extension of digital processes is of central importance. "In future, an igus product will not be an igus product until it can be configured and calculated online and then goes through the entire process chain automatically with digital support - from order processing and production to servicing and services.  Important initial steps in this direction have already been taken. Even now, customers have access to more than 30 freely available online tools for configuration and calculation as well as 16 mobile apps. The basis for this consists of the data obtained from the industry's largest test laboratory, the size of which has now been increased to 2,750 m². Having invested in the digital infrastructure, igus is also able to carry out calculation and configuration, make an offer, order the product and have it delivered very quickly - all of which can be done directly on site on the customer's premises. To this end, the field staff have all been equipped with tablets and the company's own engineering software. Moreover, teams specialising in the 16 product segments as well as consultants with expertise in 13 branches of industry are also available – from automotive manufacturing and ship-building to the agricultural or food industry. Altogether, the number of employees rose by 9 per cent to 2,950, whereby the number of field staff for local personal support and consultation increased by 17 per cent.

Logistics: Ordered quickly, delivered quickly
In order to ensure speedy and individual delivery, igus has considerably expanded its worldwide production and storage capacity in North America, Asia and Europe. The customer therefore receives exactly the product he needs for his application from 14 storage and assembly/installation centres worldwide: as a single component or as a complete system, also installed or assembled on site on request. Every day, around 20,000 different product versions and configurations are dispatched to customers.

Digitisation driving product development forwards
In addition to servicing and logistics, digitisation is also enabling new approaches in product development. The smart plastics presented at Hannover Messe enhance the availability of the customer's equipment due to their integration into a network. The intelligent cable, energy chain and linear guide monitor their own condition during use and open up new possibilities of anticipatory maintenance. The user is therefore never unexpectedly confronted with a problem in his application but can plan replacement of a component  well in advance. In the area of low-cost automation as well, digitisation is opening up new possibilities. The robolink D online configurator enables easy configuration and ordering of low-cost robot components from the modular joint construction kit. Robot manufacturers and mechanical engineering companies can therefore build inexpensive robot arms and users can automate simple tasks. At Hannover Messe, igus is showing a complete 6-axis-arm robot with a new type of plastic wave gear as an example.

3D printing: Innovation in the areas of products, servicing and logistics
How digitisation creates benefits for the customer is being shown by igus with the example of 3D printing especially. Design engineers can now make use of six different igus Tribo-Filaments and an SLS material for cost-effective lubrication and maintenance-free prototypes, special parts and small product batches. Thanks to the new online ordering website for the 3D printing service of igus, customers can now order their printed plastic parts even more easily than before. Just a few mouse clicks are needed to upload CAD data, select the right material, view prices and directly order the products required. The online tool is available internationally, as a result of which users all over the world can obtain their highly abrasion-resistant parts quickly and inexpensively. For this purpose, eleven branch offices were equipped with their own 3D printers last year. A first step, as Frank Blase emphasises. "Our clear objective in the coming three years is to concretely implement the automated process that ranges from online configuration to digitally supported manufacturing for all product categories.  This is a difficult path to take because ready-made solutions cannot be bought - they usually have to be developed by oneself. We have already made enormous progress and know that we will succeed." Due to this perfected form of individual mass production, customers all over the world will be able to obtain any motion plastics product they need even quicker, more reliably and in a significantly reduced time and will undoubtedly keep on using the product far into the future.

For more information please visit: http://www.igus.in/energychains?C=IN&L=en

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

Tuesday 24 May 2016

E4.1L from igus - Low weight, easy assembly and cable-friendly design

Optimum use of installation space, light weight and high stability - these are just some of the benefits of the E4.1L energy chain from igus, which is now available in new heights and widths from stock. Compared to the E4.1, weight can be reduced by 30 percent, with this light version, meaning that the chain is well suited to highly dynamic applications. It was developed especially for unsupported applications; long gliding travels are also possible with the e-chain.

The E4.1L of the motion plastics specialist igus combines the strengths of different series of chains from igus and also has a design that is very kind to all the surfaces in contact with the cables. "Rounded edges of the crossbars and separators of the chain ensure a long service life of hoses and cables," explains Harald Nehring, authorised representative for e-chain systems at igus. "You can therefore call E4.1L an energy chain in which the moving cables feel at ease." In addition to the rounded surfaces that come in contact with cables, gridding and positioning scales are used for the best possible separation of the chain. Along with the easy assembly and high stability it displays its strengths especially in fast unsupported applications, such as in automation or in machine tools.

Technical tricks for design freedom
The simple snap-open mechanism of the crossbars in the outer and inner radius ensures a quick filling of the e-chain. The captive crossbars, which can be opened with a screwdriver, open by 115 degrees and latch into final position. If necessary, they can even be removed completely, placed again and closed by simply pressing in. The patented positive-fit tongue and groove of the chain links and the double stop dogs with large stop surfaces that allow a high degree of stability were carried over from the heavy duty E4.1 chain. Here a 'brake' also ensures a lower rolling noise and a very smooth chain travel. Due to the variable mounting of the outer links, the chain can be installed either with or without camber. This is a decisive advantage especially in limited installation space, such as in machine tools.

E4.1L from igus - Low weight, easy assembly and cable-friendly design
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Due to the modular design, the E4.1L energy chain can be adapted to any specific application. As an open standard version for cable routing, with brackets for hoses, or enclosed in a chip-resistant tube in a guide trough – just three of many customising options. (Source: igus GmbH)

"Perhaps the best e-chain in the world"
Compared to E4.1, the application-oriented design of the E4.1 L could save so much mass that the chain is about 30 percent lighter. This brings an additional advantage: "In this way, users save not only a lot of drive power," says Harald Nehring. "It can also accommodate more hoses and cables in a given space envelope – all these advantages perhaps make the E4.1L the best e-chain in the world." The energy chain is now available from stock in more interior heights between 31 and 64 millimetres and new widths, as well as fully enclosed options for the protection against chips. As for the open energy chain, igus also has an ESD version and even a high-temperature option for the enclosed energy tube.

For more information please visit: http://www.igus.in/energychains?C=IN&L=en

About igus® India
igus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymer bearings, igubal® Spherical Bearings Plain Bearings and Bushing Accessories etc. which enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.