igus's new direct-driven articulated arm supports lean automation

Gripping, turning, pivoting, picking up and putting down again, then returning back to the starting position – articulated arms in industrial robotic systems perform the exact same movement time after time. For this purpose, igus has developed the new modular and cost-effective robolink D. In this new system, the robolink articulated arm is driven directly by positioning the motor directly on the axle. The new development is based on igus’ line of self-lubricating PRT slewing ring bearings, which are installed in a plastic housing.

The system is driven by a worm gear drive and a NEMA 17 or 23 stepper motor. These and other engines are controlled with commercially available standard control modules. The new robolink D system differs from previous igus robotics in its drive technology. Until now, the stepper motors were not placed in the robotic arm itself, but instead in a separate drive unit, driven by means of rope hoists coupled to it. This has the advantage of keeping the system very lightweight. and the direct drive makes the robolink articulated arm tougher and more durable, opening up more opportunities for lean automation. Here, robots carry components from cell to cell. This allows manufacturers to respond to adaptations more flexibly, and to achieve a significant cost savings. 

                        

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The robolink D articulated arm system is driven directly by a motor on the axle. The basis of the joint is an igus self-lubricating PRT polymer slewing ring. (Source: igus GmbH)

Robolink joint systems from igus>>>>

The robolink D system is available in three sizes, and can also be combined using plastic or aluminum fasteners, taking articulated arms from one axis to as many as six. This, like other robolink products from igus, is a modular joint kit, perfect for individually implementable robotic systems. The joints and components of both robolink systems are able to be combined freely with one another. Whether used in individual components, or as a complete system, the modular design allows a high degree of flexibility to be maintained.

For more information please visit: 

http://www.igus.in/wpck/11461/N14_10_1_robolink_D?playlistid=72

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, DryLin® linear bearings & guide systems enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

igus India: Vector award 2014: The winners have been chosen

Exciting, unusual and exemplary. Every two years igus GmbH accords the vector award in recognition of special applications with energy chain systems. This time among them were interesting solutions from around the world showing the immense diversity of applications with energy chains. The winners from the 195 submissions from 28 countries were presented at the Hanover Show 2014.

The great variety of applications in mechanical and plant engineering submitted for the fourth vector award, even featured a small and delicate low profile chain in a CNC hybrid machine right through to a large heavy-duty energy chain with 500 metres of travel in a coking plant. The jury, consisting of representatives of specialist media, business and research, had the difficult task of choosing the winners from among the 195 entrances. Applicants from Canada to South Korea display the versatile and high-power potentials of plastic energy chains. The vector trophy and prize money of 1,000 to 5,000 Euros were distributed as awards at the Hanover Show.

Extraordinary storage and retrieval unit is gilded>>>
The winner of the golden vector this year is the University of Duisburg-Essen. A high-bay warehouse system was developed that works fast, saving space. A transport platform with a gripper moves from one point of the shelf to the other via eight wire ropes clamped in a parallel motion. In order to prevent the required cables from interfering with the rapid movements, they are wound and unwound on an e-spool and securely guided within the energy chain.

Silver vector for high-speed application>>>
This time the silver goes to the company FronTone from Austria. In this lightning-fast application, one to two high-speed cameras with up to 750 m/s² acceleration reached a speed of 21 m/s on a carbon carrier system. This is necessary due to the cameras being used in crash tests of vehicles and vehicle parts thus the motor, feedback and camera cables can be carried smoothly.

Bronze for metalworking>>>
The Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG was awarded the 2014 bronze vector for its servo-controlled punching and bending machine. Here a number of different igus energy chains with reverse bending radius are used, which protect the cables routed to the individual units from dirt and damage caused by punching slugs.

Special vector for a special stage show>>>
A special mention was granted by the jury to the submission of Wicreations from Belgium. The company’s spotlight installation was used during the South American tour of the Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez. These so-called "Venetian blinds" consist of five individual boxes, each with three moving spotlights. The individual boxes that can be adjusted separately,are also dynamic and interconnect by zigzag chains from igus to supply energy and data to the spotlights.

All information about the competition and the whole range of all submissions - including those from the past few years - are available at http://www.igus.in/wpck/3338/vectoraward

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Every two years, the igus GmbH presents the vector award in recognition of special applications with energy chain systems. A total of 195 participants from 28 countries participated in 2014. (Source: igus GmbH)

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The winners of the 2014 vector award were honoured at the Hanover Show. From left to right: Harald Nehring, igus GmbH, Dieter Bencer, igus Austria (representative for the company FronTone GmbH, silver vector), Dr. Tobias Bruckmann, Universität Duisburg-Essen (golden vector), Norbert Muche, Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG (bronze vector). (Source: igus GmbH)

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Gold for storage and retrieval system – in this application of the University of Duisburg-Essen, an e-spool from igus ensures that the energy chain is guided securely during the movement of the transport platform. (Source: igus GmbH)

About igus Indiaigus® operations in India started in the year 1998 with head quarters in Bangalore. igus offers widest range of products that includes polymerbearings, igubal® spherical bearings, DryLin® linear bearings & guide systems enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

The India tour comes to a successful end, as iglidur continues its trip around the world…

igus celebrated the beginning of a adventurous world wide tour to mark the 30th anniversary of its ‘iglidur’ polymer bearings and the 50th anniversary of the company as a whole. igus GmbH sent out a small, retrofitted car on a round-the-world trip with its first stop in “Incredible India”.

Igus presented the car fitted with 56 igus polymer bearing components at the press conference on 30^th January 2014 in Delhi. The car was also displayed at the Auto Expo 2014, Delhi and had an overwhelming response from the visitors.

With the flagging off on 10th January 2014 the iglidur started its road trip from Delhi travelling through 14 major cities like Agra, the pink city of Jaipur, Ahmedabad followed by the financial capital Mumbai, Pune to the automotive hub Chennai and finally to its last destination in India - Bangalore, the head quarters of igus India, covering a total distance of 4619 km and visiting 61 major manufacturing companies across India.

At the closing event in the igus India Factory and HQ the car had a traditional welcome and emotional send off by the staff in the presence of vendors, associates and members of the press. 

                            

Pic 1 :Caption - Welcome of the car at the igus India factory

During this event igus also honoured innovative applications with polymer bearings in India for the year 2013 with the first edition of the Indian local Manus® awards.

                       

Pic 2 : Caption - Manus Award Winners

Gold Indian manus winner (INR 100,000/-) Late Mr. Harshwardhan Gupta from Neubauplan Automation for file cutting machine with Drylin and many other parts. Silver Indian manus winner (INR 75,000/-) Mr. Munir Pansare from Tata Motors was awarded foe his application of noise reduction in steering column using JVSM. And finally the Bronze Indian manus winner (INR 50,000/-) Ms. Manjari Govankop from Mahindra & Mahindra had a tractor application where igubal WGRM ball and socket special part with seal and major VAVE objectives were met.

Further igus had committed at the press conference in Delhi on 30th Jan 2014, to donate INR 100 and igus GmbH € 1 for every kilometre driven by the car on Indian roads. At the end of the journey the car travelled a total distance of 4619 Kilometres. A sum of INR 8,54,515/- (around €10,000) was donated to M.A.D (Make A Difference) which would help sponsoring the education of 854 kids in India.

Iglidur on tour continues it journey in Asia and is currently touring China followed by America and Europe, covering more than 20 countries across the globe and returning back to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of igus in Cologne, Germany.

Know more about our iglidur product at: http://www.igus.in/iglidur

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, DryLin® linear bearings & guide systems enable them to serve the whole industrial establishments in India from a small work shop to huge industrial establishments.

E2 micro from igus: supplying energy made easy

Based on its micro chain series E2.10 and E2.15, the energy supply system specialist, igus, demonstrates how to intelligently guide energy today: rugged, variable, and simple. The E2 micro chain is now available in six new inner widths, including various bending radii. A free chain opener is included with all micro chains. These allow assembly times to be drastically reduced, resulting in cost reductions.

While the micro chain series E2.10 and E2.15 are small and light with inner heights of 10 and 15 mm, they are nevertheless extremely rugged. By employing a dual stop dog system, the available additional load on Series E2.15 was increased by 100% compared to equivalent predecessor models, and unsupported lengths were increased by 25 percent to 1.25 m.

Tenfold faster opening of micro-chains

The E2 family is available in three versions: one-piece with enclosed chain links, and two-piece, with crossbars that can snap open to the outside or inside. The snap-open crossbars allow chains to be quickly and conveniently filled. In addition to the well conceived design, igus has developed a tool for even faster and more convenient assembly: the handy plastic chain opener is equipped with side tabs that release and fully pivot open all cross bars within seconds. This reduces assembly time tenfold. The igus opening tool is included with every customer order.

180 versions due to intelligent construction kit system

Until now, the three versions of the E2 micro were available in only one inner width of 20 mm; six more inner widths (10, 13, 16, 30, 40 and 50 mm) as well as various bending radii have now been added. Using this approach, the igus specific construction kit principle facilitates approximately 180 combinations for confined installation spaces – and therefore provides an appropriate solution for any requirement. Ranging from horizontal, vertically hanging, upright, circular, or side installations – the E2 micro can be mounted on the chain and on the machine in any direction using a variety of mounting brackets. An optional "quick flange" can also be used to secure the chain on the front face.

Online configurator simplifies the procurement process

In addition to straightforward handling, igus pursues the objective on behalf of users to simplify the correct selection and procurement of components as much as possible. The online configurator addresses this purpose: any energy supply system can be configured online by entering parameters ranging from the maximum chain load to accessories. Those who also decide to enter the filling can obtain everything from a single source – 1,030 cable types have been developed specifically for use in energy chains and are available from stock.

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All crossbars on the E2 micro can be quickly and conveniently opened with the handy chain opener. The free tool is included with every order. (Source: igus GmbH).

For more information please visit: http://www.igus.in/wpck/1767/overview_E2micro

About igus:

igus is a globally leading manufacturer in the field of energy chain systems and polymer plainbearings. The Cologne-based family business has offices in 33 countries and employs around 2,200 people around the world. In 2012, igus generated a turnover of 399 million euros. igus operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs. igus India is the wholly owned subsidiary of igus and is operational in India since 2001. Over the last decade it has grown and has been an active and integral part of Indian Industry offering wide range of solutions through its wide network of Support offices across India and team of dedicated and well trained Engineers. The success of igus India is a direct reflection of igus Global philosophy of the "Cheapest Solution that Works is the Best Solution"

igus.in: Drylin W - The lubrication-free travel of high loads at low friction

Previously, a lubrication-free and cheap alternative to linear guide systems that run on ball bearings was developed with the “Drylin W” system. As early as the construction stage, the flexible and modular design with its most different accessories allows more freedom of design. New fields of application for the manifold linear guide systems such as in agricultural machines, automobile construction, but also in the field of medicine technology or packing industry, offers now the high-load version in the size 25.

Like all members of the “Drylin W” family, the new version consist of three simple basic elements: a guide rail made of hard-anodised aluminium, the housing bearings made of zinc die casting and the gliding foil made of the tribo-optimized plastic iglidur J200. The W25 double guide rail has a 25mm shaft diameter and 120mm distance between shaft centres. Compared to the other drylin W sizes, these new dimensions give a higher load capacity, up to two tonnes, as well as resisting higher moments. Statically each of the four bearing housings made of zinc die-casting can take up to 480 kg. A gliding foil made of iglidur J200 is responsible for the lubrication-free travel of high loads at low friction values and most minimal wear, especially developed for the use with hard-anodised aluminium as friction partner.

All four sizes of the “Drylin W” system are easy to mount because the double rail makes the costly alignment of two parallel shafts or guides unnecessary. The rails are available up to a length of four meters. For longer travels, the rails can be easily placed in sequence. The factory-made attached bevel allows gliding of the glide elements from one rail to the other. The system is available from stock.

For more details visit: Needle Bearing(Drylin) Section

igus now introduces the fourth size in the “Drylin W” linear guide family: the size 25 (below). With a load of up to 2 tonnes possible, it can easily move the load of a properly equipped middle class estate car linearly - maintenance-free and without lubrication.

Also the new size has been designed according to the successful principle of the “Drylin W” system: double guide rail made of hard-anodised aluminium. Its counterpart is the guide slide that consists of four zinc die casting bearings, equipped with a sliding foil made of the tribo-optimized plastic iglidur J200.

About igus:

igus is a globally leading manufacturer in the field of energy chain systems and polymer plainbearings. The Cologne-based family business has offices in 33 countries and employs around 2,200 people around the world. In 2012, igus generated a turnover of 399 million euros. igus operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs. igus India is the wholly owned subsidiary of igus and is operational in India since 2001. Over the last decade it has grown and has been an active and integral part of Indian Industry offering wide range of solutions through its wide network of Support offices across India and team of dedicated and well trained Engineers. The success of igus India is a direct reflection of igus Global philosophy of the "Cheapest Solution that Works is the Best Solution"

CFRIP - Open The Chainflex Jacket Quickly With the “Zipper”

The tearproof igus thread, introduced under the name of CFRIP for fast stripping of chainflex cables, is now integrated into 230 chainflex cable types. The CFRIP stripping aid has been added to all control cable series with PVC jackets and in motor cable families. Via the unique CFRIP principle, chainflex cables can be stripped quickly and safely in large lengths without damaging cores.

The CFRIP stripping cord, developed by igus, is simple and effective: Like a zipper it opens by simply pulling on the CFRIP tearing thread within the jacket to the desired length. Afterwards the appropriate cores can be taken out of the jacket with ease. With it, installers save up to 50 percent of the usual required time for stripping. Apart from that, specific stripping tools are no longer required. The clever design of the tearing thread that is integrated into the cable prevents damaging of the stranded element when the chainflex cable needs to be stripped.

Strip 230 chainflex cables simply and safely.

Along with PVC control cables chainflex CF5, tearing thread in the outer jacket and the shielded version chainflex CF6, tearing thread in the inner jacket – now the control cable families CF5, CF6, CF130 and CF140 as well as the complete multi-core motor cable families are equipped with the CFRIP thread. 230 chainflex cable types with integrated CFRIP tool are currently available. More cable series with integrated CFRIP are in development.

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Thanks to CFRIP installers can save up to 50 percent of required time for stripping cables. (Source: igus)

A short video clip at http://www.igus.in/wpck/8487/cfrip clearly demonstrates the CFRIP functional principle.

For more details visit our website www.igus.in

About igus:

igus is a globally leading manufacturer in the field of energy chain systems and polymer plainbearings. The Cologne-based family business has offices in 33 countries and employs around 2,200 people around the world. In 2012, igus generated a turnover of 399 million euros. igus operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs. igus India is the wholly owned subsidiary of igus and is operational in India since 2001. Over the last decade it has grown and has been an active and integral part of Indian Industry offering wide range of solutions through its wide network of Support offices across India and team of dedicated and well trained Engineers. The success of igus India is a direct reflection of igus Global philosophy of the "Cheapest Solution that Works is the Best Solution"

Energy chain expert igus celebrates 30th anniversary of its dry-tech® product group “iglidur®”

30th January 2014- igus, the world’s leading manufacturer and pioneers of plastic motion technology under the renowned brands the-chain Energy Chains Systems^® and dry-tech^® bearings, announced the 30th anniversary of its dry-tech product group "iglidur" today at a press conference in the city. Mr. Antony P Kurian, COO igus® India & Mr. Patrick Carl, International Head of iglidur Product Group, were present to grace this occasion.  On this momentous day, igus also announced the commemorative world tour of a retrofitted micro car. This micro car, fitted with iglidur components puts the resilience, reliability & potential of its innovative plastic technology to test, as it embarks on a round-the-world-trip.

igus, has been dedicated to the cause of research in “tribopolymers” (friction and wear optimized plastics) for decades to provide its consumers with improved solutions. On the 30th year of its journey, igus embarked on this ambitious practical test to demonstrate the capabilities of the extensively tested and amply proven innovative plastics technology. A team from Cologne University of Applied Sciences under the leadership of Johannes Thomé and the igus bearing developer Michael Krug took up the project 'plastination’ of the micro car. The aim was to replace everything possible with igus plastics, viz, brake pedal, windscreen wipers, window lift mechanism, shift unit, seat console, handbrake, alternator,  throttle valve and the convertible roof. Attention was even paid to ensure visual likeness as well.

This retrofitted car will begin its journey from 'Incredible India' and go on to a strenuous round-the-world trip along tarmac, gravel and mud tracks and roads across four continents. Its inaugural exhibition will be held at the ‘Auto Expo’ trade fair at New Delhi, India post which it will travel to China, Japan, South Korea & Taiwan.  The igus car will then make a trip to America followed by Canada. In the next part of the journey the micro car will travel to Brazil, before making its way back to Europe.

The tour can be followed at http://igusindia.blogspot.in/ .  Reports, videos and photos on the blog will provide exciting insights into the ‘iglidur on tour’ journey.

On this occasion, Mr. Antony P Kurian, COO igus® India, says, "We, at igus, have put together 30 years of expertise in the field of 'motion plastics' to send the igus car on a World tour. igus bearings have been fitted at 56 points to demonstrate the capabilities of igus tribopolymers  & demonstrate a superior technology that reduces cost & improves performance drastically. Before it embarks on its round-the-world-trip the retrofitted car will be displayed at the 'Auto Expo' trade fair at New Delhi, to provide visitors and technocrats with a first-hand experience."

Echoing the sentiments of Mr.Frank Blase, CEO, Igus, Mr. Patrick Carl, International Head of Iglidur Product Group, commented, "We take great care that the components manufactured are always precisely tailored to the needs of the customers’. This is one of the reason why, we have a  broad range of custom-made solutions, in addition to our standard products."

About igus:

igus is a globally leading manufacturer in the field of energy chain systems and polymer plainbearings. The Cologne-based family business has offices in 33 countries and employs around 2,200 people around the world. In 2012, igus generated a turnover of 399 million euros. igus operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs. igus India is the wholly owned subsidiary of igus and is operational in India since 2001. Over the last decade it has grown and has been an active and integral part of Indian Industry offering wide range of solutions through its wide network of Support offices across India and team of dedicated and well trained Engineers. The success of igus India is a direct reflection of igus Global philosophy of the "Cheapest Solution that Works is the Best Solution"