WORLD OF INDUSTRIES - MOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 5/2017

Offering more creativity
and freedom in design
MACHINE ELEMENTS
Thanks to high performance plastics, today, the linear
plain bearings are being increasingly used in more
applications. To unleash the creative potential of
designers, igus, the motion plastics specialist provides
a variety of linear systems for implementation of
completely innovative ideas.
In linear technology the tasks are extremely varied, from classical
mechanical engineering to innovative automation applications.
The starting point for linear solutions at igus is the bearing technology:
the linear plain bearings operate - in contrast to re-circulating
ball systems - on sliding elements made from high performance
plastics. Compared to ball bearings they have technical advantages
in the linear and drive technology: due to the higher contact surface
for the shaft or guide rail and the associated lower surface pressure,
even softer shafts and non-metallic mating partners can be used for
sliding. In extreme applications, the thin-walled plastic parts slide
on any surface. The expert designers at igus prefer anodised aluminium
rails. They are light and give a lot of leeway in geometrical
design. In this way, the profiles can be customised. This flexibility
is not possible with re-circulating ball systems made of hardened
steel. The motion plastics specialist thus complies with the requirements
of saving installation space and reducing weight.
Optimum friction and smooth operation
Once installed the linear guides maintain their good friction coefficient
throughout their entire calculated service life, with no lubrication
and zero maintenance. For architects and designers, the linear
guides once installed, they must operate smoothly. In this context,
the quiet operation of igus components plays an important role:
the linear plain bearings run quietly, since no mechanical rolling
of hard friction partners takes place as with metal or ceramic balls.
In other areas of automation, where users still think of ball screws,
igus has already replaced the expensive roller technology with a low
cost, lubrication-free lead screw unit. The lead screw geometry is
finely tuned to the plastics. The efficiency of igus lead screw units
could be enhanced by the new dimensions for lead screw units –
pitches from 1 to 80 mm have been implemented – and a new plastic
material for nuts. Thereby further possible applications have
opened up in handling processes and automation.
Single source for linear technology systems
Igus has four types of offerings in linear technology systems. The
flexible drylin W series is being used in drive technology. It comprises
lubricant-free linear axes which are driven either with trapezoidal
thread, high helix thread or toothed belts. Thereby different rail
profiles and carriage options are available. The standard material
for rails is made from the drylin modular kit and is hard anodised
aluminium, which achieves the best coefficient of friction in combination
with iglidur materials as a running surface. For more specialised
applications, however, the drylin W modular system also
offers more specialised materials such as stainless steel, which is
WORLD OF INDUSTRIES – MOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 5/2017