Polymer linear guides adopted worldwide
June 2022
Motion Control & Drives
Advanced engineered-polymer manufacturer, igus, has launched a global drive to convert manufacturers requiring linear guides to new dry types with no requirement for lubricants, which have the potential to contaminate products and the environment.
Linear guides are used in a variety of applications, from robotics to CNC machines and 3D printers, to packaging equipment, printers and other machines that move on set axes. Until recently the biggest source of failure and premature maintenance has been friction-related where the bearing meets the guide. Grease and oil to lubricate traditional bearings are also a major source of contamination in industry.
The new dry linear guides have a surface that eliminates most of the friction and allows polymer linear bearings and pillow blocks to glide or float across the surface without lubrication. The product range of lubrication-free drylin linear guides is based on the principle of ‘gliding instead of rolling’.
In combination with corrosion-free materials, tribo-optimised iglidur high-performance polymers are used as a sliding surface. drylin linear guides traverse in dry operation and are therefore maintenance-free, and are insensitive to influences such as dirt, water, chemicals, heat or impacts.
They also have very low noise because of the materials used and their special design. With these properties, drylin linear guides can be used in a wide variety of environments, including extreme ones. The modular system allows for high flexibility with different rail guides and pillow blocks.
The product range includes:
• Linear technology.
• Linear guides.
• W profile guides.
• N low-profile guides.
• T rail guide.
• R shaft guides.
• Q linear square guide.
• NT telescopic rails.
• Complete systems with measurement technology.
• Lead screw technology.
• Accessories.
Further reading:
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...
Drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Motion Control & Drives
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...
Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Motion Control & Drives
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...
Keep your turbines spinning
Motion Control & Drives
No turbine is immune from wear and tear. Unexpected downtime or poor performance can quickly degrade its value and lifespan, but strategically maintained turbines can deliver decades of performance.
Read more...
Linear drive architectures deliver versatility without complexity in medical technology
Motion Control & Drives
Linear drive architectures provide a straightforward, configurable way to deliver precise linear motion, making it an increasingly valuable solution in medical motion designs.
Read more...
Design life analysis keeps lifting equipment alive
Motion Control & Drives
The Konecranes Design Life Analysis has been specifically designed to calculate the remaining design life of structures and machineries of cranes and associated lifting components. It determines the amount of work it can safely perform before its useful life is over.
Read more...
Compact powerhouses with versatile configurability
Horne Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
Faulhaber is introducing several new additions to its range of DC micromotors. Designed for maximum reliability and flexibility, these drives open up new possibilities for modern, space-saving drive solutions.
Read more...
printer friendly version