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:
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.
Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...
Servicing the electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...
Control system for deep antenna
Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.
Read more...
Manufacturers should go PFAS-Free
igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to develop engineered plastics that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS-free) in response to mounting evidence of severe environmental and health hazards caused by the chemicals.
Read more...
South African paper producer partners with ABB
Motion Control & Drives
Neopak, a leading manufacturer of containerboard and paper products, has renewed its partnership with global technology company, ABB to upgrade the existing automation system at its Rosslyn Paper Mill in Pretoria.
Read more...
ABB supplies electromagnetic stirrer to world’s largest electric arc furnace
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has secured an order from Çolakoglu Metalurji. for an ArcSave electromagnetic stirrer to be installed on one of the world’s largest electric arc furnaces (EAF)
Read more...
Compact, powerful and green mini-picker
Motion Control & Drives
SkyJacks has introduced Jekko’s Mini Picker to the southern African market. This is a compact, highly versatile and environmentally friendly electric mini-picker that is set to redefine lifting capabilities across multiple industries.
Read more...
Redefining industrial lifting
Motion Control & Drives
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.
Read more...
Bühler drives innovation in agriculture and food processing
Motion Control & Drives
NAMPO 2025 is set to be one of the most significant agricultural events in southern Africa. It provides a unique platform for Bühler to showcase its advanced solutions that are designed to improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability in the agricultural sector.
Read more...
printer friendly version