Advanced polymer manufacturer igus continues to innovate in its ongoing development of drylin polymer linear guides, designed to replace traditional lubricated systems and improve machine reliability. The elimination of lubrication also reduces contamination risks in sensitive sectors such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.
Linear guides are essential in machines that move along fixed axes where traditional systems rely on grease and oil. Friction at the bearing-guide interface is the leading cause of premature failure, while lubricants themselves introduce contamination risks in sensitive applications.
According to Juan-Eric Davidtz of igus South Africa, the drylin linear guides address these issues by using tribo-optimised iglidur polymers that glide smoothly across corrosion-free surfaces without lubrication. The principle of gliding instead of rolling eliminates friction-related wear, and ensures maintenance-free operation even under extreme conditions, including dirty environments, submersion, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes.
“We recently introduced PFAS-free and hygienic-certified linear guides, including the world’s first EHEDG-compliant system designed for food safety applications,” says Davidtz. “Our hybrid roller carriages and compact locking carriages are expanding the portfolio into precision positioning for consumer appliances and automotive interiors. Some ranges, such as our SLX, can handle loads up to 600 kg.”
“Locally we have many customers in packaging, mining and heavy industries that require good mechanical and corrosion resistance, while steel, manufacturing and other industries require high heat resistance, dust resistance and hygienic equipment. Medical laboratories and food and beverage users can adopt hygienic-certified systems aligned with international standards. We also assemble locally, which shortens lead times and makes technical assistance readily available.”
The combination of corrosion-free materials and tribo-optimised polymers improves durability, and contributes to lower noise performance in environments where quiet operation is essential. The modular design allows flexible installation across different rail profiles and pillow blocks, making the systems suitable for diverse applications.
Enhanced manufacturing expertise in large-dimension hydraulic cylinders
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to produce hydraulic cylinders with internal diameters of up to 300?mm, extending its portfolio into large-dimension ballast and support cylinders for demanding heavy machinery applications.
Read more...New motion platform for tube laser processing
Motion Control & Drives
Aerotech has announced the LaserTurn280, a motion platform for laser machining of cylindrical medical device components, offering calibrated accuracy of plus or minus 1 micrometre and designed for integration into high-volume production lines.
Read more...Functional safety in modern factory automation
Motion Control & Drives
Functional safety in modern factory automation allows machines to operate at controlled speeds or hold axes at standstill rather than shutting down entirely. Kollmorgen’s Safe Motion monitor software now supports additional safety-rated encoder protocols, extending these capabilities to precision and linear motion applications.
Read more...Improving material handling with autonomous mobile robots Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
Autonomous mobile robots offer flexible, AI-driven material handling that adapts to shifting demand, fills labour gaps, and generates the operational data needed to optimise end-to-end facility performance.
Read more...Sinamics G210 versatile drive for continuous motion applications
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has expanded its drive portfolio with the Sinamics G210, a versatile converter for continuous motion applications that combines motor openness with modular hardware, software options and flexible communication on a scalable OEM platform.
Read more...Trends and outlook for actuators in humanoid motion
Motion Control & Drives
The humanoid robotics industry is shifting from prototype development to early commercial adoption, with electric actuators dominating current designs and materials innovation set to define next-generation hardware. IDTechEx forecasts a 47% compound annual growth rate for humanoid unit sales over the next decade.
Read more...Specialist girder frame trailer solves challenging transformer delivery
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet used its high-capacity girder frame trailer to transport an oversized Hitachi Energy transformer 130?km by road from Ludvika to Köping Port in Sweden, then completed a RoRo transfer to a heavy-lift vessel bound for China.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE to exhibit energy-efficient automation at Propak Cape SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase its MOVI-C modular automation portfolio at Propak Cape, demonstrating how integrated drive and automation technologies can help processing and packaging companies reduce energy consumption and improve production consistency.
Read more...XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, achieving micrometer-precise workpiece positioning and dramatically shorter lead times compared with traditional tool-based manufacturing.
Read more...Sinamics G210X for advanced pump, fan and compressor applications Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has introduced the Sinamics G210X, a frequency converter for pump, fan and compressor applications combining easy engineering, IP55 protection and integrated S2 system redundancy for reliable operation in demanding infrastructure environments.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version