Product category:
Miscellaneous machine tool equipment (fixtures, rotary tables etc.)
News Release from: Igus UK | Subject: Energy Chain, polymer bearings and Chainflex cable
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 April 2004
How energy chains and polymer bearings
benefit
In 'question and answer' mode, Matthew Aldridge, Product Director, igus (UK), explains how Energy Chain Systems, polymer bearings and Chainflex cables can benefit the machine tool industry.
In 'question and answer' mode, Matthew Aldridge, Product Director, igus (UK), explains how Energy Chain Systems, polymer bearings and Chainflex cables can benefit the machine tool industry * What applications do igus products have in the machine tool industry? Igus products are used throughout this entire industry; it is a very important sector for us
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 5 Nov 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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* How can the manufacturer benefit from using igus bearings? There is absolutely no need for lubrication - ever! This is especially important in the machine tool industry.
The machine builder also benefits from the predictable life of igus bearings and the option to use virtually any shaft material.
All igus bearings can run in dirty, dusty environments and metal swarf presents no problems to igus bearings.
* What about the benefits of using igus chain? No corrosion, and the igus range is large enough to have the most compact chain for your requirements.
A fully built Readychain helps the machine builder with cash flow and reduces lead times and costs.
* And what advantages can be gained from using igus cables? They are designed to work in dynamic applications, especially in an E-Chain system.
Also, if igus Chainflex is used with an igus specified E-Chain, we offer a full system guarantee.
* How does the end user benefit? In addition to the above benefits, the end user had a number of additional advantages.
igus E-Chain systems are modular, allowing easy replacement if damaged.
They also run at a much lower noise than any other system currently available.
With iglidur bearings the noise is drastically lower than that achieved with conventional bearings; in today's workplace this is becoming increasingly important.
igus bearings cannot catastrophically fail: the wear is predictable and linear.
The shafts will not wear at all in comparison with the bearings.
With igubal rod ends and DryLin linear systems, the low weight means that the required driving force is lower, thus keeping running costs to a minimum.
Also, igus is a true global company, which means that wherever a machine tool is sent, igus can support the application both technically and with service back-up.
* What could a visitor to the igus stand at MACH expect to gain from the experience? We presented the latest products and developments available from igus, including DryLin W.
This is a totally new modular linear system which offers an extremely high life and offers massive cost savings over traditional linear guides.
Visitors to the show found the latest additions to our unique System E6 E-Chain range.
Sales engineers from all igus product lines were on hand to discuss any potential requirements and demonstrated how igus could help with your application.
* What did igus hope to achieve from exhibiting at the MACH show? Many of our existing customers were exhibiting at the show, so we were looking forward to seeing them and unveiling any new products.
We also explained to new contacts how to design cost out and increase the life of their machines by incorporating igus E-Chain systems and bearings.
* What makes igus products stand out from their competitors? No other company manufactures both E-Chain systems and bearings.
This is a reflection of the total commitment at igus towards improving automation using polymer technology.
The E-Chain range is the largest in the world, and igus is the only E-Chain manufacturer to make their own cable - the world-renowned Chainflex range.
Also, no one else has been manufacturing polymer bearings for as long as igus.
As a result, igus have the most extensive range and knowledge in today's market.
Many "firsts" have been made at igus: the first lifetime prediction for plain bearings, the first all-polymer spherical bearing, the first zero clearance polymer plain bearing, and the first adjustable linear plain bearing.
Also, with an UK national external sales force of almost 20 people, no other competitor can respond as quickly and efficiently as igus.
All products are available ex stock, and free samples are offered for all prototype builds.
* Finally, can you sum up exactly why igus products should be used? If an engineer would like to design lubrication out of his machine, if a purchasing manager would like to reduce component costs, if a production manager would like to reduce lead times, if a quality manager would like to improve the product, then igus can help. Request a free brochure from Igus UK ...
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