Product category:
Electrical systems
News Release from: Igus UK | Subject: 'ReadyChain' at MACH 2008
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 April 2008
Machine tool energy systems are ready to
fit
Using purpose-made parts and systems, pre-harnessed energy supply systems igus UK gives the machine tool industry tools that will help increase competitiveness, writes Justin Leonard.
The machine tool industry in the UK holds a key position in general mechanical engineering Everything from space telescopes to toy trains, from artificial hip joints to mobile phones are manufactured directly or indirectly using machine-tools
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
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.
Linear bearings are small and maintenance-free
Small, lightweight, quiet running, high-speed linear bearing system's hard anodised aluminium rails, iglidur J polymer sliding strips and cast carriages are maintenance free and repel dirt.
The focus is increasingly on cost reduction driven by competition from the Far East.
With their purpose-designed parts and systems, especially pre-harnessed energy supply systems ('ReadyChain'), igus UK gives the machine tool manufacturing industry tools that will help increase competitiveness for the future.
* Speed is crucial for competitiveness - the demands of machine tools in terms of flexibility and productivity are ever increasing.
Further reading
High-speed linear bearing system repels dirt
When a small, lightweight, quiet running, high-speed linear bearing system is required, a miniature linear ball bearing system is free of maintenance, repels dirt and resists chemicals.
Linear guide saves space, needs no lubrication
To combine variety, make the best possible use of existing space and all without the need for lubrication were the specifications laid down when producing a new linear guide.
Dry-running linear bearing offers longer life
New maintenance-free, dry-running linear bearing design results in longer life, higher precision and increased load capacity when compared with ball bearing systems.
These challenges can only be resolved by intelligent automation concepts.
The trend is increasingly aimed at an integrated approach.
This extends from the acquisition costs to the total costs for the complete service life of the machine, and includes the availability and the ease of operation.
This means that early cooperation between the subsystem supplier and the machine manufacturer can be crucial for market success.
* Short assembly times, no storage costs - the solution lies in standardisation.
With the help of pre-harnessed energy supply systems, assembly times decrease and storage costs drop to zero.
Capacity fluctuations can therefore be easily managed.
The machine manufacturer passes on the entire procurement process for all of the necessary special parts, sheet-metal panels, machined parts and hydraulic components, to allow provision of the full turn-key system on the required delivery date.
The machine tool manufacturing industry, which mainly consists of small and medium-sized companies, can use the ReadyChain energy supply systems to reduce assembly times of several months to a few days, and can thus keep ahead of the competition.
* igus at MACH 2008 - Igus is exhibiting at the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.
The company is supporting the UK machine tool industry.
The igus stand is situated in hall 5; stand number 5080 where examples of igus ReadyChains are on display.
Fully qualified igus engineers are on hand to discuss energy chain and polymer bearing requirements, as well as demonstrating the latest products from igus.
* About Igus - Igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastics Energy Chains in the world.
These seemingly unrelated products are linked together through the belief in making functionally advanced, yet affordable polymer components and assemblies.
The company employs over 1,000 people in Germany and 24 subsidiary companies and works with representative partners in more than 21 other countries.
igus products have been consistently field and value proven.
The company has extensive experience and technical data, gleaned from testing between 1,500 and 2,500 new products under extreme conditions in the igus test laboratories every year.
* About the author - Justin Leonard is Energy Chain Systems director at igus UK in Northampton. Request a free brochure from Igus UK ...
• Igus UK: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
