Press releasePM 0112-EU
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Industrial components win design prize
Four igus products honoured with the renowned iF Product Design Award 2012
In millions of applications, products from igus GmbH prove that good design pays – in terms of durability and cost efficiency. The jury for the renowned iF Product Design Award also appreciates the product design of the Cologne-based plastic specialists: since 1987, more than 20 igus competition contributions have been among the award winners. In 2012, four products from the fields of linear guidance and low-cost automation received prizes in the “Industry” category.
The design of individual components is responsible to a major extent for the performance of a complete system. Well thought-out modular systems based on these individual components greatly expand users’ design possibilities. According to the manufacturer, this philosophy applies to most igus products and materials, including the latest award-winners.
Flexible and economical automation
The light “robolink’ multi-axis joint was developed in an “open source” development process with more than 120 beta testers. The modular system was ready for serial production and has been available since the beginning of 2011. igus now offers ready-for-connection drive units including compact housing and stepper motors for customers who do not wish to design their own drive structure. Movement is realised via cable deflection and guides. This means the multi-axis joint is separated from its control unit, making it suitable for use under water or in rough conditions.
Specially developed transport chain links and a synchronous e-chain are at the heart of the intelligent “pikchain” transport chain. The module supplies the individual chain links constantly with energy, media and signals via a rotary feedthrough. Each chain link can be fitted with suction cups, tools, grippers, sensors or cameras, and can bear a load of up to 5 kg. This enables “pikchain” to complete transport, processing and checks 30% faster,because unnecessary empty runs are avoided. It can be equipped with a wide range of drive concepts and be used vertically, horizontally or lying on its side. Lengths of up to 30 m and speeds of up to 3 m/s are possible.
Compact and easy to move
The modular principle of the DryLin W family with a wide range of rails, gliding films, bearings and slides makes tailor-made solutions possible for lubricant-free linear movements. Two new slide variants have been added to the range. The compact DryLin W Mono-Slide has a design height of only 22 mm, making it suitable for particularly shallow design spaces. The slide is available in lengths of 100, 150 and 200 mm. It can be mounted easily without alignment and has a high-precision screw-on surface.
The second award-winning slide is based on four DryLin WJRM hybrid bearings. This bearing variant combines the advantages of precise guiding of plain bearings and the smooth running of roller bearings. In a defined installation position, the drive torque required is significantly reduced on account of the maintenance-free roller bearing, the friction coefficient is 0.04–0.05 µ. Lateral forces are absorbed by the glider. The hybrid bearing is ideal for manual adjustment particularly in the field of adjustable doors and protective walls.
Captions:
Picture PM0112-01: igus GmbH, Cologne
The Robolink multi-axis joint with optional drive unit
Photo PM0112-02: igus GmbH, Cologne
30% more efficiency for pick & place work with the versatile Pikchain from igus
Picture PM0112-03: igus GmbH, Cologne
The compact DryLin W Mono-Slide has a design height of only 22 mm, making it suitable for particularly shallow design spaces
Photo PM0112-04: igus GmbH, Cologne
Low friction coefficients with precise guiding: The DryLin WJRM hybrid bearing and the slide based on it, with guide rail made of anodised aluminium
CONTACT:igus® GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone+49-22 03 / 96 49-0
Fax+49-22 03 / 96 49-222
/ The terms “igus, chainflex, readycable, easychain, e-chain, e-chainsystems, energy chain, energy chain system, flizz, readychain, triflex, twisterchain, invis, drylin, iglidur, igubal, xiros, xirodur, plastics for longer life, manus, vector“ are legally protected trademarks in the Federal Republic of Germany and, where applicable, in some foreign countries.
PRESS CONTACT:
Jörg Landgraf
Corporate Communication
igus GmbH
Spicher Str. 1a
D-51147 Köln
Phone +49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 459
Fax+49 (0) 22 03 / 96 49 - 631
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