Rapid machining with new speedicut service from igus
Machined special parts from iglidur materials, in 24 hours
Leading polymer specialist, igus UK, has launched a new rapid machining service – speedicut – where custom designed components can be manufactured and delivered in 24 hours. As there are no minimum order quantities, speedicut is a cost-effective way of specifying one offs, prototyping and low volumes of components used in a variety of applications including medical technology, custom machine fabrication, maintenance engineering and plant engineering.
Like the proven speedigus rapid tooling system, speedicut uses a 2D or 3D model to produce a fast quotation, and parts can then be delivered within 24 hours. speedicut is a quick and easy process: engineers simply share their design, which can be a 2D or 3D CAD drawing, with igus experts via email or upload at and specify material and requirements such as temperature or chemical resistance.
igus then sends the engineer a quote within 24hours and the advanced speedicut machining cell produces parts and delivery in the lead time selected, with options ranging from one to 10 days for 100 pieces.
“speedicut is an exciting new machining service which has been introduced to complement our speedigus rapid tooling system, for parts that are more suited to machining than moulding,” says Matthew Aldridge, Director at igus UK. “For very low quantities it makes economic sense to machine parts in preference to moulding, and using our standard igus stock bar materials, along with a hi-tech machining cell, custom-designed complex parts can be produced very quickly.”
Typically, the materials used in traditional rapid prototyping methods are developed for ease of manufacture, rather than for long life. However, the speedicut and speedigus services use igus materials such as iglidur tribologicalpolymers, which are designed for long life and durability. iglidur materials are maintenance and lubricant free and have a low coefficient of frictionto deliver reliable high performance over a long service life. In addition, the useful life calculation programs offered by igus can be used to optimise material selection.
speedicut machining can achieve the same tight tolerances as speedigus. When a 2D drawing is submitted, speedicut uses the tolerances quoted on the drawing (any differences would be mentioned on the quotation). If a 3D model is submitted, the expected tolerance for a dimension on a well-designed part is +/- (0.1 + 0.005mm/mm). For example, a length of 10mm would have a tolerance of +/-0.15mm.
The cost of the speedicut service depends on the material and the part, but can be as little as £1.50 per part. As speedicut is a machining process there is no tooling set up cost, which makes it extremely economical for low volume manufacturing.
Whether it’s concept or prototype, or from low volume to high volume parts, igus has a full service offering, taking engineers from start to finish with its speedicut, speedigus and volume production services. For further information about speedicut and to receive a quotation, simply email requirements to , visit or call igus directly on 01604 677240.
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About igus UK Ltd:
Based in Northampton in the UK, and with global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastic cable carriers in the world. Product lines include industry-leading e-chain cable carriers, chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglidur plastic plain bearings, igubal spherical bearings, drylin linear bearings and guide systems. The company has 26 subsidiaries across 31 countries and employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide.
With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cable since 1989, igus provides the right solution based on 80,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new products introduction each year
For more information, please call igus UK directly on 01604 677240 or visit the website at: Follow us at watch our videos at and connect with us at
igus, e-chain, readychain, chainflex, iglidur, igubal, drylin and manus are registered trademarks
For further information, please contact:
Matthew Aldridge, igus UK Ltd
Tel: 01604 677240
Email:
Sarah Clarke, Technical Publicity
Mobile: 07872 462646
Email: