PRESS RELEASE
Strengthening the innovation capabilities of intra-logistics with e-chains
The new tri-spool demonstrates flexible use of igus energy chainsystems for intra-logistics
The variety and flexibility of igus energy supply solutions are at the centre of intra-logistics uses. The tri-spool permits energy, data, and media to be guided at the same time - in any direction.
The challenges for automation in material handling, warehousing, and packaging technology applications grow with each additional level of linking the intra-operational production sequence. In these cases, energy, data, and media must be guided reliably. igus takes this a step further giving customers the freedom to implement travel in any direction.
3D motions with the new tri-spool
An example for the wide range of applications of igus products in warehousing applications, is provided by the latest winner of the vector award, of which is awarded every two years for applications using energy chains. The rope robot, for automated high-bay shelves, was designed at the University Duisburg-Essen for flexible travels. The application uses the new tri-spool which permits accurate 3D motions in space. Parallel tensioned wire ropes allow the transport platform to be accurately positioned horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. This permits speeds and accelerations to be increased, and installation space and weight to be dramatically reduced. The rope robot is an intelligent intra-logisitics system that can cut warehousing costs. igus also provides a wide selection of additional solutions for even faster intra-operational transport and warehousing. For instance, the System P4 profile roller energy chain supports fast, quiet, and low-wear guiding of various media for aisle travel at up to 10 m/s at 57 percent lower drive power. The autoglide system, which is available in four versions, eliminates the otherwise typical guide trough for the e-chain. Lateral offset is prevented via the moulding of guide tabs to the opening crossbars as autoglide teeth. The e-chain can therefore be used for self-guiding installations even on long travels, cutting assembly time by as much as 90 percent, and creating space for material handling equipment. The new guidelok slimline F and e-spool are also used to guide the energy chain reliably. The guidelok guide system prevents lateral kicking of the chain due to inertia. High travel speeds and accelerations for highly-dynamic storage and retrieval equipment can therefore be achieved for aisle travel.
Modern material handling with friction-optimised plastics
The drylin SLT linear axis comes from the plain bearing technology segment. Due to the lateral arrangement of the lead screw next to the linear guide system, a minimal installation height of only 20 millimetres and an installation width of only 45 millimetres can be achieved for the linear axis. The compact design has a weight of only 0.15 kilogrammes. The drive can be actuated manually or by motor. The ball bearing-supported lead screw is available with trapezoidal or high helix thread. iglidur PRT slewing ring bearings are ideally suited for material handling technology of which igus sells these in seven different sizes and three different installation shapes, variable with inner diameters from 20 to 300 mm. The housings are made from aluminium; the mating surfaces of the iglidur J glide elements are hard anodised. This ensures that the bearing units can absorb considerable forces even at high tilting moments. Depending on the customers need, iglidur J glide elements can also be fabricated with the diameter required for the rotary table. In addition to the positive material properties, such as lack of lubricants, corrosion-resistance, zero-maintenance, as well as the low deadweight at high load-bearing and tensile forces, these products also feature special online tools for configuring and calculating online.
You can see the tri-spool in use at: http://youtu.be/vCtkSlu7YEo
Captions:
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The new tri-spool secifically supports fast spatial 3D motions and accelerations. (Source: igus GmbH).
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drylin SLT from the "Slim Line" generation of lubricant-free linear axis. The lateral arrangement of the lead screw facilitates a particularly low-profile installation height. A trapezoidal thread configuration is available in addition to the shown high helix thread. (Source: igus GmbH).
PRESS CONTACT:Oliver Cyrus
Head of Media and Advertising
igus® GmbH
Spicher Strasse 1a
51147 Cologne
Tel. 0 22 03 / 96 49-459
Fax +49 22 03 / 96 49-631
www.igus.de/de/presse / ABOUT IGUS:
igus GmbH is a globally leading manufacturer in the field of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings. The Cologne-based family business has offices in 35 countries and employs around 2,400 people around the world. In 2013, igus generated a turnover of 427 million euros with motion plastics, plastic components for moving applications. igus operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs.
The terms ‘igus, e-ketten, e-kettensysteme, chainflex, readycable, easychain, e-chain, e-chainsystems, energy chain, energy chain system, flizz, readychain, robolink, pikchain, triflex, twisterchain, invis, drylin, iglidur, igubal, xiros, xirodur, plastics for longer life, CFRIP, dryspin, manus and vector’ are protected by trademark laws in the Federal Republic of Germany and internationally, where applicable.
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