ReleaseWire Connect

Optimum use of installation space, light weight and high stability - these are just some of the benefits of the E4.1L energy chain from igus, which is now available in new heights and widths from stock. Compared to the E4.1, weight can be reduced by 30 percent, with this light version, meaning that the chain is well suited to highly dynamic applications. It was developed especially for unsupported applications; long gliding travels are also possible with the e-chain.

Motion plastics, high-performance plastics for motion, defy rain, salt, extreme temperatures, are resistant to oil or chemicals, are lighter, more dynamic, more energy efficient and yet cost effective. At the Hannover Messe, igus now shows the next step – intelligent "smart plastics" for Industry 4.0. Their goal: to make predictive maintenance even easier and thus reduce costs in the factory of the future.

In the food and packaging industry, the highest safety standards apply. To protect consumers, food must be free of contaminants of any kind. As part of its ball and spherical bearing series, igus offers plastic products that are lubricant-free and at the same time, detectable. This guarantees that no lubricants and no plastics enter the production chain during operation or in the event of a system failure.

The e-spool from igus, a cable reel for energy chains, has passed all the noise tests in the igus test laboratory with flying colours. This means it has distinguished itself as an ideal solution for applications in noise-sensitive areas, such as in stage engineering. With the space-saving e-spool, energy, media or fibre optic data cables can be run together in a single system, as it requires no slip ring.

With 100 million euros of revenue from cable sales over the last year, igus is maintaining its status as a world leader among cable manufacturers for moving applications in energy chains. Thanks to the industry's largest test laboratory in Cologne, Germany, now expanded to 2,750 square metres, the motion plastics specialist is the only supplier on the market able to offer a 36-month guarantee on all chainflex cables. Increasing industrial automation is prompting igus to make significant investments in innovation, reliability and fast delivery worldwide.

The global manus award ceremony was held for the seventh time at the Hannover Messe 2015. Developers from all over the world submitted 467 applications, demonstrating the creative potential when it comes to using polymer bearings. With 73 enteries India was the leading country with the highest number of participants. The three most exciting applications out of 73 Indian submissions received the "local manus India" award at the occasion of Auto Expo 2016. The golden manus with prize amount 1,00,000 was given to ATS ELGI. This company relies on lubrication-free polymer plain bearings from igus at its carwash underbody sprayer. A diagnostis screening device for breast cancer from Tuscano Equipments private Ltd won the silver manus (75,000). The bronze manus award (50,000) went to SRG Machines Pvt Ltd for egg sorting machines.

The motion plastics specialist igus has combined the demountable igubal angled joint with the user-friendly "crimped" joining method. The advantages: customised lengths from 1 piece, easy assembly and disassembly, as well as high holding force up to 300 N, and completely free of lubricant and maintenance.

The drylin T guide as a heavy-duty version with adjustable clearance will be presented by the motion plastics specialist from Cologne at Motek in Stuttgart. This new product provides users with more precision during linear movement, even in very rough environments. The HD version with stainless-steel cover is also suitable for heavy loads in dirty surroundings and is insensitive to impacts.

At the Motek and at the EMO, igus is presenting the energy tube series R2 with 40 millimetre inner height, which offers the right solution for compact installation spaces such as in machine tools. Like its big brother, R2.75 with 75 millimetres interior height, the new energy tube provides users with protection against chips, dust and dirt. At the same time it is easy to open and close, making assembly work very simple.

Energy chain systems possible areas of use are now vast in scope. They withstand saltwater on ships and oil rigs, prevent the ingress of persistent dust and dirt in materials handling systems or, certified to ISO Class 1, are used in clinically sterile cleanrooms. In order to find the most innovative and novel system in the world, the motion plastics specialist, igus, invites submissions for the vector award every two years. The starting signal was given at this year's Motek exhibition. Users can submit their entries online and present their constructions to the jury with short texts, photos and videos. The winners stand to receive prizes of up to 5,000 euros; the official prize-award ceremony will take place at the Hannover Messe in April 2016.