The programming of motor control systems and the integration into machine environments often takes several days and can cost thousands of dollars. Now, igus, the leader in motion plastics and moving cable management systems, has removed the barrier. With free motion sample programs available from igus, it is possible to commission the dryve® series motor […]
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New plastic bevel gears from igus offer lubrication-free motion
igus has expanded its gear offering with bevel gears made of its iguform S270 and igutek P360 high-performance plastics. These abrasion-resistant, self-lubricating gears are a lightweight and maintenance-free alternative to traditional metallic gears. Gears are widely used as drive elements in a range of applications, from e-bikes to locking systems to actuators. However, when forces […]
Part 3: Trends in Ethernet, PoE, IO-Link, HIPERFACE, and single-cable solutions
As we explored in Part 1 and Part 2 of this six-part series, machine designs are evolving with wireless connectivity, cloud-based operations, and open programming. In this installment, we explore how Ethernet has continued its expansion in industrial connectivity. We also detail increasingly useful cable types for IO-Link and HIPERFACE … as well as cross-network […]
D3 and D1 dryve motor control systems from igus
igus has developed two new cost-effective and easy-to-operate control systems so that users from all areas of industry can quickly start up their motorized drylin E drive axes. The D3 dryve controls simple linear or rotations axes with DC motors without any software or a PC. For more complex travels, such as with multi-axis robots […]
New hybrid cable from igus handles both power and feedback signals
The new CF280.UL.H cable from igus is a hybrid servo cable offered as an expansion to the chainflex line of cables for moving applications. The flexible cable can deliver motor power and feedback functions through a single cable. Hybrid cable technology was introduced by drive manufacturers to streamline their cable connections to eliminate the encoder […]
New igus robolink Apiro is modular kinematics system for automation
igus now sells components as part of a modular motion system called robolink Apiro. The systems could soon make designing and using individual automation setups more cost effective and much easier. With robolink Apiro, design engineers can choose from three lubrication-free worm gears for standard, inverted and linear movement. For users, the device offers setups […]
Belt drive axes can reduce automation costs
Mechanical engineers often need a basic, space-saving linear guide when designing technology that performs simple tasks, such as vending machines. Since such technology does not handle high loads, high speeds or high positioning accuracy, intricate linear guides are not necessary. However, most solutions on the market are very advanced, leaving manufacturers forced to either pay […]
Four lessons learned from igus CEO Frank Blase
On a recent press tour of igus’ Cologne, Germany headquarters, I had the pleasure of chatting with Frank Blase, the company’s CEO—and one of the most approachable and down-to-earth manufacturing leaders you are apt to find. Blase shared some of what has helped him grow his father’s small German company—over several decades—into the global manufacturer […]
igus motion plastics car ends 20,000 mile tour across North America
For nearly a year, the igus motion plastics tour has traveled across North America, visiting with more than 4,000 current and potential customers in all industries at more than 160 companies from Mexico City to Toronto. It has now returned to its home base in Rhode Island. After completing a worldwide tour in 2014, the […]
Heavy duty oil rig robot takes top prize
The project from Norwegian company Robotic Drilling Systems has been awarded the most creative Energy Chain application system in biennial awards. Every two years, igus presents its “vector awards,” celebrating unique and creative uses of Energy Chain cable carrier systems. This year, the gold vector was awarded to Norwegian company Robotic Drilling Systems, for their […]