Renishaw Helps Achieve High Accuracy Grinding for Giant Wind Turbine Bearings
July 6, 2010 by admin
Filed under Linear Bearings, Linear Encoders
KMT Lidköping (www.kmtgroup.com/lidkoping/) has unveiled its new hard-turning VTG4000 (Vertical Turning Grinding) machine that uses a combination of Renishaw SiGNUM optical angle and linear encoders to achieve the required accuracy, and Renishaw magnetic encoders placed on the exposed axes of the cutting heads.
“Our largest machine used to accommodate parts up to 600 mm diameter, but the VTG4000 can handle diameters in excess of 4000 mm, the size of the largest wind turbine bearings. This is hard turning and grinding which can be very demanding, and the positioning accuracy is very important, with a direct effect on the quality of the finished bearings. A standard size machine, using ballscrews on the axes, will manage to maintain a 3 µm form deviation, yet despite the considerable difference in relative size, the VTG4000 has been proven to achieve an exceptional form deviation of less than 1 µm, with feed resolution in 0.1 µm steps,” said Eive Johansson, Lidköping’s VTG Chief Designer.
“At the heart of a Lidköping machine are the linear slides. The combination of hydrostatic guideways, air seals and linear motors create a stiff, accurate and maintenance-free system. To achieve dynamic stiffness we need high gain and the gain is linked to the quality of the encoder scales. It also makes a big difference that the angle encoders have the scale integrated directly onto the ring,” he added.
Mr. Johansson first saw the Renishaw SiGNUM encoders during the EMO 2007 exhibition in Hannover, and then followed a period of rigorous testing by the company. As he explained: “The choice of Renishaw was easy; we compared different scales assembled on our reference slide and bought the one with the best performance. It was important that the linear encoders could be supplied in a continuous length of at least 4.5 m and SiGNUM is the easiest way to achieve this. The Renishaw encoders also give more resistance to dirt. We have now fitted Renishaw encoders to all four linear slides and as expected, we have had no problems!”
“The rotary table has the same design principle, with hydrostatic radial and axial bearings, air seals and torque motors for the drive. The same analysis was done, and the Renishaw SiGNUM angle encoders were chosen,” he added.
The Renishaw encoders have an integral patented set-up LED that speeds installation and eliminates the need for separate set-up equipment/complex external, or oscilloscopes.
“One of the best features of the Renishaw encoders is how easy they are to set-up,” Mr. Johansson said. “With the scale attached and the readhead approximately located the indicator lights make it very easy to see how well the two elements are aligned and then make the final adjustments.”
Amish Communities Adopt Plastic Bearings
February 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured, Linear Bearings
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – An Ohio-based manufacturer of horse-drawn farming equipment predominately employed by Amish communities uses iglide® plastic plain bearings from igus® on a ‘crumbler’ mechanism; used to crush clods of dirt during the tilling process. The bearings replaced a system of metal shafts and collars that required messy lubricants and frequent maintenance.
iglide G300 bearings are used on each of the crumbler’s eight rolling elements. Grease fittings made the rollers susceptible to dirt build-up, which eventually led to the formation of a thick sludge as the tool sat idle in-between harvests. Fortunately, iglide bearings are lubrication-free and dirt- and dust-resistant and so are ideal for use in this outdoor application. They are also unaffected by rain and any moisture from the soil, thanks to their corrosion-resistant and low moisture absorption properties.
iglide plastic plain bearings are available in 28 different polymers. Every iglide bearing material possesses a number of special features, which makes it suitable for particular applications and requirements. iglide G300 bearings are cost-effective and can be paired with a number of different shafting materials. They are best for rotational and oscillating movements and low to average running speeds. They also possess a low coefficient of friction and high wear-resistance. To request free samples, call 1-888-803-1895, visit www.igus.com/iglide.asp or e-mail sales@igus.com.
igus
www.igus.com
Spherical bearings eliminate installation nightmare and maintenance hassles
February 26, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Bearings
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Igubal® spherical bearings from igus® Inc. put an end to installation nightmares and maintenance hassles for customers from a wide array of industries such as packaging, sports equipment, food processing and automotive. Frequently, other alternatives such as roller bearings fail prematurely and may require readjustment, reaming or retrofitting to compensate for alignment errors. Igubal spherical bearings eradicate the need for exact placement of shafts and housing, making them an ideal solution for simple to even the most complex designs.
Because they are made of high-performance plastics, igubal spherical bearings are lubrication-free and completely resistant to corrosion, chemicals and other contaminants that can hinder performance such as dirt and dust. Igubal’s polymer design also enables the bearing to deliver excellent vibration dampening and reduces its weight by 80 percent when compared to steel.
Igubal spherical bearings deliver many benefits, including:
Igubal spherical bearings are part of a complete system of self-aligning bearing elements, which includes spherical, flange, pillow block and rod end. All are lightweight, lubrication-free and maintenance-free and can be used in conjunction with igus’ DryLin® S aluminum shafting.
iglide T500 bearings resist harsh chemicals and caustic substances
February 25, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Bearings
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Iglide® T500 plain bearings from igus® Inc., a world-leading developer of plastic bearing technology, are designed to resist harsh chemicals and caustic substances. Iglide T500 is a member of the iglide plastic bearing family from igus, a line of all-polymer bearings requiring no external lubrication or maintenance.
Iglide T500 attains exceptional heat conductivity due to a unique material blend and thin-walled construction. This enables the bearing to achieve higher speeds than otherwise would be possible. Iglide T500 is an ideal choice for both oscillating, high-loads and high-frequency, low-load applications. In applications with low speeds and radial pressures higher than 8,700 psi iglide T500 lasts twice as long as coated or lubricated metal bearings.
Iglide T500 withstands temperatures of 485 degrees Fahrenheit in continuous operation and up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit for short intervals. It can reach PV values up to approximately 100,000 during dry operation with an almost identical static and dynamic coefficient of friction for effective start-up performance. Iglide T500 is dry running and resistant to UV rays, corrosion and chemicals.
Ideal applications for iglide T500 include outdoor and marine equipment, power transmission, semi-conductor, textile and high heat equipment such as ovens.
Clip it and forget it with igubal clip bearings
February 25, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Bearings
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – June 28, 2007 – Igus® Inc., the leading developer of Energy Chain Systems®, iglide® plastic bearings and DryLin® linear bearings and guide systems, offers igubal® clip bearings, part of the company’s comprehensive line of oil-free, self-aligning bearing products, including spherical, rod end, pillow block and flange styles. Igubal clip bearings are ideal for a variety of sheet metal applications. They are easy to install—just clip into sheet metal, no tools or axial retainer required—and call for minimal installation space as a result of their distinct thin-wall design.
Igubal clip bearings eliminate the misalignment issues often encountered when using imprecisely formed sheet metal and are ideal for both office equipment and automotive seating applications, to name a few. Igubal clips also are equipped with iglide J spherical balls. Igus uses iglide J material throughout its product lines because it is maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant and impervious to dust, dirt, chemicals and UV rays.
All igubal bearings are comprised of high-performance plastics, which provide users with an array of benefits. Igubal bearings are superior to their steel counterparts because they:
Plastic bearings are an economical, maintenance-free alternative to bronze bearings
February 25, 2009 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Bearings
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Igus® Inc. offers iglide R, an economical, maintenance-free alternative to bronze bearings. Iglide R incurs little to no low wear even at high speeds and also is oil-free and resistant to dirt, dust and UV rays. These qualities make iglide R an ideal choice for agricultural and outdoor applications, specifically commercial mowers and golf course equipment, which benefit from its contamination-free properties.
Like all iglide bearings, iglide R is comprised of high-performance plastics that are lightweight and lubrication-free. Unlike bronze bushings, which require regular maintenance and lubrication, engineers can install iglide R and forget it. It will not only outlive its bronze counterparts, but also will reduce costs and never corrode.
Iglide R operates within a permissible temperature range of –58 degrees Fahrenheit to +230 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be used in linear, oscillating and rotating applications and is available in both sleeve and flange styles with inner diameters ranging from 3/16 of an inch to 2 inches. Iglide R can be used in a wide range of environments, including those where water or chemicals are present, due to its low moisture absorption and resistance to alcohol, greases, oils and fuels.
When choosing any iglide plastic bearing from igus, users will enjoy:
Contact a design technician today for free samples of iglide R bearings.
