igus belt drive actuator lowers automation costs

New lubrication- and maintenance-free toothed belt drive actuators from igus can significantly reduce the costs of automation tasks such as pick-and-place, inspection, and assembly applications. High speeds, high load and precise positioning accuracy are not required in every application, such as format adjustment and vision system positioning. Many solutions in the market are oversize, however, and manufacturers pay for unnecessary features and functions or develop their own alternatives. The solution is the drylin econ.

igus’ drylin econ is a ready-to-install entry-level series that makes simple positioning and adjustment tasks efficient and cost-effective. “A belt driven linear system of this entry-level series with a stroke length of 100 millimeters costs slightly above $100,” says Stefan Niermann, head of the drylin linear and drive technology business unit. “A comparable belt-driven stage made with recirculating ball bearings, which have advantages in high-performance requirements and therefore may be oversized for simple tasks, costs almost three times more.”

The carriage and mounting blocks are produced by injection molding, which is more cost-effective in large series compared to the more time-consuming machining process of metal components. “This also reduces the number of components and thus the installation effort for every econ linear axis, which in the end is reflected in the low prices of this entry-level series,” Niermann explains.

Another cost factor is the plain bearings of the sliding carriage, which are made of iglide high-performance plastics. “The bearings are 40 percent more cost effective than conventional rolling bearings and 100 percent maintenance-free in operation,’’ Niermann says.

Without compromising smooth running and durability compared to the standard series, users can simply install the econ axes and save time and money with the maintenance-free, dry operating Tribo polymer bearings.

The entry-level drylin ZLW econ is currently available in two sizes: 0630 (6mm guide shaft x 30mm base width) and 1040 (10mm guide shaft and 40mm base width). The system uses guide rails made of clear-anodized aluminum profiles, and the carriage is made of durable iglide thermoplastics.

A neoprene timing belt is used which enables the carriage to maintain a linear positioning accuracy of 0.3 millimeters. The stroke lengths can be individually determined by the user. With its lightweight construction, the actuators weigh only 0.3 and 0.7 kilograms and can move loads up to 3 or 10 kg respectively. Matching motor kits are also available.

For more information, visit www.igus.com.