One Spanish OEM has developed a drone for pest control; the design features low-weight carbon linear guides and a micro energy chain and pillow block bearings manufactured by igus. The FitoStinger was developed by the Technology & Advances Centre of Barcelona. It includes an extendable arm that allows the precise spraying of pesticides. Light maintenance-free […]
igus
igus unveils new quick-fill energy chain
The new E4Q energy chain from igus can be opened and closed in seconds without tools and has been specifically developed for the special requirements of unsupported lengths and long travels. igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, unveiled a prototype of the new E4Q in April at Hannover Messe. The chain links have a […]
New lead screw configurator from igus allows for quick design
igus has developed a new lead screw configurator that allows users to quickly design their own lead screw and associated drawing without in-depth technical knowledge and CAD software. Designing a lead screw usually requires significant effort for the user, who is required to have technical drawing skills and access to a CAD program. The new […]
Linear motion trends in slides: Robotics and mobile designs lead the charge
Demand for simple-to-install and pre-integrated linear-slide systems continues unabated … especially in applications only recently automated. Here’s the perspective of Matt Mowry, North American market manager for drylin products at igus: “We’ve supplied fully assembled and customized linear-slide tables … complete with motors and accessories. We’ve also supplied custom-extruded linear profiles and bearing liners to […]
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, […]
Motion Trends: Applications expand for versatile lead screws
Improvements in lead screw designs have meant screws that are increasingly competitive with other types of drive screws, including ball screws. For instance, lead screws can offer shorter lead times and better performance, all at a lower cost than other screw technologies. Quite a few lead screw manufacturers offer a range of anti-backlash options, superior […]
New bearing from igus assists in quick, easy liner replacement
igus has introduced a new bearing, drylin W Exchange, for its drylin W linear system in which the liner can be replaced directly on the rail without dismantling the system. By using a practical assembly tool, users can push the old liner out of the housing, clip the new one on to the shaft and […]
Motion and control objectives for automated storage and retrieval systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems are a key enabler of the next-day delivery we’ve come to expect from online retailers. But like other types of automation, AS/RS equipment must meet the customer’s objectives for safety, footprint, and energy efficiency. It used to be that as you drove through industrial suburbs, just beyond cities such as […]
What is stick-slip?
Stick-slip, also referred to as “stiction,” is the bane of engineers and machine builders who need smooth, precise motion. Simply put, it’s the jerkiness that can plague both plain and recirculating linear bearings when they transition from standstill to motion. Here’s why stick-slip happens… When two objects slide against each other, friction works against their motion. […]
Guide systems that turn corners
The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line, but some applications dictate moving in curved sections and around corners. When two or more axes are combined, as in a Cartesian or gantry system, a method of control called contouring can be used to create radii and round the corners of traditional rectilinear coordinates. […]
