Medical assistance system
This year’s Gold award winner is a system that assists doctors with keyhole cochlea implant surgery to treat inner ear deafness and profound deafness.
DryLin® - Glides instead of rolling
DryLin® - Linear plain bearings move on gliding elements unlike the common recirculating ball bearing systems. These glide elements made of high performance polymers can in principle be produced from all iglidur® materials. For this reason, the advantages of the various iglidur® bearing materials are available for the DryLin® linear technology. However the iglidur® J is best suited for most linear applications due to its low-wear and low-friction properties. Hence the DryLin® linear bearings are equipped with this material. This application overview shows you highly varying application areas for maintenance-free linear guide systems made with the DryLin® range.
3D printing machine
This year, Bronze goes to a laser-based 3D printing machine that prints metal parts made of titanium, aluminium, steel or even gold.
Movable touchscreen
This movable touchscreen system has been developed for quality checks in the company’s factories.
Handling and contacting module
This handling and contacting module is used for the automatic electrical measurement of individual boards in the temperature testing cabinet.
3D Printing machine
This 3D printer was constructed with almost no ready-made components.
Automatic packing station
This automatic packing station packs labels in boxes.
Welding tool
This welding device disposes of several rotational positioned welding torches.
Stage design
In this production in the Music Theatre Poznan, a laboratory table on stage needed to be extended in the middle of the scene.
Inverter welding set
The welding head of this welding set can be height-adjusted.
Medical sports equipment
This device is used for physiotherapy treatment for back problems.
Multi-functional gantry in lightweight design
This student project deals with the development of an NC-controlled gantry for use as a multi-function machine tool.
Ergonomic office chair
Lubrication-free plastic bearings for ergonomic office chair
Wafers for the world
Sturdy lead screw linear system for extracting paper ice-cream cones.
Camping without lubricants
Highly compact while traveling, very spacious at the campground, with the help of drylin® lead screw modules.
3D Printing machine
Lubricant-free, accurate, and very quiet: igus® components in 3D printers.
Sausage link cutting machines
Clean, durable, and maintenance-free: polymer plain bearings in the food industry.
Utility vehicle technology
linear plain bearings for steering systems on bus trailers
Tyre mounting machine
This machine enables professional and time-saving mounting and removal of bicycle tyres.
Wear-resistant linear guides
Wear-resistant linear guides ensure 50 percent longer service-life for grinding tool machinery.
Bearings for lab presses
Gliding under the most demanding conditions. Stainless steel shafts, flanged and plain bearing for lab presses.
Wooden pallet manufacturing
Dry-running linear guides and pillow block bearings lead to high service lives in wooden pallet production
Linear technology in diaper production systems
Dry-running linear technology in diaper production systems
Bottling plant in the medical and lab technology
Lubricant-free lead screw units for a bottling plant in the medical technology
Feeder magazine for furniture components
In this case, the use of igus® products is not only advantageous from a technical, but also from a financial point of view when compared to competitive products.
Technical brushes
A builder of technical brush making machinery known world-wide, uses plain bearings from the igus® product range.
Low cost automation demo
Low cost automation demo with robolink®, pikchain® and drylin® E
Lead screw nut in an edge-gluing machine
Lubricant and clearance-free lead screw nut system ensures precision glue dispensing on an edge-gluing machine
Shutoff valve
Plastic plain bearings in process engineering: Completely maintenance and lubricant-free.
Laminate sampler line
By avoiding lubricants, the transported laminated pieces remain clean.
Test stand for control centres
Only extensive earthbound testing can demonstrate the suitability of components for space applications.
Automatic multi-storey car park
Automobiles are parked and subsequently retrieved without the driver's involvement.
Lab equipment for liquid handling
Freedom from lubrication and cleanroom compatibility can be ensured with the maintenance-free steep thread nuts.
Laser marking unit
Among other things, the weight of this laser marking unit could be halved by the use of drylin®.
Coder
The drylin® spindle lift table with position indicator and handwheel is used in a coder to label cheese because of its freedom from lubricants.
Sideboard
A maintenance-free drylin® liner guide system was used in a sideboard to move the upper elements in a flexible manner.
Table with a concept
A drylin® linear guide has been opted in the production of a table due to its freedom from maintenance.
Plastic components in glass processing
For the precision machining in laser engraving machines, several maintenance-free plastic components are used at once.
Paper processing machines
By the use of clearance-free pretensioned nuts in format changing systems in the paper industry, a precise and maintenance-free adjustment of the formats is enabled.
Chess computer
By using drylin® TR steep thread nuts in two chess computers, large strokes can be covered in the shortest possible time.
Sliding worktop
The solid worktop can be moved on glide rails, increasing the working surface of the desk.
Pull-out tray in watch safe
In a very high quality watch safe, the sliding pull-out trays were implemented with linear profile guides.
Table with transverse pull-out tray
Linear plain bearings in the transverse pull-out tray of a wooden tabletop.
3D camera
Instead of using expensive 3D cameras, two regular cameras can be mounted on this device so that together they can generate a three-dimensional image.
3D camera
With this 3D camera system „3D RIG“, the focus was on ease of movement and maintenance freedom.
Analysis device
This application from the field of medicine is an analysis device that helps to diagnose different types of cancer at an early stage.
Work table
Noise-free and precise DryLin® T-rail guides provide clearence for adjusting the height of the work tables.
Asbestos system
For this reason, DryLin® linear guides and igubal® KSTM pedestal bearings are used; these need no maintenance and are not affected by the aggressive asbestos either.
Eye examination table
The vertically adjustable examination table has been designed for eye examinations.
Automatic door opener
This system can be used to convert any door to be opened automatically at the touch of a button.
Automatic gate
This gate, which can be opened and closed automatically, is used in sport stadiums and is folded like an accordion.
Bakery products gripper
This gripper picks up freshly baked goods from a conveyer belt and packs them in baskets.
Tape storage
This machine manages data back-up tapes. The transport movements inside are guided by DryLin® N linear guides.
Drilling resistance gauge
This device measures the drilling resistance of a needle penetrating wood at high rotational speed.
Book digitalisation
This machine can scan books fully automatically, with no human intervention required.
Dental casting machine
This casting machine is used in dental laboratories to make dentures. Dentures are made with it.
Foil saw
The precise positioning for clean cuts was important here, as well as the fact that the entire system is maintenance-free.
Gripper for food packaging
This gripper takes packaging units from a sealing machine, turn each unit by 90 degrees and arranges them in cartons.
Mould tester
Since water is used, the linear guide must be able to work dependably under water.
Induction centrifuge
This newly developed induction centrifuge melts alloys for dental prostheses.
Inspection robot 2
By using iglidur® W300 plain bearings, reliability can be increased. The previously used ball bearings had to be oiled regularly, which is not the case with iglidur® bearings.
Camera dolly 1
This camera dolly is very quiet and easy to adjust. Thereby it allows many variations of movement.
Cheese-wheel turners
The rapid and hygienic cleaning of the machine was an important factor.
Small electric plane
To achieve the best flying conditions, all components must be lightweight and at the same time as durable as possible.
Laboratory instrument
The special device needed to be as economical as possible in its construction, and the individual components as maintenance-free and durable as possible.
Food-cutting
machine
Maximum care must be taken with hygiene wherever foodstuffs are handled.
Hole punch
The exact positioning is important here, which is ensured by the combination of several igus® products.
Machine for extreme dirt removal
A low-cost linear plain bearing with a long service life was required, which can compensate alignment faults and is as light as possible.
Medication dispenser
This machine removes medications from the original packaging and re-packages them in smaller doses.
Medical body scanner
A DryLin® T linear guide system is used in this medical body scanner.
Pagepulltester
This pagepulltester is a high-precision measuring instrument for the bookbinding industry.
Model train lift
The trains belonging to this particular model train fan can be driven automatically from the shelf onto the track.
Packing robot
This packing robot even stacks baked goods in boxes. It has a double-headed gripper system.
Patient lift
The manus® contribution submitted here is the new development of a patient lift for ambulances for transporting patients who are able to sit in the vehicle.
Positioning frame
This frame construction allows the user to move the clamped tools, such as welding or milling equipment, along three axes, as desired.
Testing equipment for trains
Trains are tested for their electro-magnetic compatibility in a shielded hall here.
Tyre gauge
This device can measure the circumference of car tyres without the vehicle having to be moved.
Robot gripper
This contribution to the manus® competition – a robot gripper – is extremely flexible.
Dorsal trainer
This equipment is used to train the dorsal muscles. In order to use it comfortably, the base must be adjustable.
Sanitary elements in mobile homes
Here, sanitary elements in the bathroom unit are installed with igus® products.
Semi-trailer
The cables that connect the tractor and semi-trailer must be flexible to compensate for the different lengths of trailers.
Foam cutter
The cutting wire is moved along the vertical axis by two DryLin® ZLW toothed belt shafts.
Sliding door
The door, which is about 3 metres high and 1.7 metres wide, is supported by a DryLin® W linear guide. The good gliding properties allow the door to be moved without any problems.
Grinding machine
All igus® products used are maintenance- free, giving the machine a long service-life.
Cutting mechanism 1
This cutting mechanism is used in the beverage industry. Several igus® products were used here.
Shrinking machine
The challenge was to find a linear guide that can work reliably and quickly under these tough conditions.
„Drawer that slides round corners“
This smart application creates more stowage space under the bed.
Screen printing machine
Here a DryLin® T linear guide is used in a high-performance screen printing machine.
Solar silicon growth equipment
Previously, metal bearings and linear guides were used, which rusted quickly and therefore required frequent maintenance.
Deep-sea drive
This motor is to drive deep-sea robots even at 6,000 metres under the sea.
Machine for frying Spanish omelettes
Gold Award at manus® 2011: Machine for frying Spanish omelettes of Carmelo Lagunas Escudero, Spain
Transport with chains
This equipment is used in the food industry. The baked goods are separated on these chains.
Examination table 2
This electrically adjustable examination table was also submitted to the manus® contest.
Vending machine
This machine sells bottles of high-quality olive oil. Three movement axes are required to move the bottles from their fixture to the outlet.
Packaging equipment
This equipment can package various industrial products, with any materials.
Packaging machines
The patented machine is an all-rounder when it comes to packing. It can print parcels in a single step and seal them with printed adhesive tape.
Adjustable arm chairs
the armrests of this chair are adjustable, to accommodate the needs of the individual user.
Adjustable dining table
Are more guests coming than you expected? That‘s no problem with this dining table, because its width can be adjusted to exactly the width you need.
Adjustment unit
A DryLin® T-linear guide is used for adjustment. This easily copes with the cycle rate of 80 cycles per minute.
Weighing system
Any movement that is to be performed here must be lubrication-free, executed free of wear and, if wear does occur, it must be free of heavy metals, etc., that could give distorted results in the chemical analysis.
Drum sanding machine
The DryLin® W linear guide used as a double rail more than four metres long, making adjustment of the console easy.
Washing stacker
Prototype of a gripper that is to be used to stack and move washing automatically in laundries.
Wave machine
Since the tank is filled with salt water, the components used may not be susceptible to corrosion.
Train door
At a speed of more than 350 kilometres per hour, these trains will be racing through China as of 2012, connecting Beijing and Shanghai.
Filling system
High mileage in continuous operation: DryLin® T in a filling system in the food industry.
Maintenance-free for 5 years
Ball bearings were used earlier in this parting unit. They completely came apart after just 6 months.
Production of aluminum cartridges
DryLin® R in a facility for the production of aluminum cartridges.
Stop dog system
A stop dog system based on the DryLin® W linear guide has been used here for the accurate drilling of glass.
Baking and conveyor unit
In this baking and conveyor unit, DryLin® T and DryLin® N flat guides are used.
Component test / Measuring technology
In this testing station, the eddy current crack detection of components for the automotive industry is conducted with the application of DryLin® T.
Leg press on fitness equipment
Maintenance-free guide and bearing in seat and footrests on a fitness equipment.
Sheet metal forming
machine
DryLin® trapezoidal leadscrew nut in a sheet metal forming machine.
Blister machine / Packaging technology
DryLin® W for positioning of films in a blister machine.
Closed-loop guide system
DryLin® N 40 carriage is used in this closed-loop guide system.
Welding tongs for the automotive industry
DryLin® linear guide in EURO-C welding tongs for the automotive industry.
Mechanical deburring of metal parts
Plastic instead of recirculating ball bearings - DryLin® linear guides for machine deburring
Mobile and stationary saw mills
Maintenance-free polymer bearings in mobile and stationary saw mills.
Handling device
DryLin® linear guide systems provide for compact and thereby highly flexible handling devices.
Oil platform
DryLin® plastic plain bearings in an inspection device for offshore drilling riser
Bottle grabber
Lower wear and more cost effective by converting to DryLin®: so far the system has run without failures.
Conveyor chain
Application of DryLin® W for the guidance of a conveyor chain for goods.
Filling-shoe mechanism in a compaction unit
Application of DryLin® R linear plain bearings for a filling shoe mechanism of a compaction unit.
Separation of bottles
DryLin® SLW - With reverse spindle in the glass industry for separation of bottles.
Glass cutting machine
DryLin® W in adjusting unit for a glass cutting machine.
Encoding machine
Application of the DryLin® spindle lift table in the encoding machine for the height adjustment while changing the encoding material.
Inspection optics
DryLin® T in inspection optics for trouble-free examination of concealed solder joints in components.
Enveloping machine
DryLin® T linear guides of a pneumatic opener mounted on one side for envelopes.
Engraving machine
An engraving machine with igus® products, as final project work after four years of advanced education in automation technology.
Two-component mixing unit
DryLin® trapezoidal leadscrew nuts and iglidur® high-performance polymer in two-component blending station.
Machining center in the furniture industry
For the perfect cut. DryLin® T in a machining center in the furniture industry.
Positioning of milling heads
The positioning of milling heads is done with DryLin® SHT linear slide table in this plant which manufactures aluminum window frames.
Eraser robot
The eraser robot of the Hans Böckler-Schule at the Berufskolleg Münster combines technology with cultural history.
Tube-bending machine
For extremely high strengths: DryLin® T linear guide in a tube-bending machine.
Spotlight adjustment
The DryLin® N flat guide in a special design provides for the adjustment of spotlights.
Bag forming, filling and sealing machine
Application of DryLin® high-temperature bearings in bag forming, filling and sealing machine for the sealing bar bearing
Grinding machine
Application of DryLin® T for adjustment of the pressing roller and the compensation of the imbalance of the grinding tools.
Forming, filling and sealing machine
DryLin® high temperature bearings are used in the tool guide system of this forming, filling and sealing machine.
Automatic welding cap changer
Automotive industry: flexible linear sliding system for automatic welding cap changer.
Champagne bottle
sealing machine
DryLin® in a champagne bottle
sealing machine in the filling technology.
Set head for small format tiles
DryLin® guide systems in a die head for small size tiles work without problems despite dusty and cramped working conditions.
Testing and sorting machine
The removal unit is moved along the X-Y axis using the space-saving and cost-saving DryLin® N flat guide.
Digital storage solution
Even extremely low oil mist could lead to the loss of data - therefore the dry-operating DryLin® N flat guide system was used.
Electrical actuator
For extremely varied format adjustments: DryLin® SHT spindle lift table.
X-Y-Z table adjustment
DryLin® SHT spindle lift table for a precise positioning of the tools in X-Y-Z direction.
Parting-off grinder
Application of DryLin® R for the guidance of the cutting table
Transfer unit
DryLin® - Application in the food technology due to the freedom from lubricants.
Packaging machines
This application uses DryLin® T linear guide system to steer gripping plates.
Door guide of machine tools
Smooth and silent operation due to DryLin® in the doors of the machine tool.
Toothed belt unit with guide system
The toothed belt unit with the DryLin® N guide system is suited for highly dynamic applications.
Designer lamp
Besides the grease and lubricant-free operation, the silent and smooth operation of the DryLin® linear guide system were decisive for using this system in this designer lamp.
Polishing machine for aluminium rims
Lubricant-free DryLin® W linear guide systems in a polishing machine for aluminium rims ensure a long service life.
Longitudinal stop
Stop carriage runs smoothly due to wear-resistant high-performance polymers.
Bag forming, filling and sealing machine
Maintenance-free plastic bearing defy all outer influences and provides for the required service life.
Catering kitchen technology
Chemical-resistant and corrosion-free: maintenance-free polymer plain bearings in catering kitchen appliances.
Photovoltaic tracking system
Wind, sand and sun: Plastic plain bearing for solar technology
Dialysis chair
Maintenance-free guide and bearing in arm and leg rest on the dialysis chair.
Leather industry
Precise and durable - Polymer bearings for novel leather splitting machine.
Packaging machines
Sought by Mr. Clean - The lubricant-free bearing system is highly recommended for the food and hygiene industry.
Straightening technology
Quick, straight, precise: this is how the requirements in sheet metal machining can be summarized. Sophisticated straightening technology makes all this possible.
Screen printing machine
Maximum precision in color application, thanks to DryLin®.
Roof sliding door for entering crane cabin
Saves costs and better
Automatic cup supply system for cup filling line
No lubricants in food sector
Hot wire cutting machine for Styrofoam parts
Less production complexity
Automatic height compensation for stand-up wheel chairs
Stable and safe
Linear plain bearings for steering systems on bus trailers
Rust-free and temperature-resistant
Machine for cleaning toilet seats
Resistant against chemicals and dirt
Storage-slide unit for an automatic storage/retrieval system
Effective with little installation space
Adjustable biker's foot rest on motorbike
Flat and durable
manus® Bronze: Over 170,000 Euro of benefits
Over 170,000 Euro of benefits were able to be achieved by using polymer plain bearings
Offshore
The bearings reliably transmit the high radial centering forces with low friction and free of stick-slip and minimize the arm system's friction through their integrated start-up.
Circuit board pick and place
This novel insertion head (pick & place) for circuit board machine uses DryLin® liners.
Set head for small format tiles
DryLin®-supported aluminum shafts with carriage in the set head for small format tiles.
Buzz saw
Buzz saw with essentially improved operating feature by the application of DryLin® linear plain bearings.
Beverage can emptying device
The problem of the design was in the limited installation space by the combination of two movements independent of each other and the high mechanical stressing.
Bottle packing machine
The redevelopment of a gripper using igus® guide elements resulted in a very thin, rugged and lubricant-free gripper tool that is right now not available in the market.
Handling device
In this application as well, glide pads made of polymer contribute toward the enhancement of the technical performance and an increase in the degree of automation.
Concrete pipe cutter
Concrete cutting machine in extremely heavy-duty operation since three years free of maintenance.
Tool presetting device
In this tool presetting device, DryLin® guide carriages made of iglidur® J200 are used as measuring carriages. They contribute toward the attainment of a precision and repeat accuracy of +/- 0.1 mm in the application.
Edge processing
machine
Due to the low friction in the use of roller bearings, a complex counter force or gripping mechanism is necessary.
Seat cover testing machine
Reduction of maintenance rate through polymer plain bearings in seat cover testing machine.
Art over TV - Art over flat-screen TV
Flat-screen TVs are increasingly mounted on walls. But previously pictures or paintings often hung at this place. Art over TV combines both.
Handling device
The igus® potentials enable a precise guidance and the maximum gripper speed in both directions "X" and "Y".
Tank seat
The backrest adjustment is implemented with DryLin® products, the headrests are mounted on the backrest with plastic plain bearings made of iglidur® G.
Helicopter load system
A novel external load system for helicopters required a low weight, high reliability with simultaneous weather resistance and freedom from maintenance.
Automated teller machines
In the redesigning of the table guidance, the focus was on a ready-to-install, cost-efficient, durable and lubricant-free bearing and guide.
Rotary indexing table
Rotary indexing table for the manufacture of plastic products: igus® guiding systems and energy chains contribute to the problem solution.
Toothbrush testing machine
Toothbrush testing machine runs with exceptionally low noise by the application of polymer plain bearings.
Lifting device in food industry
The employed liner also compensates for a minor misalignment in the axles. The most important feature is the fat-free and chemical resistant version.
Die casting mold manufacturing
Since the switch to DryLin® W, the system runs without any problem and without a stoppage.
Linear actuator
Linear actuator with toothed belt drive: All disadvantages were eliminated by the DryLin® WQ guide system.
Circlip inspection
The application of Drylin® linear housings and iglidur® G plain bearings enable the centering pin to have a clean and easy drive up.
Micro-diascope
Besides, there were substantial quality limitations with regard to the large clearance in the ball guide. With the igus® low profile guide system, this problem was ideally solved at a low price.
Powder coating-
plant
Conventional guide systems break down as no oil or fat whatsoever should enter the dipping bath.
Testing- and loading-device
Sought for was a linear guide system for a load cell with light operation, leeway and flat design.
Special bikes and therapeutic accessories
Plain, spherical and linear bearings made of plastic help to improve mobility and the quality of life
Cable guide on the robot
In the case of this industrial robot, a rigid pipe between the 3rd and 6th axis wasreplaced by a multidimensional, flexible Triflex® R energy chain®.
Basketball shooting device
Basketball shooting device for wheelchairs: Due to igus® products only a little energy is lost through friction, and there is only a minimal angular shift when the shaft accelerates vertically.
Data storage device
The plastic bearings allowed the design department to fulfill the specifications for designing the input/output port.
Unloading robot
Unloading robot in industry: linear bearings enable very quiet running and are totally maintenance-free.
Slide fastening track
Replacement of solution with lubricants in fastening device to secure aluminium sliding windows.
Air cushion table
Reliable continuous operation in air cushion table on industrial feed.
Medical apparatus
Machine to carry out a non-invasive treatment of complaints on sole of foot fascias works with igus® linear plain bearings.
Press
feeding device
The new press feeding device needed more space for the new loader.
Automatic product feed
An automatic product feed takes products to a blister sealing machine.
Seed measuring appliance
DryLin® N provides free travel path and guarantees the necessary gap.
Injection molding machine
DryLin® copes with long distances and offers a high cost reduction.
Flugservolator soaring simulator
The bearings from igus® were decided because they are maintenance-free and cost-effective and absolutely simple to handle.
Soccer table
Application of a high-value spindle lift table with steep-threaded spindle, linear guide systems and igubal® spherical bearings.
PLC laboratory trainer
The aim of the concept is to demonstrate to the students how to handle a programmable logic controller (abbreviation: PLC) in an attractive way.
Ultra high vacuum gadget
Despite the particularly very high temperatures (up to 180°C during baking out of the gadget), the igus® plain bearings provide for the necessary flexibility and simultaneous precision.
Center armrest
iglidur® polymer bearings / drylin® linear slide bearings in center armrest
Chrysalis
For the equipment made for the film "Chrysalis", only high quality materials were used.
Reduced electrical installation time
Energy chains, fully assembled with cables and connectors, are delivered ready for mounting (ReadyChain®) and can be installed immediately. In this way the electrical installation time has been halved.
Fence post
As the air in the machinery is very dusty, no lubricants may be used in the production process.
Assembly press for air conditioning unit
Using DryLin® T linear guide and iglidur® PRT slewing ring bearings, the movement under the press and the pivoting of the parts to be assembled is mastered.
Folding and gluing machines
When it comes to designing customer-specific folding box gluing machines, special machine constructor Bernhardt Maschinenbau relies on lubricant and maintenance-free linear plain bearings.
Horizontal forming, filling and sealing machines
On these horizontal forming, filling and sealing machines, the total freedom from maintenance over the machines' entire life cycle was particularly important for the customer.
CNC-Machining centre
Lightweight, robust and do not require polymer bearings are installed in machine tools and machining centres across a large range of industries.
Sliding sunshade
While designing the sliding sunshade, much emphasis was placed upon a dirt- and weather-resistant bearing and guidance.
Control panels
In this application, the enormous cost advantage over conventional roller guides was especially important.
Safety door adjustment
In this safety door adjustment application in a washing plant, a DryLin® W linear guide with integrated rollers was chosen.
Further interesting applications from extremely diverse areas can be found here.