Machine for frying Spanish omelettes
Gold Award at manus® 2011: Machine for frying Spanish omelettes of Carmelo Lagunas Escudero, Spain
Plastic bearings have made huge leaps forward in the last two decades. Today they solve problems by uniting two opposite extremes with each other: Technical innovation and cost reduction. The manus® contest awards bold applications with plastic bearings, which distinguish themselves through technical and economic efficiency, creativity and surprising results.
Here you may see a part of the presented applications.
Gold Award at manus® 2011: Machine for frying Spanish omelettes of Carmelo Lagunas Escudero, Spain
Silver Award at manus® 2011: String trimmer-cutting disc of PRODULEX UNIPESSOAL LDA, Portugal
Bronze Award at manus® 2011: Hand prothesis of Vincent Systems GmbH, Germany
Special Award at manus® 2011: Robot Head of Archimedes Solutions GmbH, Germany
This application creates new possibilities in steel construction, shipbuilding, cable cars, plant engineering or in general mechanical engineering.
The challenge was to find a linear guide that can work reliably and quickly under these tough conditions.
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.
Prototype of a gripper that is to be used to stack and move washing automatically in laundries.
The application required a bearing that can be fitted or replaced quickly and can resist the dusty environmental conditions.
The DryLin® W linear guide used as a double rail more than four metres long, making adjustment of the console easy.
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.
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.
The stones used can weigh anything up to 4,000 kilogrammes. This means a heavy-duty load for all the components used.
All igus® products used are maintenance- free, giving the machine a long service-life.
Noise-free and precise DryLin® T-rail guides provide clearence for adjusting the height of the work tables.
This frame construction allows the user to move the clamped tools, such as welding or milling equipment, along three axes, as desired.
Previously, metal bearings and linear guides were used, which rusted quickly and therefore required frequent maintenance.
This machining results in lost of wood chips and dust, of course, which would stick to lubricants.
The precise positioning for clean cuts was important here, as well as the fact that the entire system is maintenance-free.
Each machine contains 69 igubal® fl ange bearings, which were chosen on account of their corrosion resistance, lubricant freedom and space-saving design.
igus® thrust washers and flange bearings were used for the new design. They made the elaborate milling of the base plate unnecessary.
Since temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius occur here, the pilot must wear fire and heat-resistant clothing. The bearings used also have to withstand the high temperatures and pressures.
A low-cost linear plain bearing with a long service life was required, which can compensate alignment faults and is as light as possible.
The screwconveyer of the gritting unit has to be mounted movable in order to compensate axial offset and dynamic movements in the screw.
This inspection robot was developed especially for use in pipelines.
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.
This small vehicle adheres firmly to surfaces with its magnetic wheels, to inspect welding joints.
The exact positioning is important here, which is ensured by the combination of several igus® products.
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.
The bearings of the ice screw must be insensitive to water and dirt, as well as thermally insulated.
This machine weaves and prints terry cloth hand towels.
The various work processes like aluminum etching are sometimes done with extremely aggressive materials.
For the gripper bracket for screws in automatic screwing devices – previously a job done by steel cheeks.
This machine is used to pack products in blister film.
With this hand tool for the rolling and repairing of threads, the bearing support of the profi led roller is particularly important.
This manus® contribution is concerned with the cost-effective increase in production and process reliability for manual assembly using low-cost automation.
The high stressing through the three-shift operation and the shocks caused by the moving parts were crucial for the application of igus® products.
This equipment can package various industrial products, with any materials.
This device measures the drilling resistance of a needle penetrating wood at high rotational speed.
Since water is used, the linear guide must be able to work dependably under water.
In this case, the design for a 5-axle jointed arm was submitted to the manus® competition.
This machine is used for loading and unloading of boxes at an automated warehouse.
This robotic vehicle is designed for a very special environment: it will one day be driving on Mars.
This device can measure the circumference of car tyres without the vehicle having to be moved.
The cutting wire is moved along the vertical axis by two DryLin® ZLW toothed belt shafts.
The steering unit, inclusive of the steering rod, is made of carbon fibres and is mounted with igubal® flange bearings and igubal® rod end bearings. These allow a weight reduction of about 30 per cent compared to other solutions.
igus® plastic plain bearings are used here in the shock absorber of an excavator seat.
These cameras integrated in the rearview mirror of buses make roads safer.
Here, sanitary elements in the bathroom unit are installed with igus® products.
The cables that connect the tractor and semi-trailer must be flexible to compensate for the different lengths of trailers.
Lightweight components are particularly important here to ensure as little energy as possible is required for movement.
This folding trailer “Tyligo” is extremely flexible and can be used to transport all kinds of things.
This application shows a conversion kit for the suspension in three-wheeled motorcycles.
This special wheelchair allows people who can only walk with diffi culty to go to the beach.
Trains are tested for their electro-magnetic compatibility in a shielded hall here.
At a speed of more than 350 kilometres per hour, these trains will be racing through China as of 2012, connecting Beijing and Shanghai.
In this application, plain bearings made of iglidur® Z replace a ball bearing and a needle bearing in a superimposed transmission.
In this car-trailer, an igus® flange bearing made of iglidur® Z replaces the previously used phosphor bronze bearing.
To achieve the best flying conditions, all components must be lightweight and at the same time as durable as possible.
With this snowboard, the “Twistboard”, both parts are connected via an axially aligned joint.
The driver lies on this vehicle with his armed stretched out and head facing forward.
An extremely light weight is the most important criterion when constructing a racing bike brake.
In this application, metallic ball bearings and DU bushings have been replaced by lighter iglidur® flange bearings.
This equipment is used to train the dorsal muscles. In order to use it comfortably, the base must be adjustable.
In this exercise equipment, vibrations are specifically used to build up muscles.
When the design was revised, the metal pivoting bearings used so far were replaced by igubal® KGLM pivoting bearings.
Four igubal® pivoting bearings from igus® were tested for the floating axle through the drive, and found to be suitable after several months of tests.
This gate, which can be opened and closed automatically, is used in sport stadiums and is folded like an accordion.
This exceptional sporting equipment makes bombing down a ski slope like riding a bicycle.
Here, igus® plastic plain bearings have replaced classical roller bearings and stand up to environmental influences such as dirt and corrosion.
The bicycle pedal presented here responds to the ergonomic and biomechanical needs of cyclists.
A conventional material in an unusual application: This bike frame is entirely made of wood.
This design was first used to deal with problems of clearance and friction. With iglidur® G plain bearings, however, these problems were eliminated.
This newly developed induction centrifuge melts alloys for dental prostheses.
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.
This innovative sledge allows people to ski sitting down. The sledge is steered by the feet and tilted by the hands.
Here, igubal® plastic rod end bearings from igus® are used in the steering on an electric wheelchair.
Plain bearings from igus® are used for the movement of the front and rear wheels. Thanks to them, there are no problems with wear or corrosion.
This manus® contribution also shows an exceptional off-road wheelchair, the "Quadrix".
This electrically adjustable examination table was also submitted to the manus® contest.
The vertically adjustable examination table has been designed for eye examinations.
A DryLin® T linear guide system is used in this medical body scanner.
In this prosthesis for pneumatic knee joints, iglidur® J piston rings replace the previously used PTFE guide bands.
This joint is a new development to be used in prostheses. iglidur® J plain bearings and igubal® spherical bearings are installed in it.
This application from the field of medicine is an analysis device that helps to diagnose different types of cancer at an early stage.
This machine removes medications from the original packaging and re-packages them in smaller doses.
A DryLin® T-linear guide is used for adjustment. This easily copes with the cycle rate of 80 cycles per minute.
The special device needed to be as economical as possible in its construction, and the individual components as maintenance-free and durable as possible.
This casting machine is used in dental laboratories to make dentures. Dentures are made with it.
This valve is used for filling ice-cream containing pieces of fruit in fully automatic industrial packing machines.
Maximum care must be taken with hygiene wherever foodstuffs are handled.
With this application, salami is cut into slices. As with all applications in contact with food, here too lubricants cannot be used.
This machine sells bottles of high-quality olive oil. Three movement axes are required to move the bottles from their fixture to the outlet.
The „ConCut“ is a CNC-controlled cutting system for confectionary products.
This gripper picks up freshly baked goods from a conveyer belt and packs them in baskets.
This packing robot even stacks baked goods in boxes. It has a double-headed gripper system.
This contribution to the manus® competition – a robot gripper – is extremely flexible.
This cutting mechanism is used in the beverage industry. Several igus® products were used here.
The components used must be suitable for use with food, which is why the design engineers decided in favour of xiros® ball bearings.
The rapid and hygienic cleaning of the machine was an important factor.
This equipment is used in the food industry. The baked goods are separated on these chains.
Plain bearings are used, made of iglidur® A500, an FDA-compliant high-temperature material.
Here, the honey is being loosened from the combs. For this, the honeycombs are pierced with needles.
This machine cleans and sorts all types of grain. First the grain is separated from other material by an air current.
This gripper takes packaging units from a sealing machine, turn each unit by 90 degrees and arranges them in cartons.
This pagepulltester is a high-precision measuring instrument for the bookbinding industry.
Here a DryLin® T linear guide is used in a high-performance screen printing machine.
This fully automatic page turner for people with disabilities can automatically turn the pages of many newspapers, magazines, folders, exercise books and the like.
This machine can scan books fully automatically, with no human intervention required.
This device is used for folding letters. The folding operation in a small space reduces the frame sizes of folding machines.
The use of iglidur® bearings quadrupled the service life of the machine. It made it possible to save almost 300 mechanic-hours plus ca. 8 tonnes of cotton wool.
This solar system can be installed either on its own or in combination with a wind turbine.
This solar system can be installed either on its own or in combination with a wind turbine.
xiros® ball bearings from igus® are used in this planetary gearbox that is used in wind turbines.
The prototype of the „Sunseeker Duo“ solar plane is the world‘s first solar-powered two-seater.
This solar thermal power plant also obtains energy from the rays of the sun, without fossil fuels.
For solar systems to retain their entire performance capacity, they have to be cleaned at regular intervals, particularly in sandy regions.
Seawater is a very corrosive environment on account of its high salt content. Components that are exposed to the water must withstand it.
In this pedal boat, the moving parts of the drive mechanism must be mounted free of lubricants, since the screw is in the water.
This motor is to drive deep-sea robots even at 6,000 metres under the sea.
Since the tank is filled with salt water, the components used may not be susceptible to corrosion.
The trains belonging to this particular model train fan can be driven automatically from the shelf onto the track.
The suspension pins in this racing car were previously guided without bearings.
These fully functional steam locomotives have been built to a scale of 1:11.
Model train enthusiasts will enjoy this Rhätische Railway locomotive for a long time to come.
This doll is used for representing maritime signals and originated from a marketing project in collaboration with a doll builder.
This fully functional hydraulic excavator was copied on a scale of 1:14.5.
This camera dolly is very quiet and easy to adjust. Thereby it allows many variations of movement.
the armrests of this chair are adjustable, to accommodate the needs of the individual user.
A tarp is lowered slowly over the car, so that at first only the outlines are visible; then the tarp is cut by the special mechanism and the car is presented to the public.
With this system, for example, terraces can be roofed flexibly. The roof is even waterproof in the closed state.
This system can be used to convert any door to be opened automatically at the touch of a button.
Another newly developed dolly for camera movement is the subject of this manus® contribution.
The main concern when designing the bearing support for this record player turntable was silent and low-vibration movement.
With this 3D camera system „3D RIG“, the focus was on ease of movement and maintenance freedom.
This adjustable camera tripod is usually used for cameras that have their centre of gravity well beyond the bearing axis.
This machine manages data back-up tapes. The transport movements inside are guided by DryLin® N linear guides.
This smart application creates more stowage space under the bed.
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.
The use of an igubal® EFSM flange bearing has allowed the development of a maintenance-free and silent seat mechanism element.
Provides a seat without taking too much room away from pedestrians: this is possible with the „Sitty“ folding seat.
This information board is exposed to the weather and the forces of nature all year round.
Moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations often lead to undesirable expansion of the component parts.
No matter how much the sun shines: these sunshades ensure pleasant light conditions within the building.
iglidur® plain bearings and thrust washers are shown here in the service of art.
Maintenance-free igubal® pedestal bearings are used in theatre seats; they are noiseless and operate reliably even at high loads.
Children are especially prone to squeeze their fingers in glass swinging doors. This safety door prevents that, because it „gives“.
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.
This electric wheelchair also makes use of the properties of igus® plain bearings.
Further Applications (PDF)
Gold at manus® 2007: Autosplit D3 splitting machine
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.
In conventional solutions, while cleaning, the lubricant on the bearings is washed away or the bearings are even rinsed to get rid of the dirt particles.
Consistent application of igus® plain bearings in the aircraft design in fiber composite honeycomb-
sandwich construction.
Enhancement of service life, machine availability, stability and carrying capacity by the application of iglidur® in rollers on mini excavator.
DryLin®-supported aluminum shafts with carriage in the set head for small format tiles.
Buzz saw with essentially improved operating feature by the application of DryLin® linear plain bearings.
Bearing materials marked by special properties such as low coefficients of friction in dry operation, resistance to chemicals and low humidity absorption in equal measure are best suited for the application in high-tech beverages bottling plants.
Adjustable desktops in workplaces for the handicapped.
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.
Patient's welfare in focus - How polymer bearings improve an artificial joint.
Polymer bearings in electric cars for children: Top quality was achieved.
Concrete cutting machine in extremely heavy-duty operation since three years free of maintenance.
Veneer jointing
machine ACR Speedstar: Cost advantages through polymer plain bearings.
By the almost wear-free bearing assembly that withstands a high pressure at the same time, this push-rod drive chain was optimized in line with the market.
The igus® potentials enable a precise guidance and the maximum gripper speed in both directions "X" and "Y".
Steering linkage of the hydrogen-powered world record vehicle HYSUN 3000.
iglidur® X was selected as glide material for the guide of the piston rod due to the adequate resistance to temperature and moisture.
A bearing was sought for the following application: Hot frying oil up to 220° C, food safe. Solution to the problem: iglidur® A500 bearings.
In order to fulfill the bearing system's manifold requirements, the igus® bearings are used in the standard-production application.
The igubal® ball heads are particularly well-suited for this requirement. They do not indicate any notable clearance even after about 15 million operation cycles.
By the modification of the plain bearing partner plastic-metal into plastic-plastic, a conversion in the integral design was possible by the use of plastic components.
In the redesigning of the table guidance, the focus was on a ready-to-install, cost-efficient, durable and lubricant-free bearing and guide.
By the use of igus® plain bearings, no notable clearance or abrasion was recognizable even after a long service life.
By a modified function system and the use of plastic bearings, a completely new generation of control wheels is developed, which is maintenance-free and low priced.
Automatic lock for a convertible top: By the use of the calibratable igus® flanged bearing, the maximum axial clearance could be lowered from 1.5 mm to 0.5 mm.
Toothbrush testing machine runs with exceptionally low noise by the application of polymer plain bearings.
The employed liner also compensates for a minor misalignment in the axles. The most important feature is the fat-free and chemical resistant version.
By the new arrangement of the plain bearings, the drive wheels of the transport vehicle could utilize the rotary movement of the individual bearing to guide the front wheels accurately through the track of the unloading station.
Kinematic system for automobiles: The employed plain bearing enables a tolerance adjustment of the loading platform to the side paneling.
In the fulfilling of all requirements, the use of a pair of plastic bearings with elastic flange played the crucial role, which enabled the clearance-free installation of the locking hook.
Wheel mount handling for automobiles: Since about a year in daily use, the wheel mount handling system gives no trouble to the customers.
Since the switch to DryLin® W, the system runs without any problem and without a stoppage.
The advantages of using the bushing are: top-quality products, quick installation, long-lasting service life (2 million switching cycles) and the exceptional ruggedness.
The bearings have been installed about a year ago and since then operate free of troubles in the manufacturing.
Linear actuator with toothed belt drive: All disadvantages were eliminated by the DryLin® WQ guide system.
Costs have been saved in mounting by the use of iglidur® plain bearings.
Ball bearing assemblies are very precarious due to the lubricant particularly under water. Stainless steel guidances cannot be considered due to the high costs. Plastic is used also for hygienic reasons.
The bearing tolerances could be clearly enhanced by the machining of the inner diameter of the iglidur® P polymer plain bearing.
Application of polymer plain bearings in a tire cord machine ensures stability
The application of Drylin® linear housings and iglidur® G plain bearings enable the centering pin to have a clean and easy drive up.
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.
These igus® bearings look particularly suited for the specified application, as they are resistant to water, dirt and temperature and are also maintenance-free.
Application of polymer plain bearings in bagging machines for caustic soda.
The igubal® flange bearings were by far the most cost-efficient alternative in comparison.
The main requirements of this application are: High dynamic accuracy, low weight with high stiffening and high availability in 3-shift operation.
An injection-molded part was created by igus® and used in the existing housing shell. Now it's been working for five years.
Testing devices for sintered parts: A lubricant-free linear guide (liquid pollution) should be guaranteed.
Pivot arm in injection-molding machines mounted with plastic plain bearings: With the simple plug-in installation and the adjustable collar, it was possible to abandon the highly complex bonding mechanism.
Conventional guide systems break down as no oil or fat whatsoever should enter the dipping bath.
Sought for was a linear guide system for a load cell with light operation, leeway and flat design.
The challenge: The operating temperature is maximum 140°C and the applied material must be resistant to all cleaning agents used in the beverages industry.
In a newly designed mechanism, the conventional roller ball bearings were replaced by iglidur® plastic plain bearings.
The objective was to keep the weight of the climbing robot as low as possible, so that it can move with suction cups on smooth surfaces like window panes.
Over 30 iglidur® plastic plain bearings assist to satisfy these requirements.
This novel insertion head (pick & place) for circuit board machine uses DryLin® liners.
In this scooter, the steering was newly designed with igus® polymer plain bearings.
The eraser robot of the Hans Böckler-Schule at the Berufskolleg Münster combines technology with cultural history.
Here an iglidur® polymer slewing ring bearing is used, which is distinguished by its low weight.
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.
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.
iglidur® G is the problem solver in this rotor head The rotor blades rotate about 400 times per minute and thereby execute oscillating motion with maximum 30°.
A UV radiator unchanged for 10 years was reconstructed and improved in the details. The iglidur® Z flange bearing reduces here the costs and the amount of maintenance.
The universal joint presented here is, contrary to the common universal/cardan joints, not only designed for the transmission of torsional forces.
The hinge elements and cam rollers of the ramps are inserted with two iglidur® Z plain bearings respectively.
Here the challenge in the design was that the bearing of the group of components for the application in the measuring medium water had to be designed.
The availability of the application even at above 100°C temperatures was guaranteed by the application of plastic plain bearings made of iglidur® X.
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.
A problem that vexed the designers was the total weight and the occurring leverages. Here the weight should be saved.
Due to the low friction in the use of roller bearings, a complex counter force or gripping mechanism is necessary.
By the use of iglidur® bearings, the cylinder is completely maintenance-free, and the weight could be reduced by about 10% of the original.
Locking mechanism of a banknote processing machine: The double joint enables all necessary degrees of freedom and also absorbs the tensile strength.
Flat-screen TVs are increasingly mounted on walls. But previously pictures or paintings often hung at this place. Art over TV combines both.
The backrest adjustment is implemented with DryLin® products, the headrests are mounted on the backrest with plastic plain bearings made of iglidur® G.
The motion of the driving rod of an organ should be utmost noiseless and smooth-running.
Requirements for the design were stiffness, low-priced relocation and dirt resistance.
A novel external load system for helicopters required a low weight, high reliability with simultaneous weather resistance and freedom from maintenance.
By the application of a novel design, which feature an individual element made of iglidur® RN56 as the core piece, the technical requirements could be achieved at clearly reduced costs.
The application of an iglidur® plain bearing on the outer side of the pin was the main new aspect of the design.
Maximum precision in color application, thanks to DryLin®.
Low wear and resilient by using polymer plain bearings.
Secure under high forces: maintenance-free plain bearings made of iglidur® Z can withstand extreme loads.
Over 170,000 Euro of benefits were able to be achieved by using polymer plain bearings
Saves costs and better
Maintenance-free track accuracy
No lubricants in food sector
Less production complexity
Save costs and weight
Precise and ergonomic
Stable and safe
Hot and quick
Robust under high forces
Long-lasting and cost-effective
The used bearing must be lubricant-free, because silica sand is used here.
Rust-free and temperature-resistant
The plain bearing used has a low frictional resistance and is low maintenance and lubricant-free.
Can be handled alone
Easy and durable
To victory with igus® - maintenance of the suspension fork eliminated.
Less wear
Effective with little installation space
Corrosion-proof in sea water
Affordable and long-lasting
Flat and durable
High load capacity and durable
Cost-effective and maintenance-free
Economical even when exposed to heat
Quiet and low friction
Resistant and long-lasting: