Technical Articles
igus® inc. has published these technical articles:
(Bearings and Bushings)
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There must be an answer to this question. After all, there are a limited number of "best Italian restaurants", "best frozen pizzas" and "best TV series". And we haven't even begun narrowing it down!...
(Wire and Cable)
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The robotics industry has seen exponential growth across the globe in recent years, thanks in no small part to the ongoing pandemic. Companies want more production output for less money, meaning more...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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While metal may seem like a more durable material than plain old plastic, igus® is proving that misconception false with its iglide® plastic bearings. Learn the truth about plastic and its...
(Wire and Cable)
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For 25 years, igus® has been creating specially designed cables that stand up to millions of flexing cycles. To ensure performance, igus® has a 29,600 square-foot lab where, at any given...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Today, machine and equipment manufacturers are feeling more pressure than ever to reduce
costs without sacrificing machine performance and this balancing act can be difficult to achieve.
Original...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Whether you want to design your own linear slide table system or buy one as a ready-made, off-the-shelf assembly, there are a wide variety of linear products available on the market today. Materials...
(Wire and Cable)
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6 Common Cable Failure Modes
It's very important for cables used in continuous-flex applications to follow certain construction and performance guidelines. However, before choosing a continuous-flex...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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When starting work on a new project that requires motion control, one of the most important considerations is what bearings to use.
It's easy to fall back on what you've been using for years instead...
(Wire and Cable)
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In the previous installment in our TechTalk series for continuous-flex cables, we discussed the six common cable failure modes often seen in cables used in industrial applications on automated...
(Wire and Cable)
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Cables constructed in layers are significantly cheaper to produce, therefore many manufacturers offer 'continuous-flexing cable' with this low-cost design. However, these cables are often constructed...
(Wire and Cable)
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What is a cable carrier?
Cable carriers guide and protect cables and hoses on moving machinery. They prevent tangling and damage from debris or contact with the machine itself. Using cable carriers...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Reducing costs is an important factor for many companies. The ability to use low-cost shafting heavily depends on the bearings chosen to run on it.
For example, ball bearings require very hard (60HRC...
(Wire and Cable)
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Cable carriers guide and protect moving cables and hoses at low to high speeds, over long and short distances, in all axes, and in a wide range of different applications all over the world.
Over the...
(Wire and Cable)
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Whether it's human nature, paranoia (the action movie, 'I, Robot', where some famous movie star tries to thwart millions of robots from taking over the world, comes to mind) or something else...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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A few years ago, we replaced ball bearings on the welding jaw of a vertical-form-fill-seal machine, which enabled it to pack more bags of product per hour, translating into an impressive 20% increase...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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During my ten years at igus®, I've encountered a number of customers who wanted to use our DryLin® linear bearings for manual applications, but sometimes due to heavy loads or the...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Yes, 2010 has arrived and with it the cold weather. For some of us, this also means snow. The snow isn't for everyone but, personally, I'm always thrilled, since I love to ski. When I ski, I like to...
(Wire and Cable)
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Are there still engineers who prefer to use steel cable carriers over plastic? Why is this?
The first cable carriers were made from steel so, as is often the case, the assumption is that the older the...
(Wire and Cable)
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As industrial robotic applications become more and more demanding, we're finding an increased need for flexible cables that can handle extremely complex movements and still deliver a long service...
(Bearings and Bushings)
From this Article:
When using DryLin®, it is important to ensure that all acting forces follow the 2:1 rule.
In a nutshell, if either the drive force (Fa) or applied load force (Fs) are a greater distance than...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Some engineers hesitate to use plastic bearings in their designs. Maybe they have trusted metal and bronze bearings for years or they simply don't think plastics can handle the tough applications or...
(Wire and Cable)
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Special ESD (electrostatic discharge) cable carriers are used in numerous industrial sectors. When designing a cable carrier system into an ESD application, there are two important reasons why these...
(Wire and Cable)
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The key advantage of a cable carrier is that bus and motor cables, pneumatics, electrics and hydraulics can all be guided safely in one system. However, correctly arranging each cable and hose within...
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:
Cable management has come into the limelight more and more because machine reliability has increased dramatically in recent years, even though robots have grown more complex.
However, the methods used...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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During my recent travels, I revisited a customer who, just a few years before, was set against using plastic bearings. He knew he could save a lot of money by making the switch, but couldn't be...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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In most instances, when something is thicker, it's usually better - a thick, juicy piece of steak, especially thick socks to keep your feet warm on a cold day, or a shiny, thick coat of paint on a...
(Wire and Cable)
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There is a big difference between cables made specifically for continuous-flexing applications and regular flexible cables.
Understanding the distinction is extremely important when you're choosing...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Slewing ring bearings are ideal for rotating and turntable-type applications. While understanding the design and performance capabilities of a slewing ring bearing is important, it is equally...
(Bearings and Bushings)
From this Article:
In rotating and turntable applications using a slewing ring bearing, the component used to drive the system is important....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Here are the top four reasons for replacing PTFE-lined bushings with plastic bushings, which offer more design flexibility....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Using dry-running plastic bushings can significantly decrease any negative effects on the environment....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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I often hear about how a customer tried using plain bearings for a linear application, but experienced binding or irregular motion. With a little education, this is easy to avoid....
(Wire and Cable)
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Winston Churchill once said: "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
These wise words could not be more accurate when choosing the best cable management system for your automated application....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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5 ways to choose the best linear guide for your application from the DryLin® W toolkit...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Plastic bearing linkages have some unique features and benefits that other solutions do not offer....
(Wire and Cable)
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Seven common cable management mistakes and how you can avoid making them....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Ball bearings can be used in a variety of applications, from medical and aerospace technology, to packaging equipment, electronics, office technology, and even high-end yo-yoâ s.
Since these...
(Wire and Cable)
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Here are three different types of rotary applications and the cable carrier system used for each....
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:
For a design engineer, specifying the best cable carrier for a particular application is an important part of the design process.
There are a variety of different options available, but once you have...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Linear rails typically come in lengths between six and 12 feet, but customers often ask: is it possible to make rails longer by butting them together? The answer is yes....
(Wire and Cable Accessories)
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Multi-axis, three-dimensional cable carriers for palletizing Cable management is a crucial part of any robotic system, but the truth is that the methods used to attach and guide cables has not changed...
(Wire and Cable)
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There are a number of installation options that can be considered when working with an igus® Energy Chain® cable carrier system. For vertical installations in particular, there are two...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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While it may seem simple in the scheme of a large project, the manner in which a bearing is installed and quality tested is essential to the success of any mechanical system.
If the installation of...
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:
When specifying a cable management system, there are a number of different ways to maximize the service life of your cables and hoses. One of the most crucial factors is choosing the right bend radius...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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It goes without saying that it's extremely important for a bearing to meet the high standards of cleanliness and hygiene demanded by the packaging industry....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Learn about the benefits of plastic bearings, and how they deliver a longer service life than oil-impregnated sintered bronze bearings in this white paper....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Spherical rod end bearings are ideal for facilitating rotary and linear motion in a wide variety of applications from packaging and agricultural equipment, to medical and exercise machinery.
However,...
(Bearings and Bushings)
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I'm sure you've heard the saying, "The proof is in the pudding." But when it comes to self-lubricating plastic bearings, the proof is definitely in the plastic....
(Bearings and Bushings)
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Previous installments of TechTalk have discussed how using plastic bearings can help reduce wear and how different types of shaft materials affect wear and bearing life. In this installment, Iâ ll be...
(Wire and Cable)
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You may have heard us say it before, but helpful tips are always worth repeating: it is important to use cables specifically designed for continuous flexing in demanding, high-cycle applications....
(Wire and Cable)
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Components in food processing machinery need to meet strict requirements, both from a technical and food-safety standpoint. Learn about the food-safe TH3 cable carrier from igus in this white paper....
(Chains and Sprockets)
From this Article:
DMG MORI, an industry leader in the manufacturing of machine tools, has developed a new automatic turning machine with multiple spindles that represents a technological revolution in producing turned...
(Electronics and Microelectronics Manufacturing)
From this Article:
Semiconductor production is a complicated process, but that doesn't mean it should be difficult to understand. Read this white paper to learn about chip-making and its stringent requirements...
(Engineering Services)
From this Article:
The manufacturing industry is always growing and innovating. Automation and Industry 4.0 are the most talked about examples of this; however, extended reality (XR) provides an avenue to not only...
(Manufacturing Equipment and Components)
From this Article:
Additive manufacturing (commonly referred to as 3D printing) is a manufacturing method where material is added layer by layer to create a solid object. There are different types of 3D-printing, but...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
From this Article:
As a producer of plastic components, igus® is often at the center of the discussion about the environmental impact of plastics as a whole and whether sustainability initiatives are in place. When...
(Robotics)
From this Article:
The end effector (also referred to as end-of-arm tooling) is one of, if not the, most important component in a robotic arm. Without the end effector, a robotic arm is essentially useless. Whether...
(Engineering Services)
From this Article:
As more and more companies and industries aim to become more environmentally friendly, changes need to be made to long-standing conventions. One of the most radical changes is the shift to shore power...
(Wire and Cable)
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In the realm of electrical connectivity, the terms "cable" and "wire" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. However, these two components serve distinct purposes in various...
(Bearing Components)
From this Article:
There are many misconceptions surrounding plastic bearings, particularly when discussing heavy-duty applications. While plastics are often seen as an inferior material compared to metal in heavy-duty...
(Bearings and Bushings)
From this Article:
If you know of igus® as a company, you will know that our entire company journey has been based on offering self-lubricating products. This was the initial concept over 60 years ago, this notion...
(Fastening and Joining)
From this Article:
Hematology analyzer applications require hygienic components suitable for small spaces. These requirements make drylin actuators the ideal solution for these applications. Learn about the different...
(Bearing Components)
From this Article:
STS, RTG, and RMG cranes are in operation all year under adverse environmental conditions. The self-lubricating and low-wear igutex plain bearing technology from igus ensures that the systems can...
(Bearings and Bushings)
From this Article:
igus® plastic bearings have been produced using iglide® materials for nearly 60 years. The standard range of injection molded iglide bearings is extensive, however, not every requirement...
(Specialized Industrial Products)
From this Article:
What is virtual reality? We have heard so much about VR and AI. People are sitting on the fence about whether it is good or bad and how we need it, but at the same time these technologies are killing...
(Robotics)
From this Article:
Most companies across the globe are no stranger to automation in some form or another. However, even with this widespread adoption there are still aspects of automation relatively few companies are...
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:
The Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a sharp increase in demand for devices with "smart" capabilities, whether it's home appliances, industrial sensors and actuators, or even vehicles. This...
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:
Anyone who’s flown on a plane since the 1960s has almost certainly boarded the plane through a jet bridge. Jet bridges (also referred to as gangways, skybridges, and passenger boarding bridges)...
(Linear and Rotary Motion Components)
From this Article:
In the vast world of mechanical components, clevises stand out as versatile and essential elements in various applications. These simple yet effective devices play a crucial role in connecting...
(Business Applications)
From this Article:
The manufacturing sector saw a 23% increase in occupational injuries from 2022 to 2023. Slips, stumbles, falls, and mishaps involving machinery were the top causes of substantial injuries in the...
(Gears)
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Gears are essential to the success of countless mechanical systems, from cars and watches to industrial machinery. At the heart of gear design lies a vital parameter: gear module. This blog explores...
(Gears)
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The green manufacturing industry is rapidly growing and estimated to hold a market value of over $4 billion by 2030. More and more manufacturers across the globe are adopting initiatives to “go...
(Robotics)
From this Article:
Humanoid robots represent the cutting edge of robotics, offering unique capabilities and versatility across various industries, from warehouses to disaster relief sites. However, this advanced...
(Linear and Rotary Motion Components)
From this Article:
When media, energy and data have to be moved vertically, special solutions are required for safe and reliable cable guidance. Learn more about these solutions in this white paper....
(Robotics)
From this Article:
Any maintenance schedule serves the purpose of keeping machinery running as long as possible and without defects. However, there are different types of maintenance schedules that take various...
(Fastening and Joining)
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In the packaging industry, changeovers are a necessity to handle the wide variety of packaging types and sizes. However, the goal of any packaging operation is to minimize changeover time as much as...
(Gears)
From this Article:
Gears are fundamental components in many machines, from simple bicycles to complex industrial machinery. A key concept in the functionality of gears is mechanical advantage, which plays a crucial role...
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:
Factory automation is going to inevitably become more difficult to implement as factories grow in size and become more advanced. Running cables from a control room to each field device in the factory...
(Coating Equipment)
From this Article:
A power and signal supply system for heavy-duty applications is an example of the creativity of design engineers and how quickly they implement their ideas in the heavy machinery industry. Originally...