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igus® has been manufacturing engineered plastics for 50 years, and develops each of the materials and all technology behind its products. Committed to using its innovative polymer materials to develop products that provide creative solutions and exceed customer expectations while delivering fast, accurate service. igus®’ polymer blends are used throughout its range of product lines of cable carriers, plastic bushings, spherical bearings, and linear bearings, guides, and slide tables. With constant advancement and technological breakthroughs, igus® is continually expanding its range of materials, and performs rigorous testing to ensure every product meets and exceeds industry standards. igus® sales engineers are available throughout North America for on-site technical support, friendly customer service is available 8am – 8 pm, and igus® offers over 80,000 parts in stock, ready to ship as early as that day. igus® also offers 3D CAD files, samples, and online tools, all completely free.
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Guidelok Total Chip Protection for Machine Tools
POSTED 12/26/2009
No more abrasion caused by metal chips
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Metal chips can cause abrasion and wear in long travel, gliding cable carrier applications. To combat this, igus® has developed a horizontal guiding system called “Guidelok”, which is designed to keep the upper and lower cable carrier runs apart. The new solution is ideal for applications in the machine tool industry up to 164 feet.
Debris and chips can become trapped between a cable carrier’s upper and lower runs as they glide on top of one another. Guidelok’s design keeps the upper and lower runs separate via a spring-loaded roller support, which is pushed back as the cable carrier passes through, before snapping out again after the radius has passed. The upper run rests on the roller support and is not allowed to glide on the lower run.
The system not only works to reduce abrasion and wear caused by trapped chips and debris, but also offers a number of other advantages. The system means the cable carrier can support itself over a longer distance. This enables users to choose a smaller version for the given length, saving overall costs and reducing the required push-/pull driving force. Guidelok keeps the upper and lower runs of the cable carrier separate from one another, which helps to minimize friction and wear and thereby increases service life.
The horizontal Guidelok system is already being used successfully by one machine-tool manufacturer, who replaced a heavy steel chain with this solution. A more traditional solution would have allowed large metal chips to settle in the inner radius between the upper and lower runs of the cable carrier, which could have caused damage. In contrast, the new system is ideal for such applications. Guidelok is also lower cost than most steel chains or sophisticated gliding systems.
New Guidelok is designed to be modular—the side troughs are optional—and is currently available from igus North America with a three week lead time. A movie illustrating the new design can viewed online. Alternatively, call 1-800-521-2747 for more information.
About igus
igus Inc., founded in 1985 and based in East Providence, R.I., develops and manufactures industry-leading plastic cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, plastic bearings and linear guide systems. With more than 28,000 products available from stock, the company meets the motion control and machinery component needs of customers worldwide. Product lines include Energy Chain Systems® to protect and house moving cables, Chainflex® continuous-flex cables, iglide® self-lubricating, oil-free, plastic bearings, DryLin® linear guide systems and igubal® spherical bearings. For more information, contact igus at (800) 521-2747 or visit www.igus.com.