igus has developed a new predictive maintenance device, a new home for the software to power its smart plastics products – the i.Cee:local module. The module calculates the remaining service life of the energy chain, cable, linear guide and/or plain bearings during their operation. By doing this, the service life of the system can be optimised, faults are detected and rectified at an early stage, and more accurate maintenance can ...

Requests by customers for a robolink fit for wet conditions has prompted igus to design one that can withstand rain, showers, and moisture. The company, which has its UK headquarters in Northampton, has developed its very first water-resistant robolink - a low cost automation solution made of polymer and stainless steel.

igus has developed an ‘e-skin flat’ single pod - designed specifically to guide cables in compact and particle-free cleanrooms. To ensure quick and easy installation customers can use the e-skin flat to select and combine chambers and then insert the cables in seconds. There is also the option of a new support chain, which strengthens the e-skin flat.

A new plug-in connector by igus has won an ‘Excellent Product Design’ award in the German Design Awards 2021. The new igus Module Connect Adapter, praised by judges for its innovation, has been designed to suit limited spaces where a large number of plugged-in cables, such as fibre, optic, electric and encoder cables, need to be connected together.

New software to improve the control and use of robots has been developed and launched by igus. The igus robot control software enables robots to be programmed and controlled with ease and also helps customers choose the robot that best suits the needs of their business. igus, which has its UK headquarters in Northampton, has three low cost automation solutions in its portfolio: Robolink robotic arm, delta robots and linear gantry robots.

Engineers across the UK are set to join an online workshop this month, to discuss and learn more about the 3D printing of plastic gears. igus has organised the event on Wednesday 28th October – for engineers across the globe to learn more about the 3D printing process, from prototype to production. The workshop – with two timeslots to choose from – will also explore in detail the use and application of the igus online service li...

The igus Automotive Show, taking place on 22nd September, is being live streamed from the company’s news studio in Cologne. Experts from igus, which has its UK headquarters in Northampton, will unveil some of the company’s latest solutions for trucks and commercial vehicles. These will include new 3D-printed solutions for prototype development, sealed igubal double joints and the telescopic...

The e-loop energy supply series which increases safety and reduces procurement and installation time has been expanded to suit static applications, including shore power supplies. Shore power offers the provision of electrical power to a ship at berth so that its main and auxiliary engines can be shut down.

The linear motor robot from FIBRO LÄPPLE TECHNOLOGY (FLT) claims to be different from many other solutions, because it is twice as fast at half the weight. In order for the linear robot to be able to get production up and running quickly and reliably, a compact, durable and silent energy supply was required.

The new e-spool flex 2.0 from igus moves a single cable or hose safely and stows it away quickly whilst retaining an end-to-end connection. The new cable reel will guide a power or data cable or a hose for air and liquids without interruption.

Being able to predict and plan maintenance is the goal pursued by igus with its smart plastics solutions. Intelligent sensors, for example, measure the wear of energy chains, chainflex cables, slewing rings and linear guides. With the new icom.plus communication module, the customer can now decide in which form they would like to incorporate the acquired data from the sensors.

Every day, sensors generate vast amounts of data worldwide and this continues to rise. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology offers completely new opportunities to transmit these data streams reliably even in the most confined areas of the machine. Developed for use in energy chains, igus has introduced the chainflex CFBUS.PUR.042 SPE cable.

In this week’s video, igus has introduced a selection of the energy chains and cables, iglidur plain bearings and drylin delta robots developed specifically for medical technology.

Simple, precise, fast processes: these are the requirements of Cartesian robots. They are used for such things as pick & place applications, sorting systems and medical technology. igus has now developed a line and room linear robot for large workspaces. The two new kinematics systems allow users to move up to 5kg. Both drylin linear robots are available directly from stock with no minimum order quantity.

igus has now added two new sizes to its twisterband HD range with inner heights of 11 and 18mm. The key advantage over slip ring systems is that it guides electrical, fibre optic and pneumatic cables all together. Target applications include rotary tables and robots.

A team of undergraduates at Surrey University are pioneering Formula Student in the UK with an all-electric powertrain. Formula Student is the world’s largest student motorsport competition, which brings together teams from universities across the world.

High speeds on long travels are distinct challenges for energy chain systems. To overcome these issues, igus has developed a more wear resistant glide bar, which has a service life that is five times longer. Integrated into the rail is the smart plastics EC.T sensor monitors the condition of the rail and alerts the maintenance team in advance of a breakdown. 

When humans and machines stand shoulder to shoulder on the production line, safety at work is a critical issue. To ensure cables and hoses are reliably and compactly guided on cobots, igus has developed a universal clamp.

In this week’s video igus showcases its automated assembly line for readycable at its UK facility in Northampton. The new line uses fully-automated machines and lean manufacturing methods to streamline its assembly process to deliver fully-harnessed drive cables shipped within 24 hours of order placement.

During day to day business at igus UK, it is not unusual to get the odd phone call from customers and potential customers who have a novel idea on a new machine or concept. One Friday morning, a few weeks back, igus received such a call from the producer/director of The Gadget Show, a long-running television series on Channel 5 that focuses on consumer technology.