Matthew Aldridge, managing director of igus, explained: “iglidur J bearings are used in every part of RoboThespian that pivots and moves – including the knuckles.” This high-performance engineering plastic is self-lubricating and maintenance free, and provides a combination of wear resistance at low to medium loads and optimum coefficients of friction.
Lightweight energy chains were hard at work supporting motor cables on a PCB de-panelling machine. “These energy chains protect and guide the cables during movement and ensure a minimum radius is maintained,” said Justin Leonard, director, igus. Another advantage of igus energy chains is that they have a very long life, which helps avoid machine downtimes.
Dean Aylott, xiros product manager, demonstrated a range of different xiros bearings: “These self-lubricating, maintenance free ball bearings are used in a wide range of industries, including food, packaging and pharmaceutical.” The xiros polymer bearings are versatile, lightweight, low friction, non-corrosive and are said to be a cost-effective alternative to the traditional metal lubricated type.
