Linear Guide System for Harsh Environments

igus has developed a new linear guide system for harsh environments. DryLin T Heavy Duty has been designed for demanding applications in automotive production, food processing, construction, concrete and stone industries, quarries and mines. The original DryLin T linear guide has been available for many years and demonstrated its ability to cope with dirty conditions on woodworking, paper, textile processing and packaging machinery. The linear guide is not affected in applications where water or acids clog most ball guide systems. This is also true where mud was formerly a problem. Haas Maschinenbau , in Swabia, uses DryLin T in a concrete pipe joining machine. 'The machine has been working for more than three years under the toughest operating conditions without any problems or down times,' says chief designer, Reiner Oberle. 'There are no signs of wear or abrasion'. The ball bushes previously used were affected by dirt, which repeatedly caused 'ball blockage and, in turn, destroyed the hard-chromed shafts'. The new, Heavy Duty version of the DryLin T linear guide is a more robust version of its predecessor. It also has a new design feature: its glide pads are locked in place on all sides within the guide carriage. These are made from the igus polymer compound iglidur J, which has extremely low friction and wear values. The individual glide elements are suspended via locating bores in the metal housing. Once pushed onto the guide rail, the linear system operates continuously in dusty, muddy and wet conditions. The material strength and elasticity of the plastic liners allow DryLin T Heavy Duty to be used in applications subject to high stress, caused by impact, blows or vibration. The new linear guide system comprises a hard anodised aluminium rail and anodised aluminium guide carriage. It is supplied as a complete system in lengths of up to four metres. As with all igus plain and linear bearings, no lubrication is necessary, which makes the system completely maintenance-free. DryLin T Heavy Duty is corrosion resistant and suitable for underwater operation.