At this year’s Interplas exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, igus UK will be launching the latest additions to its maintenance free range of plain, spherical and linear bearings, as well as energy chains and chainflex® cables.
 
One of the main highlights at the igus stand will be the unveiling of its new environmentally-friendly biopolymer bearing material, iglidur® N54. Based on 54% natural, renewable resources, the new material is green in colour to reflect its credentials. Suitable for use in bearing applications with operating temperatures of between -40 and 80°C and accommodating medium loading conditions, the material fits well into the mid-range of the iglidur family.
 
Available in both sleeve and flange styles, typical industry sectors for iglidur N54 would be consumer products, as well as general mechanical engineering, furniture manufacturers and industrial design. As well as having universal applications, and being free from any maintenance or lubrication regimes, the main benefit of this material is that it is kinder to the environment.
 
Also on display will be a range of igus energy chains, which are fabricated from high performance plastics – they are tough, resistant to corrosion and impact offering high UV, temperature and precipitation stability, they are lubricant-free so require no maintenance and have very long working lives, making them a very cost-effective choice. They are also available in ATEX-ESD compliant versions, and have been proven by test to function reliably even at extreme temperatures and in adverse weather conditions. The E4.350, for example, is the largest plastic energy chain in the world and can carry large cables and hoses 15 metres up and down during operations such as drilling head stroke, or lateral rig-skidding.
 
Visitors to the igus stand will also be introduced to readychain®. It is a complete system, comprising igus pre-harnessed cables, plugs, connectors and energy chain, offered as a simple design or a complex one with chainflex cables alongside pneumatic and hydraulic hoses. Reducing the leadtime for the design, purchase and assembly considerably, a complete readychain system can be tailor-made to meet with any project requirement and will be assembled and delivered within three to ten days.
 
Throughout the exhibition, experts from igus UK will be on hand to provide advice and guidance on selecting energy chains, bearings and cabling assemblies for your own specific application.
 
(Process and Control Today