Igus, a highly acclaimed name in maintenance-free linear guides, introduces new miniature linear guides in Installation Size 06 to extend its drylin W series addressing the need for maintenance-free solutions for intricate linear motion applications in places like laboratory equipments, espresso machines, and compact living spaces like tiny houses that require efficient designs. These guides are not only space-saving, but they also operate without the need for lubrication.
The latest addition to the drylin W series, the miniature linear guide in Installation Size 06, embraces a modular system comprising ready-to-install systems or individual components. Among the innovative components are the drylin WW-06-20-T415-AL miniature linear carriages, featuring a corrosion-resistant housing made of anodized aluminum. These carriages seamlessly fit onto a double shaft rail, also crafted from anodized aluminum. Michael Hornung, Product Manager for drylin Linear and Drive Technology at igus, highlights the compact dimensions, stating, “Together, the carriages and rail require an installation height of only 20 millimetres and a width of just 32 millimetres”, says Michael Hornung, Product Manager drylin Linear and Drive Technology at igus.
Compared to igus‘s prior compact solution, designers can achieve substantial space savings, with a 28% reduction in width, 12% in height, and an impressive 70% in weight. Hornung emphasizes, “The linear guide fits into almost any niche – whether installed horizontally, vertically or overhead. It is ideal for adjustment mechanisms in the most confined installation spaces, including pipetting systems or furniture for caravans.” All components in Installation Size 06 are available in silver and in black. “The black look, which is often in demand, does not reflect light and can be inconspicuously integrated into any design.”
In addition to the miniature linear guides, igus introduces the SLW-06-20 electric linear actuator, featuring a lead screw in the center of the new drylin W miniature guide WS-06-20. Hornung highlights the space-saving design, stating, “Here, too, we have succeeded in saving installation space by making design-related adjustments. The system also has an installation height of 20 millimeters and a width of 32 millimeters.” This electric linear actuator is suitable for automatic adjustment tasks in small installation spaces, such as in medical and laboratory technology or household appliances, including positioning the portafilter in an espresso machine.
Applications leveraging dryspin lead screw technology benefit from rounded tooth flanks, reducing the contact area between the lead screw nut and the lead screw. This design minimizes vibrations, ensuring a smooth and almost noiseless operation. The mini linear actuator is adjustable manually or electrically and is available in both silver and black, aligning with the aesthetic options of the drylin W miniature guide. The new miniature linear guides in Installation Size 06 adhere to the igus principle of “sliding instead of rolling.”
Carriages smoothly slide on the rails via liners made of high-performance plastic, eliminating the need for lubricating oil or grease. Hornung highlights the advantages, stating, “In many systems, grease becomes a dirt magnet. This quickly creates a lubricating film that can affect the smooth running of the linear guide and requires a lot of cleaning. Furthermore, a high degree of cleaning is not ideal, particularly in applications with small installation spaces because the components are usually difficult to reach. Thanks to the absence of lubrication, our miniature linear guides operate without maintenance for many years.”