igus presents cutting-edge technology at EMO 2023
In addition to the shortage of skilled workers, the machine tool industry faces significant challenges, including high energy costs, mounting cost pressures, and declining incoming orders. To thrive in this demanding environment, companies must enhance their production capabilities while maintaining cost-efficiency. Consequently, igus will showcase cutting-edge technologies at EMO 2023, designed to alleviate these challenges. These technologies include user-friendly, cost-effective robots, an online service for swift CNC component production using high-performance plastics, a 3D-printed assembly frame, and an affordable energy chain for unsupported applications.
The German industrial landscape is confronted with escalating difficulties. As reported by the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, 43.1 percent of companies voiced concerns about a shortage of skilled workers in August 2023. An available solution to this predicament is automation. In the absence of a skilled workforce, robots can assume tasks such as joining, loading, assembling, and gluing. Traditionally, these tasks were the domain of well-funded and experienced large corporations.
“In these times of crisis, the aim must be to ensure that small and medium-sized companies across the board can enjoy ‘tech up, cost down’. We implement automation projects for as little as 2,000 euros – quickly and with little risk,” said Alexander Mühlens, Head – Low Cost Automation Business Unit, igus. “We do this with RBTX, an online marketplace where companies can assemble modular low-cost components from more than 100 suppliers, supported by our RBTXpert service. A free remote video call puts customers in touch with our automation experts, who work together with them to find a customised solution. We have already implemented four hundred projects which can be viewed online, and 95 per cent of them have an investment of less than 12,000 euros”.
At EMO 2023, igus will exhibit the ReBeL cobot, crafted in Cologne. This articulated arm robot is constructed from high-performance plastic and weighs only 8kg, available for 4,970 euros. With a 2kg payload capacity, it is ideal for tasks like machine loading, unloading, and light pick-and-place duties along the assembly line. Operating this robot is straightforward thanks to the free igus robot control software, which includes a digital twin, requiring minimal programming expertise – akin to a computer game.
Individual solutions – fast and easy
In times when external factors are putting many manufacturing companies under pressure, smooth processes are crucial. This starts with the procurement of special components manufactured on CNC machines. “In order to reduce coordination effort, especially in time-critical cases, we offer our online CNC service and now allow even faster, more convenient processing with just a few clicks,” said Patrick Schwitalla, Bar Stock Lean Engineer, iglidur. Customers only need to upload a 3D model of their component in a STEP file format. The tool then conducts an automated feasibility analysis and offers visual feedback on crucial production aspects. In just three minutes, individual machined parts can be configured and ordered. When it comes to delivering ready-to-install energy chain systems to the machine, igus has streamlined the process. They’ve introduced the 3D-printed p-rack, which is a swift, straightforward, and highly adaptable transport and assembly solution.
“It can be adapted to the relevant customer requirements with millimetre precision. All attachments are printed within 36 hours,” said Christian Stremlau, Head – Readychain and Readycable Business Unit. A solution that not only reduces assembly time by up to 66 per cent, but is also around 80 per cent lighter than its metal counterparts. Another highlight is that all attachments can also be printed from compostable corn starch.
Low-cost energy chain for unsupported applications
In times of rising costs, it is increasingly important for industrial companies to avoid oversizing and invest in functions that are actually needed. So igus has developed the E4Q.64L for applications with medium loads, for which the proven E4Q e-chain was previously oversized. “We can offer users the advantages of our proven E4Q energy chain at a price that is as much as 20 percent lower,” said Christian Ziegler, Head – e-chain Product Management. One reason for this is a modification in the design. For instance, the side links of the chain links are now narrower. However, the advantages of the E4Q are still intact. Thanks to a clip mechanism, users can easily open the e-chain crossbars in seconds using just two fingers. This eliminates the need for tools and reduces installation time by approximately 40 percent.
Less scraping with tribo-tape
iglidur high-performance plastics have enabled igus to address several customer challenges through the use of Tribo-tape liners. These liners are effective for lining surfaces and molds under frictional stress, as well as improving transportation processes. They can serve as edge protection and embossed liners for machine beds. This innovation aligns with igus’ objective of eliminating the need for machine bed scraping. The embossed liner establishes an ideal interface for reducing friction between two surfaces, thereby minimizing scraping effort, wear, and the stick-slip effect.
Revolutionary simplicity: Product development in the metaverse
igus takes a progressive step in product development by introducing its own virtual world called the iguverse. This innovation promises faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly development of machines and systems. People from different parts of the world, including customers, engineers, and sales professionals, can collaborate on entire engineering projects in virtual reality. Working together in this virtual realm allows for early detection of design flaws through feasibility analyses. Additionally, virtual reality simulations can be used for assembly and installation, preventing planning mistakes. For instance, automation solutions can be designed, controlled, and tested in the virtual space. At EMO, igus will showcase various practical applications of the iguverse through new use cases.
