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Examples of successful applications in the machine tool industry Test Later Changes
Overview of applications with igus® products in machine tools
CNC machines: Overview of applications
CNC (Computerised Numerical Control) machines have become indispensable in the industrial processing of materials. The use of computer technology in industrial processing not only increases precision and therefore manufacturing quality when processing workpieces, it also significantly increases productivity. CNC-supported machines are used today in a wide variety of applications. Our energy chain, linear guide and plain bearing systems are used in this selection of CNC milling, drilling, grinding, turning, cutting, polishing and bending machines.
Energy tubes in bending machine
Whether bending simple or complex parts - with TruBend machines from TRUMPF, a wide variety of workpieces can be bent quickly and reliably with maximum precision. For large and heavy parts, a bending aid supports the machining process. TRUMPF relies on our R4.1L series energy tubes to ensure the safe energy supply of this support.
Travelling column milling machine
15 e-chain® are used in a milling machine in all travel axes, the lifting cabin and in the tool changer. They guarantee long travel distances of up to 50 metres.
To the application exampleAdverse ambient conditions (use of chemicals, high levels of dirt, flying chips)
Aggressive ambient conditions usually occur when metals are being machined. Metallic grit, but also clogging oils for the lubrication of machine parts, affect elements such as the cable routing or linear guide systems. Closed energy chains or energy tubes are often used to protect the internal cables in order to operate machines with as little interruption and failure as possible.
Energy tubes in milling machines for heavy-duty machining
Large machining centres in gantry design are the speciality of machine tool manufacturer Kao Ming from Taiwan. The long travel distances of up to 13 metres place special demands on the supply of energy and media in these systems. With the guidelok, Kao Ming has opted for a system that is reliable, robust and self-supporting.
Tight installation space and minimum bend radius
When further developing machine tools, designers are looking for ways to reconcile ever more powerful systems with the endeavour to find space-saving solutions. This not only enables smaller dimensions for the entire system, but also offers considerable potential savings in terms of energy costs during operation. In this context, energy chains, for example, must enable particularly small bend radii at high traversing speeds and accelerations.
chainflex®-cable supply KESSLER-spindle with energy and signals
The "System Technology" division of the renowned spindle manufacturer FRANZ KESSLER develops and manufactures spindle swivel heads and rotary swivel tables that enable high-precision machining of metal and, increasingly, composite workpieces. For power and signal supply, KESSLER uses chainflex® cables, which fulfil very high requirements in terms of service life and reliability.
High service life under continuous operation
When developing machine tools, a particular focus is placed on the high availability of the solution. The aim is to reduce downtimes and thus enable the most economical operation possible for the customer. The high-quality systems often have to be able to cope with three-shift operations seven days a week without any problems. In the following application examples, the customer focussed on energy chains, linear guides or plain bearings that work reliably under the high and continuous stress of movement.
energy chain and abrasion monitoring in engine plant
In hardly any other industry is reliability as important as in the automotive industry. Because production downtimes are expensive, it is important for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to be able to rely on dependable components. An Austrian engine manufacturer therefore relies on 'smart plastic' from igus®. Sensors detect wear during operation and raise the alarm in good time as soon as a repair or replacement is required.
Machines for micro-assembly
These micro-assembly machines manage several million work cycles per year. energy chain and chainflex®-cable are reliable system components that stand up to this constant load.
To the application exampleQuick and easy assembly
Nowadays, modern machine tools can take several months from assembly to commissioning. However, in order to ensure ongoing operation at an earlier stage, highly complex systems should ideally be ready for operation after just a few weeks. Sophisticated modular products, expert advice and the reduction of the supplier base were able to contribute to this goal in the following applications.
readychain® Chains reduce process costs in CNC systems
Machine tool manufacturer Hartford from Taiwan relies on completely pre-assembled energy chain systems in its portal machining centres. This saves many work steps, reducing the assembly time required from several weeks to just half a day. At the same time, customers can always rely on readychains to provide them with a reliable solution from a single source.
Further user reports
Woodworking machine
Trima Triebeser Maschinenbau GmbH has installed a bow chain for the 300 mm thick suction hose for a woodworking machine. The aim was to realise a cable-friendly and robust guidance system for long journeys.
To the application exampleContact us
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