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Overview of linear axes

drylin® drive technology consists of a wide range of products ranging from lightweight linear axes made of polymer to solid stainless steel solutions. The movement of the linear axes is implemented either via lead screws, toothed belts or racks. igus® drives offers the customer solutions for individual applications. In all systems, the length of the stroke is freely selectable and the drive of the linear units can be implemented using optionally available equipment in the form of hand wheels or various motors. Across the drive range, the linear modules can be equipped with trapezoidal or high helix lead screws. The Linear axes with toothed belt drives are designed for long travels and highest speeds in applications with high repeatability and short cycle times.

Linear drive options

Linear drives with leadscrew

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Linear drives with toothed belt

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Lightweight cantilever axis

saw

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drylin® econ series

econ

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Low Cost Automation

delta robots

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drylin® drive overview

overview

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Overview page
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Drive technology configurator

Customised linear axes according to your requirements

Configure your customised linear axis now. Simply accurate to the millimetre and ready to install.

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When do I use which drive for my system?

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Lead screw drive

Lead screw drives offer high load capacity and are ideal for applications where precision and force transfer are important. They are well suited for vertical movements and heavy load applications. The lead screw drive ensures strong and accurate positioning.

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Toothed belt drive

Toothed belt drives are ideal for applications that require high speeds and dynamic movements. They offer high acceleration and repeatability. The toothed belt drive enables low-friction and quiet movement.

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Rack and pinion drive

Rack and pinion drives offer a combination of high speed, precision and load capacity. They are particularly suitable for long distances and horizontal movements. The rack and pinion drive allows smooth and strong movement along the axis.

Customers application examples

Device for checking weld seams

Bend testing device

This device was built to test welds thoroughly. Bending specimens with a force of 5,000N are possible with this machine. In addition to the standard drylin lead screw unit range, which implements the format adjustment of the bending die, linear guides of the drylin W series are also used. With them, the specified support distances are adjustable.

Order picking unit

Linear drives in pick and place order picking unit

Assisted by drylin linear units with toothed belt axes (ZLW 1040 and ZLW 1080), an automatic picking station equipped with 2D and 3D cameras automatically recognises empty containers. The systems are one hundred percent lubrication-free and are characterised by extreme smoothness, the achievement of high speeds and a great degree of accuracy.

Drive technology: applications overview

More applications

Find further successful customer application examples with drylin drive technology.

Further information on drylin drive technology

Free sample

Sample

Test our drylin drive technology with the miniature linear module.
► Discover technical data in the online shop

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Matching electric motors

Electric motors

Find suitable stepper, DC and EC motors for the electric drive of your axes in the electric motor online shop.

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Free white paper

Drive technology white paper

Linear axis with toothed belt or lead screw drive? Find out when to use which drive elements depending on your application.

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Frequently asked questions from our customers

Our different linear drives offer a wide variety of advantages for all kinds of applications.

  1. Toothed belt drives offer high acceleration and repeatability. They are therefore particularly suitable for pick-and-place machines, packaging systems, 3D printers and other applications where fast and precise positioning is required.
  2. Lead screw drives offer high load capacity, precision and power transmission. They are therefore well suited for CNC milling, laser marking machines, machine tools and robotics applications. The lead screw drive ensures strong and accurate positioning.
  3. Rack and pinion drives offer a combination of high speed, precision and load capacity. Applications for linear drives with gear rack can be found in material handling, packaging, assembly line automation, and other areas where rapid, accurate positioning over longer distances is required.

Yes! The drylin® E linear drives do not require additional lubricants and are therefore particularly resistant to contamination. Our drive systems can even be used with sand, swarf and dust.

Yes! The drylin® E linear drives do not require additional lubricants and are therefore particularly resistant to contamination. Our drive systems can even be used with sand, swarf and dust.

We have put together a selection of narrow and flat linear units for particularly small installation spaces. You can choose from linear axes with lead screw or toothed belt drives, which can be driven manually or by motor.

You can also use our ready-to-install linear modules for motorised lead screws drives. Thanks to the direct lead screw support in the motor, which is connected directly to your new linear module and therefore does not require a motor flange or coupling, up to 35% installation space can be saved with the drive elements, depending on the version.

At igus you will find numerous technical accessories for manual and electric drives. Our portfolio ranges from operating elements such as position indicators and hand wheels up to fastening and assembly accessories and individual electric motors in a wide variety of designs. Here you will find an overview of all linear module accessories

For very long travels, we offer an endless gear linear module. This is based on a rack and pinion drive and can be expanded almost endlessly using an interlocking carriage profile. Several carriages can also be controlled in parallel or independently of one another.

Contact us

Contact details

Seán Ryan
Seán Ryan086 0329555Submit form

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