Rotary Energy Supply Systems – Slip ring alternatives

Slip rings come with a lot of issues; for example, they are very susceptible to corrosion and being unreliable due the ingress of dirt. Above all they are very limited in what they can transmit which is normally just power or basic data. You can’t use a slip ring for fluid, air, water or fibre optic cables. Rotary energy chain systems work well because you can put any service down them. You can have a mixture of air, water, power, servo, encoder and fibre optic cables together side by side. The energy chain itself guides the cables and hoses and keeps them secure within an enforced bend radius and with physical protection. These concepts are not possible for slip rings. Also, rotary energy supply systems not only offer a very universal system but can easily be upgraded later. This means that you can remove individual cables and replace them as and when you need to.

Automation investment

We are pleased to officially announce the opening of our automated assembly line for readycable at our UK facility in Northampton. Representing another significant investment for igus, the new line uses fully-automated machines and lean manufacturing methods to streamline its manufacturing process to deliver fully-harnessed drive cables shipped within 24 hours of order placement.

e-chain hybrid

Modular hybrid chain

We have developed our first plastic-steel hybrid energy chain for telescopic applications, such as cherry pickers, telehandlers and boom lifts. Compared to conventional steel energy chains which are sometimes used in these applications, the new YE.42 e-chain is half the weight.

Future robotics

Future Robotics 2019

We were at the Future Robotics Conference last week showing our latest innovations and applications for the robotics industry. The presentation outlined key features of the igus® Low Cost Automation team, focusing on our newest product: the drylin® delta robot.

bearings in tractor

The Internet of everything

The Internet of Things (IoT) is now pretty much mainstream in manufacturing plants across the UK. The application, in many...

RS STEMfest 2019

Last week we attended the RS STEMfest 2019 three day event. Over the first two days, the igus® team welcomed...