Maintenance-free belt actuator is `half the price`

At last month`s MACH show in Birmingham, igus unveiled a maintenance-free linear belt actuator that, it claims, is cheaper and performs better than rival systems. The DryLin ZLW actuator, which is designed to position small loads rapidly, is based on igus` plain bearing technology.

The actuator is thought to be the first positioning system to be fitted entirely with plastic plain bearings, which need no lubrication. The lightweight materials are also used for the sliding elements. The housing parts are made of polymer, and the profile of aluminium.

Matthew Aldridge, igus UK`s bearings product director, claims that a ball-bearing-based equivalent would cost more than twice as much. "We expect a linear module at this price to open up big opportunities," he adds. "We believe that there`s not a linear drive system on the market that comes close to this in terms of performance and price. People will be able to use belt drives where they wouldn`t have done before."

The actuator has a 480kg static load capacity and is capable of speeds of up to 6m/s. It is available in lengths up to 15m. Two or more can be butted together for longer spans. Unlike screw-drive actuators, dirt and dust are not a problem as they are simply wiped away.

For applications requiring higher traverse rates, igus is offering a version which uses ball bearings for the deflection shafts. Apart from these bearings, the actuators are still maintenance- and lubrication-free.

The actuators are available on 2-3 days` delivery.