A new drylin W linear guide fitted with a PRT slewing ring bearing provides a combination of linear and rotating motion, allowing greater freedoms for machine design teams. With the drylin W linear/pivot guide, armrests, trays and control panels on seats and machines (to cite just a few examples) can be easily adjusted to suit the user. igus points out that the new units are supplied as a complete assembly, obviating the previous need for users to create their own. The lubrication-free polymer sliding elements are said to ensure quiet movement.
"In addition to cinema, theatre and aircraft seats, the new drylin W guide is intended for applications in control cabins, such as in tractors or cranes. Wherever operating elements require movement, flexibly and ergonomically, in a compact spac", explains Lee Wilkins, igus drylin Product Manager in the UK. For the new development, igus simply combined two existing and proven products: a drylin W linear guide for linear motion with a PRT-04 slewing ring bearing for rotation, with the slewing ring bearing integrated in the carriage plate. Previously, both products had to be installed together and the carriage plate machined to accommodate the slewing ring with the cable fed through. Now, thanks to the ready-to-install complete system, the users save both time and cost, says igus.
Instead of ball guides, igus says it uses tribologically optimised high-performance polymers in the sliding elements of the linear carriage and the bearing, and it is claimed to be up to four times quieter than ball guides whilst being lubrication and maintenance-free. By eliminating additional lubricants and oils, the drylin W linear/pivot guide is insensitive to dust and dirt. "Cleanliness is another advantage: in addition to the practical functionality of our new product, we also attached great importance to the design. Lightweight materials such as plastic and aluminium are used, together with a decorative clear anodised coating for the rails", says Lee Wilkins. At 40mm height, the new design is a low-profile system which can also be equipped with a manual clamp or individual pretension that allow the display to stay in place after adjustment.
Learn more about the drylin W linear/pivot guide at www.igus.co.uk.