igus has added a new compact, durable and lubrication-free high-performance timing belt platform, the drylin ZLX

A new addition to the igus product range of drive technology is the drylin ZLX, a compact, durable and lubrication-free high-performance synchronous belt channel.

With a load capacity of up to 150N and speeds of up to 3m/s, it is suitable for use in automated production lines, pick and place systems and 3D printers.

New design for simpler and more convenient equipment

The new drylin ZLX synchronous belt channel follows the proven igus know-how, but with a completely new planning: at its heart is the drylin W series linear guidance system with a device scale of 16. It is integrated in the interior of a solid and corrosion-resistant native anodized high cross-section guideway.

Unlike other igus linear channels, the synchronous belt that connects the sliders runs inside the guideway. As a result, the timing belt channel looks very much like a mechanical engineering profile from the outside.

However, there is also a technical advantage to this planning: “Classic aluminum profiles have very specific scales, and there are specific norms for the groove planning, which our drylin ZLX fits into.” Stefan Niermann, head of the drylin linear and drive technology business unit at igus, explains, “With commercially available groove nuts and articulations (e.g. brackets), it is easy to quickly combine it with standardized mechanical engineering profiles into a modular system. This is particularly useful for linear robots. With this new planning, the whole thing looks like it was cast from a single mold.”

As a result, the customer not only obtains a standardized plan, but also shortens the equipment time. In addition, the customer is able to adjust the belt tension of the new synchronous belt channel directly on the slider without having to disassemble any of the components, simply by applying an adjusting screw, which is both simple and convenient.

Quiet, non-slip and durable

The drylin ZLX is quiet and robust and, like all igus linear channels, it runs non-slip over the entire stroke length.

The new synchronous belt channels are also based on the “sliding, not rolling” principle. The linear guidance system works over a large area of the guideway or shaft. Because of the large contact area and low surface pressure, it is possible to use engineering plastic components and softer materials such as aluminum. This not only makes the linear channel easier, but also reduces its operating noise.

The slider moves on a sliding membrane made of the wear-resistant engineering plastic iglidur J200. which gives the slider a long service life and enables fast and slow speed regulation. The solid lubricants integrated in the high-performance engineering plastic are released when the linear channel is in operation, which then results in protection-free dry running.

In order to improve performance, the planners optimized the guidance of the module. A larger pulley radius improves the wear resistance of the synchronous belt, as it is subjected to less bending and therefore less stress. Together with the drylin W linear guiding device with an equipment scale of 16. this also ensures that the linear channel has a longer operating life.

“We have optimized the device space for the guidance system. Larger sliders mean larger contact surfaces, which in turn means higher load carrying capacity.” The drylin ZLX has a load capacity of up to 150 N and a stroke length of up to 3.500 mm. tests have also shown that it can run for up to 20.000 kilometers with a horizontal load of 5 kg and a speed of 0.5 m/s without protection. In addition, its operating life can be calculated online.

Instant connection to gearboxes and motors

The new synchronous belt channels can be used in combination with various linear robot constructions as well as independently. Numerous grooves provide a wide range of options for attaching accessories such as sensor holders or protection devices to guides and sliders.

The synchronous belt channel can be connected to motors immediately and igus offers a choice of three motors: stepper motors, EC/BLDC motors or DC motors. These motors can be controlled by the D1 universal control system or by economical drives such as D3. D5. D7. D8 or D9. Due to the sensitive design of the articulating elements, customers can also equip motors from other manufacturers as required.

The drylin ZLX is characterized by a precise and robust motor connection. The drive can be accomplished with a double-expanded mandrel or a plug-in shaft, which makes it more responsive to different applications. Typical applications include automated production lines, pick and place systems and 3D printers.

The new linear channel can be equipped online (click on the orange letters to experience) through the drylin drive technology online equipment, only a few minutes to complete the equipment.