01 ...machinetools @ The igus® newsletter for the machine tools industry
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2011
COVER STORY
EDITORIAL
Green automation: Saving drive power Energy chains® for green gantry robots and storage and retrieval machines - quiet, fast and economical
The situation is common in many production plants. If heavy items are to be transported for long distances, then it should be done quickly and quietly while saving power. This also applies to storage systems, like storage and retrieval machines (SRM) or gantry robots. What does this have to do with energy chain systems®, cables and hoses? The energy chains® belong to the engineering items that can make a significant ÇThe comparison shows how much energy can contribution to redube saved cing the consumption of the gantry or SRM drives. Because these drives have to muster the push-pull forces to move the energy chains® with all their heavy cables over many meters. That‘s where we come in with our profile roller energy chain system® “P4“: “P4“ allows long travels at a speed of 10 m/s and more with high fill weights up to 10 kg/m. In the “P4“ energy chain® kit there are now even smaller sizes – the “P4.32“ and “P4.42“ – for “green“ machining processes and storage systems. Com- ÇThe savings potential is particularly high pared to gliding applications, in manufacturing processes (here in sheet metal processing) roller chains offer 75 percent less friction. That‘s up to 57 percent less drive power! In addition, many handling processes are now faster, without increasing the noise level.  www.igus.de/green-automation  www.igus.eu/mt/green-automation
The expenditure of energy in transporting machinery is often neglected. But even here significant power savings are possible, as our tests have shown. Thus it is possible to save up to 57% power. A large and important step for energy efficiency.
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ÇThe abrasion-resistant and lownoise profile roller energy chain® „P4“ allows savings of up to 57 percent in drive power
Markus Fuchs Everywhere there is talk of a change in energy production and the sparing use of resources. Rising energy costs also ensure that this issue comes into focus. Not only in manufacturing, but also in everyday use - especially during the entire lifetime of a machine spread over many years. Because operating costs are a major factor in the profitability calculation of an investment. Energy efficiency is therefore increasingly becoming a competitive advantage. Fact is: The suppliers with their innovative products also contribute toward meeting the requirements of machine tools in process safety and resource consumption. At the EMO 2011, we demonstrate our contribution to greater efficiency with many new products and range extensions. With our plastic energy chains® and chainflex® cables, machines can save energy and money. Specifically, the roller energy chain® P4 can be used with up to 57% less drive power. Also the chip-proof “RX“ energy tube, and the energy chain® “E4.1“ offer a wealth of possibilities. In addition, our iglidur® plastic plain bearings ensure a positive eco-balance. They are free of lubricants and increasingly replace metallic plain and roller bearings. We prove that an optimal design of individual components leads to a perfect interaction – true to the igus® motto “configured online in minutes, delivered in 24 hours, built for years.“ Find out more: www.igus-machinetools.eu. Yours
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Markus Fuchs Industry Manager, Machine Tools
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