The use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in factories and warehouses is booming. They work around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For AGV manufacturers, achieving maximum uptime is a challenge, which can be overcome by using reliable and maintenance-free components.
“iglidur tribopolymer bearings, which are used in the tilting devices and scissor lifts of AGVs, are up to 60 percent lighter than metal bearings,” says Robert Dumayne, dry-tech director at igus. “Fibres and fillers reinforce the bearings for absorbing high forces and edge loads. And integrated solid lubricants ensure a maintenance-free dry operation.”
In addition to plain bearings, the AGV range from igus includes linear, slewing ring, spherical and ball bearings, as well as electrically driven leadscrew modules. Global manufacturer Knapp Industry Solutions has benefitted from using the igus AGV range in its ‘Open Shuttle’ – a vehicle that drives autonomously through factory halls and transports boxes between roller conveyors. The roller tray of the Open Shuttle is flexible and able to adapt easily to different transfer heights via two drylin SLW leadscrew modules. Each are equipped with iglidur liners and leadscrew nuts to achieve high reliability and a long service life.
Installation space in AGVs is also often limited; here igus energy chains with very small bend radii, such as the E2 micro with an inner height of 5mm, can be used. igus also has matching e-chain cables in its product range, with or without connectors, including ones that can be used in AGVs operating in cold storage at temperatures down to -35°C. As the only provider capable of offering a unique guarantee of 36 months on its cables, igus gives AGV manufacturers and their customers additional peace of mind.