igus introduces 'speedigus' iglidur rapid prototyping service
17 June 2010
igus has introduce a rapid injection moulding service for prototyping parts in selected iglidur materials. Using a new online facility, customers simply email a 3D CAD model of their part (preferably STEP format), name the number of parts required and indicate their preferred turnaround time, which can range from from 15 days (standard) to just 24 hours, if the order is urgent. The 24-hour service is 2.5 times the cost of the 15-day service and there is a sliding scale for all periods in between. After any tooling design issues are addressed, an aluminium tool is made and prototype production can commence. As there are no minimum order quantities, speedigus is suitable for prototyping, one-offs, low volumes (few thousands) and bridge tooling.
igus is currently offering speedigus parts in eight common iglidur materials (iglidur G, J, W300, X, M250, P, A180 and H2) as well as igumid G, the igus E-Chain material; the designer selects the material best suited to the application, using the simple online selection tool. As iglidur materials are maintenance and lubricant free, long lasting and have a low coefficient of friction, the majority of speedigus parts manufactured to date are custom design components that have a bearing function.
Because speedigus uses standard igus materials, the igus useful service life calculation program is still valid. However, the users of this service can also draw upon other features and benefits of iglidur materials, such as the combination of light weight and electrical conductivity, chemical resistance or high temperature tolerance. The igumid E-Chain material, in particular, offers design possibilities for structural parts, such as brackets, side plate or covers.
speedigus can accommodate parts that fit into an envelope up to 475 x 750 x 200mm, with wall thicknesses down to 0.5mm. Tooling charges start from £1000 and unit costs are from just 10 pence. As part of this service speedigus custom tooling is kept for repeat orders as and when required. If production should move to high volumes, then igus will manufacture a standard production tool, and unit costs then reduce considerably.
For more information about speedigus or to make an initial enquiry click here
Meanwhile, opening up completely new directions for machine construction, igus has developed the world’s first continually rotating energy chain. Rotating all the way around, the igus C-Chain can supply grippers, sensor systems and other units with energy, data and media without non-productive start and return runs. igus C-Chains are not only lightweight and reliable, with speeds of up to 8m/s they can realise extremely fast machine cycle times and, depending on customer specifications, travel of 30 metres and more is possible. Numerous different carriages can be used to supply rotating grippers, suction cups or electro magnets, for example, which can pick up work pieces, hold them, adjust them and set them down again. Also, processing tools required for turning, clamping, adhesion or drilling can be supplied. To watch the C-Chain in action, click here
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