Accelerating design processes with linear units

(See igus at MachineBuilding.Live, 15 October 2025, on stand 180)

With a load capacity of up to 600 kilograms, it is particularly suitable for applications in logistics, robotics and production cells in packaging technology.

The basis of the drylin SLX-8060 linear axis is a corrosion-resistant, clear anodised aluminium profile with an integrated linear slide from the 'drylin W' series in size 16. The drive is via igus thread technology, known as 'dryspin' which can be operated manually or electrically.

"We launched the ZLX, a new generation of linear units, as a belt drive and received a great response from designers who have confirmed that they save design time with the ready-to-fit solution," says igus Linear Product Manager, Lee Wilkins. "We have therefore decided to expand this range to include a leadscrew drive version to offer designers even more flexibility."

Depending on the size, it can take loads of up to 600 kilograms and can be used in a variety of ways - whether as a single axis or for gantry arrangements.

Quick installation on aluminium profiles

The new drylin SLX linear axes are designed to save on assembly time. They can be mounted on standard aluminium profiles without drilling and blend seamlessly into classic machine profiles, offering a uniform appearance. Large grooves allow for quick integration of accessories such as sensor mounts or guards.

"On request, we can also supply the linear axes ready for installation with motors and controls - including stepper, EC/BLDC and DC motors," says Wilkins. Alternatively, motors from other manufacturers can be connected. "For manual operation, the SLX can be equipped with controls ranging from right-angle gears to safety handwheels from the drive technology modular system," he adds.

Saving on maintenance costs and increasing reliability

The drylin SLX linear units also help designers to increase the reliability of their application and reduce maintenance costs. This is because a decisive advantage of igus linear systems is their ability to operate without lubrication. The carriage and leadscrew nut both use high-performance plastic which is entirely self-lubricating to remove the need for oil or grease. The design is also more resistant to dirt and operates almost silently as a result.

"This not only eliminates expensive downtime for maintenance, but the SLX linear unit is also less susceptible to malfunctions caused by grease, dust and dirt, with three completely closed sides for increased protection against the ingress of dirt particles," says Wilkins.

Long-term tests passed

igus has also subjected the new linear units of the SLX range to long-term tests in their in-house test laboratory, proving the durability of 113,232 double strokes over 23,590 operating hours. The asymmetrical dryspin thread technology extends the service life of the unit by around 30 percent.

The size 16 drylin W enables the drylin SLX to carry a higher load capacity of up to 1250 N axially and 5000 N radially, and the unit has a maximum stroke length of 1,000 mm.