igus test lab: ensuring reliability under extreme conditions

In the igus bearing technology test lab, plain bearings are tested for stress, wear and friction properties under real conditions. In addition, approximately 250 new polymer compounds are tested each year. They are exposed not only to external influences, such as dirt, moisture, aggressive chemicals and temperature extremes, but also to different movements and loads - rotating, pivoting, linear motion and tumbling.

There have been, and still are, a virtually infinite number of cable suppliers, who also sell cables claiming to be "chain-suitable'. igus is often asked how suitable its chainflex cables really are for use in energy chain applications that are rarely covered in normal standards. The chainflex lab, which runs 250 tests simultaneously, concentrates on special experiments and tests that are not covered by the likes of VDE and UL. It enables igus to provide its customers with the answers for predicting service life and functional capability whatever the application. For its energy chain and chainflex systems, igus performs 4100 tests annually at 180 test stations: climate chamber, outdoor tests, noise chamber, travel lengths up to 240m and robotic systems.

Matthew Aldridge, managing director, igus says: "No two days are the same in the test lab. Here, we test everything that we make - bearings, linear guides, cables, energy chains and all our low-cost automation systems. There are also customer requests to determine whether they can use our products and materials in their specific applications; these often result in the development of new products and systems. The results of all our tests are recorded in a database and are incorporated into our numerous online tools, where they, in turn, benefit our customers."

Follow the link to watch the video. igus offers a wide range of reliable configuration and calculation tools. To find out more, visit www.igus.co.uk/online.