igus has expanded its drylin W modular, linear guide system with rails made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP). The GRP material is a lightweight alternative to aluminium, yet more cost-efficient than carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) linear guides. The automotive industry is one example where the cost and weight of the design are both important considerations, and the new drylin W GRP rail is ideal in this case.
“The drylin W, made of glass fibre, is 20 per cent lighter than aluminium and 70 per cent lighter than steel. At the same time, it is 50 per cent cheaper than carbon fibre linear rails,” says Robert Dumayne, dry-tech director, igus.
“Therefore, the lightweight yet cost-efficient GRP linear guide system is an alternative for use in vehicle and aircraft design, as well as for medical devices or measuring systems.”
The pairing of GRP and plastic is also suitable for other industries, where highly dynamic movements play a role. For example, machine builders are already benefitting from the weight advantages of GRP components in robotics. This robust material can also be used in environments where aggressive cleaning chemicals are used.
Like all igus products, a drylin W GRP linear bearing system is self-lubricating and is therefore insensitive to ingress from dust and dirt. For more stability, igus offers a larger profile GRP rail option that can be quickly and easily mounted using claw clamps.
