IGUS W Linear Rails

[Kemper73]

I've been looking to getting some of the IGUS W linear rail systems, they are pretty cheap and seem pretty robust and simple to install.. WWW.IGUS.COM

They would be good for Y and Z for sure,,, I would have to use somethig else for the X

I am just interested in seeing if anyone else has used this (or any other) IGUS Systyem and if there are any photo's that people could post. I have searched the posts and many have said they were going to try,, But I haven't seen any pictures..

Thanks for the help,,,

Jeff

[svenakela]

Search for igus here at the zone, you will find heaps of pros 'n' cons.

I decided to not use them. Specially not for the Z-axis...

Cheers,
Sven

[Hobbiest]

Originally Posted by svenakela I decided to not use them. Specially not for the Z-axis... Cheers, Sven

Any particular reason?

[CNCadmin]

I decided also not to use them, their is no way to eliminate free play and the cost was no cheaper then going the linear bearing route.

[Moondog]

Kemper..

I also initially went down the IGUS route. Purchased and installed them only to find they did bind when subjected to pressure. The IGUS people then told me that when using their IGUS system you have to design your components like spacings etc to a set formula. The Linerar bearing system like the THK is much more adaptable to your own design requirements.

I think the IGUS is a great concept however I think it may be better suited to specific apps like conveyor tracks etc.

I ended up using the THK style bearings. Excellent.

regards

Frans

[svenakela]

Oh, I see you got your answers already. :-)

--Sven

[Losos]

Hey Kemper, I'm in the same boat as you. The IGUS rail system looks very appealing, and up until reading this thread I was set on using them for my machine.

For those out there that know a lot about the alternatives... what's a good replacement system that can handle the same amount of dust/debris without maintenance (as the drylin R linear bearings do -- http://igus.bdol.com/drylinr.asp)?

[Moondog]

Losos.....

Unfortunately dust contamination will be a problem with all bearing systems. The amount depends on your Dust Wipers and your dilegence in keeping the area clean.

A friend of mine runs 4 machines continually cutting MDF (very dusty) and his machines use the THK style of bearing. They use a good dust extractor but they also periodically thru the shift clean the rails with compressed air.

Also they don't use grease in the bearings as grease attracts dust like a magnet. They have changed the grease nipples to accept Oil lines and they just Oil the bearings at the start of every shift. A good Oil helps flush out any dirt/dust and also reduces friction. Grease causes more friction and needs more power.

I am afraid you have to live with the dust contamination, but just design to miniimise the dust in the shop and good old fashioned regular cleaning.

cheers

[Losos]

Thanks Moondog, unfortunately I am planning on using my machine to mill surfboards so foam dust will be everywhere. I'd hate to have to constantly be cleaning and oiling the system. Is there anyone out there that recommends using the IGUS rails/bearings?

[ger21]

You might want to look at the Bishop Wisecarver DualV system. http://www.bwc.com/html/dualvee.html They're supposed to be very tolerant of dusty conditions, too.

[Kemper73]

Thats too bad to hear about the IGUS short comings,,, I really liked them because of mainly the price and ease of lining up the 2 rails,,, since they are joined.

I'm going to have to read the full manual on these babies to see if I can still use them,,, $50 US for a Z axis including the rails, bearings, mountng plate, it pretty damn good,,,

Any idea what the DualV pricing is for something like this,,, and what the side load performance is??

Thanks for all the comments

Jeff

[eman5oh]

Have you considered designing your your machine so that the long rails are under the the cutting table to be protected from dust. You could also use shrouding or bellows to keep the rails clean. If I had thought about this I would have designed my machine a bit different.