Curved Linear Guides

Based on the line of drylin W linear plain bearings, igus has introduced linear rails bent to custom radii, along with adaptable carriages that can self-align between straight linear runs and curves without binding. According to Matt Mowry, product manager for drylin linear and drive technology at igus Inc., this new addition to the drylin W toolkit allows for “entirely new possibilities in applications including marine, aerospace, and stage technologies.” Other applications, including inside commercial and agricultural vehicle cabins, have also been explored.

Like all drylin systems, the new curved rails and self-aligning carriages operate without the requirement for any external lubrication or maintenance, and offer easy installation.

To compensate for rail spacing, a pivoting spherical ball, made of self-lubricating iglide plastic materials, is used in the new self-aligning carriage, allowing for movement on flat, as well as convex or concave curved rails. The carriage is also available with manual clamping options, allowing the carriage to be fixed at any point of travel.