Multi-functional gantry in lightweight construction

Profile

• What was needed: weight-optimised linear guide
• Requirements: good price-performance ratio
• Industry: Education
• Success for the customer: Support in the project and advice on the selection of components

This student project of the BIK and BIME institutes (University of Bremen) is concerned with the development of a no-camber-controlled gantry for use as a multifunctional machine tool. This should have three axes and the design must be a lightweight construction.

The linear drive in the x-direction is realised via a gantry system of two stepper motors that drive two trapezoidal threaded spindles. These are flange-mounted via spindle bearing blocks from igus®. The rotational movement of the trapezoidal threaded spindle is converted into a linear movement via plastic spindle nuts made of iglidur® J, which are mounted on two drylin® T-guide carriages on each side. This design ensures the movement of the y-axis. The device for the infeed in the z-direction in the working area is mounted on this transverse axis. The traverse and infeed are each moved by a trapezoidal threaded spindle, four guide carriages (drylin® T), which travel on the guide system, and a stepper motor. This portal is capable of carrying out light milling, measuring operations and 3D printing by mounting the appropriate tools.
The purchase of the majority of all components such as spindle bearings, nut holders,

Guide rails with corresponding carriages, energy chain, etc. were produced at igus® due to the very good price-performance ratio. The portfolio offers weight-optimised linear guides that are very well suited to the lightweight construction aspect to be realised. In addition, ordering several parts from one manufacturer ensures that they function correctly and are compatible with each other. In addition, CAD models are already available for all parts on offer in the download area at  www.igus® -cad .com  without prior registration. These can be integrated directly into your own design, which makes the design work much easier. igus® has an initiative to support student projects with sample parts and generous discounts in the form of young engineering support (YES), which has made financing within the given framework possible in the first place.