Maintenance-free plain bearings in control arms of AGVs

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What was needed: Plain bearings for the control arm, which form the suspension system of the AGVs
Requirements: As compact as possible / suitable for small installation spaces, durable, suitable for high forces, insensitive to vibrations
Industry: Material handling
Success for the customer: Our plain bearings made of the material iglidur Z fulfil all the above-mentioned requirements of the customer and also score with absolute freedom from maintenance

Autonomous transport vehicle conveys goods

Problem:

The designers at Etisoft Smart Solutions were unable to use conventional rolling bearings due to the limited installation space in the transport vehicles. That's why a space-saving alternative was needed.

Solution:

Polymer plain bearings of the series iglidur Z are used in the control arms of the autonomous transport vehicles. The bearings ensure that the weight of the robot and its load are distributed evenly. They transmit the axial forces exerted on the suspension bolts and ensure that the entire mechanism moves easily.

Autonomous transport vehicle IntraBot Lift 550

Up to 550 kg payload

The Polish company Etisoft Smart Solutions develops transport vehicles for material handling. This also includes the IntraBot Lift 550 robot. It is a so-called Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and part of a material handling system that is used for the automatic execution of tasks of internal transport of components and finished products in a factory or warehouse.

The AGV is designed to be used around the clock and permanently. The robot, which weighs just under 250 kg, has a payload of 550 kg. Due to the payload and uneven floors, the suspension mechanism is exposed to vibrations and high forces. It leads to stress on the mechanical components. For this reason, Etisoft Smart Solutions decided to use iglidur plain bearings.

Production process accelerated with iglidur plain bearings

The iglidur Z plain bearings are used in the control arms, which form the suspension system of the AGVs. The bearings transmit the axial forces acting on the suspension bolts and also enable the entire mechanism to function smoothly. The simple assembly of igus products speeds up the production process of the IntraBot Lift 550. The lifting mechanism also features energy chains from igus, which protect the cables when the mechanism moves.