igus SHT linear module in hygienic design

igus has designed its lubrication-free drylin linear and drive technology according to the EHEDG guidelines. It is suitable for filling stations, for example, allowing for precise and hygienic movements to position bottles and tins.

The axis uses stainless steel round shafts as guidance and relies on dryspin lead screw technology from igus made of corrosion-free stainless steel for the drive. The truss assembly consists of two housing halves that are sealed with an FDA-compliant silicone flat gasket and hygienic screws. Specially developed wiper seals protect the shafts and prevent dirt and moisture from entering the shaft end support. In addition, igus has designed the lead screw nut on the lead screw in such a way that there are generous gaps. This prevents deposits and makes it possible to clean them efficiently.

The company it is working on developing more and more products consistently in accordance with the hygienic design guidelines and has now also joined the EHEDG so as to facilitate new types of certification for open moving parts.

Last year, igus presented its sliding carriage for linear guides in hygienic design, which is made of 100% food-grade plastic with FDA and EU 10/2011 approval. Here, too, the design is completely open and free of dead space, making the system fully flushable — even with aggressive cleaning agents. The carriage is suitable for format adjustment in beverage-bottling plants, for example, to handle different bottle sizes without interchangeable parts. Due to solid lubricants integrated into the high-performance plastic, the carriage works hygienically with low-maintenance dry operation and doesn’t require external lubrication.

Furthermore, individual bearings have been added to the drylin hygienic design product range. They are placed separately on the guide rail and assembled into linear carriages using stainless steel plates in various sizes, which enables a more flexible design. This also includes the drylin ZLW toothed belt axis made of stainless steel with bearings, toothed belts and ball bearings made of plastic compliant with FDA and EU 10/2011.