igus tribo-filament for 3D printing

March 11, 2015 11:15 am

Print your own components for moving applications with the new tribo-filaments from igus
 3D printing offers users new ways to print objects with complex designs. This is a good alternative, especially for designers, to manufacture components using the latest low cost technology. igus, the tribo-expert, manufactures suitable linear systems for use in 3D printers, but also the right printing filament. With the iglidur I180-PF, igus now introduces an advanced filament that is easier to process which means that real components for real applications can also be easily manufactured and used immediately.
After the world’s first tribo-filament for 3D printers was premièred at the Hanover Show, igus; specialist for ‘plastics in motion’, now offers its second filament that has been optimised for friction and wear. “iglidur I180-PF, the new material from our 3D filament range, is even easier to process than the iglidur I170-PF material presented at the Hanover Show, because it has a higher elasticity,” says Tom Krause, Product Manager for iglidur tribo-filaments at igus. “It is now already available in 1.75 or 3 millimetre diameter.” The tribo-filaments from igus are up to 50 times more abrasion-resistant than materials that are traditionally used in 3D printers. These special materials are the result of years of research conducted in the igus test lab, where all products are put through their paces, so that service life, coefficients of friction and wear, can be reliably predicted.
Components for 3D printerThe filaments, and other ‘motion plastics’ products from igus are also suitable for use in 3D printers for axis. For instance, igus has recently released the low-priced solid plastic bearing drylin RJ4MP. The bearing made of wear-resistant igus plastic, iglidur J4, has the dimensions of the so-called compact “Japanese standard”, which has in the meantime established itself as a popular size for linear guides in 3D printers. Like all products of the drylin linear and drive systems, the new solid plastic bearing operates completely dry and without external lubrication and maintenance. This reduces costs due to reduced downtimes through routine lubrication and maintenance. The complete drylin E systems have already established themselves. They are delivered including a stepper motor in a variety of designs and can be installed immediately. In addition to plain bearings, lead screws, and linear plain bearings, igus also offers compact energy chains for use in 3D printers. The  E2 micro series is available in over 180 different variations. Designed for horizontal, vertical, hanging or standing, circular or lateral movements – the E2 micro can be attached easily to the machine using various mounting bracket options. A chain opener is always included in the delivery for the openable models.