"Our customers come from a wide range of industries, from the automotive, textile, packaging and pharmaceutical industries to special machine construction. The product range extends from individual drive components such as stepper or servomotors to integrated and intelligent axis systems consisting of axis, motor and controller through to customised special machines for the automation of production processes. Based on the Colibri modular system, for example, we can combine linear, stroke, swivelling or rotary movements in such a way that demanding handling tasks can be easily solved. The machine manufacturer can easily integrate our components into their overall system and thus concentrate on the processes they need to solve," explains Manfred Müller, CEO and owner of Gunda Automation, adding:

"Our portfolio is made up of in-house developments and complementary products. We have our own development department for electronics, software and mechanical design, but we buy in certain parts where it makes sense, such as the lead screw nut and threaded spindles from igus®, which we install in our Colibri drives. As a small development team, we can't do everything ourselves, so we have to rely on the experience and quality of our suppliers."

lubrication-free lead screw technology with dryspin® technology
The lead screws and lead nuts used with dryspin® technology are based on the principle of lubrication-free linear technology. For absolutely lubrication-free use, threaded spindles made of stainless steel or hard-anodised aluminium are combined with high-performance polymers from the proven iglidur® range. The dryspin® technology developed by igus® achieves a longer service life due to the asymmetry of the threads and increased efficiency due to the flat flank angle. The geometry of the lead screw nut matching the threaded rod is variable even in the standard version. 
"By dispensing with oils or greases as lubricants, we can fulfil the highest hygiene requirements with our lead screw technology. In addition, the use in dry operation saves high cleaning and maintenance costs and wear is also significantly reduced. We can now supply Gunda Automation with more than eight spindle sizes, including the special nuts," says Reiner Nusser, technical sales consultant at igus®.

The stepper and servo motors with integrated control system from Gunda Automation are equipped with all the operating modes of a fully-fledged positioning system. Thanks to their versatility with interfaces such as Profinet, Profibus, Ethercat or CAN bus, they can be adapted to almost any control system. "In addition to stepper and servo motors, we also offer intelligent positioning systems. Our motorised rotary table, for example, with its virtually backlash-free worm gear is ideal for the precise rotary positioning of components such as sensors, cameras, lasers, limit switches, etc., as is our positioning slide for format adjustments or for positioning components, workpieces or processing tables. Whether electric cylinder, stepper motor, servo motor or planetary gearbox, we can realise the positioning systems and automation requirements of our customers economically and flexibly according to their individual wishes and needs," says Müller.

The largest test laboratory in the industry
Depending on the customer's requirements, Gunda Automation also uses complete linear axis or axis systems from igus® in addition to lead screw technology. "Our production differs from classic series production, as we very often realise special designs and solutions that are individually tailored to the customer. This clearly sets us apart from large manufacturers, as we provide them with a customised solution even for small quantities," says Manfred Müller. Reiner Nusser explains: "This is also one of our USPs. Regardless of whether the user orders one or 200,000 pieces from us, we never charge a minimum order value or minimum quantity surcharge and the customer always gets the same service and the same good advice from us." With a 3,800 square metre test laboratory, igus® tests and develops its products under real conditions. This was also the decisive criterion for the CEO of Gunda Automation in choosing igus® and its products. "To be honest, I was a bit sceptical at first. Mr Nusser then invited me to Cologne and the technicians from igus® recreated our application 1:1 in the test laboratory. I was able to see the quality of the product for myself on site. Even better, the promised and guaranteed values were exceeded many times over," says Müller.

Conclusion
Thanks to the use of plain bearings and lead screw technology from igus®, Gunda Automation's customers receive a low-maintenance and high-quality automation solution "Made in Germany". "The expertise and commitment with which igus® has looked after and supported us right from the start is impressive. We are certainly not a major customer of igus®, but we are treated as such and this has resulted in a friendly and trusting partnership at eye level, which is a real pleasure," concludes Müller.

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