Ready-to-install system solution consisting of energy chains and linear bearings in 3D printers

• What was needed: plastic-energy chain from the micro chain series, chainflex® cable, drylin® linear axis, stepper motor drylin® E
• Requirements: Limited installation space requires space-saving products and a tight bend radius. In addition, the high dynamics in 3D printers require components that allow high accelerations and precise movement.
• Industry: 3D printers
• Success for the customer: energy chain, cable and bearing technology including motor result in a completely ready-to-install operating unit for the customer that is optimised for the high performance in 3D printers.

Everything from a single source: system solutions for the 3D printing industry
In the computer-controlled printing process, our plastic-energy chains prove themselves in the secure guidance of connection cables. Due to their low installation height and narrow bend radius, the micro chain series are particularly suitable for the compact designs of 3D printers for dynamic applications in any direction of movement. Like the linear plain bearings, the micro chain series also have a very low weight. The chainflex® control and motor cables, which are specially designed for continuous motion applications, prevent cable failures and guarantee a long service life for 3D printers. Combined with motorised drylin® linear axis, which includes motor flanges, coupling and drylin® electric stepper and DC motors, we can supply a complete, ready-to-install operating unit from a single source.

3D printers with lubrication- and maintenance-free bearings
In addition to quiet operation, the quality of the objects produced is important for professional use. For example, lubricants can contaminate the raw material or the printed product. Our plain bearings, which are made from high-performance polymers, completely dispense with lubrication thanks to their integrated solid lubricants. This means there is no risk of contamination. The dry operation also makes 3D printers maintenance-free and increases reliability. Factors such as acceleration and positioning accuracy also play a role in the components to be moved in 3D printers in order to be able to reproduce the product in detail on the basis of CAD models. The smooth-running drylin® linear plain bearings and lead screws can be used for both slow and high accelerations, regardless of travel.