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bearing technology and e-chains for cooling systems in the laboratory

Corrosion-resistant and lubrication-free bearing technology for laboratory cooling systems

10,000 units of blood are stored on 21 trays that can be moved with the help of our storage technology

In this refrigerator, which the engineers at Loll Feinmechanik GmbH developed and built for a customer, around 10,000 units of blood are stored and automatically dispensed. They are stored on movable trays and are transported to a robot cell for removal via a removal unit. A trolley rotation system with 21 trolleys that circulate in the refrigerator was developed to ensure good space utilisation. Drylin® linear guides, igubal® rod ends and iglidur® plain bearings are used to minimise maintenance and corrosion at the bearing points. The igus® energy chain is also used.

Profile

What was needed: linear guide for horizontal and vertical movement, plain bearings, spherical plain bearings, sliding foils; energy chain to protect the moving cable
Requirements: As condensation can occur locally in the refrigerator, external lubricants should be avoided in the bearing points. In addition, the lowest possible maintenance requirements, a low-noise motion sequence and the most compact design possible were desired.
Industry: Medical technology
Success for the customer: 21 trolleys with approx. 500 samples can now be stored in the system and move with low friction. The various rotary and linear bearings are lubrication-free and corrosion-resistant, enabling clean, reliable operation while minimising maintenance work. The compact energy chains ensure a safe energy supply.

Cooling system for blood samples from Loll Feinmechanik

Problem

This refrigerator was designed for the storage, management and provision of blood samples, which was achieved by a well thought-out interior. The system is divided into two units: The centrepiece of the system is the numerous movable trays on which the blood samples are stored. At the centre of the system are the numerous movable trays on which the blood samples are stored.
The system, which can accommodate around 10,000 blood samples, thus offers an efficient alternative to manual storage.
As condensation can occur locally in the refrigerator, lubricating greases had to be avoided to realise the storage. In addition, the lowest possible maintenance requirements and a low-noise movement sequence were desired.

Solution

The trolley rotation system at the heart of the refrigerator makes it possible to utilise as much space as possible. Today, 21 trolleys with approx. 500 samples can be stored in the system. As the trolleys can rotate in the refrigerator, the search was on for the most maintenance-free storage components possible, with both rotary and linear elements being used.
The manufacturer opted for the flat and cost-effective drylin® N-low-profile guide system, torsion-resistant and flexible drylin® Q square guides (drylin® Q-10 as switching shaft) as well as plain bearings made of our all-round material iglidur ® G, iglidur ® sliding foils and igubal ® plastic-rod end. Thanks to the solid lubricants incorporated in the plastic, the bearing products do not require any external lubrication. This avoids problems with adhering dirt and the associated loss of function and maintenance work. Corrosion resistance and quiet operation are further plus points.

Our small, user-friendly zipper e-chain® (Series 09), which can be opened and closed very easily and thus enable quick cable replacement, also protect the moving cables.