Extremely light, but always in the picture ... Now also for flange bearings with i.Sense igubal®

CFL's train wash system uses igus® energy chain and igubal® flange bearings in the wash trolleys. Previously used metal bearings have been replaced by plastic bearings to reduce maintenance costs. An "intelligent" bearing that monitors the condition is tested to prevent unforeseen damage. The aim is to receive an immediate message if the bearing properties deteriorate. This should prevent expensive malfunctions and breakdowns.

CFL's maintenance manager, Mike Feinen, emphasises the importance of avoiding downtimes, as these are associated with costs and the contracts stipulate regular cleaning of the trains. There are penalties for non-compliance. In co-operation with igus®, a solution was found to ensure the optimum performance of the system. After initial adjustment problems, the system is now running smoothly and the smart flange bearing has saved a lot of maintenance time.

Tech up

• Continuous condition monitoring of highly loaded 2 and four hole flange bearings
• Early anomaly detection
• Comprehensive connectivity for optional integration into predictive maintenance concept with i.Cee

Reduce costs

• Identical in construction, and can therefore be used 1-1 instead of metallic representatives
• Avoidance of unplanned downtimes thanks to condition-based alarm messages

Proofs

• First successful pilot application on site at customer CFL in Luxembourg
• Ongoing test series in the industry's largest test laboratory  for high-performance polymers

sustainability

• Minimised material costs for integrated sensor
• Usage-dependent product replacement reduces unnecessary material costs

"Less effort, higher availability"

"Less maintenance, higher availability, the ability to manage all the different cables and hoses in one system, intelligent condition monitoring i.Sense ... I would always use intelligent energy chain from igus® again!"

Dipl.-Ing. Fabian Wilhelm, project manager at AOS Stade GmbH

Worldwide customer applications

Whether in international automotive production, the global crane industry or in regional wastewater treatment plants: i.Sense systems are used successfully wherever maintenance costs are saved and machine downtime is prevented.