Lubricant-free igus telescopic guide for hygienic extension

For a lubricant-free slide, users from the medical technology sector can now rely on the hygienic drylin NT-60 telescopic rail from igus. (Source: igus GmbH)

Lubrication-free, lightweight, and durable: these qualities characterize the new drylin NT-60 telescopic rail from igus. It allows, for example, in medical technology or laboratory automation, drawers up to 2,000 millimeters long to be pulled out quietly and without lubrication. For this, igus relies entirely on wear-resistant and easy-to-clean iglidur tribo-polymers in the sliding elements. At Compamed 2019 in Hall 8b, Stand A20, igus will present its hygienic telescopic guide to industry professionals.

Whether in drawers, vending machines, or headrests: telescopic rails are used everywhere to extend objects from a small installation space. They consist of multiple rails that can slide past each other and extend apart. To enable users to choose a lightweight and lubrication-free solution for higher load capacities, igus has now expanded its drylin NT telescopic rail series. With the new 60-millimeter-wide and 24-millimeter-high guide, full extension, partial extension, or overextension are possible with an individual length of up to 2,000 millimeters. The new drylin NT-60 system particularly demonstrates its advantages in medical technology. Here, hygienic, lightweight, and easy-to-clean solutions are in demand. Therefore, igus uses anodized aluminum for the rails and sliding elements made from the high-performance plastic iglidur J. The tribo-polymer ensures smooth, uniform, and above all, lubrication-free sliding of the guides. But the plastic sliders offer even more benefits: they operate quietly and are completely maintenance-free due to embedded solid lubricants. By eliminating lubricants, dirt or dust do not stick to the rails. This minimizes the risk of failure. The telescopic rails can be easily and quickly cleaned with high-pressure cleaners or chemicals, an important criterion for use in hospitals.

High loads easily supported

In the new drylin NT guide, all elements subjected to bending are made of metal and exhibit high rigidity. In a drawer test in the igus laboratory, two telescopic guides with an extension length of 400 millimeters demonstrated the ability to withstand static loads of up to 180 N at close range. By using plastic sliding elements instead of metallic balls, the adjustment guides can be installed both vertically—as traditional drawer guides—and horizontally, either individually or parallel to each other. "This gives the user flexible options in construction. They can use the guides both indoors and outdoors, as they are completely corrosion-resistant," explains Michael Hornung, product manager for drylin at igus GmbH.

Compact sizes for low loads

In addition to drylin NT-60, igus also offers the system in a width of 35 millimeters and a height of 19 millimeters. It allows users to extend custom lengths up to 1,200 millimeters. Thanks to its compact design, the drylin NT-35 telescopic system is suitable for applications in small spaces, such as in automobiles or motorhomes. The NT-35 series offers, in addition to full extension, partial extension, and overextension, a version with locking in the middle and end positions.

Clean operation, robust handling, and high-quality adjustment. Besides medical technology and laboratory automation, drylin NT telescopic guides can also be used in machine building, interior and retail design, as well as furniture fittings.