Quick and smear-free: New xiros film guide roller for labeling technology

Easily and smoothly redirect labels with xiros polymer ball bearings in a new black carrier roller. (Source: igus GmbH)

You redirect films or labels: roller conveyors with ball bearings. Previously used mainly in clear anodized aluminum, the new black redirect roller from igus now provides a real eye-catcher in packaging and labeling technology. The ready-to-install system not only impresses visually but also technically. It consists of black anodized aluminum tubes and maintenance-free and smooth-running xiros polymer ball bearings.

xiros polymer ball bearings are grease-free, maintenance-free, hygienic, and have a very low breakaway torque. Due to these special properties, they are primarily used in packaging and food technology. As pre-assembled systems with a tube made of aluminum, carbon, or PVC, the bearings prove themselves as conveyor rollers for redirecting films and labels or for transporting goods. By using wear-resistant high-performance polymers and thin-walled tubes, they offer a weight savings of up to 48% compared to metallic solutions. Their mass inertia is about 42% lower, requiring significantly less energy to accelerate, and the rollers reach conveying speed more quickly. With a new black aluminum roller, igus has now expanded its range. "The idea for the black design arose from a customer request. The technical properties of our classic aluminum rollers were already convincing, but a labeling series with black visible parts was desired," explains Marcus Semsroth, Head of the xiros polymer ball bearings division at igus GmbH. The solution: black anodized aluminum for the roller and black xirodur S180 flange bearings made of plastic. "In short, a product was created that met the customer's technical, price, and aesthetic requirements," says Semsroth. Additionally, the new black roller opens up further application areas. It can easily work with camera systems since it does not reflect.

Customizable conveyor roller in two steps

For quick selection of the right conveyor roller, igus has developed an expert tool. In the online tool, the user simply enters the outer and inner diameters, the length of the roller, the load, the load case, and the ambient temperature. By inputting the force impact and the degree of wrapping, the online expert calculates the resulting force on the roller and displays suitable tube materials. In the second step, the user can select the deflection, weight, and price of the conveyor roller based on the data, download the CAD files of the configuration, and order the roller directly online.