"The lubrication-free tribo-polymer xirodur F182 makes xiros ball transfer units not only very durable, but also electrically dissipative. This gives the operator of ball tables the security that goods in transit or the employees are not endangered by puncture voltage," said a company spokesperson.
igus has developed a new material for its ball transfer units to protect conveyed goods and people from uncontrolled static electricity discharge.
"The new material, tribo-polymer xirodur F182 ball, has proved its electrostatic conductivity in tests," said a company spokesperson. "Users rely on ball tables for transducers in roller conveyors and the transport of sensitive goods. Ball transfer units from igus can move loads up to 500N smoothly and in all directions without a lubricant. Now, products can be conveyed safely without the worry of static electricity discharge."
In some situations, people notice a slight electric shock discharge passing through the body when touching an object or even shaking a person's hand. Protection from electric shock can only be provided by textiles that do not become charged. The situation is similar in the industry. If a person works in production, they would not want to get a shock whenever touching a box or a product.
Electrostatically conductive materials are required to stop discharge. So, igus has now developed the xirodur F182 material for its xiros polymer ball transfer units. The ball transfer units are chiefly used in ball tables to move sensitive or heavy loads-up to 50 kg per unit, depending on size-in all directions.
A smooth and lubrication-free transport is possible by the use of abrasion-resistant and durable tribo-polymers. "Due to the special composition of the new xirodur F182 material, static charge can now be dissipated by the ball transfer unit," said the spokesperson. "It is a significant advantage over metallic ball transfer units, which have an insulating effect from the use of lubricants. Such electrostatically dissipative components are required in many product lines, but especially in the computer and semiconductor industries. A surge of electrostatic charge not dissipated by an insulating material can easily destroy the product."
xirodur F182 is classified in the conductive category according to DIN EN 61340-5-1. As a result, when using the polymer ball transfer units, the user can be sure that puncture voltages are not discharged on to transported goods or employees.
For more information contact:
igus, Inc.
P.O. Box 14349
East Providence, RI 02914
800-521-2747
sales@igus.com
www.igus.com