Clean precision in folding machines: Maintenance-free solutions with igus bearing technology

Profile

• What was needed: Maintenance-free and clean machine components
• Requirements: Abrasion resistance, no maintenance, optimum performance despite dusty environment
• Industry: Printing
• Success for the customer: The maintenance-free, lubrication-free and abrasion-resistant solutions not only improve the service life of the machines, but also contribute to the cleanliness and quality of the end product.

Processing paper poses special challenges for the mechanics and precision of machines. In the Butterfly series, the folding units not only have to fold high layers of paper of various grammages, but also do so at production speeds of up to 14,500 sheets per hour. The machines face challenges such as long-term wear resistance, resistance to deposits such as paper dust and avoiding clearance in the motion connections. Conventional bearing or high-maintenance lubrication systems could not fulfil the requirements of the Bacciottini Group, as they led to restrictions in productivity and increased maintenance costs.

The use of our products has significantly improved the machines. The drylin linear systems ensure precise, clearance-free movements, allowing the adjustment mechanisms to work optimally. At the same time, the iglidur J plain bearing ensures smooth, low-friction operation thanks to their high abrasion resistance, which leads to a reduction in wear. In addition, the igubal double joint, which compensates for misalignment, enables reliable, low-wear movement even under high load. The interaction of these maintenance-free components not only increases machine service life, but also ensures consistently high product quality, as the bearings are insensitive to paper dust and require no lubrication.