Configure and order individual CNC parts online in just three minutes

(See igus at MachineBuilding.Live, 2 October 2024, on stand 56)

Sometimes things need to be done quickly. For example, if the maintenance of a machine is due, but the required part is not in stock. With the online CNC service 2.0 from igus, orders for turned and milled parts made of high-performance plastics optimised for tribological use, can be processed in just a few minutes.

Send design drawings by e-mail, wait for an assessment of the feasibility, clarify open questions by phone: These steps can be costly. "In order to make it as easy as possible for our customers and to reduce the coordination effort, especially in critical cases, we launched our online CNC service in October 2020," says Alan Hicks, UK Product Manager for iglidur semi-finished products at igus UK. "The positive customer feedback has motivated us to stay on the ball and develop new features with an improved user interface for the tool. As a result, we now have even faster and more convenient order processing with just a few clicks."

Automated feasibility and tolerance check in seconds

Users only need to upload a 3D model of their component as a STEP file and immediately receive an automated feasibility analysis with transparent price information. In addition, visual feedback is given on production-critical points directly in the tool. This function is constantly being developed and optimised and the tool indicates if it cannot calculate something due to complexity or manufacturing limitations.

igus also offers the option of uploading technical drawings as PDF or image files, checking them automatically in a matter of seconds. The user receives immediate feedback on tolerances and other information on the drawing. The tool marks non-feasible dimensional, shape and position tolerances directly on the drawing and displays correction suggestions.

Transparent and reliable lifetime prediction

All this is the basis for being able to provide reliable price information. Depending on the choice of material, quantity, delivery time and tolerances, the price adjusts when the parameters change, ensuring optimal transparency and support in decision-making at all times.

A special feature in the tool is the integrated lifetime prediction for sliding applications. Due to the large number of tests in the in-house laboratory, igus collects data so that the service life of the products can be calculated quickly and easily. If everything works, the components can be added to the igus shopping cart to request a formal quote or order directly online. If the customer opts for express processing, the turned or milled components are ready for dispatch in as little as three days.

"The advantage is that we provide customers with everything from a single source," emphasises Alan Hicks. "Whether it's an online tool, a wide range of materials, production or individual advice - everything comes directly from igus. With our all-round service, customers receive their special CNC part in the shortest possible time - as conveniently as possible. And, using the wide variety of self-lubricating, highly wear-resistant plastics, the right solution can be found for almost every application."

The service has already proven itself in practice at Dr Quendt, a large food manufacturer of Christmas cakes. "We wanted to make efficient use of a short maintenance interval to replace existing Nylon bearings with iglidur bearings," says Tom Oldach, project engineer at Dr Quendt. "The super-fast quotation calculation and the express dispatch of the online CNC service from igus enabled us to procure our parts in just a few days and to get our production line back into operation on time."