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Elevated-height work, such as the removal of lead paint or chemical toxins from tall surfaces, is a dirty and often hazardous job, but International Climbing Machines (ICM) is on a mission to transform this industry from dangerous to safe. ICM is a leading developer of portable, remote-controlled devices capable of removing lethal materials on virtually any vertical or inverted surface. The company’s climbing machines are remotely operated safely from the ground, so humans can avoid exposure to dangerous heights, chemicals and toxic environments. The machines can climb a wide array of objects such as walls, tanks, ships, building structures, dams and towers. Used for dangerous missions that range from the removal of surface decontamination to radiological and biological agents, ICM machines even the playing field for individuals involved in elevated-height work.
From the beginning, ICM has been using plastic machinery components from igus® Inc. on all the moving parts of its climbing machines. ICM uses Energy Chain® cable carrier, igubal® spherical bearings and DryLin® linear bearings and guide systems on each climbing apparatus. ICM had a long list of criteria it needed to meet when building its machines, making for an intensive search. The parts had to be durable, lightweight, economical and virtually maintenance-free. Igus’ line of high-performance plastic cable carriers, bearings and linear slides were the answer.
Compared to its closest competitor, a 100 to 1,000 pound crawler requiring support to operate on vertical surfaces, ICM machines weigh just 22 pounds, in large part due to igus. Igus’ lightweight, plastic parts to do not add excessive weight the climbers, enabling them to easily adhere to surfaces such as metal, concrete and brick, using only a vacuum force.
In addition to the low weight, ICM also enjoys additional benefits from using igus parts. Every component is chemical-resistant, wear-resistant and maintenance-free, which eliminates machine downtime for ICM and the end-user. Unlike metal or bronze, igus’ plastic components will not corrode or fail in harsh environments where hazardous chemicals are prevalent. Users can send the climbing machines into any situation, over and over, without worry.
“The quality of all the igus products has been exceptional,” said Sam Maggio, president of ICM. “We have not found any product that is comparable. Every nickel and minute counts and with igus, we’re able to save both money and time.”
ICM has been employing igus products on its climbers for more than four years. The company is a leader in the development of elevated-height work machines that are portable and lightweight. The company’s climbers can be used in hazardous settings, but also are well-suited for various types of testing, inspections and surveys, and can come equipped with attachments for sand blasting or surface-damage repair. To learn more about ICM, visit www.icm.cc or to watch the company’s climbers in action, go to www.icm.cc/demo_videos.html.