PGT Industries in Venice, Fla. provides windows, doors, sunrooms and patio rooms to its customers. One window fixture secures aluminum slider windows while the sliding tracks are snapped into place.

The linear guide needed to deliver low friction and allow multiple window sixes to be captured in the fixture and held in place while the sliders are secured. The action is repeated hundreds of times per day. The replaced solution used a pipe as a cross member with another pipe, larger in diameter but shorter in length as the sliding member. The pipes were polished and coated with grease to reduce friction. The grease had to be reapplied weekly and it would transfer to the windows, which then had to be cleaned before shipment. It was also heavy and difficult to maneuver.

To solve this issue, PGT uses DryLin® W linear guide systems from igus® Inc., which are resistant to dust and dirt. DryLin W was also the clear choice when considering pressure, velocity, cycle times and environmental conditions. DryLin W costs less than the ball bearing system previously in place and is easier to install.