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TA Instruments – Waters LLC developed an new design of an autosampler and cell autolid for a new Differential Scanning Calorimeter. The autosampler provides reliable, unattended operation of the machine, even with the use of cooling accessories. The 50 sample, five reference pan carousel tray enables research and analytical laboratories to run samples around the clock.

Iglide® J bearings from igus® Inc. are used in a vertical drive assembly which provides the vertical and rotational motion for robotic arms on the automsampler. TA Instruments – Waters LLC had to take into account many different considerations including, tight space restrictions, low cost, lubrication-free to eliminate maintenance and the messiness associated with lubricants, high accuracy and precision (repeatability) for the placement of the sample pans and also for accurate, repeatable motion, light weight to minimize rotational inertia, and finally, robust simple design with a minimum 10-year product life.

Iglide J was the perfect choice and met all of the company’s requirements.

“The igus iglide J series bearings were a perfect solution for the bearings needed in the Q-Series® DSC autosampler vertical drive assembly,” said Christopher Carney, P.E. “The low coefficient of friction and dry running operation meet our no-lubrication criteria. We needed a bearing that would last indefinitely with little wear. With eight bearings we save approximately $24,000 per year. Our life testing has proven that they will sustain more than 750,000 cycles which is equivalent to 75 years of operation.”

Carney also noted other advantages of using iglide J.