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Electroglas in San Jose, Calif. manufactures Probers and Manipulators used on a test cell for testing integrated circuits. The company uses iglide® G300, an economical, all-around performance bearing from igus® Inc., as part of a cable management system that supports and contains a large bundle of cables that rotate through a 180-degree arc on a mechanical system. The bundle attaches the test head to the manipulator.

Electroglas had many factors to consider when choosing a bearing. The cables in the system must be supported while being able to twist around an axis running through the center of the cable bundle. The main cable management structure also needs to enable rotation between it and the head and between itself and the manipulator.

Adequate adjustability and play to compensate for tolerances and the possible misalignment of the hinge rotation axis and the main pivot point of the cable management was also had to be considered, as well as the need for a lubrication-free bearing for a clean room environment.

Iglide G300 bearings satisfied all of Electroglas’ requirements and are employed at various points along the cable management structure. They provide rotation, axial play for misalignment and tolerances, and can support large moment and radial loads.

To learn more about Electroglas, visit www.electroglas.com.