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Students from the University of Minnesota turned a school project into a real-world solution while using donated products from igus® Inc. The student design team developed a chainsaw variation of an Alaskan Mill for cutting large blocks of ice for the commercial use of Ice Occasions, a company specializing in perfecting the techniques of mass-producing ice sculptures.

The company needed a machine that could handle the daunting job of taking a rough blank of ice with only two finished dimensions and make the cut for the final dimension. With each block of ice weighing upwards of 300 lbs. and giving off an excessive amount of moisture, the team needed to use dependable, long-lasting and corrosion-resistant components on the machine.

The students trusted igus’ line of DryLin® R linear bearings, designed specifically for wet and extreme dirt conditions, to get the job done. The cutting tool incorporated a modified chainsaw mounted on a vertical linear motion system using four DryLin R bearings and two pieces of DryLin S aluminum shafting. The students knew that traditional ball bearings would corrode when continuously exposed to damp conditions, so the plastic construction of the DryLin R bearings was an ideal solution against unwanted rust and eventual failure.

The final product also delivered smooth motion that could not have been achieved without the igus components.

“The performance of the igus products was better than anything we had anticipated,” said John Aune, University of Minnesota student and team leader. “The DryLin bearings ensured the customer’s satisfaction with the final prototype.”

Since the completion of the product, the team of students has graduated and taken its experience into the work force. Ice Occasions still uses the student-designed machine that depends on igus bearings in its daily operation.