Project: Build a retractable mailbox
Product used: DryLin W

*Home School is the November Student Spotlight!

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Four home-schooled students from Mich. used donated igus products on a unique project aimed at helping their neighbors. The students decided to design and build a retractable mailbox after a number of mail receptacles along their street were knocked down. The project’s purpose was to encourage the students to follow through with the idea from conception to installation.

After learning about igus® and its Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program in OEM Off-Highway, the students received a free DryLin® W linear guide system. DryLin W is low-cost, extremely compact and resistant to both dirt and dust. DryLin W enabled the mailbox to move up and down from the storage to displayed position. By using DryLin W, the students also reduced the load and the number of components employed on the mailbox.

With the help of DryLin W, the students now have a fully functioning retractable-mailbox prototype and plan to make continuous improvements on the model. The team reported that DryLin W delivers smooth, low-friction operation and that the project was “a complete success.” To learn more about DryLin W linear guide systems, visit www.igus.com/show_dw.asp.