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Timing screw for conveyor systems

3D-printed, more affordable, lighter and more wear-resistant than POM or PA

Timing screws, often also called separating or inlet screws, are a central component in packaging and filling technology. They are used to separate containers such as bottles, cans or other products at a defined distance and feed them into the machine in a synchronised way. If desired, they can also rotate and align products.

Requirements
For use as timing screws for the precise feeding, timing, alignment and positioning of products on conveyor systems, solutions are required that combine high wear resistance, low weight, geometric freedom and FDA conformity of the material.

Added value for the customer
Tribologically optimised 3D printing materials from igus allow for cost- and material-efficient production of timing screws with a long service life. The low component weight also leads to easier handling and permits less strenuous format changes as well as improved machine dynamics. Thanks to the 3D printing production process, even complex geometries can be delivered in a few weeks.

Benefits:

  • Available in two to three weeks
  • Up to 50% cost savings compared to CNC
  • Up to 80% lower weight
  • Up to 75% less CO₂ emissions
  • EU 10/2011 and FDA options available
  • Ultra-smooth finish RA <2.5µm
  • Less wear than POM or PA
  • All sizes can be configured, even without a CAD model

Typical challenges

Purchasing conventional timing screws presents design engineers and buyers with considerable challenges. The costs are high, the delivery times are long and the high weight has a direct influence on the performance and design of other system components. In addition, the screws wear out quickly in some applications.

  • Heavy weight: complex assembly and delayed format changes have a direct impact on system performance.
  • Expensive procurement: significant material loss and setup effort lead to high purchasing costs for machined timing screws.
  • Long delivery times: machined screws have long lead times. A spontaneous need for replacement quickly results in costly system downtime.
  • High wear: depending on the product, the screws wear out several times a year.

Our solution

Industrial 3D printing specifically solves the weak points of conventional screws. The timing screws from additive manufacturing combine high cost-efficiency with maximum reliability when transporting, rotating and timing containers.

  • Abrasion-resistant flanks: wear-resistant iglidur plastics ensure a long service life.
  • Ergonomic lightweight construction: the low dead weight facilitates format changes and improves machine dynamics.
  • Fast availability: tool-free production guarantees short delivery times, even for spare parts and small series.

Areas of application and industries

Industries

  • Beverage industry: filling, labelling and packaging lines for glass and PET bottles.
  • Pharmaceutical and medical technology: conveying and positioning of syringe components, vials and other medical products (FDA conformity).
  • Cosmetics industry: careful handling of sensitive bottles, jars and containers.
  • Chemical and household industry: conveying of canisters, detergent containers and other plastic packaging.

Machine types

  • Filling and dosing systems
  • Labelling and capping machines
  • Inspection and control systems
  • Cleaning and rinsing systems (rinsers)
One-piece screw in conveyor system