Plastic, Maintenance-Free Solutions For Material Handling

Components for Storage Retrieval Units, AGVs, Lifting Tables, and More

igus® offers innovative e-chain® cable carriers and drylin® linear guides for shelving systems used for pallet storage and retrieval machines, highly dynamic automatic mini-load system (MLS), or mini-loads and multi-shuttle systems. For each type of shelving system, we can put together the right system from our huge modular kit. For other machinery and equipment for intralogistics, such as industrial trucks, lift tables and palletizers, we can find the perfect solution consisting of cable carriers, highly flexible chainflex® cables and a variety of maintenance-free and self-lubricating iglide® plastic plain bearings. igus products® have various applications to facilitate material flow and intralogistics, which provide specific solutions for a smooth operation in your warehouse.

Our cable carriers are used in pallet storage and retrieval units (SRUs), dynamic automated small parts stores or multi-shuttle systems. They're also used in industrial vehicles, driverless transport systems (DTSs), lifting tables and palletizers.

Benefits:

Reduce downtime, wear, and contamination risk
Improve reliability in harsh, high-cycle warehouse environments
e-chain® and chainflex® improve cable guidance and protect moving systems in cranes, lifts, and shuttle applications
iglide® plain bearings and xiros® ball bearings and rollers support conveyors, lift tables, and transfer points with durable, low-maintenance performance

Browse Material Handling Industries

AGVs and AMRs

Self-lubricating and maintenance-free plain and linear bearings for forklifts, automated transport systems, etc.

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SRUs & Shuttles

Space-saving, durable energy supply systems for storage and retrieval units (SRUs), shuttle systems, and transfer trolleys.

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Lifting Tables

Highly resilient polymer bearings for cylindrical and scissor joints of lifting tables.

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Overhead Conveyors

Maintenance-free components for hanging systems, roller conveyors, ball tables, and other conveyors.

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Browse Material Handling Products

echain® Cable Carriers

Protects moving cables in cranes, lifts, and shuttle systems
Defined bend radius reduces wear and extends service life
Handles long travels and high speeds in dynamic applications

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drylin® Shafts and Carriages

Grease-free linear motion for compact intralogistics systems
Quiet, low friction operation for conveyors and AS/RS units
Lightweight design supports fast, efficient movement

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readychain® Pre-Assembled Carriers

Pre-harnessed systems reduce installation time and errors
Delivered ready to install for cranes, lifts, and automation
Simplifies sourcing with complete energy supply solutions

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iglide® Plain Bearings

Self-lubricating bearings eliminate grease and maintenance
High wear resistance for lift tables and pivot points
Performs reliably in dirty, dusty, and high load conditions

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PRT® Slewing Rings

Low-profile rotation for tables, tooling, and positioning
Grease-free design reduces maintenance and downtime
Handles high loads in compact material handling setups

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igubal® Self-Aligning Bearings

Compensates misalignment in dynamic conveyor systems
Corrosion-resistant for harsh and washdown environments
Maintenance-free joints for reliable pivoting motion

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White Paper: Designing Maintenance Out of Material Handling

Reduce downtime, improve reliability, and lower lifecycle costs with a smarter approach to material handling system design. Our white paper explores key strategies for minimizing maintenance requirements through maintenance-free design, including application stories and best practices.

Learn more about how proactive design decisions can help create safer, more efficient, and more dependable material handling operations.

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Modular Palletizing Systems by RBTX -
Robotics Marketplace

RBTX palletizing is a modular cobot system that makes it easier to automate palletizing tasks by using pre-tested components that are built to work together, reducing setup time and integration effort. Configure the system as your needs change, such as handling different box sizes or pallet layouts. With clear pricing, compatibility across multiple brands, and quicker setup times than traditional systems, RBTX offers a simple and practical way to add palletizing automation.

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Material Handling Applications

drylin® for Smooth-Running Forklift Trucks

Dry-running linear axes were implemented in customized Jungheinrich industrial trucks to enable smooth, quiet, and maintenance‑free motion in both load-handling components and driver controls. In a specialized forklift for a dairy operation, the system converts motor-driven linear movement into controlled pivoting to raise and lower wing-shaped plates that limit the number of transported trolleys. The same technology also allows ergonomic adjustment of the steering wheel position, improving operator comfort while maintaining reliable, jerk-free performance without additional lubrication.

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drylin® W for Forklift Cabin Doors

drylin® linear guides improve the reliability of sliding cabin doors on forklifts operating under constant shock and vibration. Previously, conventional door guides would jam, but the self‑lubricating, dirt‑resistant linear rail system ensures smooth and consistent door movement even in harsh conditions. The solution delivers maintenance‑free operation, reduced wear, and dependable performance in demanding intralogistics environments.

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guidelok®, e-chain®, and chainflex® for Suspended Cable Routing

guidelok® slimline P energy chain system was implemented in SIVAplan stacker cranes to provide reliable vertical cable routing for highly dynamic storage and retrieval machines. The system keeps suspended energy chains securely on track during rapid movements and braking while allowing free motion when needed, preventing unwanted swinging or damage. By using lightweight plastic components and pre‑assembled readychain® systems, the solution reduces installation time, noise, and wear while ensuring durable performance even in extreme cold environments.

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