Vertical farming with maintenance-free plastic components

As the world’s population grows and urban areas expand, growing food traditionally is becoming more and more challenging. Food producers have adapted to these conditions by growing fruits, vegetables and other crops in cities on vertically inclined surfaces – a practice known as vertical farming (or, indoor farming). The machines used in vertical farms must be equipped with components that are suitable for highly sensitive environments. igus® offers a wide range of FDA-compliant solutions that enable cost-effective vertical farming and offer a fast return on investment. igus® components are also maintenance-free, self-lubricating, and resistant to dirt, dust and corrosion.

Benefits:

Saves space by freeing up traditional agricultural areas
Harvest throughout the year
Independent and flexible
Low transportation and storage costs
Saves water due to closed cycles
No maintenance or external lubrication required
No contamination
Resistance to dirt, dust and corrosion
Fast ROI due to cost-effective automation components
FDA compliance

Vertical farming & indoor agricultural applications with igus® products

FDA-compliant energy chains in mushroom-harvesting system

Reliable and hygienic cable guidance with regular sterilization using 80°C steam

Axis Technology and Development Ltd has developed a harvesting system for mushrooms that can handle several process steps in the harvesting process. Due to its FDA conformity, the TH3 energy chain was used for the energy supply.

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Cable guidance for spray robots in greenhouses

Increased yield with reduced space and costs

CleanGreens (formerly CombaGroup) operates a unique aeroponic greenhouse for lettuce. Our E2/000 energy chain supplies the energy and media for this system.

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Automation in worm breeding

Reliability in vertical farming
The Langhoff family breeds giant red worms for bait, animal food, and natural fertilizer. They use self-lubricating, maintenance-free igus® components for reliable operation in areas with water, soil and dirt.

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Indoor vertical farming

No significant wear even after one year of constant operation
Indoor gardening company Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) used drylin® linear bearings to ensure reliable operation. One year after the self-lubricating components were installed, inspectors could not detect any noticeable wear on the bearing shell. (Click full screen for best viewing of the video)

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Crossbeam system

Maintenance-free components for irrigating plants
Living Greens Farm irrigates plants in a vacant 43,000-square-foot warehouse. Maintenance-free igus® e-chains® are used to support their work.