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Maintenance-free movement in reverse vending machines from Selfmaker

Linear and plain bearings in self-service vending machines guarantee a long service life outdoors

The manufacturer of self-service machines and terminals – Selfmaker – relies on maintenance-free and lubrication-free plain and linear bearings in several areas of its outdoor reverse vending machines. They operate corrosion-free and quietly, even under the direct influence of moisture. In addition, an energy chain guides the cable inside the vending machine safely and durably.

Vending machine from Selfmaker

Selfmaker's reverse vending machines for indoor and outdoor use are equipped with lubrication-free and maintenance-free bearing technology.

Profile

What was needed: Linear and plain bearings that are durable and low-maintenance in the reverse vending machines. Energy chain to guide the cable safely inside the vending machine.

Requirements: Maintenance-free, corrosion-free, robust, precise, low-noise

Industry: Vending machinery

Success for the customer: Linear bearings and plain bearings made from iglidur materials were used to make the flap mechanism and the opening of the vending machine lubrication-free, maintenance-free and corrosion-free. They can therefore contribute to Selfmaker's goal of developing durable and failure-free vending machines for outdoor use.

Products used

Linear guide

drylin NS-01-17 linear guide
drylin NS-01-17 linear guide

Problem

Selfmaker Technology sp. z o.o. is a Polish technology company that develops and builds self-service devices, integration tools and software. Solutions include self-service kiosk systems, parcel machines and digital signage, with the company offering comprehensive solutions for its customers, from design and technical automation of processes to software. Selfmaker's customers are retail shops, catering businesses and local authorities.

The "Recycler" is a reverse vending machine for the collection of plastic and aluminium beverage bottles and cans that are intended for the reverse vending system. The machine collects the packaging via a conveyor belt, records the label codes using a 360-degree ring scanner, validates and crushes the packaging and issues a voucher or QR code that authorises the collection of the deposit.

The vending machine also relies on the durability of such components, which work as maintenance-free and durable as possible under constant movement and in outdoor operation with high humidity, moisture and force. Robust and failure-free products are particularly sought after in the self-service sector. The components also had to be space-saving and move with precision.

In the case of the "Recycler", the focus was on three areas of application in particular: the linear bearing arrangement of plates that close and open the bottle and can insertion, the mounting of the vending machine door to open the vending machines for the regular collection of shredded returnable packaging and the safe guidance of cables within the vending machines.

Solution

Selfmaker's reverse vending machines are used both indoors and outdoors. Freedom from maintenance and corrosion as well as durability in wet conditions were therefore the main design requirements. Each time the vending machine is operated, a partition wall moves to release the bottle slot and closes to collect the containers. The plate, which is located directly behind the panelling, is guided by two linear guides of the type drylin NS-01-17 and the associated NW-02-17 carriage. The special feature: the up and down movement is long-lasting, without any external lubrication or maintenance of the system. The reason for this is the material from which the carriages are made. The material iglidur J is self-lubricating, low-friction, has low moisture absorption and is resistant to shocks and impacts. This saves the manufacturer maintenance costs and increases the efficiency of the vending machine, which is designed for long-lasting operation. In addition, the low-profile guide system saves space in the vending machine. Another important factor for Selfmaker was the quiet operation of the guides, which contribute significantly to ease of use.

When the vending machine is emptied by an employee, they can open the front of the panelling, which is supported by hinges on one side. Plain bearings RFM-0507, made of the low-wear material iglidur R, were installed in the hinges. The material has a very low coefficient of friction and is resistant to edge pressure, shocks and impacts as well as dirt and dust.

Finally, an E2i.38 energy chain is used to guide the numerous cables and protect them from damage. The cable guide is characterised by quiet operation with a long service life as well as simple filling and assembly.

We are very satisfied with the products of the igus brand and have therefore been working with igus for many years. The products are reliable and durable in use.

Selfmaker sp. z o.o.