Fast delivery in spite of complex geometries: special sliders in rope-free lift

• What was needed: Special plain bearing for the linear drive
• Manufacturing process: Laser sintering
• Requirements: Fast delivery, self-lubricating
• Material: iglide® i3
• Industry: Facade systems
• Success through cooperation: Fast delivery despite complex structure, excellent sliding properties for the linear guide

With the innovative MULTI interchangeable system, Thyssenkrupp elevator (TKE) has invented a pioneering lift system especially for skyscrapers, whose linear drive allows cabins to travel in a continuous loop not only vertically, but also horizontally and even at an angle. Complex 3D printed plain bearings made from the wear-resistant plastic iglide® i3 were used here due to their rapid availability and excellent guiding properties.

Due to the complicated structure and the need for delivery at short notice, TKE decided to have the necessary linear bearings made with additive manufacturing. A material was needed that could meet the high requirements of reliability and guiding characteristics for the linear drive.

The special gliders made of iglidur® i3 were quickly printed and delivered using laser sintering. The high-performance plastic iglidur® i3 is characterised by particularly good mechanical values and high strength. Thanks to the incorporated solid lubricants, the components made of iglidur® i3 require no additional lubrication. This also makes them particularly wear-resistant and durable.

The linear drive moves lift cars both vertically and horizontally - and even at an angle
Thyssenkrupp is one of the most progressive companies in the field of lift technologies and services. 160 years after the introduction of the lift, the company is breaking new ground in lift technology - with the ropeless MULTI lift system.

In the MULTI, several cabins travel up one shaft and down the other in a continuous loop - comparable to a vertical circular railway system. With a speed of 6 m/s, this system enables almost constant access to a lift car every 15-30 seconds. Thanks to MULTI's innovative interchangeable system, the linear drive and the guide rods can rotate through 90°. How does it work? By using linear motor technology that was once developed for the Transrapid magnetic levitation railway. This revolutionary drive moves lift cars both vertically and horizontally - and even at an angle.

Printed linear gliders made of iglide® i3 - Reliable in use in the lift guide system
The ropeless lift is being tested in the 246-metre-high test tower at Thyssenkrupp in Rottweil, which is also home to the Group's German research and development center.

Communication between and to the vehicles runs via antennas along the entire route. The antennas used for this communication are routed along a rail. The guidance is provided by the linear gliders printed by igus® from the self-lubricating SLS-plastic iglide® i3.

iglide® i3 is the plastic most frequently used for printing abrasion-resistant special parts - it impresses with its outstanding mechanical values and high strength. The laser sintering powder can be purchased for in-house processing or as a ready-printed component using a 3D printing service.