Electric adjustment system

lubrication-free solution for professional espresso machines

The Italian company behind the "CIME" brand develops professional coffee machines. These are always at the cutting edge of technology, as even existing models are constantly being improved through the development of new versions. CIME also attaches particular importance to the reliability, robustness and performance of its machines.

For the development of a new espresso machine, the company therefore searched for suitable components that meet the quality standards. The goal: a lubrication-free electrical adjustment that can withstand dirt and high temperatures. In this application report, you can find out what other special features and challenges this order entailed and how igus® was able to solve them.

Profile

What was needed: lubrication-free spindle axes and suitable stepper motor
Requirements: Robust components that also function under high temperatures and possible contamination. All components should also be free from external lubrication.
Sector: Food industry
Success for the customer: In combination with the motor, our lubrication-free spindle axes provide a turnkey solution.

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Products used

Lead screw axis SLW-0630

Motor Nema 23 XL

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Problem

Components within a coffee machine have to withstand various challenges on a daily basis. For this reason, CIME was looking for robust solutions for its new espresso machine. The requirements were very diverse: on the one hand, high temperatures are generated in a coffee machine due to the heating of the water, and on the other hand, it must also be expected that impurities such as water, coffee or coffee powder will come into contact with the individual parts. Therefore, all possible solutions involving the use of lubrication have been ruled out.

Another special feature is that this is not a normal coffee machine, but a state-of-the-art espresso machine with electric adjustment. The collecting basin on which the espresso cups are placed is automatically adjusted. For this reason, gliding properties are also a decisive criterion. Furthermore, the parts should be as maintenance-free as possible.

Solution

CIME developed an electrical adjustment system for the espresso machine that could fulfil all requirements with the help of igus® components. The system developed involves the use of 2 drylin® linear guide SLW-0630 and 2 stepper motors that work synchronously.

The movement is transmitted via pulleys and belt connections. There are also 2 microswitches for upper and lower limit switches. An ad hoc software has been developed that allows height adjustment via a touch screen. The user can choose whether to select automatic adjustment or manual adjustment.

The selected products do not require the use of external lubrication and are therefore not only maintenance-free but also insensitive to soiling.

Impressions

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