Fit with plastic: igus plain bearings adjust weights in new fitness equipment

To achieve a more stable core and better muscle interaction, more and more athletes are turning to functional training. One piece of equipment that combines leverage and pendulum strength is the armbar from Atlas In Gym Neering. It was developed by two competitive athletes and is suitable as a compact and cost-effective multifunctional device. For a safe bearing of the barbell, the engineers relied on durable and lubricant-free igus plain bearings made of iglidur G.

Functional training is becoming increasingly popular in the fitness sector. The training is intended to improve the quality of movement and prevent injuries by interacting with several muscles during the exercises. There are many devices for functional training. Till Nonhoff and his team at Atlas In Gym Neering have set themselves the task of developing a multifunctional device for this purpose. The “armbar” is a barbell that hangs on one side of a rope and offers many possibilities for movement. The patented device is suitable for fitness studios, personal training, CrossFit and physiotherapy. With a footprint of just six square metres, the armbar is also a good option for smaller studios. “The quality and durability of the 150 different components were particularly important to us,” explains Till Nonhoff. Especially for the armbar’s bearings, the engineers were looking for robust and lubricant-free plain bearings. They had to be low-friction and maintenance-free. “During our research, we became aware of the igus plain bearings made of high-performance plastics. We could simply enter the data of our armbar in the online service life calculator and determine the right material. When there were later changes to the design, the technical igus sales consultant Gerald Voss was on hand to advise us. A service that is not a matter of course for us as a small start-up,” explains the young entrepreneur.

Magnesium, sweat and high weights

A total of four plain bearings from the motion plastics specialist are used. Two bearings made of the high-performance plastic iglidur G ensure smooth weight adjustment of the armbar on a stainless steel shaft. The bearings are located in a slide on which up to 450 N act. Dirt, sweat, magnesium powder as well as water can enter the bearing points. These are environmental conditions that the high-performance plastics can easily withstand. Two other plain bearings made of the same material are located in the rowing handle of the sports equipment. The polymer is not only characterised by its good technical properties, it is also very cost-effective. The bearings have already proven themselves in the first long-term tests. Now the armbar is about to be launched on the market. The device is to cost just 3,000 euros. “There is already a lot of interest in the product and we are looking forward to soon being able to deliver the first devices with high-quality components ‘Made in Germany’,” says Nonhoff.

For more information, please visit: https://www.igus.de/