Strong as a tree: Bionic design makes igus plastic housing bearings robust

Nature is often the best model: The shape of the new igubal pillow block bearings is based on the design principles of a tree. Flattened radii provide maximum strength against mechanical stresses. Due to this bionic shape, the housings with their lubrication- and maintenance-free high-performance plastics are a real alternative to classic cast housing bearings.

Whether in deflection rollers of conveyor belts in the cement factory or in tilting devices of trailers in the field: cast housing bearings with metal ball bearings quickly reach their limits in dusty, wet and dirty environments. A high level of contamination and a lack of lubrication are responsible for 80 percent of premature bearing failures. In addition, there is a constant risk of corrosion. Reason enough to replace the ball bearings with lubricant-free bearing inserts made of high-performance plastic. igubal polymer pillow block bearings in the commercially available sizes 20, 25 and 30 millimeters enable a quick one-to-one replacement. Also available: 2- and 4-hole flange bearings in the sizes 20, 30 and 40 millimeters.

Model tree: filleting ensures uniform stress distribution

To ensure that the plastic pillow block bearings are sufficiently robust in industrial applications, the engineers at igus pursue two strategies. On the one hand, they work with fibers and fillers that reinforce the igubal plastic in such a way that it withstands high surface pressures and edge loads even under continuous loads. On the other hand, the engineers are guided by a model from nature: the tree notch, a connection found between branches and trunk or where the tree is firmly anchored in the ground. It is considered particularly efficient and robust. The designers have optimized the shape of the housing notches and dispensed with constant radii to distribute the stress more evenly. The igubal housing bearings thus become highly resilient. Thanks to their chemical resistance, freedom from corrosion and insensitivity to dirt, the bearing inserts made of the iglidur J tribopolymer already achieve a significantly longer service life in numerous customer applications than previously used metallic bearings. In addition, the absence of lubricants reduces the maintenance and cleaning effort and contributes to environmental protection. There are no lubricants at any point in the system that could get into the environment or onto the product.

igus expands the range of the igubal series

The new pillow block bearings and flange bearings made of high-performance plastic are not the only products with which igus is expanding the igubal range. New to the range are three bearing inserts for the inch market, which are now available in sizes 1, 1.5 and 2 inches inside diameter. In addition, the price for the FDA-compliant iglidur A350 plain bearing will be reduced by around 50 percent in the future. The reason: igus no longer manufactures the bearing exclusively in the turning process from semi-finished products, but recently also in the more cost-effective injection molding process.

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