The constant need for relubrication of metallic bearing points on rod ends in industrial applications is a time-consuming and expensive exercise and poses a real contamination risk. As a result, global polymer manufacturer, igus has developed maintenance-free polymer-hybrid spherical bearings which are a safer and more cost-effective alternative. They are able to withstand higher loads and constant repetitive movements, without the need for lubrication.
The new model features a robust combination of a stainless steel or zinc die cast housing, a self-lubricating polymer inner ring and a stainless steel spherical ball. This design allows for applications with higher loads to transition seamlessly to this advanced tribo-technology. Rod ends are critical in everything from manufacturing to food processing. There are many industries where they are pivotal in the operation of industry machinery, from filling plants to meat processing and packaging systems, where they transmit dynamic forces through various movements.
Bearing specialist, Juan-Eric Davidtz says the new product has the inner ring made of either the iglidur J series of polymers for industrial applications or the food-grade iglidur A160, a high-performance plastic compliant with both FDA and EU 10/2011 standards, ensuring top-tier hygiene and safety. The iglidur A160 contains a solid lubricant released in microscopic amounts over time, ensuring low-friction dry operation between the inner ring and the stainless steel spherical ball.
“Our lubrication-free approach significantly reduces cleaning time, as the absence of grease prevents dirt and dust accumulation. Furthermore, in the food and hygienic industries the blue colour of our high-performance plastic enhances food safety by making residues and mould spores easily detectable during cleaning inspections.
“The new igubal rod ends are designed for durability, even in challenging outdoor conditions. They exhibit higher breaking strength and rigidity compared to traditional plastic rod ends, and are resistant to moisture, acids, alkaline media and UV rays. With a temperature range of -40 to 90°C, these bearings are versatile across various applications. Laboratory tests indicate that the abrasion resistance of iglidur A160 is ten times better than that of polyamide, even under fast rotational movements.
“Users can significantly increase the reliability of their systems with a modest investment. The new rod ends are available in sizes M6, M8, M10, M12, M16 and M20, catering to diverse industrial needs. We think it is set to revolutionise the way we build machines by providing a blend of hygiene, robustness and efficiency in rod end bearings, with virtually no need for further maintenance,” concludes Davidtz.
SEW-EURODRIVE service centre transforms future of drive repairs SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
In a momentous step for the local industrial gearbox and drives market, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has formally opened a new service and repair facility alongside its headquarters in Aeroton,
Read more...Precision meets performance: The ELGD Axes Family from Festo Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Festo has introduced the ELGD axes family, engineered for the demands of future-focused industries. With cutting-edge guide technology, exceptional rigidity and high load capacity, these axes deliver more performance within the same installation footprint.
Read more...Condition monitoring in hazardous areas SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF is further strengthening its condition monitoring offer portfolio by a newly developed hazardous area version of its Microlog Analyzer dBX portable vibration analyser.
Read more...Rip-and-ship solution speeds up nuclear decommissioning project
Motion Control & Drives
When removing steam generators from decommissioned nuclear reactor buildings, the most economical method is to remove them in one piece. Mammoet was commissioned by Framatome to support with the removal of four steam generators from PreussenElektra’s Nuclear Power Plant Unterweser in Germany.
Read more...Friction modifiers – the smooth operators in your oil Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
One of the most important features of a lubricant is the reduction of friction between two surfaces.A dditives like friction modifiers are added to perform this function. Wearcheck turns the focus on friction modifiers
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE transforms drivetrain uptime SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
The DriveRadar IoT Suite from SEW-Eurodrive is an ideal solution for industrial condition monitoring. This powerful ecosystem of intelligent sensors, edge devices and cloud-based analytics ensures that customers have full visibility and control of their operations.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies has unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding (pins). This enables an extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Festo’s customised automation solutions Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
From smart pneumatics to advanced process automation, Festo offers precision-engineered technologies that enable industries to operate more efficiently, reliably and fast. The company manages the entire custom design process from concept to final commissioning, saving customers time and money while allowing them to focus on their core expertise.
Read more...Heavy lifting equipment runs on polymer bearings igus
Motion Control & Drives
Polymer technology is increasingly being used in heavy lifting equipment and other industrial machinery, where it is replacing steel bearings for strength and durability. igus produces a wide range of polymer bearings that do not require external lubrication and are resistant to corrosion.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version