New igubal pillow blocks are a maintenance-free, economically effective alternative to classic cast iron housing bearings

New igubal pillow blocks are a maintenance-free, economically effective alternative to classic cast iron housing bearings

Nature is often the best model: The shape of the new igubal pillow block is based on the design principles of a tree. Flattened radii ensure maximum resistance to mechanical stresses. This bionic shape makes the housings with their high-performance plastics that require no lubrication or maintenance a real alternative to classic cast iron housing bearings.

Whether in pulleys on conveyor belts in the cement factory or in tipping devices on trailers in the field: cast housing bearings with metal ball bearings quickly reach their limits in dusty, wet and dirty environments. A high degree of contamination and inadequate lubrication are responsible for 80 percent of premature bearing failures. Then there is the constant risk of corrosion. Reason enough to replace the ball bearings with lubricant-free bearing inserts made of high-performance plastic. igubal polymer pillow blocks in the standard sizes 20, 25, and 30 millimetres enable quick one-to-one replacement. Also available: two-hole and four-hole flange bearings in the sizes of 20, 30, and 40 millimetres.

The tree is the model: rounding ensures even stress distribution

Engineers at igus use two strategies to ensure that the plastic pillow blocks are sufficiently robust in industrial applications. The first is working with fibres and fillers that reinforce the igubal plastic so that it withstands high surface pressure and edge loads even under continuous stress. The second is following a model from nature: the tree crotch, 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 optimised the shape of the housing notches and done away with constant radii in order to distribute the stress more evenly. This makes igubal housing bearings highly resilient. Their chemical resistance, freedom from corrosion and insensitivity to dirt give the bearing inserts made of the iglidur J tribo-polymer a significantly longer service life in numerous customer applications over the metallic bearings previously used. The absence of lubricants also reduces maintenance and cleaning requirements and enhances 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 igubal series range

The new pillow blocks and flange bearings are not the only products igus is adding to the igubal range. New to the range are three bearing inserts for the imperial market, now available in 1, 1.5, and 2 inch inside diameter sizes. The price for FDA-compliant iglidur A350 plain bearings will also be reduced by around 50 percent in future. This is because igus no longer manufactures the bearing exclusively by turning bar stock, but has recently added the more cost-effective injection moulding process.