Posted to News on 3rd Mar 2011, 00:00
Plastic ball bearings suitable for extreme environments
Xiros plastic ball bearings from igus are designed for applications where the use of grease or lubricants is prohibited. The food and drinks industry, in particular, bans the use of such substances altogether. The design of igus xiros ball bearings is the same as conventional steel bearings, consisting of an inner and outer race, a cage and a number of balls; the only difference being that the races and cage are made from igus tribological polymer materials. These plastic materials are self-lubricating and thus negate the need for lubricants.
>The xiros range comes in three standard igus materials allowing for use in a variety of different environments. The xiros B180 is a low friction, electrically insulating ball bearing, this is designed for use in conveyors, handling systems and process technology. Offering chemical and temperature resistance, the A500 xiros bearing can also conform to FDA requirements for contact with foodstuffs. The third variety of igus xiros plastic bearing is the C160; this is a corrosion free ball bearing and is the most cost efficient option.
>On top of the specialist characteristics of each material, the igus xiros range maintains the same properties of standard igus materials - being lubrication and maintenance free. The operational life of xiros range can be calculated online using the igus xiros service life prediction tool; the user inputs application data and the correct xiros bearing is selected, with a life calculation.
