New system solution from igus with plastic ball races
igus GmbH has developed a system for guide and transport rollers in the labelling, packaging and food industry, which can be configured and ordered online easily in just a few clicks. This component consists of a ready-to-install, anodised aluminium tube that is equipped with maintenance-free flanged ball bearings. The ball races are manufactured from the high-performance plastic, xirodur B180. For this reason, the new solution runs very smoothly, has low friction and also an attractive price.
Under the brand name ‘xiros’, igus manufactures maintenance-free polymer ball bearings, including a system solution for moving applications in labelling and conveyor machinery and in the food and packaging industry. The complete solution consists of a lightweight, clear anodised aluminium tube and two xirodur B180 flanged ball bearings. The rolling element consists of high quality stainless steel balls. Due to the strong demand in the packaging and conveyor industry, igus ensures that the xiros system is supplied easily and quickly. Using an online configurator, users can assemble their own individual solution – in just three steps. First, the desired inner diameter is selected – eight, ten, twelve, 15,
or 17 mm; next, the appropriate outer diameter is added – 30 or 38 mm. Finally, the required length of the aluminium tube is specified. Anything between 25- 1500 mm can be selected. After choosing the three parameters, the precise price quote appears. With another click the item is added to the shopping cart and can be ordered online. igus delivers within 24 to 48 hours.
xirodur B180 – all-round polymer for smooth running and low coefficients of friction
xirodur is the name of high-performance plastics that have been developed specifically for igus polymer ball bearings. At present, there are seven special materials with different properties. xirodur B180 is the low priced standard material. It is resistant to chemicals and designed for temperatures from -40°C to +80°C. Dry running polymer ball bearings achieve lower friction coefficients than lubricated ball bearings made of metal, since the balls need not overcome the resistance of the lubricant. This is one reason why many manufacturers prefer lubricant and maintenance-free plastic bearings, when it is not dependent on high loads and speeds. For example, the xiros conveyor and transport rollers
are installed as guide rollers for the labelling or packaging of food, because there is no contamination through lubricants. This also applies to transport rollers which are used in the processing of sausages, meat and fish. Another aspect is their roll performance. Compared with ball bearings made of metal, plastic ball bearings run more smoothly.
xiros: Extensive range of plastic ball bearings
Since 2008, igus has developed a wide range of lubricant-free polymer ball bearings. The most commonly used are the radial grooved ball bearings
according to DIN 625 dimensions, analogous to the available metal ball bearings. Other product groups are the axial ball bearing, multi-bearing, slewing ring bearing or axial polymer ball rollers. There are also numerous product options such as the double-row radial bearings for a higher force absorption, spherical rollers, ball bearings with cover plates and end caps.
