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igus Self-lubricating Bearings Plan to Reduce Heavy-duty Machinery Wear and Tear

June 26, 2021 by Damond Goodwin

igus recently introduced the TX2, a new bearing material capable of high wear resistance.

Who is igus?

igus is a German-based manufacturer that produces motion-based plastics. Their North American Division is in Providence, Rhode Island. The company started in 1964 to supply high-end polymer plastics to manufacturing companies. They focus on tribologically optimized polymer blends that offer high wear resistance and reinforcing fibers for high force applications. 

Their products contain solid lubricants that eliminate the need for external oil or grease. igus has a 41,000 square foot lab for testing their products that is located in Cologne, Germany.

 

The New TX2

The new bearing with wear resistance is coupled with igus’ self-lubricating properties. The combination creates the possibility for a self-lubricating solution to bearing wear in extreme conditions.

 

Video used courtesy of igus

 

The mining, construction, and agricultural sectors all put bearings through rigorous conditions. Between the dirt, grime, and harsh environments, these bearings can wear out, leading to higher maintenance costs. The machinery also uses a significant amount of lubricant in the form of oil or grease. Even a small excavator can use upwards of 50 liters of petroleum lubricant a year.

The TX2 can create a wear resistance 3.5 times that of traditional bearings in high load applications. Heavy industry uses many high load bearings and requires bearings capable of handling loads greater than 100 MPa. The igus bearing can handle these heavy loads with no external lubrication. 

Igus also manufactures tribo plain bearings that consist of a filament fabric. They are designed for applications that require extremely high compressive strengths of over 400MPa. It is made of an extremely tough material that includes a specially woven design.

 

Industrial Applications of the TX2

The TX2 offers a new solution to an age-old problem in industries that deal with the elements on a regular basis. Dirt and grime can have a severe effect on the longevity of bearings.   

The grease used to lubricate traditional bearings attracts dirt, which then works its way into the bearing, creating a frictional and wear component. Since the TX2 is “dry” there is little for dirt to cling to, greatly reducing the amount of dirt that can be trapped inside the bearing.

 

The TX2 self-lubricating bearing. Image used courtesy of igus

 

With the TX2, dry bearings have become a more realistic option. This can help prevent premature failures in mining and agricultural applications, where dirt is a constant reality. A reduction in maintenance and repair costs is sure to follow igus’s dry-bearing technology.

The material makeup of the TX2 is temperature, chemical, and moisture resistant, opening the bearing up to other industries.  

They can be used in many different corrosive environments including chemical manufacturing and marine applications. The marine environment is extremely corrosive to metals, and the TX2 offers a practical solution to maritime bearing applications, helping to reduce costs where premature bearing replacement is a constant. 

 

Gears and bearings commonly used in manufacturing processes. 

 

igus aims to reduce waste in two different areas when it comes to heavy industry bearings.

Dry bearings do not require lubricant, which can reduce the amount of lubricant that needs to be manufactured and leaks into the environment. They may also reduce the number of premature bearing failures in heavy industry.