Participant of the manus® contest

Plastic bearings have made huge leaps forward in the last two decades. Today they solve problems by uniting two opposite extremes with each other: Technical innovation and cost reduction. The manus® contest awards bold applications with plastic bearings, which distinguish themselves through technical and economic efficiency, creativity and surprising results.
Here you may see a part of the presented applications.

manus® 2011

Machine for frying Spanish omelettes

Gold Award at manus® 2011: Machine for frying Spanish omelettes of Carmelo Lagunas Escudero, Spain

Machine for frying Spanish omelettes    

String trimmer-cutting disc

Silver Award at manus® 2011: String trimmer-cutting disc of PRODULEX UNIPESSOAL LDA, Portugal

String trimmer-cutting disc    

Hand prosthesis

Bronze Award at manus® 2011: Hand prothesis of Vincent Systems GmbH, Germany

Hand prosthesis    

Robot head

Special Award at manus® 2011: Robot Head of Archimedes Solutions GmbH, Germany

Robot head    

Two special drills

This application creates new possibilities in steel construction, shipbuilding, cable cars, plant engineering or in general mechanical engineering.

Two special drills    

Shrinking machine

The challenge was to find a linear guide that can work reliably and quickly under these tough conditions.

Shrinking machine    

Packaging machines

The patented machine is an all-rounder when it comes to packing. It can print parcels in a single step and seal them with printed adhesive tape.

Packaging machines    

Washing stacker

Prototype of a gripper that is to be used to stack and move washing automatically in laundries.

Washing stacker    

Cutting machine

The application required a bearing that can be fitted or replaced quickly and can resist the dusty environmental conditions.

Cutting machine    

Drum sanding machine

The DryLin® W linear guide used as a double rail more than four metres long, making adjustment of the console easy.

Drum sanding machine    

Sliding door

The door, which is about 3 metres high and 1.7 metres wide, is supported by a DryLin® W linear guide. The good gliding properties allow the door to be moved without any problems.

Sliding door    

Asbestos system

For this reason, DryLin® linear guides and igubal® KSTM pedestal bearings are used; these need no maintenance and are not affected by the aggressive asbestos either.

Asbestos system    

Assembly robot

The stones used can weigh anything up to 4,000 kilogrammes. This means a heavy-duty load for all the components used.

Assembly robot    

Grinding machine

All igus® products used are maintenance- free, giving the machine a long service-life.

Grinding machine    

Measuring system for tools

A gauge is guided on a DryLin® T-rail. This

Measuring system for tools    

Work table

Noise-free and precise DryLin® T-rail guides provide clearence for adjusting the height of the work tables.

Work table    

Positioning frame

This frame construction allows the user to move the clamped tools, such as welding or milling equipment, along three axes, as desired.

Positioning frame    

Solar silicon growth equipment

Previously, metal bearings and linear guides were used, which rusted quickly and therefore required frequent maintenance.

Solar silicon growth equipment    

Lathe for wood

This machining results in lost of wood chips and dust, of course, which would stick to lubricants.

Lathe for wood    

Foil saw

The precise positioning for clean cuts was important here, as well as the fact that the entire system is maintenance-free.

Foil saw    

Recycling plant

Each machine contains 69 igubal® fl ange bearings, which were chosen on account of their corrosion resistance, lubricant freedom and space-saving design.

Recycling plant    

Variable Flange Plates

igus® thrust washers and flange bearings were used for the new design. They made the elaborate milling of the base plate unnecessary.

Variable Flange Plates    

Jetpack

Since temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius occur here, the pilot must wear fire and heat-resistant clothing. The bearings used also have to withstand the high temperatures and pressures.

Jetpack    

Machine for extreme dirt removal

A low-cost linear plain bearing with a long service life was required, which can compensate alignment faults and is as light as possible.

Machine for extreme dirt removal    

Gritting unit

The screwconveyer of the gritting unit has to be mounted movable in order to compensate axial offset and dynamic movements in the screw.

Gritting unit    

Inspection robot 1

This inspection robot was developed especially for use in pipelines.

Inspection robot 1    

Inspection robot 2

By using iglidur® W300 plain bearings, reliability can be increased. The previously used ball bearings had to be oiled regularly, which is not the case with iglidur® bearings.

Inspection robot 2    

For welding joints

This small vehicle adheres firmly to surfaces with its magnetic wheels, to inspect welding joints.

For welding joints    

Hole punch

The exact positioning is important here, which is ensured by the combination of several igus® products.

Hole punch    

Weighing system

Any movement that is to be performed here must be lubrication-free, executed free of wear and, if wear does occur, it must be free of heavy metals, etc., that could give distorted results in the chemical analysis.

Weighing system    

Melting probe

The bearings of the ice screw must be insensitive to water and dirt, as well as thermally insulated.

Melting probe    

Seam recognition sensor

This machine weaves and prints terry cloth hand towels.

Seam recognition sensor    

Painting equipment

The various work processes like aluminum etching are sometimes done with extremely aggressive materials.

Painting equipment    

Gripper bracket

For the gripper bracket for screws in automatic screwing devices – previously a job done by steel cheeks.

Gripper bracket    

High-performance blister line

This machine is used to pack products in blister film.

High-performance blister line    

Threading tool

With this hand tool for the rolling and repairing of threads, the bearing support of the profi led roller is particularly important.

Threading tool    

Manual assembly

This manus® contribution is concerned with the cost-effective increase in production and process reliability for manual assembly using low-cost automation.

Manual assembly    

A saw for wood trim

This saw cuts wood trim to the right length.

A saw for wood trim    

Painting equipment

The high stressing through the three-shift operation and the shocks caused by the moving parts were crucial for the application of igus® products.

Painting equipment    

Packaging equipment

This equipment can package various industrial products, with any materials.

Packaging equipment    

Drilling resistance gauge

This device measures the drilling resistance of a needle penetrating wood at high rotational speed.

Drilling resistance gauge    

Core box

Here a core box is being moved for emptying and is then dumped.

Core box    

Mould tester

Since water is used, the linear guide must be able to work dependably under water.

Mould tester    

High-pressure washer

This high-pressure washer uses a planetary gear box.

High-pressure washer    

Robot arm

This robot arm is so strong that it can use a drill.

Robot arm    

Articulated arm

In this case, the design for a 5-axle jointed arm was submitted to the manus® competition.

Articulated arm    

Rack-gripper

This machine is used for loading and unloading of boxes at an automated warehouse.

Rack-gripper    

Mars robot

This robotic vehicle is designed for a very special environment: it will one day be driving on Mars.

Mars robot    

Wood-packaging equipment

This equipment deals with the packaging of wood.

Wood-packaging equipment    

Tyre gauge

This device can measure the circumference of car tyres without the vehicle having to be moved.

Tyre gauge    

Foam cutter

The cutting wire is moved along the vertical axis by two DryLin® ZLW toothed belt shafts.

Foam cutter    

Hydrogen cars

The steering unit, inclusive of the steering rod, is made of carbon fibres and is mounted with igubal® flange bearings and igubal® rod end bearings. These allow a weight reduction of about 30 per cent compared to other solutions.

Hydrogen cars    

Excavator seat

igus® plastic plain bearings are used here in the shock absorber of an excavator seat.

Excavator seat    

Cameras in the rear-view mirror

These cameras integrated in the rearview mirror of buses make roads safer.

Cameras in the rear-view mirror    

Sanitary elements in mobile homes

Here, sanitary elements in the bathroom unit are installed with igus® products.

Sanitary elements in mobile homes    

Semi-trailer

The cables that connect the tractor and semi-trailer must be flexible to compensate for the different lengths of trailers.

Semi-trailer    

Electric scooter

Lightweight components are particularly important here to ensure as little energy as possible is required for movement.

Electric scooter    

Folding trailer

This folding trailer “Tyligo” is extremely flexible and can be used to transport all kinds of things.

Folding trailer    

Conversion of the wheel suspension on trikes

This application shows a conversion kit for the suspension in three-wheeled motorcycles.

Conversion of the wheel suspension on trikes    

Offroad beach wheel chair

This special wheelchair allows people who can only walk with diffi culty to go to the beach.

Offroad beach wheel chair    

Car kit

igus® bearings are used for the gear shift linkage.

Car kit    

Testing equipment for trains

Trains are tested for their electro-magnetic compatibility in a shielded hall here.

Testing equipment for trains    

Train door

At a speed of more than 350 kilometres per hour, these trains will be racing through China as of 2012, connecting Beijing and Shanghai.

Train door    

Superimposed transmission

In this application, plain bearings made of iglidur® Z replace a ball bearing and a needle bearing in a superimposed transmission.

Superimposed transmission    

Car-trailer

In this car-trailer, an igus® flange bearing made of iglidur® Z replaces the previously used phosphor bronze bearing.

Car-trailer    

Small electric plane

To achieve the best flying conditions, all components must be lightweight and at the same time as durable as possible.

Small electric plane    

Two-piece snowboard

With this snowboard, the “Twistboard”, both parts are connected via an axially aligned joint.

Two-piece snowboard    

Cordless screwdriver vehicle

The driver lies on this vehicle with his armed stretched out and head facing forward.

Cordless screwdriver vehicle    

Racing bike brake

An extremely light weight is the most important criterion when constructing a racing bike brake.

Racing bike brake    

Pedals for mountain bikes

In this application, metallic ball bearings and DU bushings have been replaced by lighter iglidur® flange bearings.

Pedals for mountain bikes    

Dorsal trainer

This equipment is used to train the dorsal muscles. In order to use it comfortably, the base must be adjustable.

Dorsal trainer    

Vibrating exercise equipment

In this exercise equipment, vibrations are specifically used to build up muscles.

Vibrating exercise equipment    

Cross-trainer

When the design was revised, the metal pivoting bearings used so far were replaced by igubal® KGLM pivoting bearings.

Cross-trainer    

Electric golf trolley

Four igubal® pivoting bearings from igus® were tested for the floating axle through the drive, and found to be suitable after several months of tests.

Electric golf trolley    

Automatic gate

This gate, which can be opened and closed automatically, is used in sport stadiums and is folded like an accordion.

Automatic gate    

Ski bikes

This exceptional sporting equipment makes bombing down a ski slope like riding a bicycle.

Ski bikes    

Bicycle frame design

Here, igus® plastic plain bearings have replaced classical roller bearings and stand up to environmental influences such as dirt and corrosion.

Bicycle frame design    

Bicycle pedal

The bicycle pedal presented here responds to the ergonomic and biomechanical needs of cyclists.

Bicycle pedal    

Ski-jump trainer

This device can help ski jumpers to improve their jumps.

Ski-jump trainer    

Snowboard

A spring was replaced by an igubal® spherical cap made of iglidur® W300.

Snowboard    

Wood-frame bicycle

A conventional material in an unusual application: This bike frame is entirely made ​​of wood.

Wood-frame bicycle    

Tricycle

This design was first used to deal with problems of clearance and friction. With iglidur® G plain bearings, however, these problems were eliminated.

Tricycle    

Induction centrifuge

This newly developed induction centrifuge melts alloys for dental prostheses.

Induction centrifuge    

Walker

This walking aid has been built for children with brittle bone disease.

Walker    

Patient lift

The manus® contribution submitted here is the new development of a patient lift for ambulances for transporting patients who are able to sit in the vehicle.

Patient lift    

Ski sledge

This innovative sledge allows people to ski sitting down. The sledge is steered by the feet and tilted by the hands.

Ski sledge    

Steering in electric wheelchair

Here, igubal® plastic rod end bearings from igus® are used in the steering on an electric wheelchair.

Steering in electric wheelchair    

Electric wheelchair

Plain bearings from igus® are used for the movement of the front and rear wheels. Thanks to them, there are no problems with wear or corrosion.

Electric wheelchair    

All-terrain wheelchair

This manus® contribution also shows an exceptional off-road wheelchair, the "Quadrix".

All-terrain wheelchair    

Examination table 2

This electrically adjustable examination table was also submitted to the manus® contest.

Examination table 2    

Eye examination table

The vertically adjustable examination table has been designed for eye examinations.

Eye examination table    

Medical body scanner

A DryLin® T linear guide system is used in this medical body scanner.

Medical body scanner    

Joint prosthesis

In this prosthesis for pneumatic knee joints, iglidur® J piston rings replace the previously used PTFE guide bands.

Joint prosthesis    

Artificial joint

This joint is a new development to be used in prostheses. iglidur® J plain bearings and igubal® spherical bearings are installed in it.

Artificial joint    

Headrest

xiros® polymer ball bearings were used for the rotary movements of the headrest.

Headrest    

Analysis device

This application from the field of medicine is an analysis device that helps to diagnose different types of cancer at an early stage.

Analysis device    

Medication dispenser

This machine removes medications from the original packaging and re-packages them in smaller doses.

Medication dispenser    

Adjustment unit

A DryLin® T-linear guide is used for adjustment. This easily copes with the cycle rate of 80 cycles per minute.

Adjustment unit    

Turntable

This turntable is also used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Turntable    

3-wheel design

Stairs are no obstacle for this wheelchair.

3-wheel design    

Laboratory instrument

The special device needed to be as economical as possible in its construction, and the individual components as maintenance-free and durable as possible.

Laboratory instrument    

Dental casting machine

This casting machine is used in dental laboratories to make dentures. Dentures are made with it​​.

Dental casting machine    

Fruit valve

This valve is used for filling ice-cream containing pieces of fruit in fully automatic industrial packing machines.

Fruit valve    

Food-cutting
machine

Maximum care must be taken with hygiene wherever foodstuffs are handled.

Food-cutting  machine    

Salami cutter

With this application, salami is cut into slices. As with all applications in contact with food, here too lubricants cannot be used.

Salami cutter    

Vending machine

This machine sells bottles of high-quality olive oil. Three movement axes are required to move the bottles from their fixture to the outlet.

Vending machine    

Cutting system for confectionary products

The „ConCut“ is a CNC-controlled cutting system for confectionary products.

Cutting system for confectionary products    

Ham cutter

This machine is also used for processing food, in this case raw ham.

Ham cutter    

Bakery products gripper

This gripper picks up freshly baked goods from a conveyer belt and packs them in baskets.

Bakery products gripper    

Packing robot

This packing robot even stacks baked goods in boxes. It has a double-headed gripper system.

Packing robot    

Robot gripper

This contribution to the manus® competition – a robot gripper – is extremely flexible.

Robot gripper    

Cutting mechanism 1

This cutting mechanism is used in the beverage industry. Several igus® products were used here.

Cutting mechanism 1    

Herb drying

This machine is used for preparing and drying kitchen herbs.

Herb drying    

Caipirinha mixer

The components used must be suitable for use with food, which is why the design engineers decided in favour of xiros® ball bearings.

Caipirinha mixer    

Cheese-wheel turners

The rapid and hygienic cleaning of the machine was an important factor.

Cheese-wheel turners    

Transport with chains

This equipment is used in the food industry. The baked goods are separated on these chains.

Transport with chains    

Breweries

Plain bearings are used, made of iglidur® A500, an FDA-compliant high-temperature material.

Breweries    

Honey-loosener

Here, the honey is being loosened from the combs. For this, the honeycombs are pierced with needles.

Honey-loosener    

Grain sorter

This machine cleans and sorts all types of grain. First the grain is separated from other material by an air current.

Grain sorter    

Gripper for food packaging

This gripper takes packaging units from a sealing machine, turn each unit by 90 degrees and arranges them in cartons.

Gripper for food packaging    

Pagepulltester

This pagepulltester is a high-precision measuring instrument for the bookbinding industry.

Pagepulltester    

Screen printing machine

Here a DryLin® T linear guide is used in a high-performance screen printing machine.

Screen printing machine    

Plotter

This plotter is an economical solution for printing up to DIN A2 format.

Plotter    

Page-turner

This fully automatic page turner for people with disabilities can automatically turn the pages of many newspapers, magazines, folders, exercise books and the like.

Page-turner    

Book digitalisation

This machine can scan books fully automatically, with no human intervention required.

Book digitalisation    

Letter folding machine

This device is used for folding letters. The folding operation in a small space reduces the frame sizes of folding machines.

Letter folding machine    

Winding bushings

The use of iglidur® bearings quadrupled the service life of the machine. It made it possible to save almost 300 mechanic-hours plus ca. 8 tonnes of cotton wool.

Winding bushings    

Solar plant

This solar system can be installed either on its own or in combination with a wind turbine.

Solar plant    

Hybrid solar system

This solar system can be installed either on its own or in combination with a wind turbine.

Hybrid solar system    

Planetary gearbox

xiros® ball bearings from igus® are used in this planetary gearbox that is used in wind turbines.

Planetary gearbox    

Vertical wind turbine

This device uses wind power to generate electricity.

Vertical wind turbine    

Solar aircraft

The prototype of the „Sunseeker Duo“ solar plane is the world‘s first solar-powered two-seater.

Solar aircraft    

Parabolic mirrors

This solar thermal power plant also obtains energy from the rays of the sun, without fossil fuels.

Parabolic mirrors    

Solar cleaning robot

For solar systems to retain their entire performance capacity, they have to be cleaned at regular intervals, particularly in sandy regions.

Solar cleaning robot    

Submarine

Seawater is a very corrosive environment on account of its high salt content. Components that are exposed to the water must withstand it.

Submarine    

Pedal boat

In this pedal boat, the moving parts of the drive mechanism must be mounted free of lubricants, since the screw is in the water.

Pedal boat    

Harpoon

Fishing with a difference: with this harpoon you can hunt fish under water.

Harpoon    

Deep-sea drive

This motor is to drive deep-sea robots even at 6,000 metres under the sea.

Deep-sea drive    

Wave machine

Since the tank is filled with salt water, the components used may not be susceptible to corrosion.

Wave machine    

Model train lift

The trains belonging to this particular model train fan can be driven automatically from the shelf onto the track.

Model train lift    

Racing car

The suspension pins in this racing car were previously guided without bearings.

Racing car    

Steam locomotives

These fully functional steam locomotives have been built to a scale of 1:11.

Steam locomotives    

Model train

Model train enthusiasts will enjoy this Rhätische Railway locomotive for a long time to come.

Model train    

Sailor doll

This doll is used for representing maritime signals and originated from a marketing project in collaboration with a doll builder.

Sailor doll    

Model excavator

This fully functional hydraulic excavator was copied on a scale of 1:14.5.

Model excavator    

Camera dolly 1

This camera dolly is very quiet and easy to adjust. Thereby it allows many variations of movement.

Camera dolly 1    

Adjustable arm chairs

the armrests of this chair are adjustable, to accommodate the needs of the individual user.

Adjustable arm chairs    

Cutting mechanism

A tarp is lowered slowly over the car, so that at first only the outlines are visible; then the tarp is cut by the special mechanism and the car is presented to the public.

Cutting mechanism    

Flexible roofing

With this system, for example, terraces can be roofed flexibly. The roof is even waterproof in the closed state.

Flexible roofing    

Automatic door opener

This system can be used to convert any door to be opened automatically at the touch of a button.

Automatic door opener    

Camera dolly 2

Another newly developed dolly for camera movement is the subject of this manus® contribution.

Camera dolly 2    

Bearings for record players

The main concern when designing the bearing support for this record player turntable was silent and low-vibration movement.

Bearings for record players    

3D camera

With this 3D camera system „3D RIG“, the focus was on ease of movement and maintenance freedom.

3D camera    

Camera tripod

This adjustable camera tripod is usually used for cameras that have their centre of gravity well beyond the bearing axis.

Camera tripod    

Tape storage

This machine manages data back-up tapes. The transport movements inside are guided by DryLin® N linear guides.

Tape storage    

„Drawer that slides round corners“

This smart application creates more stowage space under the bed.

„Drawer that slides round corners“    

Adjustable dining table

Are more guests coming than you expected? That‘s no problem with this dining table, because its width can be adjusted to exactly the width you need.

Adjustable dining table    

Ergonomic seat mechanism

The use of an igubal® EFSM flange bearing has allowed the development of a maintenance-free and silent seat mechanism element.

Ergonomic seat mechanism    

Folding seat „Sitty“

Provides a seat without taking too much room away from pedestrians: this is possible with the „Sitty“ folding seat.

Folding seat „Sitty“    

Dry toilet

This dry toilet has special requirements for the components used.

Dry toilet    

Information board

This information board is exposed to the weather and the forces of nature all year round.

Information board    

Boat hatch

Moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations often lead to undesirable expansion of the component parts.

Boat hatch    

Laptop holder

This laptop holder has been specially designed for hospital beds.

Laptop holder    

Sunshades

No matter how much the sun shines: these sunshades ensure pleasant light conditions within the building.

Sunshades    

Sculpture

iglidur® plain bearings and thrust washers are shown here in the service of art.

Sculpture    

4D seats

Maintenance-free igubal® pedestal bearings are used in theatre seats; they are noiseless and operate reliably even at high loads.

4D seats    

Safety door

Children are especially prone to squeeze their fingers in glass swinging doors. This safety door prevents that, because it „gives“.

Safety door    

Video wall

This video wall was built for a Dutch television station.

Video wall    

3D camera

Instead of using expensive 3D cameras, two regular cameras can be mounted on this device so that together they can generate a three-dimensional image.

3D camera    

Electric wheelchair

This electric wheelchair also makes use of the properties of igus® plain bearings.

Electric wheelchair    
 

Further Applications (PDF)

Autosplit D3 splitting machine

Gold at manus® 2007: Autosplit D3 splitting machine

Autosplit D3 splitting machine    

Body-Spider®

Silver at manus® 2007: Body-Spider® of the company KOOPERA GmbH

Body-Spider®    

Bulk goods handling

Bronze at manus® 2007: Bulk goods handling

Bulk goods handling    

Offshore

The bearings reliably transmit the high radial centering forces with low friction and free of stick-slip and minimize the arm system's friction through their integrated start-up.

Offshore    

Calibration cage in a blown film line

In conventional solutions, while cleaning, the lubricant on the bearings is washed away or the bearings are even rinsed to get rid of the dirt particles.

Calibration cage in a blown film line    

Light aircraft Twister

Consistent application of igus® plain bearings in the aircraft design in fiber composite honeycomb-
sandwich construction.

Light aircraft Twister    

Handle dispenser

Application head of a handle dispenser.

Handle dispenser    

Rollers on mini excavator

Enhancement of service life, machine availability, stability and carrying capacity by the application of iglidur® in rollers on mini excavator.

Rollers on mini excavator    

Set head for small format tiles

DryLin®-supported aluminum shafts with carriage in the set head for small format tiles.

Set head for small format tiles    

Buzz saw

Buzz saw with essentially improved operating feature by the application of DryLin® linear plain bearings.

Buzz saw    

Aseptic filling machine

Bearing materials marked by special properties such as low coefficients of friction in dry operation, resistance to chemicals and low humidity absorption in equal measure are best suited for the application in high-tech beverages bottling plants.

Aseptic filling machine    

Workplace for the handicapped

Adjustable desktops in workplaces for the handicapped.

Workplace for the handicapped    

Bottle packing machine

The redevelopment of a gripper using igus® guide elements resulted in a very thin, rugged and lubricant-free gripper tool that is right now not available in the market.

Bottle packing machine    

Artificial knee joint

Patient's welfare in focus - How polymer bearings improve an artificial joint.

Artificial knee joint    

Electrically driven children's car

Polymer bearings in electric cars for children: Top quality was achieved.

Electrically driven children's car    

Concrete pipe cutter

Concrete cutting machine in extremely heavy-duty operation since three years free of maintenance.

Concrete pipe cutter    

Elevator system

Exceedingly noiseless elevator system for single-family houses

Elevator system    

Veneer assembling
machine

Veneer jointing
machine ACR Speedstar: Cost advantages through polymer plain bearings.

Veneer assembling  machine    

Leak test stand

Leak test stand for the quality control of heat exchangers.

Leak test stand     

Stirring unit

Stirring unit for application in liquid media in biogas plants.

Stirring unit     

Gear derailleur

Derailleur control unit for mountainbikes (Olympic Gold 2004).

Gear derailleur     

Push-rod drive chain

By the almost wear-free bearing assembly that withstands a high pressure at the same time, this push-rod drive chain was optimized in line with the market.

Push-rod drive chain    

Mechanical hand

The mechanical hand is moved with up to 99 bearings per hand.

Mechanical hand    

Handling device

The igus® potentials enable a precise guidance and the maximum gripper speed in both directions "X" and "Y".

Handling device     

Steering linkage

Steering linkage of the hydrogen-powered world record vehicle HYSUN 3000.

Steering linkage    

Steam pump

iglidur® X was selected as glide material for the guide of the piston rod due to the adequate resistance to temperature and moisture.

Steam pump    

System filtration plant

A bearing was sought for the following application: Hot frying oil up to 220° C, food safe. Solution to the problem: iglidur® A500 bearings.

System filtration plant     

Folding bike for everyday use

In order to fulfill the bearing system's manifold requirements, the igus® bearings are used in the standard-production application.

Folding bike for everyday use    

Measuring equipment

The igubal® ball heads are particularly well-suited for this requirement. They do not indicate any notable clearance even after about 15 million operation cycles.

Measuring equipment    

Spinning box

By the modification of the plain bearing partner plastic-metal into plastic-plastic, a conversion in the integral design was possible by the use of plastic components.

Spinning box    

Chain magazines

With the better material we also save around 60 percent in costs.

Chain magazines    

Automated teller machines

In the redesigning of the table guidance, the focus was on a ready-to-install, cost-efficient, durable and lubricant-free bearing and guide.

Automated teller machines    

Angular sensor in printing machines

By the use of igus® plain bearings, no notable clearance or abrasion was recognizable even after a long service life.

Angular sensor in printing machines    

Vario- and control-wheels

By a modified function system and the use of plastic bearings, a completely new generation of control wheels is developed, which is maintenance-free and low priced.

Vario- and control-wheels    

Convertible top

Automatic lock for a convertible top: By the use of the calibratable igus® flanged bearing, the maximum axial clearance could be lowered from 1.5 mm to 0.5 mm.

Convertible top    

Toothbrush testing machine

Toothbrush testing machine runs with exceptionally low noise by the application of polymer plain bearings.

Toothbrush testing machine    

Lifting device in food industry

The employed liner also compensates for a minor misalignment in the axles. The most important feature is the fat-free and chemical resistant version.

Lifting device in food industry    

Wheel guide

By the new arrangement of the plain bearings, the drive wheels of the transport vehicle could utilize the rotary movement of the individual bearing to guide the front wheels accurately through the track of the unloading station.

Wheel guide    

Kinematic system

Kinematic system for automobiles: The employed plain bearing enables a tolerance adjustment of the loading platform to the side paneling.

Kinematic system    

Locking unit

In the fulfilling of all requirements, the use of a pair of plastic bearings with elastic flange played the crucial role, which enabled the clearance-free installation of the locking hook.

Locking unit     

Wheel mount handling

Wheel mount handling for automobiles: Since about a year in daily use, the wheel mount handling system gives no trouble to the customers.

Wheel mount handling     

Die casting mold manufacturing

Since the switch to DryLin® W, the system runs without any problem and without a stoppage.

Die casting mold manufacturing    

Changeover switch for musicians

The advantages of using the bushing are: top-quality products, quick installation, long-lasting service life (2 million switching cycles) and the exceptional ruggedness.

Changeover switch for musicians    

Pillar cleaning facility

The bearings have been installed about a year ago and since then operate free of troubles in the manufacturing.

Pillar cleaning facility    

Linear actuator

Linear actuator with toothed belt drive: All disadvantages were eliminated by the DryLin® WQ guide system.

Linear actuator    

Notebook for the blind

Costs have been saved in mounting by the use of iglidur® plain bearings.

Notebook for the blind    

3D flow distributor

Ball bearing assemblies are very precarious due to the lubricant particularly under water. Stainless steel guidances cannot be considered due to the high costs. Plastic is used also for hygienic reasons.

3D flow distributor    

Sliding roof drive system

The bearing tolerances could be clearly enhanced by the machining of the inner diameter of the iglidur® P polymer plain bearing.

Sliding roof drive system    

Tire cord machine

Application of polymer plain bearings in a tire cord machine ensures stability

Tire cord machine    

Circlip inspection

The application of Drylin® linear housings and iglidur® G plain bearings enable the centering pin to have a clean and easy drive up.

Circlip inspection     

Micro-diascope

Besides, there were substantial quality limitations with regard to the large clearance in the ball guide. With the igus® low profile guide system, this problem was ideally solved at a low price.

Micro-diascope    

Extendable brake flap

These igus® bearings look particularly suited for the specified application, as they are resistant to water, dirt and temperature and are also maintenance-free.

Extendable brake flap    

Bagging machine

Application of polymer plain bearings in bagging machines for caustic soda.

Bagging machine    

Rotary sorter

The igubal® flange bearings were by far the most cost-efficient alternative in comparison.

Rotary sorter    

Body scanner

Body scanner for recording body parameters in a coordinate system.

Body scanner    

Ultrasonic test facility

The main requirements of this application are: High dynamic accuracy, low weight with high stiffening and high availability in 3-shift operation.

Ultrasonic test facility    

Low-priced microscope

An injection-molded part was created by igus® and used in the existing housing shell. Now it's been working for five years.

Low-priced microscope    

Testing device

Testing devices for sintered parts: A lubricant-free linear guide (liquid pollution) should be guaranteed.

Testing device     

Injection-molding machine

Pivot arm in injection-molding machines mounted with plastic plain bearings: With the simple plug-in installation and the adjustable collar, it was possible to abandon the highly complex bonding mechanism.

Injection-molding machine    

Powder coating-
plant

Conventional guide systems break down as no oil or fat whatsoever should enter the dipping bath.

Powder coating-  plant    

Testing- and loading-device

Sought for was a linear guide system for a load cell with light operation, leeway and flat design.

Testing- and loading-device    

Angle sensor

Low-cost angular sensor with special bearings in printing machines.

Angle sensor    

Filling valve

The challenge: The operating temperature is maximum 140°C and the applied material must be resistant to all cleaning agents used in the beverages industry.

Filling valve    

Powder press

In a newly designed mechanism, the conventional roller ball bearings were replaced by iglidur® plastic plain bearings.

Powder press    

Climbing robot

The objective was to keep the weight of the climbing robot as low as possible, so that it can move with suction cups on smooth surfaces like window panes.

Climbing robot    

Office chair

This swivel office chair automatically adjusts to the weight of the user.

Office chair    

Reanimation equipment

Over 30 iglidur® plastic plain bearings assist to satisfy these requirements.

Reanimation equipment    

Circuit board pick and place

This novel insertion head (pick & place) for circuit board machine uses DryLin® liners.

Circuit board pick and place    

Load roller

In this scooter, the steering was newly designed with igus® polymer plain bearings.

Load roller    

Eraser robot

The eraser robot of the Hans Böckler-Schule at the Berufskolleg Münster combines technology with cultural history.

Eraser robot    

Cross member

Here an iglidur® polymer slewing ring bearing is used, which is distinguished by its low weight.

Cross member    

Handling device

In this application as well, glide pads made of polymer contribute toward the enhancement of the technical performance and an increase in the degree of automation.

Handling device    

Tool presetting device

In this tool presetting device, DryLin® guide carriages made of iglidur® J200 are used as measuring carriages. They contribute toward the attainment of a precision and repeat accuracy of +/- 0.1 mm in the application.

Tool presetting device    

Rotor head

iglidur® G is the problem solver in this rotor head The rotor blades rotate about 400 times per minute and thereby execute oscillating motion with maximum 30°.

Rotor head    

UV reflectors

A UV radiator unchanged for 10 years was reconstructed and improved in the details. The iglidur® Z flange bearing reduces here the costs and the amount of maintenance.

UV reflectors    

Universal joint

The universal joint presented here is, contrary to the common universal/cardan joints, not only designed for the transmission of torsional forces.

Universal joint    

Railroad platform

The hinge elements and cam rollers of the ramps are inserted with two iglidur® Z plain bearings respectively.

Railroad platform    

Airfoils in aircrafts

Here the challenge in the design was that the bearing of the group of components for the application in the measuring medium water had to be designed.

Airfoils in aircrafts    

Mechatronic bearing

The availability of the application even at above 100°C temperatures was guaranteed by the application of plastic plain bearings made of iglidur® X.

Mechatronic bearing    

Beverage can emptying device

The problem of the design was in the limited installation space by the combination of two movements independent of each other and the high mechanical stressing.

Beverage can emptying device    

Track vehicle

A problem that vexed the designers was the total weight and the occurring leverages. Here the weight should be saved.

Track vehicle    

Edge processing
machine

Due to the low friction in the use of roller bearings, a complex counter force or gripping mechanism is necessary.

Edge processing  machine    

Cylinder for race spoiler

By the use of iglidur® bearings, the cylinder is completely maintenance-free, and the weight could be reduced by about 10% of the original.

Cylinder for race spoiler    

Banknote processing

Locking mechanism of a banknote processing machine: The double joint enables all necessary degrees of freedom and also absorbs the tensile strength.

Banknote processing    

Art over TV - Art over flat-screen TV

Flat-screen TVs are increasingly mounted on walls. But previously pictures or paintings often hung at this place. Art over TV combines both.

Art over TV - Art over flat-screen TV    

Tank seat

The backrest adjustment is implemented with DryLin® products, the headrests are mounted on the backrest with plastic plain bearings made of iglidur® G.

Tank seat    

Organ console

The motion of the driving rod of an organ should be utmost noiseless and smooth-running.

Organ console    

3-axis tripod

Requirements for the design were stiffness, low-priced relocation and dirt resistance.

3-axis tripod    

Helicopter load system

A novel external load system for helicopters required a low weight, high reliability with simultaneous weather resistance and freedom from maintenance.

Helicopter load system    

Shooting range

Application of plastic plain bearings in a shooting range.

Shooting range    

Bicycle shock absorber

By the application of a novel design, which feature an individual element made of iglidur® RN56 as the core piece, the technical requirements could be achieved at clearly reduced costs.

Bicycle shock absorber    

Artificial leg

Energy and torsion checks for artificial leg

Artificial leg    

Conveyor chains

The application of an iglidur® plain bearing on the outer side of the pin was the main new aspect of the design.

Conveyor chains    

Screen printing machine

Maximum precision in color application, thanks to DryLin®.

Screen printing machine    

manus® Gold: Low wear and resilient

Low wear and resilient by using polymer plain bearings.

manus® Gold: Low wear and resilient    

manus® Silver: Secure under high forces

Secure under high forces: maintenance-free plain bearings made of iglidur® Z can withstand extreme loads.

manus® Silver: Secure under high forces    

manus® Bronze: Over 170,000 Euro of benefits

Over 170,000 Euro of benefits were able to be achieved by using polymer plain bearings

manus® Bronze: Over 170,000 Euro of benefits    

Roof sliding door for entering crane cabin

Saves costs and better

Roof sliding door for entering crane cabin    

Transport vehicle with 4-wheel Ackermann steering

Maintenance-free track accuracy

Transport vehicle with 4-wheel Ackermann steering    

Screen lifter for large displays

Lifting heavy loads

Screen lifter for large displays    

Fully automatic tire fitting lines

No more expensive repairs

Fully automatic tire fitting lines    

Adjusting device for flagpoles

Low vibration in the wind

Adjusting device for flagpoles    

Automatic cup supply system for cup filling line

No lubricants in food sector

Automatic cup supply system for cup filling line    

Weight relief for treadmill

Resilient and TÜV-tested

Weight relief for treadmill    

Hot wire cutting machine for Styrofoam parts

Less production complexity

Hot wire cutting machine for Styrofoam parts    

Drive rod in a front fastening device for cabriolets

Save costs and weight

Drive rod in a front fastening device for cabriolets    

Reduction of recoil on large-calibre long firearms

Precise and ergonomic

Reduction of recoil on large-calibre long firearms    

Automatic height compensation for stand-up wheel chairs

Stable and safe

Automatic height compensation for stand-up wheel chairs    

Screen facade for primary school

For wind and rain

Screen facade for primary school    

High-speed thermal shakers for standard specimen containers in the laboratory

Hot and quick

High-speed thermal shakers for standard specimen containers in the laboratory    

CNC-controlled laser cutting machine

Perfect operation

CNC-controlled laser cutting machine    

Machine in analysis laboratory for milk

secure guidance

Machine in analysis laboratory for milk    

Gears in vehicles for harvesting sugar cane

Robust under high forces

Gears in vehicles for harvesting sugar cane    

Highly energy efficient water pump for developing countries

Long-lasting and cost-effective

Highly energy efficient water pump for developing countries    

Tangible sound in the home cinema

Very resilient

Tangible sound in the home cinema    

Pressure Test System (PTS)

Harsh surroundings and dirt

Pressure Test System (PTS)    

Mobile and stationary saw mills

Nothing sticks

Mobile and stationary saw mills    

Packaging unit for profiles

Downtimes to zero

Packaging unit for profiles    

Core joining device for casting cylinder heads

The used bearing must be lubricant-free, because silica sand is used here.

Core joining device for casting cylinder heads    

Linear plain bearings for steering systems on bus trailers

Rust-free and temperature-resistant

Linear plain bearings for steering systems on bus trailers    

Moving Head

The plain bearing used has a low frictional resistance and is low maintenance and lubricant-free.

Moving Head    

Personal mobility of the future

Quick and light

Personal mobility of the future    

“Portamobil” assembly aid for door leaves

Can be handled alone

“Portamobil” assembly aid for door leaves    

Fixture for flat screens

Simple movement

Fixture for flat screens    

The Qube - the cocktail machine

Maintenance-free dosing

The Qube - the cocktail machine    

Self-aligning satellite receiver

Reliable and cheaper

Self-aligning satellite receiver    

Efficient hardening with ultraviolet radiation

Easy and durable

Efficient hardening with ultraviolet radiation    

Helicopter drone

Light and free from play

Helicopter drone    

Vibration training appliance

Good suspension and economical

Vibration training appliance    

Height-adjustable seat

Quiet and maintenance-free

Height-adjustable seat    

Mobile barrier system JetTrac

Robust and vibration-reducing

Mobile barrier system JetTrac    

Chemist prescription printer

Precise and effective

Chemist prescription printer    

SIR care assistant

Neat and free-moving

SIR care assistant    

Hand-operated water pump

Resistant to wind and rain

Hand-operated water pump    

Innovations for sewage works

Saves costs and better

Innovations for sewage works    

Suspension fork

To victory with igus® - maintenance of the suspension fork eliminated.

Suspension fork    

Oscillating bearings on gear shift in utility vehicles

Less wear

Oscillating bearings on gear shift in utility vehicles    

Storage-slide unit for an automatic storage/retrieval system

Effective with little installation space

Storage-slide unit for an automatic storage/retrieval system    

Small LED spotlight

Movable and attractive

Small LED spotlight    

Pizza machine

Hot and cold

Pizza machine    

Marine lift for water vehicles for leisure purposes

Corrosion-proof in sea water

Marine lift for water vehicles for leisure purposes    

Winding machine for carbon fiber spools

No stick-slip

Winding machine for carbon fiber spools    

Dining table

Attractive and quiet

Dining table    

Switch plate activation in model construction

Affordable and long-lasting

Switch plate activation in model construction    

Adjustable biker's foot rest on motorbike

Flat and durable

Adjustable biker's foot rest on motorbike    

Lowering mechanism for hood ornament

Wear-resistant and secure

Lowering mechanism for hood ornament    

Anarkite mountain board

Robust and light

Anarkite mountain board    

Mooring system for sail and motor yachts

High load capacity and durable

Mooring system for sail and motor yachts    

Electric motor glider

Robust and vibration-reducing

Electric motor glider    

Design and structure of a cost-effective converter

Cost-effective and maintenance-free

Design and structure of a cost-effective converter    

Controlled horizontal screen for a large planetarium

Economical even when exposed to heat

Controlled horizontal screen for a large planetarium    

Eccentric for toothed belt tension

Simple but robust

Eccentric for toothed belt tension    

Water turbine for power generation

Cost-saving and efficient

Water turbine for power generation    

Cleaning robot

Light and clean

Cleaning robot    

Student project "PLC laboratory"

High positioning accuracy

Student project "PLC laboratory"    

“Torsionator” sports/training equipment

Quiet and low friction

“Torsionator” sports/training equipment    

Bipod for sports firearm

Maintenance-free and resilient

Bipod for sports firearm    

Single-seat formula car

Light and reliable

Single-seat formula car    

Robot for recovery and inspection work

Resistant and long-lasting:

Robot for recovery and inspection work    
Further interesting applications from extremely diverse areas can be found here.

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