Plain bearings made of high-performance plastics, the so-called Tribo-polymer bearings, are increasingly used in various moving applications worldwide. This is because designers worldwide view these lubrication-free and maintenance-free plastic plain bearings as a long-lasting and cost-saving alternative to metallic bearings – in bicycles and printers as well as in filling plants or agricultural and construction machinery.

One reason: With Tribo-polymer bearings, the purchase costs can be reduced by 40 percent compared to metallic solutions. Moreover, users can also reduce their costs by eliminating external lubrication. With this in mind additional lubricants are avoided, and machine downtimes are significantly reduced. The following information graphs show the cost benefits of avoiding additional lubrication.

igus GmbH is a globally leading manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings. The Cologne-based family business has offices in 35 countries and employs around 3,180 people around the world. In 2016, igus generated a turnover of 592 million euros with motion plastics, plastic components for moving applications. igus operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs.

Caption: The use of Tribo-optimised high-performance plastics in bearing technology increases the service life of moving applications and reduces costs. One reason is the elimination of an external lubrication. (Source: igus GmbH)