A manufacturer of ski bindings has specified igus iglidur W300 and iglidur J bearing materials due to their excellent performance characteristics.
A high-end manufacturer of Telemark ski-bindings has specified iglidur plastic plain bearings from igus, resulting in a more reliable product and one with virtually no maintenance requirements.
Defective ski-bindings present a great risk to the safety of Telemark or 'free heel' skiers, so it is vitally important that every component works efficiently at all times. The iglidur W300 bearings are used in the 'knuckle' joint, which enables the heel of the skier's boot to raise and lower with each turn. iglidur J bearings are used in the rear cases, of which there are two per binding set.
To meet the brief, the ski bindings had to be low-profile and able to fit into a limited space. They also needed to be lightweight, since Telemark skiers are very weight conscious. iglidur low-profile, lightweight plain bearings met both these design requirements.
The bearings also had to be able to last for the lifetime of the product, or be easy and quick to replace. iglidur bearings were therefore suitable, since they have a long, predictable service life and are easy to install. They also possess a high tensile strength and can handle the high-level impacts involved when skiing. In addition, they absorb minimal moisture and can withstand the low temperatures encountered when skiing.
iglidur W300 - which igus has nicknamed 'The Marathon Runner' - offers especially long life, extremely high resistance to wear and dirt, and a low coefficient of friction. iglidur J offers low wear against different shaft materials, a low coefficient of friction, low moisture absorption, and has vibration dampening properties.
Follow the links for more information about iglidur W300 and iglidur J bearing materials.