igus is promoting its drylin WJRM hybrid linear bearing that both rolls and slides. This bearing, which is claimed to be unique, reduces the driving force significantly and is particularly suitable for applications such as machine guards, where there could be loads applied along and normal to the axis; other applications include manually adjustable partitions and locks, as well as light-duty handling tasks. This product will be featured on the igus stand at the 2013 Machine Building Show (NEC, Birmingham, 25/26 September).
Lubricant-free, the plastic sliding plain bearing pads ensure the hybrid bearing is robust, insensitive to dirt and humidity, as well as being lightweight and cost-competitive. The polymer rollers (dark grey in the photo), which are also maintenance-free, allow for easy manual adjustment of heavy machine doors and protective doors that can weigh up to 50kg. At a defined installation position, the roller bearing, which carries the main load, reduces the overall driving force by a factor of between four and five - which eases manual operation considerably, thereby improving a machine's ergonomics.
The principle of the installation position for the new hybrid bearing is such that the main load is on the roller bearing to reduce the driving force required; the plastic sliders (coloured cream in the photo) compensate for any lateral loads.
All the drylin W guide systems work without lubricants as dry-running systems, which means that they do not have to be serviced during operation. The linear bearings are offered with the polymer sliding bearings iglidur J or iglidur J200. Both of these materials offer low wear and low friction values. In addition, they are resistant to chemicals, help to dampen vibrations and are impervious to moisture that might accumulate in humid environments.
The hybrid linear bearing design is based around the field-proven drylin W linear guide family. igus has modelled the new drylin WJRM system in such a way that the roller fits inside without increasing the overall design width, which remains at 18mm. Standard economic guide profiles can be used, which are available in three styles for 10mm diameter shafts - as individual rails for a flexible guiding distance or as double rails with centre spacings of 40mm or 80mm, which are self-aligning for speedy installation. The hybrid bearing housing is of blue-chromed diecast zinc.
Follow the link for more information about the drylin WJRM hybrid bearing.