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Six Flags Theme Park, located in Calif. is home to the "X" rollercoaster, the only one of its kind that travels 4th dimesionally - creating a unique sensation among riders who are able to sit on each side of the ride rack and rotate independent of the ride vehicle while traversing through various track elements. Aside from the rollercoaster, the park now also possesses another one of a kind – a first place finish in manus, The First North American Plastic Bearing Design Contest.

The park won top honors for its unique use of iglide® Z, a plastic bearing from igus® Inc.

A special component of the chassis, called the "X"-Bogie enables the unique rotation of the seat on the "X"-Trains. It has four wheels which travel along the track and are attached to pivot housings which create the suspension.

Loads induced on the vehicle components tax both the bearings and lubricants. Space restrictions also make it difficult to lubricate or to perform any regular maintenance. Due to its complex design, the “X”-Bogie required a special bearing that is lubrication-free and maintenance-free. It also needed to be highly flexible to achieve the vibration-dampening essential for optimal performance.

After searching for a bearing that fit all these requirements, Six Flags discovered igus’ extensive line of plastic bearings. The theme park chose iglide Z for the “X” rollercoaster because it possesses a larger length and surface area than bronze and decreases both surface bearing pressure and shaft wear. Iglide Z is also lubrication-free and virtually maintenance-free.

Six Flags benefited in many ways from using igilde Z. After the switch, the “X” rollercoaster had fewer technical problems, increased machine reliability, longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.

Jeff Hudgins, Corporate Engineer at Six Flags Theme Parks, saw results within a year’s time.

“After six months of continuous operation during the height of the season, the iglide Z bearing was inspected and the results were amazing. There was virtually no noticeable wear on the bearing or shaft,” Hudgins said. “Its high flexibility and resistance to misalignment improve installation and removal of the bearing and make it less susceptible to damage. Maintenance is reduced by 95%. Annual cost of replacement parts is reduced by at least 54% and labor costs are reduced by almost 9%.”

To learn more about Six Flags Theme Parks, visit www.sixflags.com.