Project: Build an off-road vehicle
Product used: iglide M250, iglide T500 and igubal rod ends

For the third consecutive year, students from the University of Rhode Island used donated igus® components while competing in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Collegiate Design Series. The 2005 team, comprised of 13 URI students, competed in the mini baja East and Midwest events, taking on the challenge of designing and building an off-road vehicle cable of surviving tough off-road terrain.

While searching for an alternative to aluminum bearings some three years ago, the URI team discovered igus’ line of iglide plastic bearings and has been using them ever since. On its 2004 vehicle, the team used igubal rod ends in steering and pedal mechanisms.

The team employed even more bearings for the 2005 vehicle, adding iglide M250 and iglide T500 to the list. Iglide M250 bearings are specifically made for rugged applications and possess excellent vibration dampening and high impact resistance. T500 bearings are also well suited to the baja competition because of their low moisture absorption, temperature resistance and high compressive strength.

“The igus bearings allowed our suspension, steering systems and pedals to move more smoothly under all conditions,” said Ryan Tanner, captain of the 2005 URI mini baja team.

The URI students raced hard, finishing 9th out of 71 teams competing in the East competition and 53rd out of 141 teams in the Midwest division. The 2006 team is also using igus products. To learn more about URI mini baja teams of the past and the present, visit www.egr.uri.edu/~minibaja.