Plastic Bearings, Shafting, and Cable Carriers Ideal for Heavy Duty Industries

A: igus® heavy-duty bearings, such as iglide® Q3E and our igutex® series, are self-lubricating, maintenance-free, and resistant to dirt, dust, and corrosion. They can handle high loads (up to 36,260 psi for some materials) and harsh environments, reducing maintenance costs and downtime compared to metal bearings, which often require lubrication and are prone to corrosion. They are also up to 89% more cost-effective than steel or bronze bearings. Read our blog to learn more about our igutex® bearings versus bronze bearings.

A: These bearings are designed for extreme conditions, such as high loads, shocks, and vibrations in industries like agriculture, construction, and mining. Their self-lubricating polymer materials, like iglide® Q3E and igutex® TX1/TX3, withstand surface pressures up to 29,000 psi at 68°F and are resistant to dirt, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable performance without external lubrication.

A: iglide® and igutex® bearings are made from polymer compounds embedded with solid lubricants throughout the material. These lubricants are released during operation, reducing friction and eliminating the need for grease or oil, which can attract dirt or wash off in harsh environments like agriculture or construction.

A: Yes, igus® bearings like iglide® X and the igutex® series can endure extreme temperatures (up to 392°F for some materials) and high surface pressures (up to 36,260 psi). They are engineered to perform under heavy loads and harsh conditions, making them ideal for heavy-duty machinery like cranes and tillage equipment.

A: The self-lubricating nature of iglide® and igutex® bearings prevents dirt and dust from sticking, as there’s no grease or oil to attract debris. Their polymer composition is also corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for dirty environments like construction or agriculture, where metal bearings may fail.

A: igus® heavy-duty e-chains® guide and protect cables and hoses in demanding applications like oil platforms, steelworks, cranes, mining equipment, and construction machinery. They ensure reliable energy, data, and signal transmission under harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, dirt, and high loads.

A: Made from high-performance plastics, igus e-chains® are corrosion-free, resistant to chemicals, saltwater, UV rays, and extreme temperatures (from -40°F to +266°F, with short-term resistance up to +338°F). They withstand hot chips up to +1,562°F and operate reliably in dusty or dirty conditions.

A: igus® e-chains® are media-friendly and can handle large, heavy, and stiff cables and hoses, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, data, and fiber-optic cables. They are designed to guide these components with minimal wear, ensuring long service life. We offer many of the above cable options with our chainflex® cables, as well as our readycable® cable assemblies.

A: Plastic e-chains® are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and quieter than steel carriers. They reduce vibrations, prevent screw loosening, and offer a longer service life in harsh environments, making them a cost-effective alternative to festoons or busbars.

A: Yes, igus® offers tailored solutions, including readychain® pre-assembled systems with chainflex® cables, mounting brackets, and strain reliefs. We also provide design consultation and onsite installation services for applications like offshore rigs or cranes.