University of Rhode Island

Baja vehicle

iglide® plastic plain bearings, igubal® spherical bearings

Students from the University of Rhode Island used iglide® plastic plain bearings and igubal® spherical bearings on their baja for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Collegiate Design Series. The competition challenges students to design and build an off-road vehicle cable of surviving tough terrain.

After aluminum bearings failed, the team transitioned to plastic bearings and has been using them ever since. igubal® rod ends are used in the pedal mechanisms and to support the steering shaft. The team also used iglide® M250 because they are vibration dampening and have high impact resistance.

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