Cold and wet environment
A manufacturer of high-end ski bindings developed a telemark binding that experienced breakage and failure in its initial tests.
The company switched out the bearings it had been using for iglide® L280 and iglide® J plastic bushings from igus®.
The bushings had to be small and low profile enough to fit into a limited space. They also needed to be lightweight - as telemark skiers are particularly weight conscious - and had to either last the life expectancy of the entire product or be very easy to replace.
There were other considerations. The bushings needed to offer a high tensile strength in order to withstand high loads. They had to absorb very little moisture and tolerate extremely low temperatures so that they could survive the snow-covered slopes. Cost was also, inevitably, a consideration.