drylin® R linear slide bearings for wooden shafts

drylin® product developer Lars Fenger in an interview

What was the decisive point for the study entitled "drylin® R on wooden shafts"?
 The lower surface pressure of our drylin® linear plain bearings makes them generally suitable for use on round shafts with soft surfaces as well – quite unlike ball bearings, which require a hardened surface. Aluminium shafts and tubes are already in the delivery portfolio, as are extremely lightweight carbon shafts. And our study involves collecting results with wood, a renewable raw material.

Which tests were carried out?
 In order to make an initial selection from the variety of wood, flexural strength tests were carried out in the igus® laboratory. And coefficients of friction and wear results were determined with suitable types of wood.

What were the results?
 In short ... drylin® linear technology works with wood. And works very well. The results showed that the coefficients of friction determined differ only slightly from those for steel or aluminium. And the wear results for bearings and shafts are also very promising. In combination with our new drylin® R J4 econ linear plain bearing, some types of wood, such as steamed beech, offer an especially good counter partner with good results.

What is especially important?
The tests were carried out in a dry laboratory environment; dirt and moisture can decisively change the measurement results for wood, in contrast to such materials as stainless steel. We are constantly expanding our test series for different woods, and local availability also plays a central role here. At the trade show, we want to gather initial customer experiences on the subject and support customer projects with drylin® and wood. The first customer applications with plain bearings on wooden shafts have already been developed.