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igubal innovations
The latest igubal® spherical bearings expand the platform with new solutions for solar trackers, flange mounted bearings, and high static load applications. Across the range, igubal® products are built for grease-free, maintenance-free operation, corrosion resistance, and reliable performance in dirty, outdoor, and high load environments.
From new pillow block bearings for solar tracking systems to redesigned flange mounted bearings with lower weight and cleaner installation surfaces, the latest additions give engineers more ways to reduce maintenance and improve system efficiency. The page also highlights ongoing development of polymer spherical bearings for heavy-duty applications, where igus is studying how high static loads can be handled without grease.
Expansion of our pillow block bearing series for solar trackers
The igubal® ESQM-2.0-100 and ESQM-2.0-150 expand the pillow block bearing series for 100 mm and 150 mm square profiles in solar tracking systems. These bearings were developed for tracking solar modules in large ground-mounted systems, and their spherical bearing position supports angular compensation up to 14°.
Key updates include a new material with significantly increased UV resistance for long term outdoor use, a switch from V to U profile alignment for easier assembly, and a galvanized extender crossbar that reduces the installation height of the upper component by up to 36 mm. Additional cut-outs in the dome also support cleaner cable routing along the profile.
motion plastics in material handling
In conveyors, sorting systems, forklifts, and pick and place equipment, igubal® products help compensate for misalignment while supporting defined turning, tilting, and pivoting movements without lubrication. This makes them a strong fit for material handling systems that need dependable motion, lower maintenance, and cleaner operation across energy, data, and material flow.
Optimised design for our classic flange mounted bearing
The new EFOM-2.0-30 two-hole flange mounted bearing and EFSM-2.0-30 four-hole flange mounted bearing update the proven igubal® flange mounted bearing range with an optimized housing design. The main goal of the redesign was a fully flush assembly surface, helping the bearing sit more cleanly against the structure and reducing the ingress of dirt and dust. Static load capacity remains fully intact at up to 6,000 N for EFOM and 6,800 N for EFSM.
The updated lightweight structure also reduces moving mass in the system, with an 18% weight advantage for EFOM-2.0 and 16% for EFSM-2.0 compared to the previous versions. In dynamic applications, that lower weight can help reduce drive power requirements and improve energy efficiency. Like all igubal® flange mounted bearings, these versions remain grease-free, maintenance-free, and resistant to corrosion, dirt, and dust.
Polymer spherical bearings for high static loads
Many high load applications still rely on lubricated metal spherical plain bearings, but igus is actively investigating grease-free polymer spherical bearings for high static loads through its igubal® heavy-duty study. The concept is based on a tribology-optimized interaction of material, geometry, and contact surface to distribute load peaks in a controlled way and support reliable performance under demanding conditions.
Because these bearings run without lubricants, they can help prevent dirt particles from sticking to the bearing point and support smoother running under load. igus reports that customer projects have already replaced lubricated bearing points and achieved load capacities of up to 70 kN, while reducing maintenance requirements and operating costs. The company is specifically inviting users with high static loads, strong impacts, and demanding environments to work together on project-specific solutions
Split flange mounted bearing sets
Our split igubal flange mounted bearings are now available as a practical set including fixing collar. With one part number for the bearing and fixing collar, order items and administrative work are reduced, while at the same time the error rate when ordering is lowered. The predefined scope of delivery and bundling in one packaging unit ensure additional efficiency. Customers also benefit from a price advantage of up to 5.6% compared to individual purchases.
The split type of our flange mounted bearings enables assembly directly on the shaft without having to dismantle adjacent components - a real advantage in practice. According to the principle of "form follows function", the innovative form of these bearings leads directly to function. This sophisticated design was honoured with the iF Design Award 2026 and combines technology, functionality and easy handling to create a practical solution for mechanical and plant engineering.
Ready for a cleanroom?
Cleanroom-compatible spherical bearings require harmonised materials. Successful applications have already been realised with igumid G in combination with iglidur W300, J and X - lubrication-free and low in particles. Are you planning a cleanroom application with spherical plain bearings? Contact us!
iglidur H3 spherical insert bearings now also for 25mm shaft diameters
With the new 25mm version, we are expanding the application possibilities of our iglidur H3 spherical insert bearings in conveyor technology and mechanical engineering. Belt speeds of up to 200rpm can be reliably realised, while the low-wear, durable design reduces downtimes and the bearings remain maintenance-free.
The spherical insert bearings were tested both in long-term tests at customers' premises and under controlled load tests in the laboratory. The high load-bearing capacity and low wear are also evident over several years. At the same time, there is no need for lubricants, which reduces operating costs and increases cleanliness in the system.
More news
Now available: Pillow block bearing with quick-release
Tool-free spherical insert bearing change in seconds - the new quick-release pillow block bearing is here. Following a successful prototype phase, the injection moulded version is now ready for batch production and available with no minimum order quantity - currently for a shaft diameter of 25mm.
The spherical insert bearing can be replaced without screws or tools - in just one easy step. This saves time, reduces downtimes and lowers maintenance costs. Tested in the igus laboratory: up to 9kN static pressure load, 100% lubrication-free operation and ideal for modular system concepts in which components have to be adapted flexibly and quickly.
Split spherical insert bearings for PP205 pillow block bearing
Quick replacement
Our split spherical insert bearings for PP205 sheet metal housings enable quick and easy replacement of the spherical insert bearing directly on site without having to dismantle other components. They offer simple and efficient assembly as well as considerable cost savings when changing bearings thanks to quick replacement. With a static tensile load of up to 1,800N and no need for additional lubricants, these spherical insert bearings are the ideal solution for an efficient and maintenance-free bearing arrangement.
igubal 2.0 – Metallic rod ends with plastic inner ring
With the igubal 2.0 rod ends, we offer maximum flexibility for a wide range of applications. Four iglidur materials, all common thread types and shaft diameters from 6-20mm: The combination of robust metal housing and lubrication-free plastic inner ring enables long-lasting, maintenance-free solutions - without any lubricant.
| Material | Area of use |
|---|---|
| iglidur J | High wear resistance |
| iglidur A181 | FDA and EU 10/2011 conformity |
| iglidur X | Wide temperature range (-100°C to +250°C, short-term up to +315°C) |
| iglidur G | Dynamic loads |
First prototype of our plastic universal joint
With the new UJM plastic universal joint, we present an innovative alternative to conventional metal solutions. The prototype for a 10mm shaft shows how efficient lightweight construction can be: corrosion-free, lubrication-free and with clear advantages in terms of weight, maintenance and costs.
Thanks to optimised geometry and FEM analysis, the joint impresses with its high strength and a transmittable torque of 6Nm at 25° deflection - tested in the igus laboratory. Other sizes and more compact designs are conceivable. Do you have a specific application? Then feel free to contact us - we will work with you to develop the right solution.
Tech talk on our split flange mounted bearings
Our split igubal flange mounted bearings are revolutionising shaft bearings in confined production environments. Save up to 80% time when changing bearings and benefit from complete freedom from maintenance thanks to the absence of lubrication .
Discover in our tech talk how advanced bearing technology increases your machine performance and effectively prevents downtime.
PTFE-free materials for the igubal series
Sustainable designing - without compromise.
With iglidur J3, iglidur R and igumid G, we offer completely PTFE-free materials for the entire igubal product series.
Tested in our in-house laboratory in accordance with SQP M1227 and tested negative for 96 PFAS compounds classified as particularly critical.
Whether rod ends, pillow block bearings, flange mounted bearings or spherical bearings: our shop only shows a selection of the possibilities. Special dimensions can also be realised - just contact us. Together, we will find the right solution for your application.
Heavy duty pillow block bearing | Study
Heavy fun with the sun
This study tests the performance and applicability of the heavy-duty ESQM for the solar industry.
The ESQM-2.0-Heavy Duty is a further development of the ESQM-2.0 and has been specially designed for extreme weather conditions, e.g. tropical storms. It consists of a split housing and two spherical ball half shells. The spherical ball and the lower part of the housing are made of plastics with high UV resistance. The redistribution of the wall thicknesses at load points and the doubling of the thickness of the extender crossbar make the bearing 50% stronger. Another version with a hard stop, which we tested, prevents unauthorised rotation of the tracker axis and protects both the axis and motor from damage.
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