Do you know which type of shafts works best with polymer plain bearings?
Shery George | 2 September 2021
Different types of shafts are used in packaging , food and beverage industry based on their suitability for the particular application area.
For e.g Stainless steel shafts are widely used as they are corrosion resistant , where the application works in moist environment or aggressive cleaning with chemicals is required . Steel shafts are preferred if a cost effective solution is required. Aluminum shafts are of great use If weight is an important criteria. Carbon fiber shafts are used when non-magnetic and non-metallic material is required.
More information about the different shafts can be found here:
https://www.igus.in/info/linear-round-shaft-guide?L=en
There are suitable iglidur plain bearing materials , which achieve good wear results and a long service life with almost all shaft material. Extensive lab tests & years of field experience have formed the basis of selection of ideal material based on its wear and friction properties against different shaft materials.
The all-rounder iglidur J is the versatile endurance runner , highly resistant to wear with all shafts and offers very low coefficient of friction.
The specialist iglidur J200 linear plain bearings were specially developed for aluminum shafts which offers low wear & low coefficient of friction. iglidur X is a very good choice for steel and stainless steel shafts (especially at high temperatures & chemical resistance). Iglidur E7 liner is the marathon runner , offers best coefficient of friction with steel and stainless steel shafts. iglidur A160 & A180 liners are FDA/EU-compliant and can be used for direct food contact. They fit perfectly with stainless steel shafts typically used in food and pharmaceutical industry.
iglidur A160
The best combination can also be easily determined online:
https://www.igus.in/iglidurConf/Iglidur/Step1
In general, we recommend that the surface roughness of the shaft should not be too smooth (preferably from Ra 0.2 – 0.4µm). The ideal tolerance for the outer diameter of the shaft is h9.