Igus has developed an exchange bearing for its drylin W linear guides that allows for swift replacement in high-frequency applications.

To execute the exchange, users simply unlock the bearing, push out the old liner and replace it. The exchange bearing saves time and cost, and is available in sizes 16 and 20 for linear guides on the drylin W series, besides the standard installation size 10.

The lubrication-free, corrosion-resistant liners are made of high-performance polymers for silent and precise sliding of linear guides. Igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, runs its North American operations out of Providence, R.I. 

In extreme circumstances, abrasive sand or glass dust can cause wear of the liners on the linear guide rail. Linear guides and axes are also used in round-the-clock operation in automation equipment.

To replace liners previously, the entire linear carriage needed to be slid off the rail. Especially for linear axes or multi-axis linear robots with belt drives, this could only be done through costly disassembly and recommissioning.

The new exchange bearing, made with Igus’ iglide J200 material, enables easy replacement directly on the linear rail in a few simple steps. The bearing reduces downtime, saves set-up costs and ensures 24/7 operation. 

A practical, free tool enables safe installation of the liners in very little time. The new bearing is available for installation sizes 16 and 20, in addition to installation size 10, to enable even more users to take advantage of the new practical and efficient bearing. Linear robots, linear axes and drylin W linear guides can thus be easily retrofitted.

Replacing the bearing is simple: First, users loosen the side cover of the linear housing with a screwdriver. With the free tool supplied, which the users can also 3D print, the liner can now be slid out of the housing and directly removed from the rail. The new lining made of the wear-resistant and abrasion-resistant high-performance plastic iglide J200 is then clipped onto the rail and inserted into the carriage with the mounting tool. 

Users then put the side cover back on the linear housing and the bearing change is finished in no time. With this simple step, the rail is not damaged and the bearing housing can be reused without disassembly of belts or lead screws. 

A pin located in the middle of the side cover secures the liner in the linear housing. Alternatively, replacement can also be executed with a screwdriver. On the new liner and in the carriage, igus has provided special recesses for this purpose. 

The drylin W exchange bearing including mounting tool can be ordered online along with a practical retrofit kit with replacement liners, lid and mounting tool.