Pillow blocks and fixed flange bearings need constant lubrication and maintenance to combat heavy dirt accumulation and dust. igus has developed a self-lubricating solution for metallic pillow blocks that requires no maintenance, prevents dirt and dust from settling into the bearing, and reduces costs.

Germany-based Igus, which runs its North American operations out of Providence, R.I., has developed new igubal spherical balls made of the high-performance plastic iglide J, specifically for cost-effective sheet metal housings. The balls can be mounted in seconds and are available directly from stock.

Metal and lubrication are frequently linked in mechanical engineering, but Igus proves that this does not always have to be the case. The company’s igubal exchangeable spherical balls are made especially for pillow blocks and fixed flange bearings with metallic housings. The use of polymers prevents dirt and dust from settling into the bearings, which also reduces sealing and prevents unplanned machine downtime. 

The use of exchange bearings is also suitable in agriculture and farming, in the food industry or in plant and mechanical engineering. The igubal spherical balls come directly from injection molding and are therefore cost-effective. Within a few seconds, they can be mounted in place of ball bearings in existing classic metallic pillow blocks and flange bearing housings and now also in low-cost sheet metal housings. 

The bearing system consisting of sheet metal housing and igubal spherical ball is available directly from stock. The plastic spherical ball has a high durability and its service life can be easily calculated online.

The cost-effective spherical balls made of iglide J also have a very low coefficient of friction in dry operation. The material absorbs only a little moisture, so that the use of the spherical balls is also suitable for outdoors. 

Due to the chemical resistance of the high-performance plastic, the use of exchangeable spherical balls is also suitable for use in chemically demanding applications such as agricultural technology or even glass processing. iglide J displays its advantages especially in soft shafts.

The igubal spherical balls are currently available in three dimensions for low-cost sheet metal housings (Ø 20 mm, 25 mm and 30 mm) as well as for cast housings (UC204-210).