iglide® PEP

For the success of a plain bearing solution, the shaft is normally as decisive as the bearing itself. With the iglide® PEP bearings, igus® takes a completely new trail highlighted by an enclosed and maintenance-free plain bearing concept.

Maintenance-free plain bearings usually distinguish themselves by their ability to glide free of lubricants without any further additional layer on the shaft. In these systems it is obvious that shaft materials are as important as the bushings. igus® blazes a new trail with an enclosed and maintenance-free plain bearing concept.

iglide® PEP is an entirely novel lubricant-free plastic plain bearing system with an inner and outer ring. Special feature: The running partner is determined by the inner ring and for the first time, the material and surface finish of the shaft are insignificant. Even thread, rust or scratches do not affect the long-term reliable function. By the specification of the gliding partner and extensive series of tests, the long-term behavior of the bearing system can be precisely forecast. With the PEP polymer plain bearing, the inner ring rotates with the shaft like in ball bearings Relative movements of the shaft to the bearing are dispensed with. This protects the shaft surface from wear and saves costs. Another plus point: Even the most sensitive or unusual materials for the rotating shaft can be used with these new polymer bearings. The PEP polymer bearings are thereby absolutely free from material-dependent corrosion.

The wear test results are absolutely convincing with loads up to 725 psi (5 N/mm²). Here the PEP polymer bearings attain values that are virtually comparable with those of the most wear-resistant plastic-steel bearing systems. An exceedingly satisfying result when you consider the costs saved by dispensing with the otherwise essential surface treatment of the shaft. The constantly low friction-coefficient level is also an advantage for the user. As the glide partners are fixed by the defined system, their tribological data too are accurately predictable. The coefficients of friction of the lubricant-free bearing are not determined any more by the shaft materials or surface conditions. If necessary, the coefficients of friction can be further lowered by additional minimum lubrication. Detailed test information with a wide range of lubricants are available and can be had from igus® on request.

The installation of the PEP plain bearings is pretty simple and easy to implement. The bearings are designed for press-fit in an H7 tolerance bore. Subsequently the shaft is mounted and is seated firmly on the inner ring. The inner bearing is clipped on the outer ring. In this way the shaft can be removed without tightening the inner ring.