New hybrid linear bearing combines rolling and sliding

The lubricant-free plastic sliding plain bearings ensure the hybrid linear system is robust, insensitive to dirt and humidity, as well as being lightweight and cost-competitive. The polymer rollers, which are also maintenance-free, allow for easy manual adjustment of heavy machine doors and protective doors that can weigh up to 50kg. At a defined installation position, the roller bearing, which carries the main load, reduces the overall driving force by a factor of between four and five – this eases manual operation considerably.

The principle of the installation position for the new hybrid bearing is such that the main load is on the roller bearing which reduces the driving momentum required. The plastic sliders compensate any lateral forces.

The igus DryLin W is a flexible modular system made of hard anodized aluminium profiles, diecast zinc housings, stainless steel or aluminium and plastic plain bearings. The wide variety of options within this easy-to-install system allows engineers to optimise the available design space. Combined with different carriage lengths, the rail widths permit many combinations. The four design sizes range from 6mm to a shaft diameter of 20mm.

All the DryLin W guide systems work without lubricants as ‘dry-running systems’, which means that they do not have to be serviced during operation. The linear bearings are offered with the polymer sliding bearings iglidur J or iglidur J200. Both of these materials offer low wear and low friction values. In addition, they are resistant to chemicals, help dampen vibrations and are impervious to moisture that might accumulate in humid environments.

The hybrid linear bearing design is based around the field proven DryLin W linear guide family. igus has modelled the new DryLin WJRM system in such a way that the roller fits inside without increasing the overall design width, which remains at 18mm. Standard economic guide profiles can be used, which are available in three styles for 10mm diameter shafts – as individual rails for a flexible guiding distance or as double rails with centre spacing of 40mm or 80mm, which allow self-aligning for speedy installation. The hybrid bearing housing is of blue-chromed diecast zinc.