Building on its range of polymer bearings and bushings, polymer producer igus South Africa’s newly developed iglidur Q3E heavy-duty plain bearing is a cost-effective solution for high-load applications with high surface pressure capability, says igus South Africa product manager Juan-Eric Davidtz.

The iglidur Q3E bearing uses two-component injection moulding technology that combines a load-bearing outer shell with a low-friction inner surface and, similar to igus’ high-performance igutex fibre composite plain bearings, features built-in solid lubricants. This provides corrosion and dirt resistance in harsh operating conditions typical of construction, mining and earthmoving.

Through its built-in solid lubricants, the iglidur Q3E removes the need for lubrication, enabling longer machine operation between scheduled maintenance stops with fewer scheduled stops overall.

Further, alongside igus’ iglidur Q2 and TX1 polymers, the Q3E is able to efficiently distribute stress and resist deformation.

Another part of its range, igus’ igutex bearings are manufactured through a two-layer winding process comprising an inner gliding layer imbued with solid lubricants and outer layers made of robust, wear-resistant fibreglass filaments. This removes the need for grease, oil or central lubrication systems, reducing maintenance and preventing contamination in dusty or dirty operating environments.

Meanwhile, igus materials, such as iglidur TX1, are specifically designed for high-load applications and often outperform metal in terms of wear resistance. These high-performance engineering materials offer high thermal stability and can perform in extreme environments.

Further, igus offers polymers that are able to operate in temperatures ranging from -100 °C to 250 °C, depending on the formulation, such as the iglidur X which is suitable for use near engines or furnaces.

“Our bearings easily outlast other bearing materials including metallic and plastic types. Our polymers, like iglidur Q3E have been shown to dramatically outperform the rest,” Davidtz says.

Unlike steel, polymers do not rust, making them ideal for use in wet or chemically aggressive environments, surpassing traditional bearings and bushings’ performance in abrasive, high-impact environments, he adds.

Polymer bearings are also significantly lighter than traditional bearings, contributing to energy efficiency and easier handling. Further, polymer bearings dampen vibrations and reduce operational noise, making them suitable for equipment used near residential or noise-sensitive areas.

Davidtz adds that polymer bearings help lower the total cost of ownership by reducing lubricant consumption, labour requirements, downtime, vibration-related damage and shaft wear.

These performance benefits are achieved through continuous innovation in materials science, including the development of high-performance thermoplastics and proprietary blends tailored for specific applications, he concludes.