Plain bearing wiki

Measuring tools on a technical drawing for bearing technology.

Facts worth knowing about plastic bearings

We have summarised all the important technical topics relating to our plain bearings here. Find out more about our plain bearing materials and their specifications. Our white papers also provide specialist knowledge from practice and research in addition to important tips for using iglidur plain bearings - free of charge.

You can find this in our plain bearings wiki

Granules with solid lubricant under the magnifying glass.

What is iglidur?

iglidur refers to materials developed by igus. They are made of high-performance polymers and are characterised by special specifications. They are, for example, exceptionally wear-resistant or suitable for contact with media and chemicals.

What are iglidur materials made of? What is behind the self-lubrication effect? Learn more about iglidur plain bearing specifications and composition.

Learn more about our materials

Plain bearing during installation in a bracket.

Installation and tolerances

During plain bearing installation, there are a few things to consider that are crucial for error-free function and service life. Find out everything about suitable installation and test methods, clearance specifications, standard tolerances, and the correct way to secure plain bearings.

To the installation recommendations

iglidur plain bearing under load with a downward arrow for surface pressure.

Load capacity and surface pressure

The surface pressure is a decisive parameter when selecting the right plain bearing material. Here you will find recommendations for the surface pressure and load of iglidur materials. You can also find out how to identify and avoid typical damage patterns in our white paper.

About the load capacity and surface pressure of iglidur materials

Various plain bearings made of metal and plastic side by side.

A comparison of different bearing types

There are various plain bearing types to choose from. Each has a different structure and functionality. We have summarised the most important bearing types and will show you their advantages.

Comparing different bearing types

Metal shaft with a worn contact area in a wear test with DU bushing.

Choose the right shaft material

The right choice of shaft and plain bearing plays a crucial role in a well-functioning bearing system. Plain bearings protect the drive shafts and components surrounding the bearing point from wear. These components are often much more expensive, so it is very important that this wear occurs only in the plain bearing, which must be replaced in good time. But the shaft is often neglected during bearing point design. Find out how to properly harmonise the two components.

More about shaft materials

Axially secured plain bearing with shaft seat and retaining ring.

How to secure plain bearings correctly

In some cases, securing plain bearings is essential if they are to perform their function permanently and without disruption. Find out about the most common causes for the "drifting" of plain bearings and get practical solutions for locating spigots and anti-rotation features.

Find out more about securing plain bearings

Cutaway view of a cooling water pump with visible rotor and connections.

What are hydrodynamic and hydrostatic plain bearings?

What is meant by hydrodynamic and hydrostatic plain bearings? How do these two bearing types work, what are their advantages and what are their typical application areas? You can find the answers to these questions here.

Learn more about hydrodynamic and hydrostatic plain bearings

Plain bearing white paper

In our free white papers, our plain bearing experts share their insights from practical experience and long-term research and development. They examine different plain bearing technology subject areas to give you an edge.

Discover our collection of white papers

Whitepaper preview with cover and open pages about plain bearings at bearing points without lubrication.

Discover our collection of white papers

Tested in the industry's largest test laboratory

What is tested and how?

In our test laboratory, we test materials and plain bearings for their stress, wear and friction properties. Other parameters such as high and low temperatures, high loads and speed are adjusted according to the test.

In the lab, there are around 50 test facilities, where more than 300 tests are performed concurrently. At the same time, we perform around 11,300 tribological tests on the approximately 250 newly developed plastic compounds every year. To ensure that the new formulations prove their worth in subsequent use, they are exposed not only to various external influences, but also to different directions of movement and loads - rotating, pivoting, linear and tumbling.

Find out more about the igus test laboratory