On May 5, 2022, multinational polymer manufacturer igus has launched a new slewing bearing for lightweight load-bearing systems suitable for the movement of various industrial equipment.
△ PRT-04
The support made by igus is “PRT-04”, its
The weight is 60% lighter than other bearings, and the size is only 50% of the PRT-01
, has the characteristics of light weight.Although the size and weight are reduced, the performance is not compromised, it still has the
super elastic
, capable of transmitting axial and radial forces and tilting moments during machine movement.Most supports are
standard
injection moulded, but igus provides3D printingmethod of manufacturing, is a way to provide customized products for customers with special needs.
Fabian Wieking, Product Manager PRT Slewing Bearings at igus, explains: “Aluminium and plastic have two decisive design advantages: light weight and stability. Therefore, despite its small size, the PRT-04 is more compact than its counterparts on the market. Compact and can withstand higher loads in the axial direction (up to 3,500N).”
performance:
●Save at least 50% installation space
●Compared with PRT-01, the cost-effectiveness is increased by 30% and the weight is reduced by 60%
●Diameters vary from 50mm to 300mm
Wear-resistant, dry-running and maintenance-free sliding elements
△igus’ PRT-04 slewing ring bearing. Image via igus.
Industrial products from igus
Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, with operations in 35 countries and around 4,900 employees, igus is a major player in polymer production. Currently, the company manufactures the iglid range of products from highly flexible cables to plain bearings and bushings using materials with a self-lubricating, high-performance plastic family, and now PRT-04.
Over the past few years, igus has continued to innovate and develop, using advanced technologies in the process, such as the RBTX platform for Lean Robotics and its3D printingServe. Through 3D printing, the company offers to produce prototypes and low-volume parts for customers seeking to take advantage of the low-friction benefits of its iglidide 3D printing material.
In the past, 3D services were first used for self-lubricating linear bearings made of igus’ proprietary iglidur I3 material.Other companies choosing to take advantage of the company’s products include electric
car
(EV) manufacturer Easelink, Easelink used 3D printed gears for its Matrix EV charging system back in 2018.
What is a slewing bearing and “PRT-04”?
In simple terms, a slewing ring is essentially a component that ensures rotational movement between other systems, whether in moving a drilling rig, crane or industrial packaging process, playing a key role. The support is mainly composed of two concentric rings, the outer ring rests flat on the stationary surface, and the inner ring is fixed on the rotating object, which rotates or transmits torque as required. But installing supports in tight spaces is “a challenge the company faces in many areas”, especially as the requirements for machine components “get more and more stringent”.
PRT-04:
●Internal gear and external gear: The installation space can be saved by installing the gear inside the bearing
● Corner limiter with adjustable limit
●Can be locked in different positions by mechanical pins
●Use F2 sliding element to avoid electrostatic charging.
●Good medium resistance and temperature resistance, can also be used in humid environment.
△PRT-04 Application Diagram
To address the need for a support solution for small spaces, igus has introduced the PRT-04. The PRT-04 is self-lubricating and insensitive to dirt, dust and moisture, but with an outer diameter of only 60 mm, it is also the smallest installation size in the company’s PRT series. In terms of layout, the PRT-04 itself features three aluminum rings, as well as newly developed sliding elements made from the company’s iglidge J polymer. This plastic works very well with aluminum and has a good coefficient of wear, while further improving its moisture and chemical resistance. Even in a small space,
PRT-04 is also expected to achieve smooth rotation and swivel action
. Although the company has less publicity about custom parts through 3D printing, Antarctic Bear understands that igus offers a way to 3D print custom parts mentioned above, and offers are available upon request.
3D printing service
igus3D printing serviceThe powders and filaments used have proven longevity as standard3D printing materials50 times. igus tests its engineering composite plastic iglidur® material in its 41,000-square-foot testing laboratory to ensure that each 3D printed wear-resistant part or component has the same wear resistance as injection molding. It can be said that all wear parts 3D printed by igus® are low-friction, maintenance-free and self-lubricating. igus produces 3D printed components for prototypes and small batches with no minimum order quantity!
Advantage:
●Online 3D printing service: simple, fast, cost-effective, up to 24 hours
Modern online tools: configurator for creating CAD data, service life calculation of gears and plain bearings
Lab test: wear rate comparable to injection molded parts
●Durable: Customized, maintenance-free, longer service life
△ 3D printing service
(responsible editor: admin)
0 Comments for “igus launches new “compact” slewing ring, available for 3D printing!”