Around the world with polymer plain bearings from igus®:
A small car is setting off on a great journey

Triboplastics – great potential in the automotive sector

For 30 years, the Cologne-based plastics specialist, igus®, has been firmly committed to researching, developing and continually optimising iglidur® tribopolymers for industrial applications. With over 12,000 products, igus® offers the world’s broadest range of friction-optimised polymer plain bearings. The 40 iglidur® standard materials make the company a key player in the field of “motion plastics®”. igus® has established itself as a proficient automotive industry supplier; 50 percent of igus® bearings are now used in cars. From seat and convertible top systems through multi-joint hinges and engine compartment components to chassis applications – the potential uses for polymer plain bearings in vehicles are almost endless.

The practical test: A trip around the world

To mark the 30th anniversary of iglidur® bearings, igus® is therefore setting out on an adventurous round-the-world trip to demonstrate the high performance of its plastic products. A small car has been retrofitted with iglidur® plastic components and is setting off on a global expedition under the motto “iglidur® on tour”. The journey will take it across four continents and three oceans; mile upon mile of tarmac, gravel, dirt and mud through rain, searing heat and snow.

Where you can find igus® in the car and why?

	Seat systems – adjustment / adjusting lever iglidur® J replaces lubricated plastic bearing made from POM Silent operation Easy assembly Bearing clearance adapted for e-coating Tolerance compensation at e-coating Also runs on simple cold extruded parts/tubes Lubrication-free
	Convertible top – operation and sealing iglidur® G replaces lubricated glass fibre filled PA6 polyamid and metal plain bushings Corrosion-resistant Also runs on cold extruded parts Bearing clearance adapted for e-coating Easy assembly High compressive strength Lubrication-free
	Hand brake – Handbrake lever iglidur® G replaces lubricated steel-steel-mount without bushing No rattling Silent operation Easy installation Lubrication-free
	Pedals – brake pedal iglidur® G replaces lubricated glass fibre filled PA6 polyamid bearing Rattle-free Noise dampening Tolerance reconciliation through radial pretension Lubrication-free
	Gearshift – Selector lever iglidur® P210 replaces lubricated plastic and steel bushings Also runs against fibre-reinforced plastics Low bearing play Pleasant haptics Lubrication-free
	Window lifter iglidur® J replaces lubricated plastic bushings made of POM Lubrication-free High wear resistance Noise-free operation Easy installation Lubrication-free
	Windscreen wiper mechanics iglidur® J260 replaces lubricated brass and plastic bearings made of PA66 Resistant to corrosion Dirt-repellant Media-resistant High alternate bending strength Best price/performance ratio Lubrication-free
	Throttle valves iglidur® X6 replaces PTFE-coated aluminium bushing Plastic shafts possible Media-resistant No contact corrosion Low priced
	Alternator – V-belt tensioner iglidur® G replaces metal plain bearings Vibration-dampening Resistant to corrosion Wear resistance under sustained pivoting