igus, a leading motion plastics specialist, has recently conducted a design study that showcases the successful implementation of plastic bearings on wooden shafts. This innovative combination has been tested for friction and wear behavior, yielding impressive results. The findings of this study hold significant promise for furniture makers and design engineers seeking sustainable material alternatives.
The drylin econ J4 plain bearing, developed by igus, is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional compatibility with various types of wood. Composed of up to 97 percent regranulate material, the iglidur J4 plastic bearing boasts a significantly reduced CO2 footprint compared to standard bearings, making it an environmentally conscious choice. Moreover, the dry-running linear plain bearing offers a cost-effective solution with large contact surfaces, exhibiting remarkable wear resistance when used in conjunction with soft shafts like aluminum and carbon fiber. Now, wood is being added to the list of compatible materials.
Lars Fenger, a product developer at igus GmbH, explains the rationale behind this innovative concept: “We aimed to further enhance our sustainability concept. Leveraging recyclate in our maintenance-free high-performance plastics has been a priority for us. The question arose as to how we could replace the shaft material with a sustainable solution, and wood emerged as an obvious choice.”
The resulting igus solution provides customers with a lightweight, cost-effective linear guide that is free of metal components. To determine the most suitable type of wood, flexural strength tests were initially conducted on various wood varieties, given the vast range available.
Fenger adds, “We then tested various linear plain bearings on the wooden shafts and compared them with results obtained from steel shafts. We employed the same test equipment and conditions throughout the process. The outcome was somewhat surprising.”
The tests took place in igus’ in-house 3,800-square-meter test laboratory in Cologne, where products are rigorously tested until failure. The wear coefficients observed for iglidur J4 with wooden shafts showed minimal deviation from those with steel and aluminum. Additionally, the friction coefficients indicated that wooden shafts, when paired with wooden bearings and lacking lubrication, exhibit accelerated failure. Conversely, the inclusion of an iglidur J4 liner significantly reduces displacement resistance over a prolonged period, while operating almost silently.
Given that wood is a material that can be influenced by temperature and humidity, it is recommended to assess its suitability for specific applications, including testing in igus’ laboratory. However, this combination is highly recommended for environments with stable conditions, such as interior design for compact living spaces or furniture construction. Many igus customers already utilize plastic plain bearings in conjunction with wood. Notably, one key advantage is the ease of assembly and disassembly of the liners, facilitating clean material separation at the end of the product life cycle.
igus’ successful testing of plastic bearings with wooden shafts marks a significant step toward achieving sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. This development opens up new avenues for various industries, enabling them to incorporate wood and plastic in innovative ways. As the world continues to prioritize environmental conservation, collaborations between different materials can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
