Bearings pass endurance test

In total, 56 bearing points were replaced with iglidur components in applications such as the windscreen wipers, brake pedal, seat adjusters and throttle valves. Not one has failed or been replaced.

Matthew Aldridge, MD, says: "Fifty percent of igus bearings produced are now used in cars. The iglidur car is a great testament to how igus parts are already being used in different bearing points throughout a vehicle.” 

The self-lubricating iglidur bearings provide an efficient solution for car designers looking for dirt and chemical resistant bearings that operate more quietly than their metallic counterparts. Car seat applications are an example of where there has been a migration from metal on metal to metal on plastic to fully plastic; the noise damping and quiet running properties of iglidur bearings, which take a high static load, are beneficial to the driver’s comfort. In addition, iglidur bearings are said to be up to seven times lighter than metal counterparts, thus reducing the overall weight of the car and helping save fuel.

During its travels, the iglidur car has been driven through India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, Canada and the USA visiting customers, as well as doing a bit of sightseeing. The iglidur car will now be traveling the length of the UK seeing Edinburgh Castle, The Angel of the North and Buckingham Palace.