New igutex TX3 fibre-wound material perfect for construction and heavy-duty work

24/04/2024

igus launches a new lubrication-free material, for bearings needing higher running performance with high dynamic forces, ideal for heavy-duty applications.

igus has developed plain bearings made from high-strength, fibre-wound materials – the igutex bearing family. These use carbon fibre embedded in the material and are used where very high impact loads occur and where injection-moulded plain bearings may reach their load limits. “This can be construction machinery, the agricultural sector or applications in container cranes or in the offshore industry,” explains Rob Dumayne, drytech® director at igus UK.

Extremely strong filaments and the special winding technology structure ensure maximum strength and wear. The outer shell is made from a tough fibreglass compound, while a tribologically-optimised inner layer reduces friction on the shaft and gives a smooth gliding surface. “Our igutex materials are ideal for applications that have to take up to 200Mpa,” says Dumayne.

Now igus has developed a material that offers an even longer service life – the new igutex TX3. It is especially suitable under extreme dynamic loads, and where cyclic or pulsating loads may occur – for example, in the hydraulic mechanism of excavators. igutex TX3 also enables the use of rough or soft shaft materials, such as Cf53. As with all igus plain bearings, igutex TX3 is self-lubricating and is completely dry running. Solid lubricants, which are integrated in the sliding layer of the fibre-wound bearing, enable the best possible coefficients of friction without any need for external lubrication. Users can therefore save substantial costs on oil, grease, and maintenance. Additionally, no lubricants are released into the environment, helping sustainability.

The new test winner

igutex TX3 was thoroughly tested at both the indoor and outdoor test rigs at the igus test laboratory. Results showed that, from among the igutex family, igutex TX3 plain bearing on a Cf53 hard chrome-plated shaft achieved the best values for a pivoting application with 100MPa.

The new igutex TX3 fibre-wound plain bearings are in stock and are part of the standard igutex product range with inner diameters of 20 to 80mm. Custom-made products with other diameters are also available on request.