iglide L1

Low Clearance Linear Bearing

Automation is very often synonymous with linearmotion. Many design solutions are available.

Ball bushings are still a popular solution. They are rather expensive and often require maintenance. Plain bearings are not widely in use. They definitely need lubrication. If oils or greases are not continuously supplied, an increase of friction and wear are inevitable. PLain plastic bushings are used without lubrication but they require a larger clearance to compensate for temperature and humidity expansion.

igus® has developed a completely new solution: Series L1.

The Design

iglide L1 has two parts: a bushing for the press-fit function, and a segmented part for gliding. The separation of the two functions makes very low clearances possible.

The press-fit area has a larger play to the shaft. Material expansions never get in the way.

The bearing, or gliding area has practically zero clearance. The outer diameter is supported by the housing bore. Expansions on the inside due to temperature or humidity are absorbed by the .008” thick films that connect the bearing segments. The films also hold the segments under high radial pressure.

Half of the bearing surface can carry loads. This is taken into account for bearing calculations. The distance between segment is such that radial force can be applied at any given point of the diameter. No special sttention upon assembly is necessary.

189
iglide Series L1
The bearing pads have low to zero clearance to the shaft.

Characteristics

Test Method

Unit

iglide L100

Density

DIN 53479

lb./in.3

.0498

Color

Yellow

Permissible median surface pressure at 68°F, static

psi

10,150

Modulus of Elasticity

DIN 53457

psi

870,000

Temperature limit, continuous operation

°F

-40 / +266

Short Term

°F

+390

Thermal Conductivity

ASTM C177

Btu/hr/ft2/°F/in.

1.7

Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient

DIN 53752

K-1 10-5

4

Water Absorption at 50% humidity/72°F

DIN 53495

%

<0.6

Specific Volume Resistance

VDE 0303

Ohm/cm

>1013

Advantages of iglide L1
Low clearance between shaft and bearing
Maintenance-Free Dry Run
Excellent Wear Resistance
Silent Operation
No Stick-Slip
Speeds up to 26 ft./sec.
Applicable in Hot, Humid, Corrosive Environments
hin-Wall Design Saves Space

The bearings have been tested in linear applications. One test with very high loads showed more than 1.2 million cycles with negligible wear. This was five times more than the life of a standard plain bearing. Interesting test results were obtained for rotational use. iglide L1 performed well under high loads and higher-than-normal rotational speeds. They showed low friction values and smooth operation.

The Material

The standard material chosen for iglide L1 is a special compound tailored for minimum wear at high loads and speeds. It is maintenance-free due to the matrix of fibers and addition of lubricants.

The allowable Unit Pressure is 10,150 psi.

The ideal Temperature Range is +4...175°F. The segmented design reduces the heat build-up in operation.

(Patent pending)