A global supplier of plastic polymer products, Igus was present at the Auto Expo 2020 – Components trade fair to promote its polymer sliding bearings for various automotive applications. The company is working with all the leading automakers in the country with regard to bearings, finding applications in vehicle pedals, shifters and gearboxes, wiper systems, seating, mirrors and across all products segments from two-wheelers to commercial vehicles. “We offer a huge range of special materials for different types of bearings and automotive applications for automakers and Tier I suppliers,” said Sebastian Bloechl, Sales Manager (Bearings), Igus.
“We also offer technical expertise to guide them in choosing the right material for the right application,” he added. According to Bloechl, bearings require materials with lowest coefficient of friction, while also being light in weight and with the ability to withstand longer periods without any compromise. Igus claims that polymer-based bearings reduce weight and cost by 80% and 40% respectively as compared to metal bearings. They make lower noise, are more durable, dirt-resistant and free from frequent maintenance and replacement, Bloechl informed.
“Igus is trying to replace metal bearings with polymer bearings in all automotive applications owing to the multiple benefits and advantages, which hold great importance in the era of electric vehicles and BS-VI in India’s case,” he added. He further said that customers have started to realise the latter’s comparative advantages in terms of durability, cost and light weight, and the interest among engineers to explore alternative solutions is at a peak right now. Igus has a state-of-the-art test lab – the largest in the industry – for its customers to test the efficacy and durability of its products under real-world wear and durability parameters.