Hybrid linear bearing combines rolling and sliding

Linear technology specialist igus has developed a new breed of hybrid linear bearing that both rolls and slides.

Called DryLin WJRM, the bearing system is said to reduce driving force significantly and is suitable for applications that combine sliding and rolling movements, such as manually adjustable doors, guards, partitions and locks, as well as for light handling tasks. The lubricant free plastic sliding plain bearings are designed to ensure the hybrid linear system is robust, insensitive to dirt and humidity, as well as being lightweight. The polymer rollers are said to allow for easy manual adjustment of heavy machine doors and protective doors that can weigh up to 50kg. At a defined installation position, the roller bearing, which carries the main load, reduces the overall driving force by a factor of between four and five. The principle of the installation position for the new hybrid bearing is such that the main load is on the roller bearing which, according to igus, reduces the driving momentum required. The plastic sliders compensate any lateral forces. The igus DryLin W is a flexible modular system made of hard anodized aluminium profiles, diecast zinc housings, stainless steel or aluminium and plastic plain bearings. Combined with different carriage lengths, the rail widths permit many combinations and the four design sizes range from 6mm to a shaft diameter of 20mm. All the guide systems work without lubricants as 'dry-running systems', which means that they do not have to be serviced during operation. The linear bearings are offered with the polymer sliding bearings iglidur J or iglidur J200. Both of these materials offer low wear and low friction values. igus has modelled the new DryLin WJRM system in such a way that the roller fits inside without increasing the overall design width, which remains at 18mm. Standard economic guide profiles can be used, which are available in three styles for 10mm diameter shafts – as individual rails for a flexible guiding distance or as double rails with centre spacing of 40mm or 80mm, which allow self-aligning for speedy installation. The hybrid bearing housing is of blue-chromed diecast zinc.