Application examples of participants of the manus® competition

Plastic plain bearings have made great progress over the past two decades. In this way they make solutions possible today that combine two opposites: technical improvement and cost reduction. The manus® competition is designed for bold applications with polymer plain bearings, which stand out due to technical and economic efficiency, creativity and surprising results. Here you can see some of the submitted applications.

Search from over 400 applications of our customers

In a wide range of industries, solutions are technically improved and costs saved by the use of plastic plain bearings.

More applications

Applications with igubal® spherical bearings

Applications with xiros® polymer ball bearings

Applications with drylin® linear bearings.

Applications with PRT slewing ring bearings

Plain bearing applications from manus® competition of previous years

manus® competition 2015 application examples

manus® competition - Overview of innovative plain bearings applications

manus® competition 2015 application examples

iglidur® plain bearing applications from manus® participants

Machine for frying Spanish omelettes

Gold Award at manus® 2011: Machine for frying Spanish omelettes of Carmelo Lagunas Escudero, Spain

Machine for frying Spanish omelettes

String trimmer-cutting disc

Silver Award at manus® 2011: String trimmer-cutting disc of PRODULEX UNIPESSOAL LDA, Portugal

String trimmer-cutting disc

Prosthetic hand with individual plain bearings made of iglidur® bar stock

The bearings machined from iglidur® J bar stock are corrosion-resistant and have a low wear rate.

Prosthetic hand with individual plain bearings made of iglidur® bar stock

Robot head

Special Award at manus® 2011: Robot Head of Archimedes Solutions GmbH, Germany

Robot head

Sliding door

The door, which is about 3 metres high and 1.7 metres wide, is supported by a drylin® W linear guide. The good gliding properties allow the door to be moved without any problems.

Sliding door

Sanding machine for wooden barrels: durable guide rails for grinding head

In this grinding machine for wooden barrels, our lubrication-free linear guides and plain bearings guarantee a long service life.

Sanding machine for wooden barrels: durable guide rails for grinding head

Jetpack

Since temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius occur here, the pilot must wear fire and heat-resistant clothing. The bearings used also have to withstand the high temperatures and pressures.

Jetpack

Machine for extreme dirt removal

A low-cost linear plain bearing with a long service life was required, which can compensate alignment faults and is as light as possible.

Machine for extreme dirt removal

Gritting unit

The screw conveyor of the spreader unit must be with movable bearings in order to be able to compensate for axial misalignment and dynamic movements in the screw.

Gritting unit

Melting probe with iglidur® bar stock

A media-resistant bearing for small installation spaces was made from iglidur® bar stock.

Melting probe with iglidur® bar stock

Seam recognition sensor

This machine weaves and prints terry cloth hand towels.

Seam recognition sensor

High-pressure washer

This high-pressure washer uses a planetary gear box.

High-pressure washer

Robot arm

This robot arm is so strong that it can use a drill.

Robot arm

Articulated arm

In this case, the design for a 5-axle jointed arm was submitted to the manus® competition.

Articulated arm

Mars robot

This robotic vehicle is designed for a very special environment: it will one day be driving on Mars.

Mars robot

Wood-packaging equipment

This equipment deals with the packaging of wood.

Wood-packaging equipment

Foam cutter

The cutting wire is moved along the vertical axis by two drylin® ZLW toothed belt shafts.

Foam cutter

Excavator seat

igus® plastic plain bearings are used here in the shock absorber of an excavator seat.

Excavator seat

Sanitary elements in mobile homes

Here, sanitary elements in the bathroom unit are installed with igus® products.

Sanitary elements in mobile homes

Folding trailer

This folding trailer “Tyligo” is extremely flexible and can be used to transport all kinds of things.

Folding trailer

Conversion of the wheel suspension on trikes

This application shows a conversion kit for the suspension in three-wheeled motorcycles.

Conversion of the wheel suspension on trikes

Car kit

igus® bearings are used for the gear shift linkage.

Car kit

Train door

At a speed of more than 350 kilometres per hour, these trains will be racing through China as of 2012, connecting Beijing and Shanghai.

Train door

Superimposed transmission

In this application, plain bearings made of iglidur® Z replace a ball bearing and a needle bearing in a superimposed transmission.

Superimposed transmission

Small electric plane

To achieve the best flying conditions, all components must be lightweight and at the same time as durable as possible.

Small electric plane

Racing bike brake

An extremely light weight is the most important criterion when constructing a racing bike brake.

Racing bike brake

Pedals for mountain bikes

In this application, metallic ball bearings and DU bushings have been replaced by lighter iglidur® flange bearings.

Pedals for mountain bikes

Dorsal trainer

This equipment is used to train the dorsal muscles. In order to use it comfortably, the base must be adjustable.

Dorsal trainer

Cross-trainer

When the design was revised, the metal pivoting bearings used so far were replaced by igubal® KGLM pivoting bearings.

Cross-trainer

Electric golf trolley

Four igubal® pivoting bearings from igus® were tested for the floating axle through the drive, and found to be suitable after several months of tests.

Electric golf trolley

Bicycle frame design

Here, igus® plastic plain bearings have replaced classical roller bearings and stand up to environmental influences such as dirt and corrosion.

Bicycle frame design

Bicycle pedal

The bicycle pedal presented here responds to the ergonomic and biomechanical needs of cyclists.

Bicycle pedal

Tricycle

This design was first used to deal with problems of clearance and friction. With iglidur® G plain bearings, however, these problems were eliminated.

Tricycle

Ski sledge seat

This innovative sledge allows you to ski sitting down. Compact, lightweight, thin, easy-to-install and maintenance-free bearings are used on the four rotary axes.

Ski sledge seat

Innovative electric wheelchair

The TopChair-S can climb several steps without the presence of an attendant and without attaching a fixed scaffold. The iglidur plain bearings allow the high radial forces that arise in the process.

Innovative electric wheelchair

All-terrain wheelchair

Simple but tough and low-maintenance components were needed in the joints of the Quadrix all-terrain wheelchair. All front axes are equipped with iglidur plain bearings.

All-terrain wheelchair

Economical linear bearings for adjustment devices in body scanners

A compact and maintenance-free drylin T linear guide system is used in this medical body scanner.

Economical linear bearings for adjustment devices in body scanners

Joint prosthesis with long service life

In this prosthesis for pneumatic knee joints, piston rings made of iglidur J increase the functionality, quality and service life.

Joint prosthesis with long service life

Artificial joint

This joint is a new development for use in prostheses. Plain bearings made of iglidur J and igubal spherical bearings are installed in it.

Artificial joint

Lubrication-free medicine dispenser

This machine removes medicines from their original packaging and repackages them in smaller doses. The exact positioning of the blister packaging is done via drylin XY tables.

Lubrication-free medicine dispenser

Adjustment unit

A drylin® T-linear guide is used for adjustment. This easily copes with the cycle rate of 80 cycles per minute.

Adjustment unit

Dental casting machine: reliable linear guides for extreme heat and dirt

The closing mechanism of the medical device is supported with a drylin W profile guide at high temperatures and dirt levels.

Dental casting machine: reliable linear guides for extreme heat and dirt

Valve in ice cream filling plant

Wear minimised, piston jamming prevented: iglidur® plain bearings replace O-rings in the filling valve of Big Drum Engineering.

Valve in ice cream filling plant

Ham cutter

Raw ham is processed in this machine. Since high hygiene standards apply here, self-lubricating iglidur plain bearings are used, which function reliably even after regular cleaning.

Ham cutter

Lubrication-free linear and spherical bearings for baked goods gripper

This gripper picks up freshly baked goods from a conveyer belt and packs them in baskets.

Lubrication-free linear and spherical bearings for baked goods gripper

Packing robot

Drying of herbs: Longer service life

This plant is used for the preparation and drying of kitchen herbs. The iglidur plain bearings reduce downtimes and increase the service life of the plant.

Drying of herbs: Longer service life

Breweries

Plain bearings are used, made of iglidur® A500, an FDA-compliant high-temperature material.

Breweries

Plain and spherical plain bearings withstand strong vibrations in grain sorters

This machine cleans and sorts all types of grain. Articulated and plain bearing technology enables the long-lasting and maintenance-free function.

Plain and spherical plain bearings withstand strong vibrations in grain sorters

User report: food packaging grippers

This gripper takes packaging units from a sealing machine, turn each unit by 90 degrees and arranges them in cartons.

User report: food packaging grippers

Pagepulltester

This pagepulltester is a high-precision measuring instrument for the bookbinding industry.

Pagepulltester

Screen printing machine

Here a drylin® T linear guide is used in a high-performance screen printing machine.

Screen printing machine

Plotter

This plotter is an economical solution for printing up to DIN A2 format.

Plotter

Book digitalisation

This machine can scan books fully automatically, with no human intervention required.

Book digitalisation

Solar plant

This solar system can be installed either on its own or in combination with a wind turbine.

Solar plant

Hybrid solar system

This solar system can be installed either on its own or in combination with a wind turbine.

Hybrid solar system

Planetary gearbox

xiros® ball bearings from igus® are used in this planetary gearbox that is used in wind turbines.

Planetary gearbox

Vertical wind turbine

This device uses wind power to generate electricity.

Vertical wind turbine

Solar aircraft

The prototype of the „Sunseeker Duo“ solar plane is the world‘s first solar-powered two-seater.

Solar aircraft

Parabolic mirrors

This solar thermal power plant also obtains energy from the rays of the sun, without fossil fuels.

Parabolic mirrors

Solar cleaning robot

For solar systems to retain their entire performance capacity, they have to be cleaned at regular intervals, particularly in sandy regions.

Solar cleaning robot

Wave machine

Since the tank is filled with salt water, the components used may not be susceptible to corrosion.

Wave machine

Model train lift

The trains belonging to this particular model train fan can be driven automatically from the shelf onto the track.

Model train lift

Racing car

The suspension pins in this racing car were previously guided without bearings.

Racing car

Steam locomotives

These fully functional steam locomotives have been built to a scale of 1:11.

Steam locomotives

Model train

Model train enthusiasts will enjoy this Rhätische Railway locomotive for a long time to come.

Model train

Model excavator

This fully functional hydraulic excavator was copied on a scale of 1:14.5.

Model excavator

Camera dolly 1

This camera dolly is very quiet and easy to adjust. Thereby it allows many variations of movement.

Camera dolly 1

Adjustable arm chairs

the armrests of this chair are adjustable, to accommodate the needs of the individual user.

Adjustable arm chairs

Flexible roofing

With this system, for example, terraces can be roofed flexibly. The roof is even waterproof in the closed state.

Flexible roofing

Automatic door opener

This system can be used to convert any door to be opened automatically at the touch of a button.

Automatic door opener

Camera dolly 2

Another newly developed dolly for camera movement is the subject of this manus® contribution.

Camera dolly 2

Bearings for record players

The main concern when designing the bearing support for this record player turntable was silent and low-vibration movement.

Bearings for record players

3D camera

With this 3D camera system „3D RIG“, the focus was on ease of movement and maintenance freedom.

3D camera

Camera tripod

This adjustable camera tripod is usually used for cameras that have their centre of gravity well beyond the bearing axis.

Camera tripod

Tape storage

This machine manages data back-up tapes. The transport movements inside are guided by drylin® N linear guides.

Tape storage

„Drawer that slides round corners“

This smart application creates more stowage space under the bed.

„Drawer that slides round corners“

Adjustable dining table

Are more guests coming than you expected? That‘s no problem with this dining table, because its width can be adjusted to exactly the width you need.

Adjustable dining table

Ergonomic seat mechanism

The use of an igubal® EFSM flange bearing has allowed the development of a maintenance-free and silent seat mechanism element.

Ergonomic seat mechanism

Sunshades

No matter how much the sun shines: these sunshades ensure pleasant light conditions within the building.

Sunshades

4D seats

Maintenance-free igubal® pedestal bearings are used in theatre seats; they are noiseless and operate reliably even at high loads.

4D seats

3D camera

Instead of using expensive 3D cameras, two regular cameras can be mounted on this device so that together they can generate a three-dimensional image.

3D camera

Further Applications (PDF)

manus_furtherApps.pdf

Body-Spider®

Silver at manus® 2007: Body-Spider® of the company KOOPERA GmbH

Body-Spider®

Inspection device

The bearings reliably transmit the high radial centering forces with low friction and free of stick-slip and minimize the arm system's friction through their integrated start-up.

Inspection device

Calibration cage in a blown film line

In conventional solutions, while cleaning, the lubricant on the bearings is washed away or the bearings are even rinsed to get rid of the dirt particles.

Calibration cage in a blown film line

Light aircraft Twister

Consistent application of igus® plain bearings in the aircraft design in fiber composite honeycomb-
sandwich construction.

Light aircraft Twister

Rollers on mini excavator

Enhancement of service life, machine availability, stability and carrying capacity by the application of iglidur® in rollers on mini excavator.

Rollers on mini excavator

Artificial knee joint

Patient's welfare in focus - How polymer bearings improve an artificial joint.

Artificial knee joint

Electrically driven children's car

Polymer bearings in electric cars for children: Top quality was achieved.

Electrically driven children's car

Concrete pipe cutter

Concrete cutting machine in extremely heavy-duty operation since three years free of maintenance.

Concrete pipe cutter

Elevator system

Exceedingly noiseless elevator system for single-family houses

Elevator system

Veneer assembling
machine

Veneer jointing
machine ACR Speedstar: Cost advantages through polymer plain bearings.

Veneer assembling
machine

Leak test stand

Leak test stand for the quality control of heat exchangers.

Leak test stand

Stirring unit

Stirring unit for application in liquid media in biogas plants.

Stirring unit

Gear derailleur

Derailleur control unit for mountainbikes (Olympic Gold 2004).

Gear derailleur

Push-rod drive chain

By the almost wear-free bearing assembly that withstands a high pressure at the same time, this push-rod drive chain was optimized in line with the market.

Push-rod drive chain

Mechanical hand

The mechanical hand is moved with up to 99 bearings per hand.

Mechanical hand

Handling device

The igus® potentials enable a precise guidance and the maximum gripper speed in both directions "X" and "Y".

Handling device

Steam pump

iglidur® X was selected as glide material for the guide of the piston rod due to the adequate resistance to temperature and moisture.

Steam pump

Measuring equipment

The igubal® ball heads are particularly well-suited for this requirement. They do not indicate any notable clearance even after about 15 million operation cycles.

Measuring equipment

Spinning box

By the modification of the plain bearing partner plastic-metal into plastic-plastic, a conversion in the integral design was possible by the use of plastic components.

Spinning box

Automated teller machines

In the redesigning of the table guidance, the focus was on a ready-to-install, cost-efficient, durable and lubricant-free bearing and guide.

Automated teller machines

Vario- and control-wheels

By a modified function system and the use of plastic bearings, a completely new generation of control wheels is developed, which is maintenance-free and low priced.

Vario- and control-wheels

Convertible top

Automatic lock for a convertible top: By the use of the calibratable igus® flanged bearing, the maximum axial clearance could be lowered from 1.5 mm to 0.5 mm.

Convertible top

Wheel guide

By the new arrangement of the plain bearings, the drive wheels of the transport vehicle could utilize the rotary movement of the individual bearing to guide the front wheels accurately through the track of the unloading station.

Wheel guide

Locking unit

In the fulfilling of all requirements, the use of a pair of plastic bearings with elastic flange played the crucial role, which enabled the clearance-free installation of the locking hook.

Locking unit

Wheel mount handling

Wheel mount handling for automobiles: Since about a year in daily use, the wheel mount handling system gives no trouble to the customers.

Wheel mount handling

Die casting mold manufacturing

Since the switch to drylin® W, the system runs without any problem and without a stoppage.

Die casting mold manufacturing

Pillar cleaning facility

The bearings have been installed about a year ago and since then operate free of troubles in the manufacturing.

Pillar cleaning facility

Linear actuator

Linear actuator with toothed belt drive: All disadvantages were eliminated by the drylin® WQ guide system.

Linear actuator

3D flow distributor

Ball bearing assemblies are very precarious due to the lubricant particularly under water. Stainless steel guidances cannot be considered due to the high costs. Plastic is used also for hygienic reasons.

3D flow distributor

Sliding roof drive system

The bearing tolerances could be clearly enhanced by the machining of the inner diameter of the iglidur® P polymer plain bearing.

Sliding roof drive system

Circlip inspection

The application of drylin® linear housings and iglidur® G plain bearings enable the centering pin to have a clean and easy drive up.

Circlip inspection

Micro-diascope

Besides, there were substantial quality limitations with regard to the large clearance in the ball guide. With the igus® low profile guide system, this problem was ideally solved at a low price.

Micro-diascope

Bagging machine

Application of polymer plain bearings in bagging machines for caustic soda.

Bagging machine

Body scanner

Body scanner for recording body parameters in a coordinate system.

Body scanner

Pivot arm in joining station

iglidur G flange bearings ensure continuous fluid movement in a pivot arm working in a joining station. No lubrication, no maintenance.

Pivot arm in joining station

Angle sensor

Low-cost angular sensor with special bearings in printing machines.

Angle sensor

Filling valve

The challenge: The operating temperature is maximum 140°C and the applied material must be resistant to all cleaning agents used in the beverages industry.

Filling valve

Powder press

In a newly designed mechanism, the conventional roller ball bearings were replaced by iglidur® plastic plain bearings.

Powder press

Climbing robot

The objective was to keep the weight of the climbing robot as low as possible, so that it can move with suction cups on smooth surfaces like window panes.

Climbing robot

Office chair

This swivel office chair automatically adjusts to the weight of the user.

Office chair

Maintenance-free and lightweight plain bearings in resuscitation device

This resuscitation device enables optimal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. More than 30 iglidur bearings meet the high requirements for weight and size.

Maintenance-free and lightweight plain bearings in resuscitation device

Circuit board pick and place

This novel insertion head (pick & place) for circuit board machine uses drylin® liners.

Circuit board pick and place

Load roller

In this scooter, the steering was newly designed with igus® polymer plain bearings.

Load roller

Cross member

Here an iglidur® polymer slewing ring bearing is used, which is distinguished by its low weight.

Cross member

Rotor head

iglidur® G is the problem solver in this rotor head The rotor blades rotate about 400 times per minute and thereby execute oscillating motion with maximum 30°.

Rotor head

Universal joint

The universal joint presented here is, contrary to the common universal/cardan joints, not only designed for the transmission of torsional forces.

Universal joint

Airfoils in aircrafts

Here the challenge in the design was that the bearing of the group of components for the application in the measuring medium water had to be designed.

Airfoils in aircrafts

Edge processing
machine

Due to the low friction in the use of roller bearings, a complex counter force or gripping mechanism is necessary.

Edge processing
machine

Banknote processing

Locking mechanism of a banknote processing machine: The double joint enables all necessary degrees of freedom and also absorbs the tensile strength.

Banknote processing

Art over TV - Art over flat-screen TV

Flat-screen TVs are increasingly mounted on walls. But previously pictures or paintings often hung at this place. Art over TV combines both.

Art over TV - Art over flat-screen TV

Organ console

The motion of the driving rod of an organ should be utmost noiseless and smooth-running.

Organ console

3-axis tripod

Requirements for the design were stiffness, low-priced relocation and dirt resistance.

3-axis tripod

Helicopter load system

A novel external load system for helicopters required a low weight, high reliability with simultaneous weather resistance and freedom from maintenance.

Helicopter load system

Shooting range

Application of plastic plain bearings in a shooting range.

Shooting range

Bicycle shock absorber

By the application of a novel design, which feature an individual element made of iglidur® RN56 as the core piece, the technical requirements could be achieved at clearly reduced costs.

Bicycle shock absorber

Bearing technology in sports leg prosthesis

The replacement of a Teflon-coated metallic bearing with an iglidur plain bearing brought a reduction of the bearing clearance through significantly lower wear of the bearing in addition to higher flexibility.

Bearing technology in sports leg prosthesis

Conveyor chains

The application of an iglidur® plain bearing on the outer side of the pin was the main new aspect of the design.

Conveyor chains

Screen printing machine

Maximum precision in color application, thanks to drylin®.

Screen printing machine

manus® Gold: Low wear and resilient

Low wear and resilient by using polymer plain bearings.

manus® Gold: Low wear and resilient

manus® Silver: Secure under high forces

Secure under high forces: maintenance-free plain bearings made of iglidur® Z can withstand extreme loads.

manus® Silver: Secure under high forces

manus® Bronze: Over 170,000 Euro of benefits

Over 170,000 Euro of benefits were able to be achieved by using polymer plain bearings

manus® Bronze: Over 170,000 Euro of benefits

Screen lifter for large displays

Lifting heavy loads

Screen lifter for large displays

Fully automatic tire fitting lines

No more expensive repairs

Fully automatic tire fitting lines

Hot wire cutting machine for Styrofoam parts

Less production complexity

Hot wire cutting machine for Styrofoam parts

Reduction of recoil on large-calibre long firearms

Precise and ergonomic

Reduction of recoil on large-calibre long firearms

Screen facade for primary school

For wind and rain

Screen facade for primary school

Precise and maintenance-free thrust washers for thermal shakers in laboratory

At up to 3,000 revolutions per minute and 99°C, the iglidur thrust washers prevent imbalances and vibrations and ensure high precision.

Precise and maintenance-free thrust washers for thermal shakers in laboratory

CNC-controlled laser cutting machine

Perfect operation

CNC-controlled laser cutting machine

Solar water pump for developing countries

Long-lasting and cost-effective

Solar water pump for developing countries

Tangible sound in the home cinema

Very resilient

Tangible sound in the home cinema

Mobile and stationary saw mills

Nothing sticks

Mobile and stationary saw mills

Core joining device for casting cylinder heads

The used bearing must be lubricant-free, because silica sand is used here.

Core joining device for casting cylinder heads

Moving Head

The plain bearing used has a low frictional resistance and is low maintenance and lubricant-free.

Moving Head

“Portamobil” assembly aid for door leaves

Can be handled alone

“Portamobil” assembly aid for door leaves

Fixture for flat screens

Simple movement

Fixture for flat screens

The Qube - the cocktail machine

Maintenance-free dosing

The Qube - the cocktail machine

Self-aligning satellite receiver

Reliable and cheaper

Self-aligning satellite receiver

Efficient hardening with ultraviolet radiation

Easy and durable

Efficient hardening with ultraviolet radiation

Helicopter drone

Light and free from play

Helicopter drone

Chemist prescription printer

Precise and effective

Chemist prescription printer

Hand-operated water pump

Resistant to wind and rain

Hand-operated water pump

Innovations for sewage works

Saves costs and better

Innovations for sewage works

Suspension fork Magura

With igus to victory: iglidur plain bearings in the suspension fork from Magura reduce weight and maintenance.

Suspension fork Magura

Long-lasting bearing arrangement of the gear shift reduces noise in the driver's cab | igus®

This application serves on the one hand to improve the shifting comfort and on the other hand to reduce the vibration-induced noise in the driver's cab.

Long-lasting bearing arrangement of the gear shift reduces noise in the driver's cab | igus®

Lubrication-free and maintenance-free bearing technology in belt conveyors

Efficient with little installation space: linear and pillow block bearings for automatic storage and retrieval units in high-bay warehouses

Lubrication-free and maintenance-free bearing technology in belt conveyors

Small LED spotlight

Movable and attractive

Small LED spotlight

Pizza machine

Hot and cold

Pizza machine

Marine lift for water vehicles for leisure purposes

Corrosion-proof in sea water

Marine lift for water vehicles for leisure purposes

Winding machine for carbon fiber spools

With these carbon fibre spools, a drylin linear guide implements a uniform movement.

Winding machine for carbon fiber spools

Dining table

Attractive and quiet

Dining table

Switch plate activation in model construction

Affordable and long-lasting

Switch plate activation in model construction

Adjustable biker's foot rest on motorbike

A drylin W double rail system is installed in this adjustment mechanism for a motorbike footrest, which enables maintenance-free operation even with aggressive media such as salts, dirt and water.

Adjustable biker's foot rest on motorbike