65 times more wear-resistant

Igus has developed two new chemical-resistant and particularly durable xiros ball bearings specifically for use in chemical contact applications. They are 65 times more wear-resistant than ball bearings made entirely of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). This durability is made possible by a combination of races and balls made of technical ceramic and a PEEK-based Igus cage. Designers in the chemical and process industries, aerospace, and the automotive industry, among others, benefit from their long service life.

Whether agitators in the process industry, engine gearboxes, aircraft turbines, or analytical equipment in medical laboratories: Whenever ball bearings come into contact with chemicals, they are at risk of corrosion and premature failure. "Traditional metal ball bearings are particularly susceptible to corrosion under these conditions. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) ball bearings also quickly reach their technical limits in applications involving chemical contact combined with higher speeds and loads, especially when a long service life is required," says Marcus Semsroth, Head of the xiros Polymer Ball Bearings division at igus. "To offer designers greater safety and increase the service life and efficiency of their applications, we have developed new ceramic ball bearings in the xiros series. They are chemical-resistant and, at the same time, many times more durable than standard PEEK bearings." The bearings are now available in three DIN sizes with 8, 10, and 12 millimeter inner diameters. Other sizes are available upon request.

Laboratory tests prove high wear resistance

The reason for the longevity of the new bearings is a special material combination: The inner and outer races, as well as the balls, are made of technical ceramic. The cage that holds the balls in position is a PEEK-based material developed by igus. "Tests in our in-house laboratory have shown that, thanks to this material combination, the ball bearings are 65 times more wear-resistant than counterparts made entirely of PEEK," explains Marcus Semsroth. Further advantages: The new ceramic bearings are around 40 percent lighter than metal bearings, improving energy efficiency, especially at high speeds. They are also maintenance-free, as they require no lubricant for their low-friction dry running. Another advantage for the safety of many applications, such as electric motors, is the fact that the ceramic bearings are neither magnetic nor electrically conductive.

Specially developed for high speeds

igus offers the ceramic bearings in two versions: Both are suitable for applications where high temperatures and high speeds are critical – such as aircraft engines, transmissions, and medical devices. The bearings are chemically resistant, particularly in alkaline environments. The white zirconium oxide bearings exhibit greater toughness and corrosion resistance. They are also more cost-effective than the black silicon nitride version, which is somewhat more brittle. The silicon nitride ball bearing, on the other hand, boasts particularly high thermal stability. This makes it suitable for superheated steam applications and applications with rapid temperature fluctuations. "The silicon nitride version is therefore the preferred choice for industries such as aerospace. Zirconium oxide, on the other hand, is ideal for use in chemical plants, medical devices, or the food industry," says Marcus Semsroth, summarizing the advantages of the two new ceramic ball bearings.