It's the mixture that counts

With the new slewing ring bearing made of WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite), Igus is taking another step forward in the integration of renewable raw materials into industrial production. By using 50 percent wood and 50 percent high-performance plastics, customers receive a cost-effective and lubrication-free slewing ring bearing. It strikes a good balance between strength, durability and environmental friendliness with a proven low carbon footprint.

How can renewable raw materials be used sensibly in industry? The plastics specialist Igus asked itself this question and has now developed an iglidur PRT slewing ring bearing made of wood-plastic composite (WPC for short) for the first time. “As plastics experts, we are now venturing into the wood sector. Last year we introduced wooden shafts for our linear guides as possible running partners for the first time. This year we are integrating the wood directly into our products,” explains Marc Trenkler, product manager for slewing ring bearings at Igus GmbH.

Igus can rely on its proven injection molding. The new PRT is made of WPC, a mixture of wood fibers and iglidur high-performance plastics. Solid lubricants are incorporated into the materials, which make the slewing ring bearing smooth, lubrication-free and maintenance-free. The wood content gives the whole thing a natural look. Both the housing and the component are made of WPC material. Only four screws are added to connect the two parts together.

Cost effective, low carbon footprint and tested

Developed specifically for the common PRT 02 size, the slewing ring bearing from Igus represents an equally priced alternative to the cost-effective, low-cost PRT made of solid plastic, without compromising on performance. It enables easy adjustments, including in furniture technology, while at the same time offering a robust construction that meets the requirements of various applications. A special feature of this new product is its extremely low carbon footprint of just 0.0577 kg.

For comparison: The PRT-02-30-ECO, which already consists of 97 percent regranulate, has a CO₂ equivalent of 0.819868 kg. To ensure the reliability and performance of the new slewing ring bearing, it was subjected to extensive tests under real conditions in Igus' in-house 4,000 square meter laboratory. These tests confirm the high quality and reliability of the product under various operating conditions.