Linear Bearings Keep Connections On The Rails

When LPA Group designed its 4GT box train coupling system, the company was looking for a linear guide that was robust, economical and totally maintenance free. After considering various options, the company found the Igus DryLin bearing system met each requirement. The LPA 4GT receptacle is a fixed device interconnecting electrical supplies between vehicles. The completed design had to be both robust and weatherproof due to the arduous conditions, so it was imperative that any linear bearings could also operate reliably in such an extreme environment. DryLin R linear plain bearings are dimensionally interchangeable with standard recirculating ball bearings. They have an extremely high wear and dirt resistance, low coefficient of friction, high static compressive strength and vibration dampening characteristics. When made from a solid polymer, they are also lightweight. LPA Group used DryLin R as linear bearings on the 4GT box, housed in self-aligning pillow blocks (Igus part No RGA-03-25) and sliding on stainless steel shafts (Igus part No EWM-25). The company also used shaft support blocks at each end (Igus part No WA-25).