Polymer bearings are ideal for pump applications

Igus UK has published a white paper detailing a new polymer bearing material ideal for pump applications. The technical report explains how Iglidur UW (underwater) plastic plain bearings can directly replace standard graphite or carbon. Igus has been developing polymer bearing materials for this specific application for many years and is now in a position to publish its findings. The practical laboratory results unveiled in the report support the use of Iglidur UW500 range within the pump industry sector. The paper is freely available on request. Igus has, for a long-time, predominantly supplied two materials for underwater rotational applications, known as Iglidur X and Iglidur H370. An extensive test programme resulted in the development of Iglidur UW, which was released onto the market during 2003. Applications were limited, because the temperature resistance of Iglidur UW did not allow prolonged use above 90C. The major breakthrough came when a compound, now known as Iglidur UW500, was discovered. This polymer plain bearing material can run all day at temperatures of 250C and work for short periods at a temperature of 315C.