Lightweight plastic plain bearings, approved after fire tests by independent testing institute, enhances safety features of aircrafts.

 

Five iglidur high-performance polymers now officially comply with the fire safety requirements of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aircraft interiors. Areas of application for plain bearings made of these materials are, for example, bearing points in seats, tables and doors. The maintenance-free bearings ensure a light, safe and lubrication-free solution.

 

Lightweight, quiet and fail-safe - these are some of the key criteria for aviation components. Interior components of airplanes also require compliance with strict fire safety standards. The plain bearing materials iglidur G V0, iglidur X, iglidur A350, iglidur H and iglidur J350 of the motion plastics specialist igus have now been positively tested by an independent test institute in accordance with the fire test FAR CS 25.853 App F, Part 1a 1 (ii). 

 

The five plain bearing materials are also rated V0 according to UL94, making them the optimal solution for moving applications in aircrafts, for example in fold-out tables, adjustable seats or also in hinges of doors and luggage compartments. With these five materials, designers of interior equipment in aircrafts have the suitable iglidur materials for all plain bearing applications: the cost-effective all-rounder iglidur G V0, the FDA-compliant iglidur A350, the iglidur J350 and iglidur H with exceptionally low moisture absorption all the way to iglidur X, the high tech problem solver.

 

Iglidur plain bearings: a lubrication-free,lightweight solution

 

Like all igus products, iglidur plain bearings operate completely without external lubrication. Instead, solid lubricants homogeneously engrained in the material ensure silent and smooth operation. This gives users several advantages - first, they save elaborate maintenance work and costs through regular re-lubrication, second there is no additional effort during assembly and, third, the components always remain clean, which is an important criterion particularly in aircraft interiors.

 

Advantages compared to metal bearings

 

Compared to metallic alternatives, igus iglidur bearings are up to seven times lighter, which is crucial in the aerospace industry, where every kilogram saved pays off directly in range or efficiency. Last but not least, they are cheaper than metal bearings and also corrosion-free. In contrast to metal bearings, they are more flexible, which not only simplifies assembly and helps to minimise noise, but also makes the bearings insensitive to impact and edge loads. A big advantage especially in applications such as folding tables on aircraft seats. 

 

With the high-performance plastics from igus, savings are three fold: in weight, maintenance and price. In addition, within 50 materials users can find a comprehensive solution using numerous materials that meet the various legal and industry-specific regulations. Whether FDA and EU-compliance for the food industry, for drinking water contact, the tobacco industry or even general and industry-specific fire protection standards such as for aircraft or railway technology. Users always find the right bearing.

 

The Cologne-based igus GmbH is a globally leading manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings. The company has offices in 35 countries and employs around 3,180 people around the world. In 2016, igus generated a turnover of Euro 592 million with motion plastics, plastic components for moving applications. The company operates the largest test laboratories and factories in its sector to offer customers quick turnaround times on innovative products and solutions tailored to their needs.