igus® | advantages of igubal® polymer coupling joints
igus® | advantages of igubal® polymer coupling joints
Coupling joints made of polymer – optimised materials for many industries
The coupling joint, also referred to as double joint, describes a strut with connection possibilities on both sides. Here, ball and socket joints, screw threads or sleeves can be inserted, which connect the coupling joint with the corresponding vehicle components. Usually, coupling joints are made of steel or aluminium. But for years, polymer coupling joints have been used in series production – what advantages can the versions made of high-performance polymers offer?
Polymer coupling joints: an alternative to metal?
Polymer coupling joints are a lot more than merely an alternative and have a wide range of advantages compared to the metal versions. However, the notable difference lies in the polymer that is used. Due to certain requirements such as high loads and fast movements, tribologically optimised and reinforced polymers should be used, as otherwise the system is at risk of failing at an early stage.
What applications are suitable for polymer coupling joints?
Food & Beverage Industry
Packaging Industry
Agriculture Industry
Medical Technology
Railway Industry
Automotive and motorcycle Industry
Motorsport
and many other industries.
What are the advantages of polymer coupling joints?
During their service life, coupling joints have to withstand various kinds of stress. Due to continuous vibrations, edge loads, tensile forces and compressive strengths, the material in use has to meet extremely high requirements. Therefore, igus® has started their own development and product lines: igubal® spherical bearings. In addition to the most important component, a long service life, polymer coupling joints offer many more advantages:
Resistance to corrosion: in contrast to metal, polymer coupling joints do not corrode and can be used in combination with water and media. This is not unusual for applications beneath to food & beverage industry.
Self-lubricating: igus® coupling joints do not require external lubrication and are therefore entirely maintenance-free during their whole service life.
Cost-effective: up to 40% cheaper than metal versions. Apart from the part price, special designs enable significantly shorter assembly times. This is significant, as part numbers in the automotive industry tend to be very high.
Vibration-dampening: the polymer used absorbs vibrations and avoids additional noises and rattling. Reduce NVH and BSR noises.
Reduction in weight: up to 80% lighter than metal components. Reducing weight is a daily topic in many industries.
Freedom of shape & easy assembly: coupling joints produced with injection moulding offer endless freedom of shape – almost any geometry is possible. As a consequence, assembly times can be reduced – by factor six, compared to metal versions.
Convenient article management: due to reduced article-numbers (one coupling joints instead of different single items)
This gives you, the customer, a free choice of combination of igubal® coupling joints. igus offer a variety of solution types to respond to your specific requirements.