Plain bearing provided with adjustable preload

Paul Boughton

Igus is launching a new Drylin W linear guide with a 'turn-to-fit' function for manual setting of the clearance. These lubrication-free bearings also offer good resistance to contamination.

Customers can decide for themselves when using an Allen key whether the standard clearance is required or if the unit is to be preloaded to be free from clearance. The tolerance of the maintenance-free Drylin W system can be adjusted over the whole bearing surface by turning an adjustment screw on the side. Adjustment is in small notched steps that can be both heard and felt. If wear occurs, the system can simply be readjusted.

Lee Wilkins, Igus Drylin product manager, comments: "The aim of the development work was to give the design engineers more freedom and to improve precision even further."

The system is made up of a housing consisting of several parts and a gliding film made of technical tribo-plastic. Wilkins explains that, as well as the basic structure and continually tested materials, further features include: "A small design height, very low friction and excellent wear resistance." Further advantages include low weight and high resistance to dirt and humidity. The clearance adjustment can also be transferred to the ready-to-fit leadscrew linear units and belt drives.

According to Igus, the history of the development of the new 'turn-to-fit' principle is as simple as it is logical. A few years ago, a new generation of guides were developed, the Drylin W system, that allowed flexible and modular construction and, therefore, easy assembly. Now a further beneficial factor has been added to this versatile system that is suitable for use on single or double rails made of hard-anodised aluminium, individual bearings or complete slides. This version is available in design size 10; the other design sizes (06, 16 and 20) will follow shortly.

For more information, visit www.igus.co.uk

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