Printed low-friction plastic bearings

Igus has introduced the world’s first plastic filament for 3D printers enhanced with tribological, or low friction, properties. The material, 50 times more resistant to wear and abrasion than conventional 3D printer materials, is ideally suited for creating custom bearings.

Igus has been researching filaments for 3D printers to provide customers with more f lexibility in their design ideas. Now, for example, people can design custom parts or manufacture prototypes, while still being able to rely on the dependable, tested service life of Igus plastic materials.

This new product, which has already completed countless tests in the company’s lab, is the first filament for 3D printer specifically developed for motion control applications.

The new filament will give users more f lexibility for the design of their application’s bearings, and even prototypes can be produced quickly and cost-effectively.

The firm also offers access to 3D models of its products in STL format, which can easily be downloaded and used directly as input data for 3D printing.

3D printers are able to print full-size, three-dimensional objects. This technology will be able to reduce the high tooling costs of part production, and waste is eliminated, as only the desired object is printed, for additional production savings.

With the proper computer software, any printed component can be customised to the exact shape and size desired, making otherwise impossible-to-find parts available and affordable.