A new range of low friction, maintenance-free plain bushes has been launched, which is ideally suited to dry-running applications, including high load, high vibration environments.
The ELGOTEX range of INA plain bushes from Schaeffler (UK) Ltd provides a variety of technical advantages that stem from the product's unique, entwined double-layer design.
Each bush comprises two layers of wound (twisted) material. The inner, sliding layer is made from synthetic fibres and PTFE fibres in epoxy resin, whilst the outer layer comprises continuous glass fibres (filaments) in epoxy resin. This combined, double wound material is stabilised by applying a specific winding angle to the glass fibres, which significantly increases the strength of the bush.
The result is a host of technical advantages, including extreme robustness, compactness and low wear (due to consistent friction levels). In addition, ELGOTEX plain bushes are lighter than their bronze equivalents.
The bushes are easy to mount and require no further axial location. Due to their dry-running characteristics, the bushes are also environmentally-friendly.
The bushes are maintenance-free for life, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for the end user.
ELGOTEX has already proved itself in many customer applications, including those in which high radial loads or high static loads are present. The new bushes are also insensitive to shock loads and edge pressures.
The product is available with integrated seals and is resistant to corrosive media. The bushes also perform well in applications where swivel or axial movement is required. Good vibration damping properties is a further benefit of ELGOTEX.
INA plain bushes with ELGOTEX are available with bore diameters from 20-200mm, outside diameters from 24-220mm, and widths of 15-250mm. Custom versions with outside diameters up to 1,200mm are also possible.
Industry sectors set to benefit from this new product range include off-highway/mobile construction vehicles; agricultural machinery; mechanical handling/forklift trucks; hydraulics and pneumatics; food and beverage processing, large buildings & structures (e.g. bridges); as well as wind, tidal, wave and solar energy systems.