In addition to the fact that xiros plastic ball bearings are corrosion-free and heat-resistant, they can also be used in chemical environments. Maintenance costs for systems and machines can be reduced and reliability increased. The plastic ball bearings are characterised by low-friction dry operation, which means that xiros ball bearings do not require lubrication. This allows the rolling resistance to be reduced to a minimum. The reason: the balls do not have to overcome the resistance of the lubricant so that they can start with a low breakaway torque.
Marcus Semsroth, Product Manager for xiros ball bearings, speaks on metal and plastic ball bearings:
"In order to guarantee almost comparable running performance, metal ball bearings require more attention from the user. Without time-consuming lubrication, which also incurs material costs, the bearings rust, become deformed due to the high frictional forces and, in the worst case, cause system failure. Engineers avoid these problems when they use plastic ball bearings."
But polymer ball bearings can also reach their limits. For example, speeds beyond 5,000 revolutions per minute can only be achieved in the short term, as polymers deform more quickly than metals at higher speeds and the resulting heat generation. Bearings made of metal, on the other hand, have the edge when it comes to higher speeds and the absorption of higher loads. Here, the metallic version scores due to a combination of hardness and flexibility.