Metal composite bearing vs. iglidur® polymer plain bearing

By replacing a metal composite bearing with an iglidur® polymer plain bearing, average costs can be lowered by as much as 40%. Whether as a standard part from stock or a custom-made special design. iglidur® plain bearings are the first choice when lightweight, media and corrosion resistance, high reliability and long service life play a major role.

How do the bearings work?

Design of metal composite bearings

Metal composite bearings

Rolled metal bearings slide on a thin, soft sliding layer. After wear or damage of this sliding layer, the coefficients of friction and wear increase significantly. In many cases, this can quickly lead to 'seizure' between the metallic back of the composite bearing and the shaft.
iglidur® plain bearings

iglidur® polymer plain bearings

With iglidur® polymer plain bearings, the homogeneous, continuous structure without layers ensures almost constant coefficients of friction and wear rates over the entire product life cycle. Solid lubricants and reinforcing materials are distributed evenly over the entire cross-section. 

What is the difference between the two types of bearing?

Metal composite bearings

Metal composite bearings

High temperature and good resistance to media

High static load rating due to metallic back

Thin, soft sliding layer

Limited functionality with pivoting movements under high loads

Additional costs for corrosion-free version

Sensitive to edge-loads

Danger of damage to sliding layer during installation

iglidur® G plain bearings

iglidur® polymer plain bearings

Total wall thickness serves as a wear zone

Long service life for every type of movement

100% corrosion-free

Service life can be calculated online

Cost-effective

High resistance to media

RoHS compliant

Lightweight

Dirt resistant

High mechanical dampening

Robust for edge loads

Enables the use of low-cost "soft" shafts


FAUN Viatec GmbH uses iglidur® plain bearings to ensure the long service life of its road sweepers

Road sweeper made by FAUN Viatec GmbH uses iglidur® plain bearings
This road sweeper is in continuous use, especially in towns and municipalities. In order to ensure the long service life of all machines, FAUN Viatec is replacing metal bearings with iglidur® polymer plain bearings. These are used at critical points, such as on the circular brush, which is almost constantly subjected to powerful impacts when the kerbs are being swept, and in the region of the rear lid, which is exposed to high forces and dirt during opening and closing.

iglidur improves sample box

Request a sample box free of charge!

See the quality of our products for yourself. This sample box contains the most important igus® plain bearings and helps you choose the right bearing for your application.
Order now for free!

More about iglidur® slide bushings

Test laboratory with test rigs for plain bearings Find out more about iglidur® slide bushings, visit our online shop or get useful tips and information on dimensioning, installation and many more topics related to bearing technology.

Knowledge base

Hands tap on tablet Here you can find answers to the most important questions regarding iglidur plain bearings. Compiled and answered in detail by our experts in the area of plain bearing technology. 

iglidur plain bearings in use

Farm machinery in field More and more design and maintenance engineers rely on iglidur® polymer plain bearings for their applications. They are up to 40 per cent more cost-effective than metal solutions, delivered quickly, maintenance-free and lubrication-free.