New Igus Smart Fixed Flange Bearings Unlock Predictive Maintenance

<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/ueditor/php/upload/image/20240118/1705553653134319.png" title="1705553653134319.png" alt="3.png"/></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Igus, a global manufacturer of motion plastics, has developed intelligent two- and four-hole fixed flange bearings with wireless sensing capabilities for wear detection, enabling condition monitoring and preventing costly machine breakdowns.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Constructed from self-lubricating, high-performance plastic, the bearings feature an integrated abrasion sensor, thin circuit board and cableless battery supply. Wear interrupts the board&#39;s conductor paths, causing the electronics lose the signal. The sensor then transmits a long-range network signal to an Igus i.Cee? switch cabinet module for analysis, including the percentage of abrasion. Over time, the sensor wears away layer by layer — parallel to the bearing&#39;s running surface — and will continue to transmit signals on the bearing&#39;s condition. Users can see the remaining service life and maintenance requirements via a web-based dashboard, which they can access from a PC, tablet or smartphone.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Previously, worn fixed flange bearings would have been easy to overlook, leading to expensive system failure. &quot;This scenario is no longer science fiction,&quot; says Thomas Preissner, head of business unit, igubal Spherical Bearings, at Igus. &quot;As part of our smart plastics range, we are gradually equipping plain bearings made of high-performance plastics with networked sensors. Our two- and four-hole fixed flanged bearings from the igubal series now also enable condition monitoring and predictive maintenance to prevent unforeseen damage.&quot;</span></p><p><br/></p>