Smoothly rolled and quickly steered: New lightweight xiros guide rollers from igus

New xiros guide rollers with a closed design ensure quick, clean, and lubrication-free deflection in the packaging industry. (Source: igus GmbH)

In the food and packaging industry, users are increasingly turning to clean and hygienic plastic solutions. For film and label deflection rollers, igus has now developed complete solutions consisting of various pipe materials and polymer ball bearings with flanges. These lightweight systems are now available with a closed side. Additionally, the assembly of the rollers is significantly simplified.

Under the brand xiros, igus offers maintenance-free and, above all, lubrication-free polymer ball bearings. These are particularly advantageous in the packaging and food industries, as there is no risk of contamination from leaking lubricants. The new product is a pre-assembled system solution, consisting of an aluminum, PVC, or carbon pipe, as well as two flange ball bearings made from xirodur materials with stainless steel balls. Especially the PVC solution is made entirely from materials approved for the food industry. For the extremely lightweight deflection rollers, various diameters and precise lengths in millimeters are available. If a more ergonomic roller is required, igus can now support users with new deflection rollers that have one side completely closed. “The ready-to-install solution with polymer ball bearings and customizable lengths for shaft and pipe can be easily configured and assembled/disassembled without tools,” explains Marcus Semsroth, Head of the xiros polymer ball bearings business unit at igus. Compared to commonly used ES pipes, the aluminum pipe weighs significantly less, which positively affects accelerations and decelerations.

Easily calculate service life online

Even the dry-running xiros polymer ball bearings offer lower friction than lubricated metal ball bearings because the balls do not have to overcome the resistance of lubricant – they run much more smoothly. Especially convenient for the user: with the help of the xiros lifespan calculator, the expected service life of the polymer ball bearing can be determined online in just a few steps. Alternatively, additional information can be requested from igus.