A simple question. Do you know the answer? The slewing ring is known by many names, slew ring, turntable bearings, lazy Susan bearings to name a few, but at igus® we refer to them as a PRT slewing ring bearing.
So,
what is a slewing ring bearing?
In the simplest form, the slewing
ring bearing is a bearing which rotates whilst accommodating both axial
and radial loads. This rotational bearing can be found in applications that
require turning function in either horizontal or vertical movement. They are
often compared to ball bearing rings, however, these slewing rings tend
to be much wider and often have fixing holes, so they can be fixed to a machine
or structure.
How
does the igus® PRT slewing ring differ to conventional ones?
As with a large range of igus® products,
the PRT slewing ring consists of polymer elements manufactured from
iglidur® tribological materials. These polymer parts replace the requirement
for metal rollers or balls, allowing the slewing ring to rotate smoothly and
quietly.
The outer rings of the slewing rings
are normally manufactured in lightweight anodised aluminium but there are now
stainless-steel versions as standard too. The stainless-steel versions are
ideal for applications involving high temperatures or excessive contact with
certain chemicals.
When comparing the traditional
slewing rings with the igus® PRT’s, there are further advantages of
using the igus® versions:
- Weight
- Cost
- Lubrication & maintenance-free
Why
is a reduction in weight important?
Some applications require machines
to be as lightweight as possible. Making weight reductions can be easy when you
replace complete metal assemblies with a combination of metal and polymer. With
the igus® PRT slewing ring, weight reduction is simple, and it
doesn’t compromise the load capacity. The slewing rings are tried and
tested in the igus® laboratory and have demonstrated their long
service life in the multiple tests run.
Where
can you use a slewing ring bearing?
Slewing rings are versatile and
adaptable bearings suited for a multitude of applications. Any applications
where rotation is required, a slewing ring bearing is ideal.
Applications such as:
- Wind turbines
- Rail vehicles
- Water treatment plants
- Distilleries
- CNC Machinery
- Aerospace & Automotive interiors
These are just a few of the types of
applications where we find slewing ring bearings used, but the
possibilities are endless.
Can
igus® slewing rings compare to traditional ones?
People have a misconception that if
plastic parts are used that this weakens the structure, therefore, reducing its
capacity.
This isn’t true.
The igus® PRT slewing
rings are designed and constructed to optimise the slewing ring movement.
Using the iglidur® materials for sliding elements, ensures that the movement
remains smooth, and combining it with anodised aluminium allows these bearings
to be:
- 100% maintenance-free and self-lubricating
- Corrosion-resistant and hygienic
- Wear-resistant
- Resistant to dirt, dust and humidity
- Robust
- Cost-effective
- Ready to install & easy to assemble
- FDA options available
Another key element of the igus® slewing ring bearings, in comparison to other manufacturers, are our extensive material ranges, not only for the outer rings but the sliding elements too. We can custom design and manufacture specialised slewing rings, anodise the outer rings in non-reflective colours, we have additional parts available as standard to fix location points on the slewing ring to restrict the rotation, and mechanical stops to locate home positions.
They really are ideal for so many applications.
For more information on the range
of slewing ring bearings please visit the website iglidur® PRT slewing ring bearings | igus® Singapore or
contact the Product Manager Aw Kai Hua.
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