xiros® ball bearings

xiros® bearings are offered by igus® and selected by our customers in order to solve applications in either a cost effective way or a way that provides longer life over a plain bearing or metallic solutions. xiros®, being made of polymer races and stainless glass or polymer balls require no additional lubrication. We find that we have thousands of customers in the Food and Packaging, Automotive, aerospace and special purpose machine building industries.

We test the xiros® bearings extensively before, during and after a material is released. We apply multiple loads, speeds and sequences to determine the products life expectancy for a range of sizes and use this data to build our online ‘expert system’ to predict life for a customers application.

xiros® is made up of several components. If we just focus on the radial deep grove ball bearings, they are made up of a moulded inner race, moulded outer race and a moulded cage. We then assemble with either a stainless steel, glass or polymer ball depending on the application. The design of the assembly is so that we are able to snap the bearing assemblies together and yet they still offer huge strength under axial and radial loading and can’t become dismantled in application. All moulding and assembly happen in our factory in Cologne alongside our plain bushing, spherical and linear bearings being moulded and assembled. We can make bespoke solutions in high volumes using this same method and for lower quantity solutions we can machine using our plastic rod / stock bar material. There is no MOQ.

The xiros® range covers many different types of bearings:

• deep groove ball
• flanged ball
• thrust ball
• pillow block
• slewing ring
• ball transfer units
• conveyor rollers

Other special designs are available so find out more on the xiros page.

Many of our xiros® materials are FDA-approved, find out more on the website.

All of the xiros® bearings are long-lasting, but each material and design will produce a unique service life. Use the service life calculator to find out how long-lasting each bearing is.

xiros® bearings are being used in myriad industries and applications, some examples are:

• bicycle wash system – low absorption means powerful operation
• pellet stove – high temperature properties ensure no melting
• pool cleaner – deep groove ball bearings ensure steady operation
• labelling machines – self-lubrication means smooth running

1. ball bearing races on both sides of the ball bearings
2. ball bearing cage
3. different ball bearing types: stainless steel, glass, polymer

Some of the many properties include:

• corrosion-resistance
• underwater applicability
• lubrication-free
• maintenance-free
• ESD-compliant
• FDA-compliant
• lightweight
• high and low temperature applicability: -100°C to +150°C
• predictable service life

You can use the xiros® expert for guide rollers. This requires some simple inputs such as diameters and lengths, along with load and speed. The system will give you a list of suitable parts given the inputted information. Click on the link.

We calculate the lifetime of the roller through the xiros® ball-bearings lifetime. This can be easily calculated using the xiros® life-time calculator. Available here.

Yes, the bearings can be easily removed from the roller tube and replaced.

We can supply a bespoke solution to suit your application- please discuss with our expert to determine the optimum solution. Call us on 01604 677240 or visit the website for more information.

We can supply shafts in all materials, from aluminium to stainless steel. Shafts can be supplied as a standard length or machined to suit with additional threads/keyways etc. There is a configuration tool to help. Click here.

As with all igus® solutions the xiros® rollers require no additional lubrication. This makes them particularly suitable for the food or packaging environment.

The xiros® rollers are available as a FDA version with conformity to regulation 10/2011/EU and regulation 1935/2004/EC  Please find the link to the BBT-PVC30 here.

Please click here and we will respond as soon as possible to discuss your application with you. We can visit in-person or arrange a virtual meeting. You can also call the usual number 01604 677240 to be put through to our specialist.

Ball bearings serve as a fixing for axes and shafts. Depending on the design, they absorb radial and/or axial forces and at the same time enable the rotation

Due to the manufacturing process, different rules apply to the measurement and installation compared to metal or ceramic ball bearings.

The outer ring of the polymer ball bearings has a conical shape. This simplifies the installation in a suitable housing (with the narrow side first). After press-fit into a housing machined to a H7 tolerance, the bearing clearance is reduced. Therefore, the ball bearings must be measured over the entire width; starting at an angle of 90° from the injection point.

Yes, igus® now offers the xiros® aluminium support roller with a non-stick coating. Please visit the page using the following link : https://www.igus.co.uk/info/anti-stick-aluminium-xiros-conveyor-rollers

The DIN 625 specifies the dimensions for single row radial deep groove ball bearings. It is the best known standard in the rolling bearing sector.

The outer ring of the plastic ball bearings is conical. This simplifies the installation in a suitable housing (with the narrow side first). After press-fit into a housing machined to a H7 tolerance, the bearing clearance is reduced. Therefore, the ball bearings must be measured over the entire width; starting at an angle of 90° from the injection point.

It depends on the bearing but when the following issues occur, the bearings need to be changed:

• The bearing clearance has reached an unacceptable level, for example, when the shaft “sags”.
• the cage is worn and in danger of falling out.
• the bearing rings are broken due to excessive impact forces.
• the running surface of the bearing rings are visibly damaged.
• the ball bearing is blocked, for example, due to coarse dirt.
• the balls (glass) are broken.
• previously unheard of noise emissions occur.
• no more bearing clearance is present due to deposits on the balls.