How do igus® polymer products perform outside against the elements?

I don’t think we will ever fully appreciate the power of the weather. The immense power the sun has, radiating light and heat, all the time creating solar energy. This one energy source enables life to exist on Earth. When you consider the affect that wind, rain and snow has on how we live our lives, it is massively underestimated, and we do not show the elements the respect they deserve.

When considering and designing products that are for external use, it is imperative that you consider the force of the weather and make sure that you have options for products that can sustain their time outside.

This is where igus® can help. We have more than 17 years’ experience in the solar sector and can cater for such conditions.

The key benefits of using igus® products in solar technology:

• UV-resistant, lubrication and maintenance-free
• Quiet operation without any torque fluctuations
• Extremely low coefficient of friction due to tribo-optimised plastics
• For confined installation spaces and where there is very little room for movement
• Resistance to dust and dirt
• Long service life
• Low cost

Many igus® materials are suitable for use in solar applications, and vary from country to country. Depending on the level of heat, moisture, dirt etc. igus® materials are characterised by long service life and permanent resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to the elements. We have designed a multitude of other polymer materials to partner linear systems that are designed to remain outside and thrive in the varying conditions

The weather is so changeable and the materials you choose need to be able to cope. They need to be stable enough to endure continuous exposure to UV radiation, changing temperature cycles and frequent moisture level changes. These are all factors that can weaken and damage the polymer and this can change the structural, mechanical and tribological properties.

So, why should you opt for igus® polymers over metal or other polymer materials?

igus® has proven the robustness and reliability of its technical polymers through years of testing and in real time applications. Examples of these can be seen all over the world.  

One of the primary examples where igus® products are suited is in various aspects of Solar plants, that operate under extreme environmental conditions. Dirt-repellent and lubrication-free spherical bearings and plain bearings, leadscrew nuts as well as energy chains that precisely meet these requirements. Their long service life, durability and low costs all amount to why igus® products are utilised in so many solar applications.

igus® polymer bearings are utilised in solar tower power plants or found on the axis of rotation for panel adjustments. The fact that the polymer products are lightweight is yet another reason that these are favoured when designing new solar applications.  

igus® energy chains with a defined torsional stop and minimum bend radius can be found in photovoltaic systems and operations such as wind turbines. These must succumb to very difficult conditions and the products used must be able to defy the same extreme fluctuations.

The weather is a constant. It is always going to be here, testing boundaries so we need to adopt products to fit this ever-changing world.

Visit the solar page to find out more about the above products at igus®