igus® showcases bearings and cable management systems at Automechanika Birmingham
Automechanika, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for the automotive supply chain and aftermarket, is coming to the UK for the very first time. During the show, which runs from 7th – 9th June at Birmingham’s NEC, igus® will be showcasing its innovative, tribopolymer bearing products and cable management systems on its stand (11E22).
“Dedicated to meeting the growing needs of manufacturers and engineers, we offer a huge range of cost-effective, lightweight and maintenance-free solutions for a variety of automotive applications,” says Matthew Aldridge, managing director, igus®.
With 40 standard iglidur® materials, ranging from iglidur® X for corrosive environments to iglidur® J260 for plastic shafts, igus® offers the world’s broadest range of friction-optimised polymer plain bearings. In addition to low weight, benefits include wear resistance, low noise, corrosion resistance and cost. Areas of application include windscreen wipers, convertible roof frames, door hinges, seats, chassis, the steering system, gearbox, and pedal box, or even within the engine compartment. Today, over 200 million iglidur® plastic bearings are installed in cars worldwide.
With increasing pressure on car manufacturers to save as much weight as possible in every component, every gram counts. iglidur® polymer bearings are up to seven times lighter than their metal counterparts, thus reducing the overall weight of the car and helping save fuel. Car seat applications are a good example where there has been a migration from metal on metal to metal on plastic to fully plastic. In addition to their low weight, the noise damping and quiet running properties of iglidur® bearings, which take a high static load, are beneficial to the driver’s comfort.
The requirements on cable management systems in vehicles are becoming ever more complex. Onboard, there is a growing number of moveable, electrically-controlled functions and settings on hinged and sliding doors, seats, speakers and windows, as well as security and locking systems. Conventional power systems, such as gliding contacts, are susceptible to intermittent contact with loss of signal and no permanent current feed. In addition, simple plastic tubes and rubber grommets offer no defined guidance or radial stability, and cable ties are only suited to static applications.
igus® E2 micro cable management solutions are suitable for universal applications with different types of motion and travel, and protect and guide power, data, and fibre optic cabling, as well as gas, air and liquid hose lines. These energy chains are already onboard in a range of car systems for applications with very high dynamic loads, tight working spaces and long service life requirements. Available as one and two-piece systems, from 5mm inner height and bending radii from 100mm, these lightweight energy chains feature a cable-friendly interior and offer high torsion resistance.
For simple motion applications or infrequently moving cables, the E1 system is a cost-effective solution for large volumes, yet offers the same protect and guide functionality as the E2 micro. The new “e-rib” simply clips onto existing corrugated hose for stabilisation, preventing unintentional sideways movements thus enable several hoses to be guided next to each other.
Throughout the show, members of the igus® team will be available on Stand 11E22 to take visitors through the benefits and potential applications of their bearing products and cable management systems, as well as provide insight into the full range of igus® products suitable for automotive applications. For more information, please visit: www.igus.co.uk/automotive-onboard
