Tribo-filament iglidur I150 in wear test (test video)

Maria Burkanova | 27. March 2020

The 3D print filaments for the construction of spare parts and components are now standard equipment for many companies. Filament printers are so affordable and easy to use that more and more companies are using the parts produced with them for fast and inexpensive machine maintenance and prototype production.

The most commonly used filaments such as PLA and ABS are inexpensive and suitable for a wide range of applications – however, their mechanical specifications leave much to be desired when constructing stressed machine parts. Based on this experience, many engineers consider 3D printed plastic parts to be unsuitable. However, this does not apply to the iglidur filaments from igus – the tribo-filaments.

Tribo-filaments – Ideal for mechanical engineering

Tribo-filaments were developed explicitly for the production of moving machine elements. The special formulation of the polymers makes it possible to produce parts that are wear-resistant, have optimised sliding properties and low friction. All iglidur materials from igus contain solid lubricants that increase abrasion resistance many times over and make additional maintenance unnecessary – the components lubricate themselves during the operation. These specifications apply to all iglidur materials and parts made from them, regardless of the specific production technology. The advantages of polymer components, such as low weight and economical production, can be combined with specifications required for mechanical engineering, such as wear resistance.

Tested, tested, tested – we have the proof

One of the most important premises of igus is to never promise anything that we cannot deliver. In order to be able to keep this promise, all products are tested in numerous experiments in the in-house laboratory for wear, friction, abrasion and durability. All information contained in the material data sheets of our filaments is based on these tests and can be reproduced at any time.

50 times more abrasion-resistant than ordinary filaments

We are proud of the fact that components made from our tribo-filaments are up to 50 times more abrasion-resistant than regular 3D printing materials – we have tested them and we have proven it. Experts who are already familiar with igus plain bearings and other products made of the iglidur high-performance polymers will not be surprised – the particularly wear-resistant special plastics have been used successfully in a multitude of mechanical applications for over 50 years. But anyone who has only worked with ordinary 3D printing plastics up to now will certainly be surprised – after all, factor 50 is a very high number and a bold promise.

To keep this promise, we have built an abrasion test rig and filmed the abrasion test. The following video shows the impressive difference between the abrasion behaviour of a sliding plate made of iglidur I150 filament compared to a sliding plate made of regular PLA.

How does the abrasion test rig work?

In the experiment shown, two 3D printed plastic plates are used.  On the left side a regular PLA 3D print material and on the right side the igus tribo-filament iglidur I150. The plates are installed on a linear carriage driven by stepper motors.  The sliding movement is converted by the movement of the linear drives.  The load  is attached by a bolt mounted directly on the plastic plate, which is loaded with a weight of 6.5 kg. The lead screw support blocks keep the bolt in a fixed position.

iglidur I150 is the most frequently used igus filament, since it is very easy to process in addition to its very high wear resistance. Furthermore, it is food compliant according to EU Regulation 10/2011. Further information on the iglidur filaments, as well as the exact material data, processing instructions and certificates can be found in the product descriptions and pdf data sheets in our online shop.

Still not convinced? Test it yourself:

• Order a free sample of the iglidur I150 filament, print and test it yourself.
• Request a printed sample part made of I150 via our contact form.
• Or order our free sample box with a selection of filament samples and printed sample parts.

You can also see the test rig at our exhibitions. We would be happy to advise you personally on 3D print filaments for wear-resistant components.