Coolant and plain bearings – five decisive points
Sebastian Bloechl | 7. April 2020
Maximum vehicle efficiency requires harmonised thermal management. Optimum operating temperature ensures efficiency and thus the lowest consumption and associated emissions. Coolant plays an important role – it cools, provides corrosion protection and prevents frost. Coolant pumps, regulators and valves distribute coolant throughout the vehicle, sending it where it is needed. Find out more here.
In the systems named, a number of plain bearings and ball bearings are used. There is frequently direct contact with coolant such as a glycol-water mixture.
The following five points are therefore to be considered during selection of a suitable plain bearing:
1. Bearing clearance between shaft and plain bearing
Requires a material that absorbs as little moisture as possible. The bearing clearance should also be calculated for the specific application to avoid seizing. We would be very happy to support you.
2. Temperature resistance
Speeds above 1-2 metres per second generate temperatures above 150°C. iglidur® H370 is a frequently used material with a long-term application temperature of +200°C.
3. Bearing function during start-up
During start-up, there is no continuous hydrodynamic lubrication, so the coefficient of friction and wear are very important. iglidur® plain bearings are equipped for these brief periods of high, unlubricated speed.
4. Chemical resistance
The finish is critical to durability: this is a bonding agent that acts as a protective coating for fibres, ensuring a better connection to the carrier matrix and decisively influencing stability. Suitable iglidur® materials offer great chemical resistance and are already being used in millions of water pumps.
5. Cost-effective
While cost is not a criterion for contact with coolant, many bearings are used, so the cost benefits for use in the automobile industry are decisive. igus plain bearings have significant advantages over the ceramic or graphite-carbon bearings used in the industry. Reduce costs with iglidur® plain bearings – Find out more here.
We would be happy to show you further advantages of our plastic plain bearings.
Do not hesitate to call me:
Sebastian Bloechl
Phone: +49(0)2203-9649-7718
Mobile: +49(0)173-4537974
e-mail: sbloechl@igus.net
Free online consultation: igus Chat, Teams, Skype, WhatsApp, WeChat
Follow us on: linked.in, Instagram, Facebook
Enjoy browsing! Thank you for your time.
PS: plain bearings, spherical bearings, linear bearings, ball bearings, special sliders, gears, or individually customised designs – the iglidur® Designer leaves nothing to be desired. Request a part now and receive a quotation today.
More information: automotive industry, polymer plain bearings for automotive interior, exterior, and engine compartment applications