Metal rod ends from igus, the plastics expert?

Peter Hughes | 18. May 2020

This month, igus® presented many new products in the framework of the virtual igus “KMI” trade show. One of the new igubal® products stands out especially: the new metal rod end. Is this a mistake in the New Products Catalogue? What does this product have to do with motion plastics? Much more than is apparent at first glance. Find out more about this new product and why it was developed.

In most cases, igubal rod ends made of our high-performance polymers are strong enough to meet all customer requirements. Although very light, they can withstand very high loads and are completely corrosion-free. In addition, they are maintenance-free and self-lubricating.

However, more and more customers are coming to us with requirements that necessitate an even greater load carrying capacity. For example, a customer recently needed M12 rod ends for fitness devices that had to withstand loads of up to 8kN. A rod end with a polymer housing cannot do this. However, the customer wanted to exploit the other advantages and we therefore developed what we in the company call “rod end 2.0”.

igus technology hidden in the inner ring

At first glance, the rod ends might look like conventional metal rod ends. Nevertheless, there is a small but significant difference: the igubal rod ends have a self-lubricating polymer ring between the housing and the spherical ball. This means that, now, you can also use the advantages of a maintenance-free and lubrication-free igubal rod end in high-load applications such as agricultural equipment and construction machinery.

This rod end is based on a metal housing. Its breaking strength is much higher than that of a polymer housing. Inside the housing, there is an inner ring made of iglidur® J, a wear-resistant polymer with low moisture absorption and low coefficient of friction, as well as a spherical ball made of stainless steel.

In future, we will develop further versions, for instance, with an aluminium or stainless steel housing or with an inner ring that is suitable for high temperatures or contact with food. Send us details of your application and we will be happy to make the rod end that suits your needs.