Mold doesn't get a chance! igus polymer plain bearings pass with flying colors

For the construction, automotive and aviation industries, mold is not only an annoyance but also a serious health hazard. To prevent this, it is not only important to apply the right ventilation technology, but also to use mold-resistant components. This is why igus has tested its equipment for mold. The result: all plain bearings are resistant to mold and bacteria. 

When mold develops in ventilation systems, the mold spores in enclosed spaces, vehicles and buildings are constantly transmitted to the air and can easily enter the respiratory tract. To avoid this risk, designers rely on machine elements that are mold resistant. igus' high-performance plastics fall into this category. In a laboratory test, seven iglidur materials were tested for the effect of microorganisms according to DIN EN ISA 846 method A. This test examined the materials' resistance to mold and bacteria. After all, plastics can be used by microorganisms as a food source and can be modified by the metabolic products of the bacteria. For the test, plain bearings were kept in a special culture at a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius for four weeks. The result: no alternates were detected on the tested materials, still there was mildew.

Various possible applications in ventilation technology

Mildew-resistant lubricant- and maintenance-free plain bearings are used in aircraft seat and armrest mechanisms and for on-board kitchenware storage and luggage lockers. Slide bearings made of iglidur materials can also be found in construction, for example in fans and in air valves, which also benefit from the corrosion-free nature of the plastic slide bearings. Here the plain bearings also demonstrate their insensitivity to contamination. Polymer bearings are easy to clean and resistant to temperature, media and chemicals. Another advantage: the service life of iglidur bearings can be easily determined online with the service life calculator.