Treotham Automation Pty Ltd announces a new polymer material developed by plastic bearings expert igus that can be recognised by metal detectors.

Recommended for use in diverse industrial applications spanning packaging, sports equipment, food processing and automotive manufacturing, the new igubal range includes lubrication- and maintenance-free rod end bearings and clevis joints, flanged units, press-fit and pedestal bearings. Both the housing and spherical balls of these bearings are made from detectable plastic.

The new bearings featuring the polymer material can be easily detected by standard metal detection systems including all potential plastic residues down to the tiniest particle.

Manufactured completely from tribo-optimised polymers, the self-adjusting bearings offer easy installation and adjustability to all angular misalignments, and can also replace metallic components in many applications.

Key features of the igubal detectable bearings include up to 80 per cent lighter than traditional metal bearings, increasing efficiency in machines and systems with higher duty cycles; dry running characteristics; unaffected by dirt and dust contamination; ability to operate in liquids and a variety of chemicals; and corrosion resistance.

Application temperatures for igubal detectable bearings can range from 4°C to 80°C. Additionally, the plastic material of the two-part combined bearings, unlike their steel counterparts, can absorb vibrations, allowing components to absorb very high forces.

Where alternatives such as roller bearings fail prematurely and require readjustment or retrofitting to compensate for alignment errors, igubal spherical bearings eliminate the need for exact placement of shafts and housing, making them an ideal solution for simple or complex designs.