igus Introduces Self-Lubricating iglide PRT-04 Slewing Ring Bearing

igus has announced an expansion of its PRT slewing ring bearing series with the launch of the PRT-04. This new slewing ring bearing is compactly designed to easily fit within space-constrained applications. 

The compact size of the PRT-04 provides 50% more space savings than the PRT-01 series design. igus says the new bearing is also 60% lighter which can offer additional design benefits such as helping reduce fuel consumption in mobile applications. Although smaller and lighter, the bearing remains robust enough for use in various applications. 

Features of the bearing include: 

• 60-mm outer diameter
• 100% self-lubricating 
• reduced maintenance
• insensitive to dirt, dust and moisture
• long service life
• ready-to-install design. 

The PRT-04 is comprised of three aluminum rings and a new sliding element developed by igus which is made from the company's iglide J high-performance plastic. This material operates well on aluminum, the company says in its press release announcing the launch of the new slewing ring bearing.

Combining this materials and the aluminum rings ensures good coefficients of wear as well as long service life the company says in its press release. The iglide J high-performance plastic also provides low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance, further benefiting performance of the bearing. 

igus says materials other than the high-performance plastic can be used to meet specific customer application requirements. 

"Aluminum with plastic offers two decisive design advantages: lightweight yet stable," says Fabian Wieking, PRT Slewing Ring Bearing Product Manager at igus, in the company's press release. "Thus, despite its small size, the PRT-04 can hold its own against comparable products on the market and accommodate high loads (up to 3,500N) in the axial direction, even though it is much more compact."

igus notes the new PRT-04 slewing ring bearing enables smooth rotary and swivel movements, allowing its use in a variety of applications.