Ref: IG9013

Video of the Week igus robust iglidur bearings help smooth ride
Lubricant-free polymer bearings require no maintenance by Rickshaw drivers
In Bangalore and many other Indian cities fitted motorised with taxi rickshaws are lubricant-free polymer

bearings from igus. These are used as main hub bearings on the anti-dive device as well as at other bearing points. The three-wheeled vehicles have a special mechanism that prevents falling over during braking. This anti-dive device is a connection mechanism with four rods. The main hub at this connection is guided by an iglidur RN56 self-lubricating bearing. The load on the bearing is the load of the vehicle plus the weight of the passengers and the inertia forces, making around three tonnes in total, with a pivoting motion. Previously, a bronze bushing with lubrication grooves and punched holes with graphite filling at the edge were being used. The drivers reported that lubrication regularly failed, which meant the bearings wore out quickly and the clearance increased. Other problems prevalent were loud noises, heavy juddering of the handlebars or even tilting of the rickshaw during braking.
igus UK Ltd, 51A Caswell Road, Brackmills, Northampton, NN4 7PW Tel +44 (0)1604 677240 Fax +44 (0)1604 677245 sales@igus.co.uk www.igus.co.uk

The conditions in which the bearings have to function are shown in this fun film by igus, filmed on location in India: http://bit.ly/gNnq4M For regular updates follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/igusUK Visit igus UK Ltd: Midlands Design & Manufacturing 7

Stand 1641 NEC, Birmingham Apr. 6