Surfing on asphalt with wear-resistant plastic bearings from igus

The curfboard is a new type of sports equipment that combines surfing and skateboarding. The demands placed on its moving components, in particular the bearings in the front truck, are particularly high. These must be wear-resistant, robust, maintenance-free and reliable even under the toughest ‘curf’ conditions. For this reason, the developers at curfboard GmbH (www.curfboard.com) have selected wear-resistant plain bearings made of iglidur Z and iglidur J350 high-performance polymers from igus.

The innovative, special axles are designed to ensure the ‘ultimate surfing experience on wheels’. The patented 4-hinge suspension truck is designed for pumping, both feet stay on the board. In addition, the board has better responsiveness, which makes it easier to steer. The demands placed on the components are therefore particularly high. While in skateboarding the axles and thus the bearings are loaded when cornering, in curfboarding they are exposed to permanent stress. To endure these stresses, Stephan Augustin, inventor of the curfboard, chose wear-resistant plain bearings made of iglidur Z and iglidur J350.

In his search for the right plain bearings, he first conducted a four-month outdoor trial under the toughest conditions with bearings from various manufacturers. “After the evaluation, it was apparent that only the igus high-performance plastic bearings could meet the requirements,” explains Augustin. While metal/PTFE composite plain bearings were worn out, the iglidur plain bearings remained undamaged.

igus iglidur materials are wear-resistant despite the permanent high loads. For the truck’s cantilever arm, the manufacturer chose the high-performance iglidur Z plastic for its high corrosion-resistance. This material is also characterised by its ability to withstand edge pressure. Plain bearings made of iglidur J350 are used at less stressed points. This material features low coefficients of friction on steel and aluminium and is insensitive to shocks and impacts. An added advantage for the curfboarder is that as iglidur bearings are lubrication-free the curfboard is maintenance free and no dirt can adhere to the bearings.

For more information about iglidur plain bearings, please visit: www.igus.co.uk/iglidur or call igus directly on: 01604 677240