Durable High-Performance Polymers from igus® Prove Essential for Yachts

High-Performance Polymers Ensure Durability and Efficiency in Marine Applications

19 August 2024 – To withstand the harsh conditions of sea air and saltwater, yacht builders need components that are corrosion-resistant and require minimal maintenance. High-performance polymers from igus have consistently demonstrated reliability in such environments, offering shipbuilders a robust solution.

For years, shipbuilders worldwide have relied on plain bearings, linear guides, and drive technology from igus to ensure smooth operation and long-lasting durability in the challenging conditions found at sea. igus components, specifically designed for marine applications, have become the preferred choice for critical areas such as doors, sliding seats, and other mechanisms regularly exposed to the elements.

Durable Plain Bearings: A Solution for Corrosion and Maintenance Issues

In marine environments, traditional metal bearings often face limitations. Exposure to sea air and saltwater leads to corrosion, while the required lubricating grease tends to attract dirt, resulting in unsightly and inefficient operation. These challenges have prompted an increasing number of shipbuilders to switch to igus plain bearings made of high-performance plastic.

An example is found in the door hinges leading to the deck. The small but vital plain bearings from igus, made from iglide® G, are seawater-resistant, corrosion-free, and designed to handle significant loads. Unlike metal bearings, these polymer bearings are maintenance-free, as they incorporate solid lubricants within the material itself. This ensures smooth operation without needing external lubrication. As a result, these bearings enhance the durability of yacht components and contribute to environmental protection by eliminating the need for harmful lubricating greases.

igus Polymers in Action: Enhancing Yacht Windows and Beyond

The benefits of igus components extend beyond door hinges. Glaskeil, a company specializing in custom glass products for yachts, has utilized igus linear guides to optimize window lifters. The drylin® ZLW series toothed belt axes, integrated into the window frame, provide a compact and efficient solution for adjusting and positioning windows in tight spaces.

These axes, made from lightweight plastic and aluminum, offer low inertia and operate quietly, making them ideal for marine applications. Driven by a drylin E series DC motor, the system is space-saving and requires no complex external power electronics. It also withstands temperature variations from -10°C (14°F) to +60°C (140°F), ensuring reliable performance under varying conditions.

Using igus’s dryve® D5 motor control system further enhances the window lifter’s ease of use and efficiency, enabling quick commissioning and long-term reliability. Overall, igus’s polymer bearings and linear guides provide shipbuilders with durable, maintenance-free solutions that withstand the rigors of marine environments.

igus continues to lead the way in providing innovative, high-performance polymer solutions that meet the demanding requirements of the marine industry. From plain bearings in doors to linear guides in window lifters, these components ensure that yachts remain reliable, corrosion-free, and efficient, even under the harshest conditions.

Learn more about water-resistant parts for the marine industry: https://www.igus.com/industries/industries-marine