A ski-bindings manufacturer, based in Colorado in the U.S.A. has incorporated iglide plastic plain bearings into its high-end, telemark ski-bindings. This has created a more reliable product and virtually eliminated maintenance requirements.
Defective ski-bindings present a great risk to the safety of a skier, so it is vitally important that every component work efficiently at all times. The iglide L280 bearings are used in the ‘knuckle’, which enables the heel of the skier’s boot to raise and lower with each turn. iglide J bearings are used in the rear cases, of which there are two per binding set.
To meet the brief the ski bindings had to be low profile and able to fit into a limited space. They also needed to be light weight, since telemark skiers are very weight conscious. iglide low profile, light weight plain bearings proved ideal for both these design requirements.
The bearings also had to be able to last for the lifetime of the product,or be easy and quick to replace. iglide bearings were suited, since they have a long, predictable service life and are easy to install. They also possess a high tensile strength and can handle the high-level impacts involved when skiing as well as absorb minimal moisture and can withstand the low temperatures encountered out on the slopes.
iglide L280 – which igus has nicknamed ‘The MarathonRunner’ - offers especially long life, extremely high wear and dirt resistance, and a low coefficient of friction. iglide J off ers low wear against different shaft materials, a low coefficient of friction, low moisture absorption, and it has vibration dampening properties.
