New roller from Igus protects against static sparking

Sparks caused by a lack of electrostatic dissipation can lead to expensive failures of machines and systems, and in the worst case can lead to explosions. To increase protection, Igus has introduced a dissipated version of its lubrication- and maintenance-free xiros support roller made from stainless steel.

Acting as a kind of rotating lightning rod that ensures controlled electrostatic discharge, the rollers are said to be a cost-effective alternative to antistatic brushes and expensive in-house fabrications. The ready-to-install rollers are available in bearing sizes 608, 6000 and 6001 with a stainless-steel pipe length of 100 to 1,000mm.

The new xiros stainless steel roller is suitable, for example, as a pulley for films in packaging machines. It is made of a stainless steel-plastic material mix, which causes electrostatic dissipation. The tube and balls of the rolling bearing are made of stainless steel, while the inner and outer rings are made of Igus’s antistatic high-performance plastic xirodur F180. The rollers can operate effectively between -40 °C and +80°C. Unlike classic metal bearings, no lubricants are required that could have an insulating effect and prevent discharge. Electrostatic dissipation is made via the jacket surface of the pipe to the outer ring, the balls in the bearing and finally via the inner ring to the shaft.

Antistatic properties are not the only advantage of the lubricant-free nature of the xiros stainless steel roller. Dry running also improves the hygiene of machinery and equipment and reduces contamination risks. And all individual components are suitable for contact with food. Users also benefit from long service-life and lower maintenance costs, as there is no need to relubricate the rolling bearings.

Igus has developed the ‘roller expert’ for the quick selection of the correct roller. In the online tool, the user specifies the outer and inner diameter as well as the length of the roller, the load, the load case and the ambient temperature. By entering the force and the degree of wrapping, the tool calculates the resulting force on the roller and displays the suitable roller models. In the second step, the user can select his deflection roller based on the deflection, weight, and price data, download the CAD data of the configuration and order the roller directly online.