Slewing ring ball bearings in a bicycle washing system

Benefits:

• What was needed: Maintenance-free ball bearings of the washing brushes
• Requirements: Self-lubricating, durable, corrosion-free, resistant to dirt and alkali
• Material: xirodur® B180
• Industry: Bicycle industry
• Success for the customer: Reduction of maintenance intervals and downtime

Learn more about the washing system: Bicycles can be cleaned with the cycleWash system within minutes without much effort. This is pushed through the system and brushes take over the gentle but thorough cleaning with an eco-friendly organic soap. Due to a closed water circuit and multi-stage filter systems, water and operating costs are saved.

The use of conventional metallic ball bearings is out of the question due to the use of soap. The lubricant is washed out in the long run, the ball bearings run dry, and this leads to machine downtime. The metallic bearings in particular rely on external lubricants to ensure smooth operation of the system. The problem was to find a bearing for the washing brushes, which worked perfectly despite the constant presence of dirt and alkali to prevent the aforementioned downtime.

The manufacturer cycleWash used two xiros® ball bearings with stainless steel balls to mount the washing brushes. The bearing rings consist of the wear-resistant ball bearing material xirodur® B180. This allows a maintenance-free dry operation, low rolling friction and the use at temperatures up to 80°C (176°F). In addition, the plastic ball bearings are corrosion resistant, up to 60% lighter and up to 40% more cost-effective than metallic solutions. A use with soap under water is harmless and increases the life of the washing system.