A study by RWTH Aachen University and igus recently quantified the financial and environmental benefits of using lubrication-free polymer bearings over traditional metal bearings.
Lubricant-free bearings can offer companies significant environmental and financial benefits.
The study reveals that users can save the equivalent of up to millions of rand annually in lubricant costs – and at the same time significantly reduce their environmental impact. High-performance plastic bearings from igus eliminate the need for constant lubrication. Furthermore, many working hours can be saved annually on relubrication tasks.
In the case study it was found that Heineken Brasil, by switching to polymer bearings across its 160 global sites, could save 20 tonnes of lubricant and R100s of millions in personnel costs annually. The change would also reduce the business’s CO2 emissions by 28 814 kg, equivalent to saving over 12 000 litres of petrol per year.
According to Ian Hewat of igus South Africa, the study is pertinent to local industries as the same principles apply. He said the study highlights the substantial reduction in CO2 emissions when using polymer bearings. Heineken Brasil alone could cut CO2 equivalents by 180 kg annually at 600 bearing points.
“Recognising the increasing pressure on manufacturers to disclose the carbon footprint of their products, the study offers a scientifically validated assessment of the environmental benefits of using igus's self-lubricating bearings, making a strong case for their adoption across various industries,” Hewat says.
Conducted by WBA Werkzeugbau, the study involved interviews with experts at companies from various sectors including automation technology, construction machinery, agriculture, food, packaging, and bottling. The research was carried out in collaboration with the Laboratory for Machine Tools (WZL) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT) on the RWTH Aachen Campus.
For more information visit: www.igus.co.za