Lightweight and maintenance-free - <br>spherical bearings in a catamaran</br>

• What was needed: Flange bearing, pillow block bearing and rod end for use in water
• Requirements: Salt water resistant, heat resistant
• Industry: Boats
• Success through collaboration: Fast delivery, cost-effective production of customised functional parts

The task was construction of a mechanical flight control system for a hydrofoil sailing ship. Tight tolerances for appropriate control precision and high component reliability were absolute prerequisites. The components had to withstand a variety of environmental conditions, such as moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, impact loads from flotsam, and more. Freedom from lubrication was of particular importance: On the one hand, the bearings were to be maintenance-free, but there is practically no maintenance in routine operation. But lubrication would attract dust and sand from the ship berth, quickly damaging the bearings.

Various products from the igubal® and drylin® product groups now ensure the function of the "iFLY15" sports catamaran, a sailing boat that lifts itself completely out of the water on hydrofoils.
Lightweight, wear-resistant, seawater-resistant and maintenance-free igubal® pillow block bearings are used in the push-pull attachment for steering and lifting the electric motor.