Low-maintenance parts for circuit breakers and earthing switches

Profile

• What was needed: Linear drive systems, lead screws and gears for disconnectors and earthing switches
• Manufacturing process: Injection moulding, 3D printing (selective laser sintering)
• Requirements: Weather-resistant and robust components
• Material: iglidur J, iglidur I6
• Industry: Railway technology - infrastructure
• Success for the customer: Durable, low-maintenance component; no need for additional lubricants, customised gear wheels

Disconnectors and earthing switches can be found along the railway line and in the railway itself. Whether for medium or high voltage - safe mechanical disconnection and connection must be guaranteed in the switches at all times. To make this possible even under demanding weather conditions, drylin drive systems and lead screws are used. In both, tribologically optimised high-performance polymers enable movement without the use of additional lubricants. This is due to the incorporated solid lubricants, which contain both the sliding elements of the drylin drive systems and the spindle nut of the threaded spindle. This makes them particularly low-maintenance in use.

In both disconnectors and earthing switches, there are also bearing points that can be optimised with the help of iglidur plain bearings. These also already contain solid lubricants and thus reduce maintenance costs. The versatile range of different iglidur materials makes it possible to install plain bearings with electrical conductivity. There is also a suitable material for high loads and hard impacts.

Metal gears can be replaced by 3D printed plastic gears. These are manufactured using the selective laser sintering process and are characterised by particularly high wear resistance and cost-effective production. The shape and size of the gear can be customised.