Lubrication-free linear bearings in calf supports for cars and trains

• What was needed: drylin W single and double rails
• Requirements: Lightweight, lubrication-free and maintenance-free bearing technology that works silently and reliably in the application
• Industry: Automotive industry
• Success for the customer: drylin linear bearings are not only very lightweight, they also require no lubrication and are completely maintenance-free; at the same time, there is hardly any friction and no noise development

This calf support is used in seats on trains or in cars where long journeys are to be made more comfortable. Linear rail technology guides the linear movement of the seat modification. Initially, at the development phase of this application, the company opted for LM ball bearings and shafts for use in trains but these had to be lubricated and maintained regularly. Since this maintenance was not always performed, functionality was limited. Other problems were the noise when the support was moved. This is not desirable in these particular applications. The previous solution was also simply too heavy for the area of application.

The customer was looking for a solution that would eliminate the disadvantages of the old solution and they found what they were looking for in our plastic bearings. Several rail systems were installed for calf support linear movement. Today, drylin W single rails and drylin W double rails are used (two WS-10 rails and four WJ200UM-01-10 carriages per calf support).
The advantage of the new polymer bearings in the application are that the systems are not only very lightweight, but also require no lubrication, therefore are completely maintenance-free. This also prevents mechanical failures.And the bearings generate hardly any friction and no noise.