For example, in the Stewart Warner speedometer, the gear on


the fi rst intermediate shaft which meshes with the worm on the input shaft was no longer in working order. As a result of work done on the speedometer by the previous owner, it was impossible to determine the correct dimensions and so a replacement worm gear was needed that would be tough, precise and low-cost. With the igus® 3D printing service, a fully functioning spare part


was made from iglidur® I6 and the use of self-lubricating polymers meant that the component no longer required lubrication. Even after being in use for more than 2,000 miles, no signs of wear were detectable. Vintage vehicles aside, the increase in autonomous and semi-


autonomous vehicles provides the opportunity for interior designers to navigate new freedoms and challenges. T is is especially relevant to new vehicle concepts such as autonomous shuttles, mobile offi ces or delivery vans. T e introduction of a more fl exible interior will require additional


bearings and energy supply systems that igus® can provide. Seats and backrests are movable in many axes by means of rotary plain bearings. Rotational movements of screens, tables or seats can use igus slewing ring bearings. Centre consoles, sliding doors and roof segments move quietly and easily with leadscrew drives. T ere are endless areas of application for igus® parts in the automotive industry and elsewhere.


A concept vehicle in virtual reality igus® has presented what is already possible with virtual reality: the iguverse, its own virtual reality space hosted at the igus® site in Northampton. The iguverse automotive industry ‘room’ shows many innovative details in a concept vehicle from fully foldable seats to tribopolymer bearings that ensure reliable motion in each of these interior components. The developers know what environmental conditions prevail in and on the car and what requirements OEMs place on materials, delivery quality and cer- tifications so when exploring this concept vehicle, visitors can see the inner workings and the igus® products used to facilitate smooth motion. Matthew Aldridge, Managing Director at igus® in Northampton,


said: “The type of collaboration in the development phase will also change. In our iguverse, we are constantly expanding the possibilities of the metaverse. In the future, our customers will be able to develop new products digitally alongside our design engineers. This saves travel time and costs.


“Virtual feasibility studies with 3D models can reveal weak


points at an early stage – without physical prototypes, one of the many advantages of designing in the iguverse, open to all our customers.”


Ideas for new drive concepts Automotive experts at igus® are not only concerned about futuristic interiors. T ey are also developing solutions for new drive concepts – for example, in the pumps and valves used within the cooling system of electric drives. T is is where bearings are used that work directly in the coolant. T ey are made of special self-lubricating plastics that show hardly any swelling behaviour in water and are resistant to most glycols. From the car manufacturer’s point of view, the use of plain


bearings made of ‘performance plastics’ also off ers advantages in terms of sustainability and CO2 footprint. T e production of the raw material plastic consumes signifi cantly less energy and greenhouse gases than that of steel or aluminium. No lubricants are released during use, the low weight contributes to the reduced energy consumption of the vehicles and the range of materials includes PFAS-free materials. In this way, igus® endeavours to be a catalyst for change and enhance reliability, longevity and sustainability in a range of vehicles.


To explore the future of engineering, contact igus® on 01604 677240 or visit www.igus.co.uk


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MOTORS


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