Thermal management in cars is becoming increasingly important due to factors such as strict emission reduction standards and the need to keep batteries inside electric vehicles at an optimal temperature.

igus® offers highly engineered iglide® composite plastic bearings that can be used to develop new and more efficient thermal management solutions, such as electric coolant pumps. They can also be used in cooling water control radiators, active front grille shutter and rollo systems and more.

iglide® bearings are made of tribologically-optimized polymer blends that consist of base materials for wear resistance, reinforcing fibers for high forces and solid lubricants that eliminate the need for external oil and grease. Plus, our engineers run 12,000 bearing tests per year inside our 41,000 sq ft test lab at our headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

So, what exactly are the benefits of using iglide® bearings inside automotive applications? Check out a few examples below.

Coolant pumps

• Significant cost savings against ceramic and carbon-graphite bearings
• Noise reduction
• Chemical resistance (e.g. water-glycol mixture)
• Temperature resistance
• Suitable for overmolding
• Emergency, dry-running situations
• High movement speed in medium to hydrodynamic lubrication

Cooling water control radiators

• Silent operation with noise reduction
• Chemical resistance (e.g. water-glycol mixture)
• Temperature resistance
• Suitable for overmolding
• Cost reduction

Active front grille shutter and rollo systems

• Corrosion resistant
• Self-lubricating
• Resistant against dirt and dust
• Cost reduction
• Noiseless operation
• Low coefficient of friction
• Lightweight

Watch the webinar above to learn more about iglide® and the benefits of using it for thermal management solutions. You can also visit our webpage to request a free sample of iglide® bearings and to try out our service life calculator.