Igus has developed the xirodur F182 material for its xiros polymer ball transfer units. The ball transfer units are used in ball tables to move sensitive or heavy loads – up to 50kg per unit, depending on size – in all directions. A “smooth and lubrication-free” transport is possible by the use of abrasion-resistant and durable tribo-polymers.
With the new xirodur F182 material, static charge can now be dissipated by the ball transfer unit. It is a significant advantage over metallic ball transfer units, which have an insulating effect by the use of lubricant. Such electrostatically dissipative components are required especially in the computer and semiconductor industries. Because, a surge of electrostatic charge not dissipated by an insulating material can easily destroy the product.
Test proves conductivity
In the in-house 3,800 square-metre test laboratory, the electrostatic conductivity of the ball transfer units was examined. The ball transfer units made of the new material xirodur F182 were tested against ball transfer units made of the tried-and-tested xirodur B180. While xirodur B180 had a surface resistance of 1012Ω in the laboratory and had an insulating effect, xirodur F182 had a surface resistance of less than 105Ω and is, therefore, classified in the conductive category according to DIN EN 61340-5-1. As a result, when using the polymer ball transfer units, the user can be sure that puncture voltages are not discharged onto the transported goods or the employees.
