2-in-1 world first: drylin W hybrid roller bearing combines smooth operation and heavy duty

MAKATI CITY, Philippines - Nov. 3, 2025 - PRLog -- Design engineers often face a challenge: creating linear guide systems that run smoothly under high loads without rapid wear. Applications range from retractable train steps, adjustable furniture plinths, and laboratory equipment to yacht construction and tiny homes. Traditional lubricated metal ball bearings fall short—they demand frequent maintenance and lack weather resistance. To address this, igus has launched a groundbreaking solution: the hybrid roller bearing with roller retraction system for the drylin® W series, combining low-friction linear motion with exceptional durability.

The hybrid bearing features an aluminum housing guiding a skate wheel, pressed against the rail by a compression spring for defined pretension. Integrated into the housing is a plain bearing made of high-performance polymer. Under normal conditions, the rollers ensure smooth, maintenance-free movement for loads up to 7.5 kg per bearing point—ideal for linear motion applications like train carriage steps or adjustable furniture components.

When sudden heavy loads occur—such as a passenger stepping on a retractable platform—the spring's pretension is overcome. The roller retracts into the housing, shielding it from overload, while the polymer plain bearing absorbs the force directly. Once the load is removed, the roller resumes its role.

"This design enables smooth operation while handling temporary loads up to 2,100 N without damaging the roller," explains Michael Hornung, Product Manager for drylin® Linear and Drive Technology at igus. "It ensures greater reliability and reduced maintenance."

In igus' test lab, a linear carriage with four hybrid bearings endured 76,923 double strokes under 250 N per bearing point before reaching its wear limit. Thanks to integrated solid lubricants, the system operates without oil or grease, eliminating contamination risks and corrosion—making it ideal for outdoor environments and harsh conditions.

The new hybrid roller bearing is available in size 16 and can be supplied pre-assembled in WWH-series roller carriages with corrosion-resistant aluminum plates. Applications span furniture design, marine engineering, laboratory setups, and the growing mobile home market.

Visit us at: https://www.igus.sg/product/22677?C=SG&L=en&artNr...