Baby strollers that use 3D printed bearings in machined wheels

In order to save enough space to transport a stroller in the car, many manufacturers have equipped the trams with detachable components. For example, the wheels can be pulled out of their bearings. However, the machined metal ends of the wheels, which are inserted into the plain bearings, are lubricated. This means that lubricant can get onto the user's clothing or hands during disassembly. To eliminate that problem, Tom Krause, head of additive manufacturing, traced the bearing and printed it using the laser sintering process.

The iglide® i3 material, specially developed for laser sintering, is well suited to the component because the integrated solid lubricants make external lubrication unnecessary. In addition to the good sliding properties, components made of iglide® i3 last up to 50 times as long as regular 3D printing materials.

Application Overview:

What was needed: Self-lubricating bearings
Manufacturing method: Selective laser sintering
Requirements: Good sliding properties, high wear resistance, long service life
Material: iglide ® i3
Industry: Transportation
Success from the collaboration: No external lubricant required, simple assembly and disassembly, durable plain bearings

Problem:
Baby strollers are often designed in such a way that they can be dismantled in a few easy steps to save space when stowed in the trunk of the car. This also means that the tires can usually be simply pulled out of their bearings. The problem with much of the design: the metal pins that are inserted into the plain bearings are lubricated and can soil hands or clothing during disassembly. In addition, the tires must be stowed separately in plastic bags or similar containers, otherwise they run the risk of drying out.

Solution:
The solution to this problem was quickly found in Cologne in the 3D printing department of igus. Tribologically optimized materials for additive processes are developed there, including the iglide® i3 material, which is specially produced for laser sintering. After the head of additive manufacturing, Tom Krause, had measured the old bearing and created a CAD model from it, the printing of the component was also quickly done. The new bearings made of iglide® i3 convince with the integrated solid lubricants, which make external lubrication superfluous. In addition, the good sliding properties and high wear resistance of the material are well suited for the bearing points of the stroller.

iglide® i3 for the perfect (and cost-effective) spare part

It was possible to trace the bearings for the lubricated machined ends relatively quickly and to manufacture them additively with the most suitable material for this purpose. Additive manufacturing saves resources and is particularly cost-effective, as no other tools are required apart from the 3D printer and the printing material. This makes cost-effective printing possible with no minimum order quantity. In addition to simple components, 3D printing can also produce more complex components in a single process.

It is particularly valuable for individual customer applications. In combination with igus' own high-performance polymers, individual components can be commissioned from the igus 3D printing service that precisely meet the requirements of their application. The common component of the sliding-optimised plastics is the integrated solid lubricants, which make grease superfluous. In principle, components made of igus plastics show less wear and better sliding properties than conventional plastics. Also in this case, the plain bearings made of iglide i3 still operate perfectly and reliably even after 4 years.

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