Model making

Model making is not always some kind of hobby or handicraft. It offers model makers the possibility to express themselves in a creative way. Model making such as ships, aircraft and vehicles are recreated on many scales using construction kits and demanding work that requires great attention to detail. Whether put into motion by remote control (RC) or just as an ornamental model on a shelf – love of detail and precision makes model making so popular.
igus® is setting new technological standards in this sector. Maintenance-free plain bearings, spherical bearings and linear guides offer many benefits especially for model making. The combination of a light weight with high mechanical strength are ideal for high-quality models.

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igus® products used in model making

iglidur® plain bearings

Lightweight and quiet
Resistant to dirt
Wide range of standard products and customised design
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igubal® spherical bearings

Up to 40% more cost-effective than spherical bearings made of metal
80% lighter than metal alternatives
Lubrication-free and therefore low-maintenance
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Polymer slewing rings (PRT)

Lightweight
PRT split bearings for difficult installation situations
Suitable for high load applications
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xiros® ball bearings

Tough
Corrosion-resistant
Predictable service life
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drylin® N low-profile linear guides

Very lightweight
Low installation height 6mm-12mm
Numerous carriage options
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E2 micro e-chains®

For the smallest of installation spaces
Stable, light and quiet
Perfect for highly dynamic applications
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Spare parts and prototypes from the 3D printer

Service life up to 50 times longer than standard 3D printing materials

Order individual parts for your model making project online from batch size 1: just upload a 3D model and use the immediate price calculation to select the suitable material and procedure. Ready to ship in one to three days.

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Model making applications

Lightweight flanged ball bearings in model aircraft for remote sensing

The Institute of Space Systems (IRS) deploys an aircraft weighing 25kg to record and analyse weather data. High demands placed on weight led to the use of xiros fixed flanged ball bearings - their compensation for misalignment and light weight were convincing arguments.

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Remote controlled (RC) off-road vehicles

This application shows radio-remote-controlled scale-1:5 prototypes being used in an off-road situation. Plain bearings and thrust washers made of the material iglidur G replace metal bushings that quickly oxidise or corrode when exposed to dirt, mud and snow.

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Super-quiet energy supply system at Knuffingen Airport

Series 255 E2 energy chains are used under the runway at Knuffingen Airport in Hamburg's Miniaturwunderland. The chains are installed in reverse in a super aluminium trough with a silencer profile - a super-quiet solution that visitors cannot hear.

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Pole position in model racing

igus is on board the fastest RC bike in model racing with a top speed of up to 110km/h. European Champion Clark Wohlert relies on iglidur plain bearings that allow clearance-free and low-friction movements and are also extremely light.

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Drive without lubrication

On this Rhaetian Railway locomotive from Lang Modellbau, iglidur plain bearings are used on the wheel axes under the locomotive and in the drive. This eliminates the need to oil the gears. The scale-1:45 locomotive had to be taken apart painstakingly. An alternative would have been ball bearings, but these were not an option for cost reasons.