Victrex Peek polymer used for sports bearing cages

ROS, a German manufacturer of high-performance plastic components, has chosen Victrex Peek polymer for a new line of bearing cages developed primarily for sports applications.

Cages made from Victrex Peek polymer are said to offer an excellent combination of strength and flexibility.

The sliding properties of the polymer and the smoothness of the cage surfaces, which are in contact with the rolling elements, generate little friction so that wear in the bearing is kept at a minimum.

In addition, the low density of the material means that the inertia of the cage is small, which can contribute to quicker acceleration.

ROS recently formed a partnership with Ceramicspeed, a Danish company that uses the cages made from Victrex Peek polymer for professional racing bike bearings.

Replacing standard bearings with higher-performance bearings offers a number of benefits for professional cyclists.

For example, when used in the wheel hubs, they can reduce friction, which helps the rider to automatically accelerate faster, regardless of speed.

In addition, by using the bearings in a bike's bottom brackets, a rider can increase speed, service life and efficiency, because the bearings are lighter, smoother and stiffer.

During the 2009 Tour de France, nine out of the 20 teams had bikes equipped with Ceramicspeed bearings.

Werner Beuerlein, managing director at ROS, said: 'They can improve an athlete's equipment.

'The bearings do not need any lubrication, which positively influences performance,' added Beuerlein.

The 2008 Olympic Games were a success for athletes using the high-performance bearings in their equipment; 50 athletes chose to use the new bearings for sports such as road and track cycling as well as rowing.

ROS and its Danish partner are targeting applications in the higher-technology markets where high rotational speed bearings now dominate.

ROS has also developed, with another producer of bearings, a large bearing cage for a sustainable energy application.

The bearing has a diameter of 3m (9.84ft) and features Victrex Peek polymer.

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