Outdoor testing area

We test under real conditions and in all weathers

We expose our bearings, energy chains and cables to wind and weather on our outdoor test site. Around a third of the area of our 4,000m2 test laboratory is dedicated to the outdoor area. This is where we test our energy supply systems for their suitability in various outdoor applications, both horizontally on long travel paths and vertically on test towers. We also test our bearings for use in the agricultural and construction machinery sector and in the solar industry on the front loader and photovoltaic test rig. Find out more about our tests now:

Test rigs for bearing technology products Test rigs for energy chains and cables Further test options

Test rigs for bearing technology products

Test rig for front loaders

We use this front loader test rig to test various combinations of plain bearing shafts for the agricultural and construction machinery industry under realistic conditions. Different combinations can be tested in direct comparison for each test.

Test rig for solar pillow block bearings

The service life, wear resistance and load capacity of the igubal ESQM pillow block bearings for solar modules were tested under real conditions of daily operation, simulated over time. The number of movements achieved under a load of 1.5 tonnes corresponded to a service life of 72 years.

Test rigs for energy chains and cables

Test track for long travel distances

Up to 400m of travel can be realised on our 200m long test track for energy chains. The e-chains can be travelled fully automatically at a speed of up to 8m/s and acceleration of 2m/s2. We have tested the products P4 , 4040RHD , autoglide 5 and i.Sense condition monitoring systems .

Test track with tent for short to long distances

On the 50m long test track, up to three energy chains can be moved over a distance of 25 m with an acceleration of 5m/s2 and a speed of 10m/s. The e-chains of the P4 , E4 and autoglide 5 series as well as i.Sense condition monitoring systems are tested here. The video shows the giant E4.350 chain with hook solution for offshore applications.

Test tower for vertical applications

The e-chains YE, e-loop, e-spool and i.Sense condition monitoring systems are tested on our 80 m2 test tower at a height of 8 metres. The video shows a fully assembled e-loop with cable filling for 500 tonnes of top drive in an endurance test in which it is subjected to all environmental influences and simulations of wind and vibrations.

Breaking test for e-loop

The e-loop swings down from a height of 10 metres, hits a safe with full force - and remains completely undamaged.

Test rig for mobile shore power system

The iMSPO is a single self-propelled socket that can be used to supply any ship with electricity at any mooring point. For tests and demonstrations, we have set up a stand for the iMSPO in the outdoor area, on which the socket moves at 1 m/s and over a travel distance of 12 metres.

Test rig for hydraulic lines

We measure the service life of various hydraulic lines on a 25 metre long test track. They are guided in an e-chain of the E4 series , which moves with an acceleration of 1m/s2 and a speed of 1m/s.

Further test options

Bearing load test in the igus test laboratory

We test your application

We test your application in our laboratory and find the best igus solution for you.

Laboratory test enquiry

igus test laboratory

All areas of the igus test laboratory: plain bearings, energy chain, cable, linear technology, bar stock and low-cost automation.

Discover the test lab