igus provides wear-resistant bearings for Torus Torus Studios’ award nominated design

Leading manufacturer of high-performance motion plastics, igus® UK, provided integral polymer parts in collaboration with Torus Torus Studios for the creation of the kinetic sculpture ‘Only Breath’. Commissioned by the Science Museum, London, this fascinating artwork serves as the centrepiece of the Energy Revolution: Adani Green Energy Gallery, portraying humanity’s journey towards sustainable energy practices.

From the symbolic spiral motif and innovative use of two-way mirrors, the recyclable and reclaimed materials were sourced locally to minimise environmental impact.  The sculpture embodies the principles of holistic thinking promoted by the Energy Revolution Gallery. Believing in their project and message, Rennie and Carr entered ‘Only Breath’ into the internationally acclaimed CODAawards.

The CODAawards celebrate projects from across the world that successfully integrate artworks under different categories into shared spaces and architecture. “Only Breath” amassed many votes and considerable support, securing fifth place globally in the people’s choice award, highlighting its overall success.

A carefully considered and crafted piece, ‘Only Breath’ integrates 23 moving stainless steel frames and 92 windblown native timber panels. igus iglidur J bearings were used in the pivot points on the projects’ petals, housed in stainless steel, in order to support the motion as they open and close throughout the day. This innovation avoids metal-on-metal contact, ensuring smooth and silent movements, and longevity of the structure. iglidur® bearings are versatile and highly wear-resistant with low coefficients of friction, facilitating smooth motion, all key factors for the sculpture’s performance. Also designed to be self-lubricating, these bearings eliminated the need for additional lubricants that could be harmful to the environment. This not only reduces maintenance requirements but also minimizes the ecological footprint of the installation. The bearings’ long lifespan and wear resistance further contribute to the sustainability of the project, ensuring that the sculpture remains functional and efficient over time without the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.

After considering bearings that would require lubrication and therefore downtime for maintenance, Colin Rennie and Alexandra Carr decided to investigate self-lubricating bearings, something igus is experienced in producing.

igus have a variety of bearings available in standard and customised dimensions on their online plain bearings shop. Made of technical iglidur plastics that are suitable for a range of adverse conditions, igus can supply 10,000 sizes directly from their stock within 24 hours and with no minimum order quantity ensuring requirements both big and small are fulfilled efficiently.

With nine years of experience at igus UK, Sales Engineer, Daniel Mole had not yet encountered a project with such an artistic focus, noting “Being involved in an art project was a new avenue for me at igus, adding yet another string to the bow,” igus UK’s involvement highlights the company’s commitment to environmental initiatives and innovative engineering solutions.

“It’s rewarding to broaden our horizons and work with such kind, creative people,” says Mole. ‘Only Breath’ is an exciting fusion of art and science, incorporating complex principles of biomimicry and renewable energy technology. The sculpture’s tessellating structure mirrors the efficiency of organic forms, highlighting the importance of natural and sustainable energy production.

Commitment to Sustainability

igus UK is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Aware of their own impact on the environment, lots of investment has been made to reduce their contribution to climate change and minimise their carbon footprint. Through their collaboration on the “Only Breath” project, providing high-performance polymer solutions that are both durable and eco-friendly, igus UK plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable engineering practices.

Additionally, igus UK’s commitment to sustainability extends to their manufacturing processes and product range. Prioritising the use of recyclable materials and striving to minimise waste and energy consumption in their operations sets them apart in their industry. igus ensures that their solutions are accessible across a variety of industries, so that sustainability can become commonplace and take over from outdated, damaging and costly practices.

By partnering with Torus Torus Studios on “Only Breath,” igus UK demonstrates how innovative engineering can exist alongside artistic projects to create installations that promote the versatility of engineering and advocate for a greener future.