GGB self-lubricating bushings made with weather-resistant LATI compounds ideal for outdoor applications
Electrical & Electronic, Industry, Self-lubricating
Electrical & Electronic, Industry, Self-lubricatingbyadmin

Materials for Future Energy

In the field of photovoltaic systems, technical materials play a key role in increasing the efficiency and reliability of installations.
Large-scale solar installations, often located in desert environments or areas with high UV exposure, require advanced polymers capable of withstanding radiation, sand, heat, and mechanical stress.

LATI self-lubricating compounds represent a concrete response to these challenges, ensuring durability, resistance, and stable performance over time even without maintenance.

LATI and GGB: Innovation in Self-Lubricating Materials

The multinational GGB Bearings has chosen POM-based self-lubricating compounds from LATI Industria Termoplastici to develop the EP®15 bushing, designed for solar trackers in photovoltaic installations.
These materials offer:

  • Low friction coefficient

  • High wear resistance

  • Excellent thermal and UV stability

  • Permanent self-lubrication, without the need for oils or greases

The result is an efficient and sustainable mechanical component, capable of reducing maintenance costs and extending the system’s service life.

High Performance of LATI Compounds

LATI self-lubricating POM compounds are formulated to ensure superior mechanical and tribological performance.
For the EP®15 bushing, the main characteristics include:

  • Thermal resistance from −40°C to +125°C

  • Compressive strength up to 65 MPa

  • Excellent wear resistance in the presence of sand and dust

  • Chemical and structural stability even after prolonged UV exposure

These properties make LATI materials ideal for mobile and kinematic components exposed to extreme conditions, such as solar tracking systems, industrial automation, and outdoor mechanisms.

Sustainability and Environmental Compliance

Like all LATI technical compounds, those used by GGB comply with the highest environmental standards: RoHS, ELV, and WEEE.
The absence of external lubricants and the material’s long service life contribute to a significant reduction in environmental impact and operating costs.

LATI Materials for the Photovoltaic Industry

In addition to self-lubricating compounds, LATI offers a wide portfolio of technical polymers for the energy sector, including:

  • LATICONTHER – thermally conductive compounds for heat dissipation

  • LARPA and LARAMID – reinforced polyamides for mechanical structures and metal replacement

  • LATIECO – sustainable materials from mechanical or chemical recycling

These solutions allow designers to combine strength, lightness, and sustainability for next-generation photovoltaic applications.

Conclusion

Thanks to LATI self-lubricating compounds, GGB has created reliable and durable components for high-performance photovoltaic installations.
A concrete example of how advanced polymer materials can improve efficiency, sustainability, and reliability in solar energy production.