What do dental floss, skis, a frying pan and plain bearings have in common? They are all based on organic fluorine compounds, also known as PFAS. What makes them special: PFAS are insensitive to water, heat and dirt. They help plain bearings achieve wear-resistant and lubrication-free dry operation. However, as the chemicals can only degrade very slowly, they have a negative reputation. If they get into the environment, this can harm both people and nature. igus is therefore developing plain-bearing materials such as the new iglidur JPF, which dispense entirely with PFAS such as PTFE.
The British company Greaves 3D Engineering has developed a professional racing car simulator called “The Ultimate Drivers Rig”, which can be quickly folded up and stored in a road case. This makes transport to racetracks, trade shows and company events much easier. To reduce maintenance work when travelling, engineers rely on robust and lubrication-free linear and drive technology in addition to energy chains and plain bearings from igus.
The time has come again: engineers from all over the world are invited to apply for the 12th manus award 2025. For 21 years, igus has been honouring applications that are characterised by the creative, bold and sustainable use of plastic plain bearings. The winners will receive prize money of up to €5,000.
The renowned Belgian brewery Chimay, known for its traditional Trappist beer, relies on maintenance-free spherical bearings from igus in its bottling plant. By replacing rusty, seized ball bearings with lubrication-free igubal H3 bearing inserts, the brewery was able to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance.