PFAS and PTFE (a subgroup of PFAS) have been present in many products worldwide for decades – whether pans, shoes or hoses. It is due to them that plain bearings, e.g., can operate in dry operation without lubrication. However, the organic fluorine compounds decompose very slowly and can be harmful to people and nature. The discussion about a possible ban is causing uncertainty in the industry. As a pioneer for lubrication-free high-performance plastics for motion, igus recognised this challenge at an early stage and has already developed its own PTFE-free materials. At the K plastics trade show in Düsseldorf from 8th to 15th October, the company will show that this change is not only possible, but can also be linked to technical improvements. October (Hall 5, Stand D05).
Many companies complain about a shortage of skilled labour. igus, however, is taking on responsibility and increasingly training junior staff. A new Training Factory at the company headquarters in Cologne-Porz will support this project, doubling the training capacity for professions such as mechatronics/electronics technicians and tool mechanics. The company intends to be independent from external specialists as early as 2027. In addition to the Training Factory, the company is also increasingly focussing on adult education in cooperation with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Industrie- und Handelskammer, IHK).
Three at one fell swoop: due to high demand, igus is launching new pulleys, skate wheels and roller adapters in series production, which were previously only available as customised products. Manufactured from high-performance plastics, the new components are an economical alternative to classic metal counterparts in numerous applications. They are lubrication-free and insensitive to dirt, durable, maintenance-free, vibration-dampening and ensure a quiet operation.
The starting signal for the application phase of the vector award 2026 has been given. For the tenth time, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use energy chains made of high-performance plastic to create cable guides that set new technological standards. The winners receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money.
In Germany, there are a lot of family businesses with strong development despite the challenging times. igus is one of them. The Cologne-based company started out in 1964 with plastic components such as industrial plain bearings and energy chains. It is also constantly tapping into new and promising business areas, e.g. low-cost robotics. This agility is one of the reasons why igus is a finalist in the globally renowned competition “EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025”. According to the organiser Ernst & Young, this makes igus one of the best owner-managed companies in Germany that are shaping the future with confidence.