In 1964, they founded igus in their back yard garage in Cologne-Mülheim. In 2021, the internationally active company supplies customers all over the world with its lubrication-free and maintenance-free motion plastics. On the occasion of the founders’ 90th birthday, igus is bringing that garage back to life.
igus, a motion plastics specialist, showcases what plastics can do with its first drylin W linear bearing made entirely of tribo-polymers. The linear bearing has been developed specifically for linear movements. At just ten grammes, it is quick to install, vibration-dampening, lubrication-free and ideal for transportable applications. The fact that it is injection moulded makes it very cost-effective. The injection moulding-optimised design also reduces its weight, lowering the necessary linear system drive energy.
Solarmid and iglidur P UV are the names of the two new materials that igus has now developed specifically for pillow blocks in single-axis solar trackers. The new polymer’s durability is showcased particularly well in 2P (two-in-portrait) tracker applications, which subject bearings to direct sunlight for hours at a time. The materials were convincing in real-life testing, exhibiting up to three times the UV-resistance.
A win-win situation for employees and the environment: in the company “reguse”, founded by igus trainees themselves, disused electrical appliances are processed and offered to colleagues in their own webshop at a low cost for private use. The proceeds will be donated to sustainable projects. The programme is another example of how igus actively promotes young talent initiatives. For this, the motion plastics specialist has now been awarded as one of the best MINT employers.
On long travels, the energy supply systems from igus are favourites for safely guiding cables and hoses. In most applications, customers rely on the strong E4.1 universal energy chain modular system. igus has now expanded the successful system with glide pads and roller chain links for quick retrofitting. This allows users in abrasive environments as well as in applications with very high speeds or extreme travel lengths to increase the service life of their systems quickly and cost-effectively.