3D-printed polymer components will be able to resist much higher temperatures in future – in the engine compartment of a car, for example. While commercially available SLS printing materials threaten to deform at over 80°C, the new powdery material iglidur i230 from igus can withstand a long-term application temperature of 110°C. Furthermore, it is free of PTFE and around 80% more wear-resistant than the classic PA12.
Cologne/Hanover, 21st February 2024 – To support industrial companies with the challenges of our time, such as the transformation to Industry 4.0 and CO2-neutral production, Cologne-based motion plastics specialist igus is relying on triple intelligence at the Hannover Messe: artificial intelligence, plastics intelligence and Cologne intelligence. The exhibits include smart sensor technology for the maintenance of tomorrow and AI-supported low-cost robotics that are easy to operate. igus will also be presenting an AI-based app that shows design engineers the optimisation potential of their application with lubrication-free motion plastics in a matter of seconds.
Like the chemicals of the PFAS family, certain polytetrafluoroethylene compounds – PTFE for short – are considered “forever chemicals” and therefore potentially harmful to the environment, people and animals. The European Union is therefore working on a ban on the substances. With the “PFAS-free” seal, igus demonstrates that their own chainflex cables are free of the chemicals and already offer customers operational safety in the event of a ban.
For the first time, a joint study by scientists from RWTH Aachen University and igus shows the costs that can be saved in applications if lubrication-free polymer bearings from igus are used instead of conventional metal bearings: up to €14 million per year. Also a first: the study calculates the environmental impact – at the Heineken brewery, among others.
Enter dimensions, determine application parameters, find plain bearings – simple! This is how the new igus online shop for polymer plain bearings now works. Whether catalogue part or special bearing, customers receive a transparent overview of all plain bearings that are suitable for their application. Convenient filters such as price, delivery time and service life help with the selection. Technical drawings and CAD data are available as a free download.