Following the successful development of the world’s first energy chain made from recycled plastic, motion plastics specialist igus is taking the next step: the company is converting the entire catalogue range of its standard energy chain series E2.1 to the new recycled material igumid CG LW.
The energy chain specialist igus is presenting its new energy chain called “glide-chain” at the Hannover Messe. It has been developed specifically for gliding applications and is ideal for travels of up to 30m, as is the case with indoor cranes, for example. Its slim design ensures cost savings of 30 to 40%.
A mobile surgical microscope from Prechtl Tech Solutions for structurally weak countries has won the manus plastic bearing competition 2025. A jury of experts recognised the engineers who used lubrication-free polymer bearings and were thus able to increase the reliability of the microscope. Other winners of the competition include a bicycle trailer for parcel delivery, an AI hoe for agriculture and an agrivoltaics system with irrigation and cultivation system. They have all created ecological, economic and social benefits by switching to lubrication-free plain bearings made from high-performance plastics.
With 277 motion plastics innovations in 2025, igus is presenting a record number of new lubrication-free plastic products in line with the motto “GO ZERO Lubrication”: from PTFE-free materials and a complete energy chain series made of recycled materials to a new type of dry cleanroom certificate and a humanoid robot. This is the result of continuous investment in research and development to offer customers state-of-the-art solutions. Despite the challenging geopolitical and economic situation in 2024, the motion plastics specialist was able to increase the number of active customers by 5% and maintain its billion-euro turnover. With sales of €1.105 billion, the company recorded a comparatively moderate decline in turnover of 2.5%.
Whether moving to specified spots with a sensor, adjusting a headrest to the desired height or getting a screen into an ergonomic position until it clicks: igus has launched the new linear guide with PTFE-free drylin WWP locking carriages for simple positioning tasks, e.g. in the interior. The solution is intuitive, compact, durable and, thanks to the material combination of lubrication-free high-performance plastics and aluminium, particularly light, hygienic and low-maintenance.