Topteaser
Design engineers who want to replace the lead screw nuts of lead screw drives with PFAS-tested alternatives often face a dilemma: there are hardly any versions that are free of the controversial chemical, meaning that expensive adaptations would be necessary. igus is changing this with a new PTFE-free and PFAS-tested universal flange lead screw nut made of iglidur high-performance plastic. It allows a quick 1:1 conversion and promises an above-average service life thanks to a special thread geometry.
Cleanrooms for the production of microchips and semiconductors are characterised across the globe by the absence of particles and limited space. To safely guide cables under these conditions, igus has developed the e-skin flat. The new e-skin flat configurator now allows for the fast and automated design of flat cable guide systems in cleanrooms. This reduces the previously manual effort to just a few minutes. Users can configure a complete system, have it filled automatically and then immediately download a technical drawing and parts list. With the e-skin flat, which is suitable for dry cleanrooms, igus has now also received the “Best of Industry Award 2025” in the category battery development and production.
The demand for electric cars and the use of AI are growing, so that more and more lithium-ion batteries and microchips are required. As these technologies have to deliver performance that continues to increase, they are also becoming more sensitive and place high demands on production environments. With the e-skin soft ESD, igus is now launching a new energy chain for cleanrooms that is both abrasion-resistant and dissipative. It is a game changer for design engineers as it allows for significantly more flexibility and saves space in energy supply systems.
Design engineers in medical technology and laboratory automation often face a problem: linear modules for positioning tasks with stroke lengths of over 200mm quickly become bulky, run unevenly due to the small lead screw diameters and do not fulfil the strict hygiene guidelines because of the lubricating grease. igus has therefore launched drylin SLW-0620-Ds08. The compact linear module with lead screw drive allows for smooth stroke lengths of up to 300mm, operates completely without lubrication and is PTFE-free and tested for PFAS.
The facade of the French luxury fashion house DIOR enchants hundreds of thousands of people every year. What they don’t see: for the winter magic, design engineers have to overcome a number of challenges, such as finding electrical adjustment systems for the moving figures that also work in freezing temperatures. Weather-resistant and lubrication-free linear modules from igus ensure trouble-free Christmas magic.
Around the world, the number of dry cleanrooms is increasing. The main focus is on automating the systems to ensure fast and cost-effective production. In addition to its certified energy chains suitable for dry cleanrooms, igus has now also had its halogen-free chainflex TPE cables successfully certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) in accordance with dry cleanroom Classes 4 and 5. This provides customers in highly automated battery production with energy management solutions with a reliable guaranteed service life of up to four years.
Testing linear systems with stepper motors in just a few minutes before installation: the new drylin control unit from igus makes this possible. The compact drylin DLE-CU-9 eliminates the need for tedious cabling with separate control and IT systems, speeding up the commissioning of series machines and the development of prototypes. It is also a fully-fledged solution for simple automation tasks.
Unplanned downtimes in automation not only cost time, but also money – especially in the automotive industry. With the new TR.P sensor, igus is launching a smart solution for industrial robots that actively monitors triflex energy chain systems and reacts immediately to critical tensile forces. The system recognises potential damage at an early stage, increases operational safety and provides support during commissioning through condition monitoring. igus will present the new solution at the SPS in Nuremberg (Hall 4, Stand 310).
igus GmbH, the specialist for motion plastics, has taken a significant step in its corporate development: the Cologne-based company is now trading under the name igus SE & Co. KG. With this new structure, igus is strengthening its strategic orientation, creating clear responsibilities and setting the course for future success – particularly with regard to international growth and corporate continuity. Artur Peplinski will assume the role of management spokesperson.
With its Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), igus has developed a mobile shore power system for ports that can be moved flexibly depending on the position of the ships at the berth. The system allows ships to shut down their diesel engines in ports, switch to more environmentally friendly shore power and thus significantly reduce their CO2 emissions. For its central role in promoting sustainable and flexible port operations, igus has now been honoured as “Maritime Innovator of the Year”. The award was presented during the conference of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) in Quebec, Canada.