Current News

Annual press conference 2024 of igus GmbH

17th April 2024 | In the run-up to this year's Hannover Messe, we held our annual press conference, where we presented many exciting innovations from the world of motion plastics under the motto "GO ZERO Lubrication". You can watch the press conference with our news highlights in the adjacent video. You can experience all 247 innovations and program extensions live at the Hannover Messe or now via the following button.

The first 100 igus bicycles take to the road

Press release

13th March 2024 | It’s done: after a long period of development work, the igus:bike, a bicycle made of 92 per cent plastic with a high share of recycled content, has gone into series production. The Dutch development partner MTRL is currently producing the first 100 units together with igus. At the same time, the plastics specialist is building its own production line at the Cologne site to increase production capacity to 10,000 units over the next two years. This brings the companies one step closer to their sustainability vision of transferring plastic waste to a circular economy and using it for the urban mobility of the future.

igus launches new compact low-cost energy chain for drawers

Press release

7th March 2024 | For cable guidance in drawers and pull-outs of all kinds, igus is launching the draw e-chain. Thanks to the minimalist design, the price of the compact energy chain is 30 per cent lower than the most cost-effective standard e-chains. This protects against expensive oversizing, especially if the application is only moved a little.

chainflex cables without PFAS: safety for people, nature and businesses

Press release

14th February 2024 | 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.

Find the right plain bearing even faster

Press release

12th February 2024 |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.

igus is once again looking for creative Low Cost Automation projects with the fastest return on investment

Press release

15th January 2024 | The German economy is weakening and will only recover slowly in 2024, according to the Institute for Macroeconomics and Business Cycle Research (IMK). The mechanical engineering industry is also feeling the effects. To strengthen competitiveness, organisations will have to focus on automation. Thanks to Low Cost Automation (LCA) and the RBTX robotics marketplace from igus, companies of all sizes can find a complete solution that suits their requirements and budget – from as little as €2,000. The plastics company is now honouring the projects with the fastest return on investment (ROI) with the ROIBOT Award for the third time. Users can now apply to win LCA products worth €5,000 in addition to international recognition.

igus launches first UL-listed motor cable for cable tray and e-chain

Press release

10th January 2024 | With the new chainflex cable CF33.UL, igus has developed the world’s first motor cable for energy chains and cable trays with UL approval and a four-year functional guarantee in the energy chain. This allows the cable to be laid seamlessly from the energy chain to the cable tray without a plug connection in between. The CF33.UL also adds a shielded PVC motor cable to the chainflex range.

igus fixed flange bearings become intelligent

Press release

8th January 2024 | Expensive machine and vehicle breakdowns due to undetected faults in heavy-duty fixed flange bearings: these will soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new generation of two- and four-hole fixed flange bearings. Their special feature is that the bearings, which are made of lubrication-free high-performance plastic, are equipped with miniature wireless sensors, enabling condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Custom-fit orthoses from the 3D printer

Press release

28th November 2023 | Produce orthoses that splint injured fingers in hospital in record time using a 3D printer: students at Trier University of Applied Sciences are developing a compact platform that measures fingers. The igus Young Engineers Support (yes) is supporting them by providing free miniature linear guides.

Two drives in one: igus launches double-shaft stepper motor

Press release

23rd November 2023 | Cost-effective automation in a confined installation space. To provide an easy introduction to automation, igus has now developed a new double-shaft stepper motor for its drylin linear technology. It can be used to drive two linear axes. Another possible application is the installation of a hand wheel on the second drive shaft. In an emergency, users can turn the motor by hand. Manual zero point calibration is also possible.

igus offers new record guarantee of four years on cables

Press release

23rd November 2023 | If cables break, machines and systems come to a standstill. However, companies weren’t able to be sure how long a cable would last. Not until igus solved the problem: 10 years ago, igus was the first industrial company in the world to introduce a 36-month guarantee on moving cables. Just in time for the SPS 2023 automation trade fair, the plastics specialist is extending the guarantee period for its entire cable range by a further 12 months to four years. This gives customers even more functional and planning security. The guarantee, which is unique in the industry, is possible due to thousands of new customer applications and over 20 billion additional test cycles in the in-house chainflex laboratory carried out in the past decade.

Position ready-to-install energy chains easily, quickly and accurately

Press release

21st November 2023 | If machines or systems are at a standstill, this costs production companies valuable time and money. To make it easier for customers to install energy supply systems and reduce installation time, igus offers the readychain service with pre-assembled systems consisting of chain, cables, connector and many other components. What makes it special: igus offers customers everything from a single source igus. The energy chain is filled, fully harnessed with connectors, quality-checked and delivered ready for connection – on request in the exact installation position. igus is now supplementing this service with a new “assembly helper”: the fast positioner. This simple tool makes handling ready-to-install e-chains even easier.

Shaking hands with a robot: igus launches bionic hand for ReBeL cobot on the market

Press release

21st November 2023 | Robots have become an integral part of industry and are increasingly finding their way into small and medium-sized companies in the form of cobots, such as the ReBeL. They sort, pick and move with the help of cameras, suction devices and gripper systems. igus has now developed a finger gripper for the ReBeL cobot so that it can also perform humanoid tasks. It is made entirely of lubrication-free plastics, and is therefore very cost-effective and easy to integrate.

"Can I use my machine without lubrication?" – igusGO® App now provides the answer

Press release

14th November 2023 | What is an easy way for me to improve my machine? The answer is: try the new igusGO app. Plastics specialist igus® has now used AI to develop a unique product search app. Just take a photo of the application and its environment, and the igusGO intelligence will show you which products to use for, say, lubrication-free design. The app also shows where there is even more potential to improve machine technology while saving costs.

Plastic recycling pioneer Mura Technology celebrates pre-opening of world’s first HydroPRS™ plant

Press release

13th November 2023 | Plastic waste is not incinerated, but turned back into oil in 30 minutes – using only pressure, heat and water: this revolutionary HydroPRS™ recycling is now being launched on a commercial scale for the first time. The British company Mura Technology is now starting to commission the world’s first plant – with the support of investor igus. A significant step towards an environmentally friendly and resource-saving recycling economy for plastics.

Compact for small installation spaces: igus presents new miniature linear guides

Press release

13th November 2023 | Laboratory equipment, espresso machines, tiny houses: wherever installation space is scarce and components are difficult to reach, designers are looking for space-saving and maintenance-free linear guides for adjustment and positioning tasks. igus is therefore adding new miniature linear guides in Installation Size 06 to its drylin W series. They are not only compact but also lubrication-free.

New low-cost igus carriage for curved rail made of recycled high-performance plastic

Press release

25th October 2023 | Injection-moulded from regranulated high-performance plastic and therefore very cost-effective and sustainable, the new polymer carriages from the igus drylin econ series make adjustment and positioning tasks simple. They cost less than 20% of what their milled aluminium counterparts do. Thanks to movable bearings, they can even handle cornering on curved aluminium rails without any problems.

igus is looking for unique applications with energy chain systems

Press release

11th October 2023 | Calling engineers from all over the world: the igus vector award is entering its next round. For the ninth time, igus is honouring design engineers and project managers for creative, courageous use of energy supply systems and cables made of high-performance plastic. Winners will receive prize money of up to €5,000.

Green electricity from traditional windmills

Press release

11th October 2023 | In the past, traditional windmills drove mill grinders and irrigation pumps, but in future they are to produce green electricity. For this purpose, students at the HTWG Konstanz, a university of applied sciences, are installing high-tech components. igus is supporting the Sailwind 4 project with €10,000 and providing the young engineers with lubrication-free linear guides and polymer bearings, which will ensure that windmill operation requires little maintenance.

As fine as a human hair: new igus micro gears with 0.2 module

Press release

29th September 2023 | From microdrives to microscopes to precision engineering, engineers around the world are building increasingly compact products. igus now produces microgears for them with modules as small as 0.2. Tooth dimensions are very close to those of a human hair. Thanks to high-performance plastics, the teeth still allow precise, low-wear movement for high-quality products.

Catering industry automation with igus: space saver for small areas

Press release

29th September 2023 | The robot kitchen from Cook-e, a French company, prepares fresh, healthy dishes without human help and is intended to relieve restaurateurs of the pressure associated with the skilled worker shortage. To allow the robot to operate even in restaurants with little space, the developers use compact, hygienic igus toothed belt axes.

e-skin flat ESD: for the highest level of safety and cleanliness in cleanrooms

Press release

29th September 2023 | igus has added an ESD variant specifically for highly sensitive cleanrooms to its e-skin flat series. The modular ribbon cable’s new material prevents the chain from becoming electrostatically charged while ensuring that it generates no particles, even during very fast movements. The modular design with individual pods also allows quick energy supply system filling.

Configure and order individual CNC parts online in just three minutes

Press release

21st September 2023 | Time is sometimes of the essence. An example is when a machine is due for maintenance, but the required component is not in stock. The igus online CNC Service 2.0 allows orders for machined parts made of tribologically optimised high-performance plastics (optimised for friction and wear) to be processed in just a few minutes.

Tech up, cost down: igus presents cutting-edge technology at EMO 2023

Press release

18th September 2023 | In addition to the shortage of skilled workers, high energy costs combined with increasing cost pressure and declining incoming orders remain the biggest challenges for the machine tool industry. To survive in this environment, companies must produce even better and more cost-effectively. So igus will be presenting cutting-edge technologies at EMO 2023. These are technologies that take the pressure off companies: low-cost robots that are as easy to operate as a computer game, an online service for rapid production of CNC components made of high-performance plastics, a 3D-printed assembly frame, and a low-cost energy chain for unsupported applications.

Swimming pool on demand

Press release

13th September 2023 | The touch of a button transforms a luxury swimming pool into a walk-in terrace. The key is a moving pool bottom from Conmag Engineering. But what linear technology works reliably and with little maintenance under water? The engineers found the answer at igus, saving €30,000 per pool.

igus develops a two-component injection-moulded plain bearing for high mechanical loads

Press release

Published on 13th September 2023 | New to the agricultural and construction machinery industry: with the new iglidur Q3E plain bearing, igus has – for the first time – managed to manufacture heavy-duty bearings made of two layers of high-performance plastic using a cost-effective injection-moulding process. Plastic-based, multi-layer structures previously required the winding process, which is more expensive for high volumes.

New igus energy supply system for SCARA robots in cleanrooms

Press release

17th August 2023 | igus is launching a new energy supply system for SCARA robots in cleanrooms: the Clean SCARA Cable Solution is made of tribologically optimised high-performance plastics and works almost particle-free according to ISO Class 2 even in high-speed applications. It is also stronger and more user-friendly than classic corrugated hoses.

A toast to summer! New robot with igus linear guide taps beer in seconds

Press release

8th August 2023 | Festival season is in full swing. To keep the queues at the beer to reasonable lengths, One Two Beer GmbH has developed an automatic beer tap. Its core is a mobile tap head that moves to the bottom of the cup, which it fills in five seconds without foam-over – built with a lubrication-free, hygienic, durable lead screw from the igus dryspin series.

Record-low costs and sustainability: our new slewing ring bearing

Press release

7th August 2023 | It is affordable, compact, lightweight and ready to install with a mouse click: igus has added a minimalist low-cost variant to the portfolio of its iglidur PRT series of slewing ring bearings. The PRT-05-15-PC not only reduces costs, but also protects the environment. The new slewing ring bearing consists of 97% regranulated high-performance plastics.

Double award: igus wins the 2023 German Brand Award

Press release

4th August 2023 | igus, the Cologne-based plastics specialist, received the renowned German Brand Award in 2023 for communication relating to the iguverse VR platform – in two categories.

New igus service: calculate the service life of 3D printing materials online in 30 seconds

Press release

26th July 2023 | Knowing the durability of a 3D-printed component often makes it easier to choose the right material. This is why igus has now added a service to its 3D printing range. Apart from a price calculation and a feasibility analysis, the online 3D printing service can now also predict service life for individually manufactured special parts in just a few seconds. Just upload the STEP or STL file, have the service life calculated, choose the right material and order the part, and it will be shipped within three days.

Great strength, little weight: new low-cost igus energy chain for unsupported applications

Press release

20th July 2023 | New addition to the igus energy chain portfolio: the E4Q, a globally proven e-chain for applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weight, now has a new variant: the “L”. Users for whom the E4Q is too large can now save costs of up to 20% with the E4Q.64L. They will still benefit from the advantages of its big brother, such as quick, tool-free opening.

Artificial intelligence and automation: SMEs must not miss the boat

Press release

19th July 2023 | Accountants, journalists and even computer scientists are all amazed at how rapidly automation is developing, including with artificial intelligence. Industry representatives are, too. They are drawing new ideas for smart factories. Many traditional SMEs, however, are in danger of falling behind. Low Cost Automation can provide immediate assistance and help them avoid missing the boat.

Tailor-made solution: first igus e-chain rack from additive manufacturing

Press release

15th July 2023 | In production, downtimes are expensive. For manufacturers of such items as machine tools, it is therefore very important for system assembly work to be as quick and efficient as possible. The readychain rack is a modular assembly and transport rack for harnessed energy supply systems, one that igus has been offering for ten years. Now, igus has developed a solution that is even simpler and faster, with practically unlimited customisation potential: the first 3D-printed readychain p-rack (printed rack). It can be adapted to customer requirements with millimetre precision.

snapchain 2.0: small, compact and cost-effective energy supply system

Press release

10th July 2023 | Things don’t have to be expensive. This is true not only of groceries, but also of energy chains. The simplest products often not only cost the least, but also represent the best technology. igus has now developed the snapchain 2.0 especially for low-stress and flat cable packages. The energy supply system consists of just one side link, to which cables can be fixed with cable tiewraps. It is made entirely of recyclate, so it is a sustainable solution.

Complete robotic solution designed in just one minute with the RBTX Machine Planner

Press release

29th June 2023 | Ideally, a customer can decide on a suitable robot quickly. But how do you create the perfect workplace for the new assistant? The Machine Planner on RBTX.com, the online marketplace for Low Cost Robotics, helps with the design of a complete automation solution, from robotics to frames to conveyor belts to grippers to safety systems. Price and delivery time are calculated in real time.

A sustainable combination: igus successfully tests plastic bearings with wooden shafts

Press release

26th June 2023 | Wood and plastic? Is that a good combination? The motion plastics specialist igus has researched the idea in a recent design study and tested the friction and wear behaviour of its plastic linear bearings on a wide variety of wood, and the result is impressive. The drylin econ J4 plain bearing has demonstrated its exceptional compatibility with various kinds of wood, opening new possibilities for furniture makers and design engineers when choosing materials.

From recycling to bicycling: igus develops bicycle components for the mobility of tomorrow

Press release

22nd June 2023 | After presenting the entirely plastic igus:bike last year, igus is now presenting an additional product line made of high-performance plastics for bicycle manufacturers. Other lines include frames made from a single mould or several components, impellers, and cranksets. The handlebars are about to go into series production and will be used on the Advanced Reco bike. The handlebars are produced with compounded polymers igus developed in house and have vigirously tested in the vast igus bicycle laboratory. The products are recyclable and made partly from recycled material. Production will start in Cologne and be expanded to Asia and North America, so as to offer bike OEMs local supply chains.

Next-level recycling with digital innovations: Cologne-based plastics processor igus invests in start-up cirplus

Press release

15th June 2023 | Plastic products have many uses and have become indispensable for everyday life. But when they reach the end of their service life, they often end up in the incinerator. Conserving valuable resources and protecting the environment requires a sustainable plastics industry. The Cologne-based plastics specialist igus is pursuing this conservation goal with its “Chainge” recycling platform. The company has now invested in cirplus, a start-up based in Hamburg. The companies have a joint vision of closing the plastics cycle and initiating a revolution in the trade of recycled materials from technical and standard thermoplastics.

University meets industry: developing innovative business models for the digital future together

Press release

5th June 2023 | The digital transformation in industry requires new business models for more flexible, efficient production. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things are creating new opportunities to address customers with smart products and services. In the spirit of open innovation, igus, the motion plastics specialist, uses ideas from young talent to develop new solutions and has now participated in the first Hackathon by Innovation Hub Bergisches RheinLand e.V. As part of the project, TH Köln students developed concepts for use-based igus smart plastics business models.

igus wins the “Going Circular” recycling competition held by the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Press release

1st June 2023 | Rescuing plastics from incineration and integrating them into a circular economy: the unique “Chainge” program for recycling technical plastics won first place for igus in the “Going Circular” competition held by the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The igus:bike, made entirely from recycled plastic, also made it to the finals.

New igus xiros ball bearing materials stand up to chemicals and temperatures of 150°C

Press release

23rd May 2023 | Things are heating up, especially in battery production for the automotive industry. Machines and systems have to withstand temperatures above 100°C and aggressive chemicals. For more machine reliability and less maintenance, igus has developed the lubrication-free xiros A500 deep groove ball bearing specifically for chemical and temperature resistance. To offer customers even more solutions, igus is adding two new materials to its range of ball bearings for high-temperature use. Users now also have access to the xirodur F500 cage material and balls made of zirconium oxide.

In future, gas heating will remain off

Press release

24th April 2023 | Engineers from igus are now using a simple technology for heat recovery. It heats industrial factories with the waste coolant water from machines, saving on gas costs and CO2 emissions. igus is making the technology available online, with all the details available to other industrial companies. If all injection moulders worldwide were to use the technology, over 14 million tons of CO2 and over seven billion cubic metres of gas could be saved.

Clean, safe, lubrication-free: igus presents the hygienic design linear guide

Press release

24th April 2023 | Cleaning with chemicals is a daily occurrence for machines in the food processing industry. Even the smallest blind spot can collect moisture and can lead to contamination within the machine. More and more operators are therefore designing parts with an emphasis on Hygienic Design. igus is a member of the EHEDG and has developed the first linear guide system, based on the Hygienic Design guidelines. Using FDA-compliant materials such as the high-performance polymer iglidur A160, high-alloy stainless steel and a washable interior of the carriage ensures the hygienic design is adhered to.

Heavy loads are no problem for the new igutex TX3 fibre wound material

Press release

24th April 2023 | In applications with loads of more than 80Mpa, plain bearings made of thermoplastic materials can be pushing their limits. igus has expanded the existing range of standard plain bearings with the new igutex fibre wound plain bearing series. The series displays its strength in heavy-duty areas such as construction machinery or hoists. The latest development in the product family is the material igutex TX3. It offers an even higher running performance with high dynamic forces than previous igutex bearings.

J&M Manufacturing from the US wins the golden manus award 2023

Press release

24th April 2023 | Beaming faces at J&M Manufacturing: the US company won the golden manus award 2023 at the Hannover Messe 2023. The competition honours creative projects with plastic plain bearings. This year’s winner was able to impress with the sustainable and economical use of lubrication-free polymer bearings in a new type of agricultural implement. The other award winners were also in the mood to celebrate: the French company Aufratech won the silver manus award with an exoskeleton. Fiedler Maschinenbau came in third with a telescopic high-pressure cleaner for municipal vehicles. The German company Rockinger Agriculture GmbH is delighted with the green manus award for its lubrication-free ball coupling.

Maximum safety in battery production: first certified energy chain for the dry cleanroom

Press release

24th April 2023 | Whenever the highest hygiene standards are required, igus scores high with lubrication-free and abrasion-resistant plastic components for movement. In particular, battery production for tomorrow’s mobility requires special environmental conditions, which are achieved through the combination of dry rooms and cleanrooms. The Fraunhofer IPA has developed a new type of certificate for precisely these requirements. The E6.29 energy chain from igus is the very first cable guide system that has been tested under dry cleanroom conditions and has now been certified with ISO Class 4.

Enjoyneering: igus drives engineering forward with 190 physical and digital new products

Press release

24th April 2023 | A low-cost robot operated via a VR headset. Spare parts identified and ordered in seconds using AI on a smartphone. A mobile app that immediately identifies potential applications for lubrication-free parts on an excavator. igus launches a selection of digital tools in 2023, as well as products and services which are easy to use and reduce cost. The goal: provide easy access to the right motion plastics product and have fun on the way, while being carbon-neutral and without plastic waste.