From the first tentative attempts to get started in 1983 with few parts, it has evolved over time through intensive research and learning into a mature product range with numerous options for dry operation and cost reduction.
igus® presented the first iglide® bearings at the "K" Trade Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany 30 years ago.
igus® is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iglide® plastic bearings. Three decades ago, igus® presented its first iglide® plastic bearing – a lubrication and maintenance-free plastic bearing for dry-running applications.
Today, igus® has the world’s largest range of tribo-optimized plastic bearings with more than 12,000 different bearing types, all available from stock. iglide® high-performance plastics are designed the same way, integrated with dry-tech technology. iglide® plastic bearings contain solid lubricants that make external lubrication unnecessary; making them completely maintenance-free and ideal for dirty, underwater, and cleanroom environments.
The igus® vision of “motion plastics,” or lubrication-free plastic components that move machines safely over a long period of time, helped build a strong engagement in research and development. igus® continuously develops new materials and products with the aim of increasing safety and durability, while simultaneously lowering costs.
Applications from all over the world and various different industries.
Plastics for longer life® - Increase the service life of machines with innovative plastic products
Industries Overview
With the launch of "iglide® on tour", igus® celebrates the 30th anniversary of plastic bearing technology at this year's K show: a small car with a plastic body has been retrofitted and equipped with iglide® components, sent off on a trip around the world. igus® demonstrates not only the diverse application of its plastic plain bearings around the world, but also the performance capability of iglide®.
"I'm always surprised when we implement something with lubricant-free plastics today, which we could hardly have dreamt of a few years ago. “
Frank Blase, Managing Director of igus® GmbH
"Our customers are our foremost inspiration. With new areas of application, they always provide us with new challenges. There is the 'manus®' developer's prize for your most courageous solutions with plastic plain bearings. “
Gerhard Baus, Head of Plastic Plain Bearings division, igus® GmbH
"The smallest change in the mixture can fundamentally revolutionise a polymer material. Therefore we run more than 3,000 tests annually with about 150 experimental materials. Only the best make it into the catalog.“
Dr. Ralf Selzer, Head of Development of Plain Bearings, igus® GmbH