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The history of igus - from Cologne's backyard out into the world
2024
€1,136 billion
Sales
4,600
Employees worldwide
31
Locations and 50 dealers:
Represented in over 80 countries
188,000
Customers
243,000
Products from stock
800
Injection moulding machines
2023
igusGO app: Discover optimisation potential in just a few seconds thanks to AI
How can we quickly and easily illustrate what is possible with our motion plastics? This question gave rise to our app igusGO which we released in September 2023. With the help of artificial intelligence, we analyse machines and applications and present optimisation options in a matter of seconds. Simply upload a photo of your application and the igusGO AI will show you which motion plastics products will help to make your machine lubrication-free and thus improve the technology and also save costs.
2022
iguverse - the industrial metaverse from igus
At the IAA Transportation in Hanover in September 2022, visitors were able to take a first look at the beginnings of the igus metaverse. The iguverse is a virtual reality for sales and engineering in the industry. In this digital parallel universe, you can implement machines and systems faster and more efficiently and save time, costs and resources in the development, optimisation and maintenance of products.
2022
chainge platform: industrial plastic recycling for everyone
In 2019, we launched our plastic energy chain recycling program. Since then, customers have been able to send us worn-out energy chains. We weigh the material and issue a voucher for it. What is special about the program is that we take back not only our own energy supply systems, but those of other manufacturers as well if the chains are made of plastic. We shred the material or send it to external recycling services. But then we thought: There is still more to do. Since 2022, there is our chainge recycling platform. We want to facilitate recycling in industry and promote the circular economy. To this end, we offer recycled material (recyclate) through our marketplace.
2021
igus:bike - A new bike for a new future
Company owner Frank Blase has long dreamed of manufacturing a no-lubrication product from rust-free plastics for moving not industry, but end users. As is so often the case, the idea was prompted by a coincidence: he noticed rusting, high-maintenance rental bicycles at a seaside holiday resort. Could motion plastics help? In 2021, igus worked with MTRL, a Dutch start-up, to design a bicycle made of plastic. igus:bike.With moving parts from igus, the developers are charting new territory. Rim brake, freewheel, planetary gearbox, pulley, wheel bearing, crankset – all are made of igus high-performance plastic.
2021
FastLine: Individual injection moulded plain bearings delivered in seven days
When market demand for a product is high, manufacturers and their suppliers are called for. Customised parts, such as plain bearings in special shapes, have to be delivered quickly and easily. But it is not unusual for the production of special parts by injection moulding to take several weeks. With the FastLine service lubrication-free plastic bearings in special dimensions are delivered within a few days at cost-effective part prices.
2019
RBTX lean robotix: Platform for users and suppliers of low-cost robotic components
igus introduces with RBTX a platform that brings users and suppliers of low-cost robotics components together quickly and easily. Users can assemble a low-cost robotics solution to match their requirements and budget. Suppliers of robotics components can present their products to a larger public in the new marketplace.
2016
smart plastics: predictive maintenance with high-performance polymers
igus components are wear-resistant and always last longer in applications, leaving less maintenance work for entrepreneurs. With its smart plastics, igus introduces sensors and transmission systems that detect wear in good time and make planned replacement possible by emitting a corresponding signal. This prevents the worst-case scenario: system damage or failure. It saves time, trouble, and money and increases productivity.
2016
3D printing service: Printing wear-resistant parts from high-performance polymers
Filaments with an up to 50-times greater wear resistance, 3D-printed parts that can cope with just as many movements as injection-moulded parts – this was the promise with which igus started its 3D printing service. Laser sintering powder, printed injection-moulding tools, and free online services were added. The capability of calculating part service life online is the only one of its kind. igus keeps its promise.
2014
iglidur on tour: Smart on a world tour with 56 iglidur plain bearings
On the 30th anniversary of iglidur, a Smart car was fitted out with iglidur plain bearings and sent on a journey all around the world. It travelled through 30 countries in 14 months. This campaign demonstrated the many possible uses of igus polymer plain bearings and the performance of iglidur materials.
2012
Second factory expansion: The igus factory in Cologne Porz-Lind is growing once again
Günter Blase may have expected this in 1994. He probably hoped for it, at least. igus GmbH continues to grow and is again in need of more space. Fortunately, this was foreseen in the planning phase, and production areas and desk workstations are being shifted once more in the Spicher Strasse buildings. The forward-looking igus factory architecture of Sir Nicholas Grimshaw makes it possible.
2011
drylin E: linear axes now also with drive and motor
"E" as in "electric" says it all. igus now supplies drives and motors for drylin linear axes. In the online shop, the customer can now configure a complete linear axis, including motor, connection cables and built-on parts, with just a few clicks of the mouse. In addition, the product finder calculates the individual price of the linear axis as well as the utilisation rate of the motors and the service life in strokes. In this case, the "E" could also stand for "easy configuration".
2010
Bar stock made from proven iglidur materials
igus already has high-performance polymers in many different forms. In 2010, igus GmbH thought, why not bar stock as well? Since then, iglidur plastic bar stock has been available in the form of plates and round and hollow bars. The advantage is that bar stock enables customers to make their own customised parts themselves and use the advantages associated with many different iglidur materials. As an alternative, igus offers a manufacturing service and machines iglidur bar stock according to the customer's requirements.
2010
twisterband energy chain: guiding cables safely at 7,000 degree rotations
With the twisterband, igus launches its own energy chain for rotating energy supply onto the market. With a rotary movement of 7,000 degrees in horizontal installation positions and up to 3,000 degrees in vertical ones, it is a low-cost solution for rotary movement in extremely small spaces. While the design looks futuristic, it is very easy to handle. Spoiler alert: in 2011, this energy chain will win the red dot design award.
2009
Launch of robolink: The development of low-cost robot arm begins
robolink W was the first low-cost igus articulated arm robot. Development began with the purchase of a patent for an articulated arm with rope drive. Just a few years later, robolink development bounded forward with D-series development. The drive was the main difference to the preceding models. The robolink D articulated robot used direct drives for movement.
2009
Factory expansion: the flexible structure comes into play
The forward-looking design of the factory with the yellow pylons now pays off. igus is increasing its factory size by a whopping 60%. More machines, more tools, more storage space – there is room for it all in the airy building. And there is still enough space for further expansion.
2008
xiros ball bearings: No lubrication thanks to high-performance polymers
Even a child is familiar with ball bearings: found in roller skates and children's scooters, they commonplace components. Tiresome lubrication is something all users come into contact with at some stage. This is where igus also went back to its box of polymer tricks, developing the first xiros ball bearings with friction-optimised plastics. "xiros" comes from the Greek word for "dry". These products also require no lubrication or maintenance. They weigh less than metal ball bearings and, with their greater hygiene, are suitable for a much wider range of applications.
2003
drylin W profile guides: Starting signal for the extensive modular system for linear guides
igus produces its first profile guide in the form of drylin W. It, too, features sliding elements that require absolutely no lubrication or maintenance. Its resistance to dirt, dust, and moisture makes it suitable for many difficult environments. Its very quiet operation is a further advantage, especially for long periods of use when many machines are running at the same time. The modular system makes it easy for igus customers to design the right linear guide. All variants are wear-resistant.
2003
triflex energy chain: Development of the first e-chain especially for industrial robots
Industry is automating many areas of production, and this involves robots. But robots have a large radius of movement, so giving them safe, reliable energy supply systems means meeting special new requirements. igus presents the first special robot solutions that are very adaptable and can cope with torsion and round-the-clock operation. The triflex in-house product series is launched. The matching cables that can cope with the same conditions follow later.
1999
Establishment of the subsidiary in China
China was increasingly becoming a worthwhile market for igus. Energy chains, cables and plain bearings from Porz-Lind in Cologne were in demand here as well. For better coordination and management of business relations, a subsidiary was set up in China just before the turn of the millennium. Today it is the largest foreign subsidiary.
1994
Introduction of self-aligning igubal bearings
Self-aligning bearings were the logical consequence of the continuous material refinement and the increasing range of possible applications. Manufactured with the two-component injection-moulding method, the housing is formed over the inner spherical ball while remaining movable. The igubal product range continues to grow continuously but, whatever new materials and shapes are used, some things remain the same: the bearings are lubrication-free, maintenance-free and more cost-effective than metal bearings.
1994
Relocation to Cologne Porz-Lind: igus is growing and a larger factory is needed
The old factory ran out of room, since igus was growing continuously in all areas. It needed more production and staff space – not just for a few years, but for the long term as a fixed base, a building that could grow with the company. Renowned British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw was fascinated by the briefing and the solar system image used to reflect the corporate culture. And so the new igus factory with its striking yellow pylons was created, which stands out due to its openness, flexibility and an unusual concept for brightness and has had an impact on employees and passers-by ever since.
1993
The first drylin R shaft guide
igus customers were increasingly asking for solutions for linear motion. They wanted to make movement quiet and lubrication-free, with all the familiar advantages from iglidur plain bearings. A liner with clearance compensation and made of very low-friction material was the first product of this kind to go to market. The name drylin itself was indicative of what it was for: dry linear guide. One that is lubrication-free.
1993
Launch of readychain: igus introduces harnessed, ready-to-install energy chains
At igus, everyone has always asked this important question: How can we improve things for the customer? As only one answer of many, igus launched readychain on the market, the energy chain that is harnessed in advance, with the desired cables in the appropriate dimensions and is therefore ready for immediate installation. And that's not all. Ordering was made easier for the customer, since now only one order had to be submitted. The readychain can be delivered and installed faster, needs less space in logistics, and costs less to produce.
1991
xigus 1.0: Introduction of an electronic catalogue
Catalogues in paper form no longer came up to the standard that igus had set itself. Customers were to be given more information and also be able to find the energy chains for their individual application. The first e-chain expert was programmed and published on CD-ROM, a simulation program that could suggest the right configuration and offer different forms of interior separation. An important step towards "Moving energy made easy".
1989
First cable: igus develops the chainflex CF1
The e-chain was being used increasingly in industry, so it was inevitable that suitable cables would become a focus of attention. Frank Blase often heard from customers that poor cable quality led to corkscrew effects, core rupture, and loop formation in instances of acceleration and high speeds and cycle numbers. igus had already addressed this problem with e-chains. So the company decided to develop chainflex, its own tribologically optimised cables with innovative bundled stranding, thus assuming responsibility for an entire system consisting of energy chain and cables.
1986
More protection for cables: development of the first energy tube on the market
Wherever wood is machined, there is always lots of chips and dust. In more and more branches of industry, e-chains are successfully protecting cables against the many stresses that movement involves. The R68 energy tube was developed in order to be able to offer a cable-friendly system to the woodworking and material-transportation industry as well. Its enclosed design provides the best possible protection for cables in rough environments. And it makes installation easy.
1986
The igus solar system is developed by Frank Blase
People make igus what it is today. Not just employees, but customers as well. In order to visualise and internalise the igus philosophy, Frank Blase developed the undefined, which represents the corporate structure of igus GmbH. It includes everyone and everything: teams, team leaders, and managers and executives, with the customer as the vital core of the company's existence. After all, it is the customer who, like the sun, is the source of energy. Everything interacts in a system oriented to the rules of chaos – one that is guaranteed not to be static.
1985
Establishment of the subsidiary in the USA
By this time, Frank Blase had joined the company and saw an opportunity to achieve success in the USA faster with the range of plain bearings. Two additional materials, iglidur X and iglidur M250, were developed and assigned the necessary dimensions in inches. The start in Rhode Island however was more than sluggish. In 1986, younger brother Carsten Blase took over and Frank returned to Germany. Today, igus USA is one of the largest of the 35 subsidiaries that exist abroad.
1983
First plain bearing material: iglidur G is presented at the plastics trade show "K"
Günter Blase is known for his inquiring mind and pioneering spirit. So it was only a matter of time before he developed his own materials for his plain bearings instead of relying on suppliers. iglidur G was the first material that he used to make plain bearings with the injection-moulding method. The iglidur G plain bearing, also called "the classic all-rounder" at igus, is still part of the company's product range today. What makes it stand out is its versatile usability as like all the company's plain bearings, it is lubrication and maintenance-free.
1979
igus GmbH publishes its first catalogue for energy chain
The innovative energy chain made of high-quality polymers had now been refined quite a bit, and several variants had become available. In order to market the product effectively, the first catalogue for energy chains was designed and printed. The design of the double-spread catalogue with spiral binder was the precursor of all the igus advertising material and printed documents of today.
1977
New company headquarters: relocation to the Lochermühle in Bergisch Gladbach
The double garage in Cologne-Mülheim soon became too small. In Bergisch Gladbach near Cologne, Günter Blase found a suitable building in the historic industrial area of Lochermühle. Located above the old grounds where the first mills had settled as early as 1595, due to the location next to the river Strunde, there existed exactly the right entrepreneurial spirit to lend impetus to igus as a company.
1971
igus develops the first energy chain made of polymers
The creation of the first energy chain made of plastic is symptomatic of igus GmbH: it was developed because Günter Blase listened carefully to the textile manufacturer Schlafhorst. who was looking for a new concept for his textile machines that would protect cables on long travels in the harsh environment of his factory. igus was already successfully manufacturing plain bearings from high-quality plastic. The company worked with Schlafhorst to create the 20 series, achieving an automation milestone.
1965
The first product: a valve cone for Pierburg
And Günter Blase received that enquiry from Pierburg. Their complicated part turned out to be a valve plug for a carburettor. In 1965, no one would have thought of using plastic to make the small component, let alone injection-moulding it. The manufacturing process was simply too complicated. For Günter Blase, this was no reason to lose heart. He went into his double garage and experimented until the first perfect plastic valve cone came out of the injection-moulding machine.
1964
Every beginning is difficult
"Give me your most difficult part, and I will find a solution," Günter Blase told Pierburg. He had to take a risk in order to win over the company, which was his very first customer. There were two children at home who needed to be cared for. Money was in short supply. He had just set up igus with his wife and still had to buy his first injection moulding machine. The order from Pierburg was a critical one.
1964
Foundation of igus GmbH on 15th October
igus in motion
From the very beginning, life at igus was captured on film.The video shows a compilation of old recordings and Günter Blase interview excerpts.
This provides a little insight into the early years and shows how Günter Blase got into plastic and what was important to him from the start: the customers and the advantages igus products can give them!