igus expands 3D printing capabilities

Motion plastics supplier, igus South Africa, has introduced a new 3D printing service capable of producing custom parts in two engineering-grade polymers with exceptional strength and without the need for lubrication.

This step bridges the gap between traditional injection moulding and fast-turnaround additive manufacturing allowing engineers to get custom parts in days rather than weeks without compromising on durability or performance.

According to igus South Africa product specialist, Juan-Eric Davidtz, the igus solution is unlike standard 3D printing filaments which lack the load capacity or wear resistance required in industrial applications. The new solution uses iglidur 150 and iglidur 190 materials. These are the same engineered polymers used in igus’s injection-moulded plain bearings and other parts. As a result customers get the same benefits including low friction, dry-running operation and zero lubrication requirements but with the flexibility of custom geometries and rapid prototyping.

The polymers include: –

iglidur 150 which is a versatile, food-grade material ideal for general-purpose bearings and sliding elements. It offers excellent wear resistance, good chemical stability and is certified to meet strict EU Regulation 10/2011 requirements making it a strong choice for packaging machinery, food processing and general industrial applications.

iglidur 190 which is a heavy-duty material formulated for higher load capacity and impact resistance. It is particularly suited to parts exposed to high stress, shock loading or abrasive conditions such as gears, racks and pulleys.

By pairing these specialist materials with precision 3D printing, igus delivers an engineered solution that easily outperforms conventional printed plastics in every measurable way. The result is a printed part that lasts longer and needs no ongoing maintenance like its injection-moulded counterpart.

“The real advantage here is that customers can get the same proven igus polymer performance in a custom one-off or low-volume run. For our customers manufacturing or maintaining machines, as well as designers this means faster time to delivery, reduced downtime and a reliable path from prototype to production,” concludes Juan-Eric.

Industrial applications

The introduction of its advanced polymer 3D printing service has paved the way for rapid turnaround of one-offs, small production runs or working prototypes from the same material as its world-renowned injection moulded products. These are the Top 10 Industrial Applications although walk-in business of any type is also catered for:

• Bushes and Plain Bearings – Self-lubricating, wear-resistant components for machinery, conveyors and automation systems.
• Gears and Gear Wheels – Low-friction, high-load gearing for industrial drives, robotics and packaging machinery.
• Rollers and Idler Wheels – Smooth, maintenance-free rotation in transport systems and printing presses.
• Linear Slide Pads and Carriages – Precise, lubrication-free motion for CNC, pick-and-place and cutting equipment.
• Custom Wear Pads and Strips – Protect surfaces in high-friction zones, extending machine life.
• Chain Guides and Cable Carriers – Durable supports for moving cables and hoses in automated systems.
• Valve Seats and Seals – Chemically resistant, low-maintenance components for fluid handling and processing.
• Robotic End Effectors – Lightweight, low-wear grippers and tool mounts for repetitive high-speed tasks.
• Housings and Brackets – Custom mounts that combine strength, chemical resistance and reduced weight.
• Specialised Conveyor Components – Low-noise, high-durability parts for bottling, packaging and food processing lines.