As the discussion around a possible ban on PFAS and PTFE causes uncertainty in the industry, Igus, a pioneer in lubrication-free high-performance plastics, has developed its own PTFE-free materials. At the K plastics trade show in Düsseldorf, the company demonstrated that this change not only is possible but also comes with technical improvements. Igus already offers 27 PTFE-free and PFAS-tested materials for its motion plastics – from plain bearings and linear guides to bar stock and 3D printing materials. These alternatives can already cover around 75% of all plain-bearing applications.
Crucially, tests show that the new PTFE-free materials deliver a significantly better performance, with wear rates reduced by up to 50% compared to references containing PTFE. At the same time, important material properties such as temperature stability, mechanical strength, and shrinkage behaviour remain virtually unchanged. “Many design engineers are already looking for alternatives that don’t compromise on functionality,” says Lars Butenschön, Head of the iglidur Plain Bearing Technology Business Unit at Igus. To drive development further, Igus is expanding its test laboratory to continue offering customers solutions that are both more environmentally friendly and technically superior.
