Research and development in engineering

During the research and development phase, engineers fulfil extensive research. This is so they can gather data, highlight risks and preform tests on products to make sure they meet quality assurance standards. This will help to develop and create a well thought out strategy for building a product customers love.

At igus® we offer outstanding products tested and delivered to the highest possible standard. Take a look at our products and see what you think.

How can igus® support your R&D?

The igus® test laboratory

Proven, predictable, tested
Materials are manufactured by igus® in accordance with the motto “Tech up, Cost down”. Our products are designed with great passion to extend the service life of machines and applications, eliminate maintenance and reduce costs. For our engineers, the quality and safety of parts, i.e. their resilience and service life, are an important criterion in development. Every igus® product is tested thoroughly before it is made available for sale. To this end, we have been operating our own test laboratory since 1985. It not only is the largest test laboratory for tribopolymers in the industry in terms of area, but also conducts the highest number of product tests and test procedures

What is tested?
Our facilities for testing applications and materials cover a total of 3,800m². Every business sector has its own test laboratory, however we test some products together on one area. For example, 1,500m² is dedicated to testing chainflex cables in our own energy chains. For especially long travels, 2,000m² of outdoor space is available. iglidur plain bearings, drylin linear bearings, and our Low Cost Automation components are tested in an area of over 300m². The latter is tested under real conditions.
To be able to develop new cleanroom-compatible products quicker, we operate our own cleanroom laboratory with an ISO Class 1 cleanroom system in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IPA. An outdoor testing area, a laboratory for noise tests and the climatic chamber with -40°C completes our test area. To achieve maximum realistic conditions, we also test customer applications and conduct industry tests.

Find out more

Helpful tools

What is research and development?

Research and development can vary depending on the industry however there are some fundamental key points which can explain what research and development is.

The need for development in new products, techniques, innovations and improving exisiting ones is the basis for research and development. These can be broken down into 3 categories:

basic research
applied research
experimental development.

You can read more about what research and development is in the engineering sector in the blog.

Sustainability within igus

Bicycle components made from recycled plastics
Many components used in the igus:bike are made of recycled plastics. This means plastic waste that is currently polluting the earths oceans, will provide urban mobility for the future.
The igus bike results in low maintenance . Meaning fewer spare parts to be reproduced and no pollutants such as oil or grease are released into the environment.

Explore the components
Take a look at the igus bike

Yes

Young Engineers support from igus

Within the Yes, igus supports pupil and student projects with free samples, sponsorships and consultations. Yes supports various Formula Student Teams In Germany and worldwide with it's lightweight and lubriaction-free bearing technology. Yes offers pupil and student groups to visit the production facility of the igus factory in Cologne-Lind.

What does Yes have to offer?

Support of pupil & student projects in the form of free samples
Sponsoring of pupil & student teams
Tours of our Cologne production site
Guest lectures
Final papers, internships & entry-level jobs

igus® online tools

Use our easy online tools to find, configure and calculate lubrication-free motion plastics products and individualise them for your requirements- including calculation of service life. Compare prices and delivery times and order your configuration directly online or request a quote. Download technical data sheets, technical drawings and CAD models without registration.

Go to online tools
Visit the CAD library

PFAS

What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are industrial chemicals that are used in numerous industrial processes and consumer products due to their special technical specifications. They can be gaseous, liquid or solid and mostly consist of carbon and fluorine atoms. Apart from this, the structures of PFAS molecules can be completely different, which means that they can have many different specifications.

Current legal situation regarding PFAS
EU: The use of PFOS has been largely banned since 2006 and that of PFOA since July 2020-our certification can be found here.
What does a possible PFAS ban mean for igus products?
Regardless of a possible PFAS ban, we already have many materials in our portfolio that do not contain PTFE according to the formulation. Find out more.

igus® product guarantee of up to 48 months

We offer a manufacturer guarantee of up to 48 months for energy chains and chainflex cables. The new guarantee service gives customers confidence that they will be able to design their individual applications exactly right and always choose the most cost-effective product that works reliably.

When does the guarantee start?
From purchase – its starts on the date of delivery.

When does the guarantee end?
After 48 months, starting from the delivery date.

What is the scope of the guarantee, exactly?
For the given guarantee period, igus provides a free replacement (delivery ex works). This applies only to igus chainflex and e-chain components that fail due to wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions

Why is research and development important in a business?

R&D introduces new products and services, enabling businesses to stay ahead of their competition.

Why is product research and development important?

Product research is important to create successful products. It helps to understand the customers needs and what they want. The research ensures them to make the correct choices to create new ideas.

What is engineering research and development?

Engineering focuses on solving technical problems with intelligent solutions. Therefore, research and development is crucial for technologies to keep existing systems working.

Need a sample?

We can help you with your research and development by supplying sample boxes and sample products for you to test yourself.

Having a physical sample can be really beneficial when starting new projects and within the R&D stage, testing can be crucial.

We have a range of boxes available but if the products in the box don't quite meet your requirements, please contact us and we will do our best to send you the sample product you need.

Request a sample

Consulting

I look forward to answering your questions

igus Australia Pty Ltd1300 726 244 Write e-mail

Shipping and consultation

In person:

Monday to Friday from 8 am - 5 pm.