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The history of igus - from Cologne's backyard out into the world
2025
1,105 billion €
Turnover 2024
5,215
employees worldwide
37
locations and 50 distributors,
represented in over 80 countries
5,500m²
test laboratory in Cologne,
with 15,000 tests/year
245,000
parts from stock
800
injection moulding machines
2025
Iggy Rob: the first humanoid robot from igus
Humanoid robots can be used for industrial automation or for assistance tasks in the service sector. Such robots used to be very expensive, but igus now offers a low-cost solution with Iggy Rob. It uses lubrication-free motion plastics, ReBeL elements and the in-house control software igus Robot Control for maximum reliability and efficiency.
2024
igus:bike world tour - the beginning of our 60th anniversary
On 15th October 2024, we celebrated igus's 60th birthday and set off on a world tour on this special day - or rather, we started riding our plastic bicycle. On the igus:bike world tour, we aim to cover a total of 6,000km in the next 12 months. The starting signal was given at the igus headquarters in Cologne and took us across Germany at first. We're planning to visit many more countries around the world.
2024
Guarantee: extended to up to 4 years for igus motion plastics products
We are extending our manufacturer’s guarantee to up to 4 years for all our products with igus service life calculation. We offer this guarantee because we know from over 15,000 annual tests in our test laboratory how long our motion plastics last. You can rely on this and it gives you peace of mind for your application.
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 igusGO app, which we launched 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, thereby improving the technology and saving costs.
2022
iguverse: 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 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: Recycling industrial plastics for everyone
In 2019, we launched our recycling programme for plastic energy chains. Since then, customers have been able to send us used energy chains and drag chains; we weigh the material and issue a voucher. The special thing is that we not only take back our own energy supply systems, but also those of other manufacturers if the chains are made of plastic. We shred the material or send it for external recycling. And then we thought we could do even more. Our Chainge recycling platform has been in place since 2022. We want to make recycling in the industry easier and promote the circular economy. To this end, we also offer recycled materials (recyclates) on our marketplace.
2021
igus:bike - A new bicycle for a new future
Using lubrication-free and rust-free plastics to manufacture a product that motivates end users rather than industry has long been the dream of company owner Frank Blase. As is so often the case, it was chance that gave rise to an idea: rusting and high-maintenance rental bikes at holiday resorts by the sea. Couldn't motion plastics also be there...? In 2021, igus is working with the Dutch start-up MTRL to design a bike made from plastic - the igus:bike. The moving parts come from igus, it's new territory for the developers. Rim brake, freewheel, planetary gearbox, pulley, wheel bearing, pedal crank: all made of high-performance plastic from igus.
2021
FastLine: Individual injection-moulded plain bearing delivered in seven days
When market demand for a product is high, manufacturers and their suppliers are in demand. Customised parts, such as plain bearings in special shapes, must be delivered quickly and easily. However, the production of special parts in injection moulding often takes several weeks. With the FastLine service, lubrication-free plastic bearings in special dimensions can be delivered within just a few days at cost-effective part prices.
2020
igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet: shore power supply for ships
Thanks to shore power supply, ships in ports can get the energy they need from land and switch off their diesel engines, which helps protect the environment. With the igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) we have developed a connection system that is mobile and allows power supply over long distances. The heart of the system is a flexible supply unit that can be easily positioned anywhere at the berth with igus e-chains systems.
2019
RBTX lean robotix: Platform for users and suppliers of low-cost robotic components
With RBTX , igus is introducing a platform that brings users and suppliers of low-cost robotic components together quickly and easily. Users can put together a low-cost robotics solution that meets their requirements and budget. Suppliers of robotic components can use the new marketplace to market their products to a wider audience.
2016
smart plastics: Predictive maintenance with high-performance polymers
Components from igus are low-wear and generally last longer in applications, which means less maintenance for companies. With smart plastics, igus provides sensors and transmission systems that recognise wear in good time and enable planned replacement via a message. This prevents the worst-case scenario from occurring in the first place: damage and system failure. This saves time, nerves and costs. And increases productivity.
2016
3D printing service: Printing wear-resistant parts from high-performance polymers
Filaments with up to 50 times the wear resistance, 3D-printed parts that last just as long in motion as injection-moulded parts - these were the promises with which igus launched 3D printing. Laser sintering powder, printed injection moulding tools and free online services were added. The ability to calculate the service life of parts online is unique in the world. igus keeps its promises.
2014
iglidur on Tour: Smart with 56 iglidur plain bearing on a trip around the world
To mark the 30th anniversary of iglidur, a Smart was equipped with iglidur plain bearings and sent on a journey around the world. The small car travelled through over 30 countries in 14 months. With this campaign, igus demonstrated the worldwide versatility of its polymer plain bearings and the performance of the iglidur materials.
2012
Second factory expansion: The igus factory in Cologne Porz-Lind grows once again
As if Günter Blase had known it would happen back in 1994. At least he had probably hoped so. igus GmbH continues to grow and needs more space again. 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 architecture of the flexible igus factory by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw makes it possible.
2011
drylin E: Linear axis now also with drive and motor
"E" as in "electric", you might have guessed it. igus now also offers suitable drives and motors for drylin linear axis. In the online shop, customers can now put together a complete linear axis including motor, connection cables and add-on parts with just a few clicks. The product finder also calculates the unit price of the linear axis as well as the utilisation of the motors and the service life in stroke. In this case, the "E" could also stand for "easy configuration".
2010
Bar stock made from proven iglidur materials
High-performance polymers from igus are already available in numerous forms. So why not also as bar stock, thought igus GmbH in 2010. iglidur plastic bar stock has since been available as plates and round and hollow bars. The advantage: with bar stock, customers can manufacture their own customised component and thus benefit from the advantages of a variety of different iglidur materials. Alternatively, igus offers a manufacturing service and processes iglidur bar stock as required.
2010
twisterband energy chain: Guiding cables safely through 7,000 degree rotations
With twisterband, igus is launching its own energy chain for rotary guides. With 7,000 degrees of rotary movement in horizontal and up to 3,000 degrees in vertical installation positions, it is a cost-effective and low-wear solution for rotary movements in the tightest of spaces. What looks futuristic in terms of design is conceivably easy to handle. Spoiler alert: this energy chain will win the reddot design award in 2011.
2009
Launch of robolink: The development of the low-cost robot arms begins
robolink W was the first cost-effective articulated arm robot created at igus. The development started with the purchase of a patent for an articulated arm with cable drive. Just a few years later, the robolink development took a big step forward and the D-series was developed. The difference to the previous models was mainly in the drive. robolink D articulated robots were moved with the help of direct drives.
2009
Factory expansion: The flexible structure is put to use
The forward-looking design of the igus factory with the yellow pylons is now paying off. igus is expanding the factory by a full 60%. More machines, more tools, more storage space - everything has its place in the airy building. And there is still enough space left for further expansion.
2008
xiros ball bearings: No lubrication thanks to high-performance polymers
Every child knows ball bearings; they are found in roller skates and scooters and are almost an everyday component. What every user comes into contact with at some point is the annoying lubrication. igus has also reached into the polymer box and developed the first xiros ball bearing with friction-optimised plastic. "xiros" is derived from the Greek word for "dry". These products are also lubrication-free and maintenance-free. They weigh less than metal ball bearings and are suitable for many more areas of application thanks to their greater hygiene.
2003
drylin W profile guides: Starting signal for the extensive modular system for linear guides
With drylin W, igus entered the world of profile guides. Here too, the compelling arguments were that the sliding elements are 100% lubrication-free and maintenance-free. Their resistance to dirt, dust and moisture makes them suitable for many application environments. The very quiet operation is a further plus point, especially for long operating times when many machines are running in parallel. With the modular design principle, igus makes it easy for its customers in designing the right linear guide. Moreover, they are all wear-resistant.
2003
triflex energy chain: Development of the first e-chains specifically for industrial robots
In many manufacturing sectors, the economy is increasingly focussing on automation and therefore on robots. However, due to their large radius of movement, robots place new special demands on safe energy supply. igus presents the first special solutions for robots that cover torsion, 24-hour continuous operation and many individual customisation requirements. A separate product range is introduced with triflex. The matching cables, which can withstand the same conditions, will follow later.
1999
Establishment of the subsidiary in China
China increasingly became a lucrative market for igus. Here, too, the focus was on energy chains, cables and plain bearings from Cologne Porz-Lind. A branch office was founded in China shortly before the turn of the millennium to improve the coordination and handling of business relations. Today it is the largest foreign branch.
1994
Introduction of self-aligning igubal bearings
The production of self-aligning bearings was the logical consequence of the continuous development of materials and the expansion of application possibilities. Manufactured using 2-component injection moulding, the housing forms itself via the inner spherical ball and remains movable at the same time. To this day, the igubal range is constantly growing and, despite all the new materials and shapes, they always feature one thing: lubrication-free, maintenance-free and more cost-effective than metallic bearings.
1994
Relocation to Cologne Porz-Lind: igus grows and a larger factory is needed
The factory in the historic building was also becoming too small, igus was constantly growing in all areas. More production facilities and more space for employees were needed. And not just for a few years, but for the long term, as a permanent base, a building that could grow with the company. The renowned British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw was fascinated by the brief and also by the image of the solar system, which reflected 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
The customers of igus were increasingly asking for solutions for linear movements. They wanted to design quiet and lubrication-free fast movements, with all the advantages they already knew from the iglidur plain bearing. The first product to be launched on the market was a film with clearance compensation and made from a particularly low-friction material. The name drylin already reflected its claim: dry linear guides. In other words, lubrication-free.
1993
Launch of readychain: igus introduces fully harnessed, ready-to-install energy chain
Everyone at igus has always asked themselves one question: How can we improve something for the customer? As just one of many answers, igus launched readychain, the energy chain that is already harnessed with the required cables in the right dimensions and is therefore ready for installation. And not only that, ordering became easier for the customer, because from now on there was only one order to place. The readychain saves time on delivery and installation, takes up less space in logistics, and is cost-effective to manufacture.
1991
xigus 1.0: Introduction of an electronic catalogue
Catalogues in paper form quickly ceased to meet the requirements that igus had for itself. The customer needed more information and to be able to find their energy chain for their individual application. And so the first e-chain expert was programmed and released on CD-ROM, a simulation program that could suggest the right configuration and also offer various interior separations. An important step towards "Moving energy made easy".
1989
First cable: igus develops the chainflex CF1
The e-chain was being used more and more in the industry and suitable cables inevitably became an issue. In contact with his customers, Frank Blase repeatedly heard that poor cable quality led to corkscrew effects, core breaks and the formation of loops when it came to acceleration, high cycle rates and speed. igus had already mastered this challenge with the 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
Swarf and dirt fall where there is planing. The e-chain is now successfully protecting cables against load caused by movement in more and more industries. The R68 energy tube was developed to offer the woodworking and material handling industries a cable-protecting system. Thanks to its closed design, it now offers the best protection for cables in harsh environments. It also makes installation easier.
1986
The igus solar system is developed by Frank Blase
People are at the heart of igus. Both on the employee and customer side. In order to visualise and internalise the igus philosophy, Frank Blase developed the undefined, which visually represents the corporate structure of igus GmbH. Everything and everyone is captured here, teams, team leaders, management and also the customer as the vital centre. Because it is the customer who, like the sun, provides the energy. Everything acts together in a system that is orientated towards the rules of chaos - and is therefore guaranteed not to become static.
1985
Establishment of the subsidiary in the USA
In the meantime, Frank Blase had joined the company and saw the opportunity to achieve faster success with the plain bearing product range in the USA. Two additional materials, iglidur X and iglidur M250, were developed and launched with the necessary inch dimensions. The start in Rhode Island was more than sluggish. In 1986, the younger brother Carsten Blase joined the company and Frank returned to Germany. Today, igus USA is one of the largest of 35 foreign branches.
1983
First plain bearing material: iglidur G is presented at the "K" plastics trade show
Günter Blase is known for his research and pioneering spirit. It was therefore only a matter of time before he stopped relying on supplier materials for his plain bearings and instead developed his own materials. With iglidur G comes the first in-house material from which he produces plain bearings by injection moulding. The plain bearing iglidur G, also known as "the all-round classic" at igus, is still in the product range today. It shines with its versatility and, like all plain bearings, is lubrication-free and maintenance-free.
1979
The igus GmbH publishes its first catalogue for energy chains
The innovative energy chain made from high-quality polymers has now been developed a whole piece further and is available in several versions. In order to effectively distribute the product, the first catalogue for energy chain was designed and printed. The design of the two-page spiral-bound catalogue was the forerunner of all of today's advertising material and printed matter from igus: an eye-catcher.
1977
New company headquarters: Relocation to the Lochermühle in Bergisch Gladbach
The double garage in Cologne-Mülheim soon became too small. Just outside Cologne, in Bergisch Gladbach, Günter Blase found a suitable building in the historic Lochermühle industrial estate. The old site, where the first mills had been established as early as 1595 due to its location on the Strunde stream, had just the right entrepreneurial spirit to drive the igus company forward.
1971
igus develops the first energy chain made from 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. Schlafhorst was looking for a concept for its textile machines to protect cables on long travels in harsh environments. igus was already successfully producing plain bearings made of high-quality plastic. Together with the machine manufacturer, the so-called Series 20 was then created - a milestone in automation.
1965
The first product: a valve plug for Pierburg
Günter Blase actually received an enquiry from Pierburg. The most complicated component was a valve plug for a carburettor. In 1965, nobody would have thought of manufacturing this small metal part from plastic and, on top of that, using an injection moulding machine. The production was simply too complicated. No reason for Günter Blase to lose heart. He retreated to his double garage and experimented until the first perfect plastic valve plug came out of the injection moulding machine.
1964
Every beginning is difficult
"Give me your most difficult part and I'll find a solution", Günter Blase told Pierburg. He had to take a risk to win the company as his first customer. He had two children at home to care for. Money was tight. He had just founded igus together with his wife Margret and the first injection moulding machine still had to be purchased. The order from Pierburg was urgently needed.
1964
Foundation of igus GmbH on 15 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!