Selecting plain bearings for machinery used in the food industry poses a real challenge for many designers, who must contend with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. While potential restrictions on PTFE are currently under discussion, existing regulations have already imposed stricter limits on food-contact materials containing bisphenol. Against this backdrop, igus introduces iglidur A181PF—a new material free from these controversial chemical substances—offering designers greater long-term regulatory certainty.

igus researchers have identified an alternative to PTFE

Thanks to its low coefficient of friction and excellent dry-running properties, PTFE has always played a key role in igus plain bearings. Finding an alternative, therefore, was no simple task. “Developing solutions that do not require the use of PTFE meant completely rethinking our tribological specifications,” explains Orth. This challenge was further complicated by the fact that applications involving food contact impose additional requirements—such as resistance to cleaning agents and process fluids—alongside the need for superior mechanical properties. “We tested numerous combinations to perfect this new material, which relies on a blend of alternative solid lubricants and an optimized polymer matrix. Together, these components deliver a robust overall profile that complies with food safety standards.”

The new A181PF is resistant to impacts and edge loading, and it operates reliably at temperatures ranging from -50 °C to +90 °C. Furthermore, depending on the specific application parameters, it offers a service life comparable to—or even better than—that of the standard PTFE-based material, iglidur A181.

These performance levels have been confirmed by tests conducted in the company’s internal laboratory, where igus subjected the new, PTFE-free bearing to rotational testing on a steel shaft at a speed of 0.3 m/s and a load of 1 MPa. The resulting wear was just 0.57 µm/km—an amount imperceptible to the naked eye, especially considering that a human hair is more than a hundred times thicker.

Hygienic dry running and high resistance to cleaning agents

Alternative solid lubricants, finely dispersed within the high-performance plastic iglidur A181PF, enable low-friction, dry-running operation. Furthermore, the material is highly resistant to cleaning chemicals and exhibits low moisture absorption, allowing for installation with minimal clearance.

The new plain bearings manufactured by igus using this material are therefore ideal for the food industry, where the absence of lubrication helps reduce the risk of contamination and ensures compliance with the strictest hygiene standards—in accordance with Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and FDA regulations.

The absence of bisphenol A (BPA), its derivatives, and its salts also meets the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 regarding BPA in materials intended to come into contact with food. Orth concludes: “Compliance with the rigorous standards of the food industry allows customers to approach project planning with greater peace of mind, even in light of potential changes to the regulatory landscape.”