igus launches ‘enjoyneering’ experience

07 October, 2024

Designed to demonstrate how igus solutions can help businesses save both time and money, this event is just the starting point in what is set to be an ongoing campaign. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, igus is reinforcing its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to industries across the UK.

A personalised approach: Customer success stories

Managing Director of igus UK, Matthew Aldridge, launched the event with an in-depth presentation on the significance of the new ‘enjoyneering’ experience. He highlighted its importance as a physical space where businesses can come to see how igus motion plastics products are used in real-world applications. Aldridge’s address set the tone for the day, focusing on the company’s dedication to innovative, sustainable technology that delivers measurable value to its clients.

A key feature of the event was the inclusion of two igus customers, Automation & Robotics and CNC Guru, who shared their personal experiences with igus products. Both businesses spoke of how igus’ motion plastics have been integral in their respective operations, underscoring the practical benefits of these materials in modern machinery. Their accounts offered invaluable insight into how igus’ products not only improve efficiency but also can contribute to cost savings.

The heart of the event was the unveiling of the ‘enjoyneering’ experience itself – a newly transformed showroom designed to engage attendees with igus’ latest innovations. This interactive space was conceived as a hub of activity, featuring products tailored to a wide range of industries. From automotive to aerospace, the vast array of motion plastics solutions on display is designed to provide visitors with the chance to witness first-hand the versatility and applications of these materials.

One of the standout features of the ‘enjoyneering’ experience is igus’ new initiative: GO ZERO LUBRICATION. This is part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, a principle that was woven throughout the day’s events. GO ZERO LUBRICATION aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional lubrication methods by promoting maintenance-free, lubrication-free components made from high-performance plastics. The initiative supports igus’ long-term goals of achieving zero waste, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting recyclable materials wherever possible.

Following the product showcase, I was invited on a guided tour of igus’ factory facilities, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its semi-automated readycable production line. This glimpse into the manufacturing process highlighted how igus is adapting to increasing demand. “This year, we have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in our Northampton factory to help us meet the growing demand for igus products from UK industries,” said Aldridge during the tour. The factory’s state-of-the-art processes allow for the assembly and shipment of sub-assemblies within a 24-hour timeframe, reinforcing the company’s reputation for efficiency and responsiveness to market needs.

A key element of the tour was the visit to the customer test area – a dedicated space where attendees could observe advanced robotic solutions in action. igus’ RBTX specialists were on hand to offer detailed explanations of the company’s wide range of automation options, demonstrating how igus products are being used to drive innovation in manufacturing. This area not only showcased the flexibility and precision of igus’ robotics solutions but also provided a platform for exploring the possibilities of further automation in industrial settings.

The interactive cobot desk was another highlight, showcasing the cutting-edge technology behind igus’ automation systems. The centrepiece of this display was the ReBeL cobot, the world’s first collaborative robot made entirely from high-performance plastic. Lightweight and highly efficient, the ReBeL represents a significant breakthrough in the field of service robotics. Its unique construction opens the door to new applications, particularly in industries where traditional robotics solutions may be too heavy or cost-prohibitive.

After a break for a festival-themed lunch – complete with freshly made wood-fired pizzas and ice cream – I also had the opportunity to test another of igus’ products, the RCYL bike, on guided bike rides around the Brackmills area, giving us the chance to experience the RCYL bike first-hand. This unique bicycle, constructed primarily from recycled ocean plastic waste, showcases igus’ commitment to sustainability and its vision for the future of manufacturing.

Each year, millions of bicycles are discarded after rusting beyond repair, contributing to an alarming amount of waste in landfills. The RCYL bike aims to tackle this issue by offering a maintenance-free rust-proof alternative to traditional metal-framed bicycles. Thanks to its lubrication-free components, the RCYL bike not only reduces the need for regular upkeep but also highlights the versatility of high-performance plastics. The bike’s eye-catching design, available in a range of vibrant colours, further underscores the creative possibilities of sustainable materials.

The igus ‘enjoyneering’ event successfully combined education, innovation, and sustainability, offering attendees a comprehensive look at the company’s forward-thinking approach. Whether through the factory tour, the customer presentations, or the interactive product displays, the event made clear that igus is committed to leading the way in motion plastics technology. With initiatives like GO ZERO LUBRICATION and the RCYL bike, igus is not only shaping the future of manufacturing but also making a strong case for sustainability at the core of industrial innovation.

As the ‘enjoyneering’ experience continues, it promises to serve as a vital resource for businesses looking to optimise their operations while embracing environmentally friendly practices. With its blend of technological expertise and ecological responsibility, igus is paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future

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