SINGAPORE – Nov. 5, 2026 – PRLog — As food industry regulations continue to evolve, machine manufacturers need materials that meet increasingly stringent safety and hygiene requirements. To support design engineers, igus has introduced iglidur® A181PF, a new PTFE-free and bisphenol-free plain bearing material developed specifically for food-processing machinery.
Conventional plain bearings often rely on PTFE for low friction and dry-running performance. However, growing concerns over PFAS chemicals and stricter regulations on bisphenols are driving the demand for safer alternatives. The new iglidur® A181PF addresses these challenges with an optimised polymer matrix and alternative solid lubricants, eliminating the need for PTFE while maintaining excellent performance.
Designed for demanding food industry applications, the material offers high resistance to shocks, impacts, edge loads and cleaning chemicals. It operates reliably across temperatures from -50°C to +90°C. In igus’ internal testing, the bearing recorded wear of just 0.57 µm/km under a load of 1 MPa and a sliding speed of 0.3 m/s, delivering performance comparable to or better than the standard iglidur® A181 material.
The new food-grade plain bearing supports hygienic, lubrication-
With low moisture absorption and excellent chemical resistance, iglidur® A181PF offers a reliable solution for food-processing equipment while helping manufacturers prepare for evolving regulatory requirements. It provides design engineers with greater material selection confidence, reduced maintenance needs and long-term planning security.
For more information on igus PTFE-free products, visit: https://www.igus.sg/