BPA-free plain bearing material for food processing machinery

EU Regulation 2024/3190 prohibits the use of components containing bisphenol-A in new machines with food contact from July 2026, with a transitional period until January 2028 for existing product lines. Igus has developed the lubrication-free high-performance plastic Iglidur A351, which is BPA- and BPS-free and, according to the manufacturer, can replace existing solutions without design modifications.

Iglidur A351 can be used to manufacture plain bearings, gear wheels, guides and spacers for conveying, filling and packaging systems. The material is FDA-compliant and available in various production forms: as injection molding granules, semi-finished products for CNC machining and as 3D printing filament. With a density of around 1.42 g/cm³, a compressive strength of around 78 MPa, low moisture absorption and a temperature range of -100 to +180 °C, the material addresses typical requirements of the food industry. Integrated solid lubricants enable dry running without external lubrication.