Expanded test laboratory provides polymer users with more information
April 2026Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Motion plastics manufacturer, igus has expanded its international testing facilities to a total test laboratory footprint of more than 5500 m2 of dedicated research space in order to accommodate its increasing product portfolio and enable continuous improvement of its product quality.
The newly enlarged test laboratory combines a wide range of testing areas for energy chains, highly flexible chainflex cables, iglidur plain bearings, drylin linear technology, low-cost automation components and igus:bike applications. “We have expanded our test laboratory area to support faster innovation cycles and more comprehensive real-world testing scenarios,” says Ian Hewat from igus South Africa. “This gives our customers confidence that the components they use will reliably perform under the most demanding conditions.”
The new 1500 m2 test area adds to existing dedicated outdoor and indoor test spaces. Customers can now benefit from testing environments that simulate real operating conditions, including extreme temperatures down to -40°C, cleanroom formulations, and customer-specific application trials.
The test laboratory runs more than 15 000 individual tests across over 742 test stations every year. These include endurance runs, multi-axis stress tests, and application-specific cycles such as long travel simulations for energy chains and dynamic loads for bearings. The vast amount of data generated feeds into igus’ online tools, including the service life calculator, product finder, CAD configurator and predictive maintenance tools. These help engineers and procurement professionals define the right components for their projects more accurately.
Getting the chemistry right
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Grace’s European production site has relied on analogue compression load cells from Minebea Intec for decades, with the long-proven measurement concept now serving as the reference for new silo projects as the company expands its capacity.
Read more...High-performance linear guides igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to expand its drylin range of lubrication-free polymer linear guides, including PFAS-free and EHEDG-certified variants for food safety applications. The tribo-optimised iglidur polymer technology eliminates maintenance while offering corrosion resistance and load capacity up to 600 kg.
Read more...Why measurement matters in smelting Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
South African smelters returning to operation after energy constraints face new demands for tighter control, better visibility and environmental compliance. Endress+Hauser explains how modern measurement technology supports safer, more efficient furnace operation and local beneficiation.
Read more...Sun tracking with pinpoint precision Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced the SEMS-2000 solar energy measurement system, a 2-axis solar tracker with pinpoint sun-pointing accuracy that automatically monitors direct, global and diffuse irradiance for unattended outdoor solar installations.
Read more...Ready-to-use hybrid cables igus
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
igus South Africa is expanding its readycable hybrid range, combining power and data transmission in a single line to simplify automation cabling. The latest additions include harnessed cables for Siemens Sinamics S210 drives and SEW-EURODRIVE motors with MOVILINK
Read more...AMETEK expands 993X gas analyser series with explosion-proof enclosures
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
AMETEK Process Instruments has added ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified explosion-proof enclosures to its 993X series of gas analysers, enabling reliable installation in Zone 1 hazardous locations where purge gas is unavailable.
Read more...Why medical device leak testing matters for South Africa's MedTech future ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa works to grow local medical technology manufacturing, non-destructive leak and flow testing is becoming a strategic quality assurance tool, helping manufacturers verify device integrity, meet regulatory requirements and improve production efficiency.
Read more...Moving forward with reverse osmosis
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Rising water costs and pressure on infrastructure are changing the way industries view reverse osmosis. G-Chem Aquacare is developing tailored, containerised solutions that make the technology more accessible for South African industry.
Read more...Meteorological data logger with up to 32 analogue sensors Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced its advanced data acquisition system for environmental monitoring, which has a universal data logger for up to 32 analogue, pulse and smart digital sensors.
Read more...Cutting-edge plastic e-chain protects cables in cleanrooms igus
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
igus has developed the C6 cleanroom energy chain with an e-spin guide system that allows abrasion-resistant cable travel over distances of up to 30 metres without generating the microparticles that standard energy chains produce.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version