igus Launches New drygear® Apiro HD Hybrid Gearbox for Harsh Industrial Environments

SINGAPORE - Aug. 10, 2026 - PRLog -- igus, a global leader in motion plastics® and lubrication-free drive technology, has expanded its drygear® Apiro portfolio with the launch of the new drygear® Apiro HD, a hybrid gearbox engineered for demanding industrial environments. Combining a lubrication-free tribopolymer worm gear with a durable zinc die-cast housing, the new solution delivers greater robustness while retaining the key benefits of lightweight, maintenance-free operation.

The drygear® Apiro modular gearbox system has become a popular alternative to traditional metal gearboxes in applications such as material handling systems and format adjustment equipment in the food and beverage industry. By replacing conventional metal components with high-performance plastics, users benefit from lower costs, reduced weight, quieter operation, and the elimination of lubrication requirements.

However, some engineers have hesitated to adopt plastic gearboxes in more challenging environments where impact resistance and mechanical strength are critical. To address this need, igus developed the drygear® Apiro HD, featuring a zinc die-cast housing that provides significantly improved structural rigidity and protection against mechanical impacts.

"Our customers frequently requested a solution that could withstand harsher operating conditions while maintaining the advantages of lubrication-free technology," said Steffen Schack, Head of Sales for drygear® Gear and Gearbox Technology at igus. "With the Apiro HD, we have created a gearbox that bridges the gap between lightweight polymer solutions and heavy-duty industrial requirements."

The enhanced housing increases the gearbox's load-bearing capabilities, supporting mechanical loads of up to 70 kg and dynamic loads of up to 25 kg. According to Dr Judith Merz, Head of the drygear® Gear and Gearbox Technology Division at igus, the new design helps meet higher demands in format adjustment applications while ensuring reliable operation under mechanical stress.

Beyond its durability, the zinc die-cast housing offers cost advantages over aluminium and steel. The material provides excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional accuracy, while its low melting point enables energy-efficient manufacturing and reduced post-processing requirements.

At the heart of the gearbox remains igus' proven lubrication-free tribopolymer worm gear with a 4:1 ratio, ensuring maintenance-free performance throughout its service life.

With the introduction of the drygear® Apiro HD, igus reinforces its commitment to delivering cost-effective, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and maintenance-free gearbox solutions that help customers improve reliability and reduce operating costs in demanding industrial applications.

Find out more about the Apiro HD at drygear® Apiro® Heavy-Duty (https://www.igus.sg/product/drygear-apiro-gearbox-heavy-duty)
About Apiro drygear at drygear® Apiro modular gearbox system | igus Singapore (https://www.igus.sg/gearbox/apiro-gearbox)