Model making

Model making is far more than a hobby or simple handicraft—it is a creative and technical discipline that allows makers to bring complex designs to life with exceptional precision. From ships and aircraft to vehicles and mechanical systems, models are recreated across a wide range of scales using construction kits and advanced fabrication techniques that demand meticulous attention to detail.

Whether a model is brought to life through remote control (RC) motion or displayed as a static, ornamental piece, the passion for realism, accuracy, and fine craftsmanship is what makes model making so compelling and enduring.

igus® is setting new technological standards within the model-making industry. Our maintenance-free plain bearings, spherical bearings, and linear guides deliver reliable, high-performance motion without the need for lubrication. Their lightweight construction combined with high mechanical strength makes them ideally suited for high-quality, precision models—enhancing durability, performance, and design freedom for both functional and display applications.

igus® products used in model making

iglidur® plain bearings

Lightweight and quiet
Resistant to dirt
Wide range of standard products and customised design
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igubal rod end bearing with black housing and cream inner ring.

igubal® spherical bearings

Up to 40% more cost-effective than spherical bearings made of metal
80% lighter than metal alternatives
Lubrication-free and therefore low-maintenance
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Polymer slewing rings (PRT)

Lightweight
PRT split bearings for difficult installation situations
Suitable for high load applications
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White ball bearing with inner and outer rings.

xiros® ball bearings

Tough
Corrosion-resistant
Predictable service life
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igus linear guide carriage with mounting holes and a beige slider insert.

drylin® N low-profile linear guides

Very lightweight
Low installation height 6mm-12mm
Numerous carriage options
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E2 cable chain with an open link and connecting piece.

E2 micro e-chains®

For the smallest of installation spaces
Stable, light and quiet
Perfect for highly dynamic applications
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To the product overview

Spare parts and prototypes from the 3D printer

Service life up to 50 times longer than standard 3D printing materials

Order individual parts for your model making project online from batch size 1: just upload a 3D model and use the immediate price calculation to select the suitable material and procedure. Ready to ship in one to three days.

Find out more about 3d printing

Find out more about 3d printing

Model making applications

Lightweight flanged ball bearings in model aircraft for remote sensing
The Institute of Space Systems (IRS) deploys an aircraft weighing 25kg to record and analyse weather data. High demands placed on weight led to the use of xiros fixed flanged ball bearings - their compensation for misalignment and light weight were convincing arguments.

Model aeroplane on grass with a long wing and rear tail booms.

Remote controlled (RC) off-road vehicles

This application shows radio-remote-controlled scale-1:5 prototypes being used in an off-road situation. Plain bearings and thrust washers made of the material iglidur G replace metal bushings that quickly oxidise or corrode when exposed to dirt, mud and snow.

Model of an off-road vehicle with tracks and igus components.

Super-quiet energy supply system at Knuffingen Airport
Series 255 E2 energy chains are used under the runway at Knuffingen Airport in Hamburg's Miniaturwunderland. The chains are installed in reverse in a super aluminium trough with a silencer profile - a super-quiet solution that visitors cannot hear.

THAI aircraft in a miniature airport scene with runway and grass areas.

Pole position in model racing

igus is on board the fastest RC bike in model racing with a top speed of up to 110km/h. European Champion Clark Wohlert relies on iglidur plain bearings that allow clearance-free and low-friction movements and are also extremely light.

RC bike with red fairing and visible igus branding in model racing.

Drive without lubrication

On this Rhaetian Railway locomotive from Lang Modellbau, iglidur plain bearings are used on the wheel axes under the locomotive and in the drive. This eliminates the need to oil the gears. The scale-1:45 locomotive had to be taken apart painstakingly. An alternative would have been ball bearings, but these were not an option for cost reasons.

Model of an orange RhB locomotive with pantograph on a neutral background.

Take a look at our DIY page

Whether DIY newcomer or professional: igus® helps you to build your project successfully.
igus® products work in many applications and our experts are here to help with your DIY projects!