There are few machine components that are more under-appreciated than maintenance-free polymer bearings. Millions of these “discretely” carry out their work in the truest sense of the word — in a huge range of devices, equipment, and machines. Yet because they are so unobtrusive, they rarely come to people’s attention. In 2003, this situation led igus to launch a competition for polymer bearings – the manus competition.
In the last 10 years, more than 3,000 users from all over the world have participated. To mark the manus 10th anniversary in 2021, the company will present the green manus award for the first time — in addition to the gold, silver, and bronze manus award — for a project that is distinguished by its particularly sustainable approach.
For this 10th Anniversary event, igus is looking for industrial applications of polymer bearings that stand out for their technical and economic efficiency, creativity, and the developer’s courage. The aim is to highlight the technical superiority of plastic machine components: where has an unimposing plastic bearing resolved a long-standing problem or where has an application only been made possible or been improved through the use of a polymer bearing?
The competition for plastic plain bearing applications will be decided by an independent jury composed of professionals from the fields of research, trade press, and manufacturers. Design World Magazine’s own VP and Editorial Director, Paul Heney will also return for the awards next year as the only North American judge selected for the competition.
Courage and creativity will be the main focus of the jury. Only applications where bearing solutions are used with complete plastics will be considered. Plastic coatings will not be considered. Additionally, entries require at least one functional version of the device on which the technical benefits and the advantages of plastic plain bearings are evident. Concepts and ideas that have not been fully formed will not be considered.
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