The Sixth Manus competition is underway. The international contest, sponsored by igus, East Providence, R.”I., seeks innovative and challenging applications that use self-lubricating, maintenance-free polymer bearings to improve technology and reduce costs. Winners will receive cash prizes totalling over $11,000.
One area that can be improved through the use of dry-running plastic bearings is machine safety. According to an MIT study, machine stoppages resulting from insufficient lubrication cost up to $240 million in the U.”S. alone.
To enter, write a short description of the polymer-bearing application, describe how the bearings solved the problem, and accompanying photos or drawings.
Applications using all-plastic or plastic-compound bearings are permitted, but not those that use bearings coated in plastic. Go to www.igus.com/manus to enter. Deadline for entries is February 28, 2013.