Plain Bearing Design Contest Returns To The UK

Igus UK is running its Manus plastic plain bearing design contest again this year. The competition aims to reward those using plastic plain bearings in innovative or demanding applications. The design challenge last took place in 2004. The contest is now open and entries may be submitted until 31st August 2006. Three cash prizes, of GBP 2500, GBP 1000 and GBP 500, will be awarded at a ceremony in September, along with a gold, silver or bronze Manus 'Oscar' and a certificate of recognition. This is the second time Manus has been run in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The first time was two years ago. Igus has also held Manus competitions in the USA, Germany and Italy since its conception in 2003. The concept behind Manus is to promote new and original ways of using plastic bearings and to promote awareness of the benefits of plastic bearings to a wider audience of potential users. Manus will also showcase the most challenging applications, honouring those with the courage and tenacity to implement plastic bearings. The competition will be judged by John Hetherington, Professor of engineering design at Cranfield University, Andy Pye, Managing Editor of Pro-Talk, and Matthew Aldridge, Bearings Product Director for Igus UK. The judges will decide which applications demonstrate the most creativity, technical advancement and economic impact. To enter, participants must submit a short description of how they are using plastic bearings, which bearing they are using and pictures, or a technical drawing of the application. Participants should also detail what benefits, such as technical advancements, cost savings, or increased life span, resulted from using plastic bearings. Any organisation optimising any brand of plastic plain bearing in new or existing applications may enter. Bearings must be all-plastic or plastic compound. Plastic-coated bearings will not be considered.