Wanted: Unique projects with energy supply systems

They rotate 7,000 degrees in a circle, travel at speeds of 10 metres a second and move three-dimensionally like a snake: energy chains made of high-performance plastics. Every two years, a jury of experts awards the most exciting projects and their developers with the vector award and up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The application phase starts at Motek.

Energy chains made of plastic have long since been used in more than just classic mechanical engineering. All over the world, they ensure that cables and hoses are guided safely, whether in space, at sea or underground. Energy supply systems and cables are used in thousands of projects and have to overcome great challenges. From strict particle-free requirements in clean rooms in the semiconductor industry, high chemical resistance in electroplating, dirt and dust resistance in mining or chips and sparks in woodworking. Added to this are compact installation space, high speeds or even acrobatic torsional movements. The vector award aims to honour precisely these unique applications of energy supply solutions and e-chain systems with cables. “The competition is a great opportunity for us as a manufacturer to experience our products in the finished machines and systems and learn even more exciting stories about the applications,” says Michael Blass, Managing Director of e-chain systems at igus GmbH and jury member. “Fittingly, we are celebrating the 50th birthday of the plastic energy chain with our customers.”

Up to 5,000 euros in prize money

The vector award comes with prize money of up to 5,000 euros. Last year alone, 266 applications were received from 32 countries. The winners will be selected by a jury of experts from science, industry, trade fairs, trade media and associations and will receive their awards at the Hannover Messe 2022. Developers can apply with their already completed projects until 11 February 2022. In addition to the gold, silver and bronze vector awards, the green vector award will also be announced. “Many industrial companies – like us at igus – are increasingly addressing the issue of sustainability. For example, customers can send their discarded energy chains back to us. We sort the material by type and recycle it, creating granulate for new products. Therefore, as the initiator of the vector award, it was important for us – together with the jury – to also
to award a special prize to sustainable projects,” explains Michael Blass. The prize was spontaneously awarded directly to two projects at the last vector.

For more information, please visit: https://www.igus.de/