Submissions open for energy supply applications award

Rotating 7,000 degrees, travelling at speeds of 10 metres per second and moving in multiple dimensions: they are energy chains made from high-performance plastics.

Every two years, an expert panel awards the best energy chain applications and their developers with the vector award and up to €5,000 in prize money. Applications can be submitted now, and this year’s award also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the igus energy chain.

Energy chains made of plastic are no longer only found in mechanical engineering applications. They also ensure that cables and hoses are protected and guided, on land, underground, at sea and even in space.

In thousands of projects, energy supply systems have to master many environmental and physical challenges. From adhering to strict particle-free requirements in clean rooms in the semiconductor industry, high chemical resistance in electroplating, dirt and dust resistance in mining, and exposure to chips and dust in woodworking. In addition, these e-chains are subject to restricted installation spaces, high speeds and complex torsional movements.

The igus vector award aims to honour unique applications of energy supply solutions using e-chain systems with cables.

"The competition is a great opportunity for igus as a manufacturer to find out about our products in finished machines and systems and to learn about even more exciting applications," said Justin Leonard, director of e-chain systems at igus UK.

"In keeping with this, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the plastics energy chain with our customers."

Up to €5,000 in prize money

The vector award offers prize money of up to €5,000.

Last competition, 266 applications were received from 32 countries. The winners will be selected by a panel of experts from science, industry, trade fairs and trade associations and will be awarded at the Hannover Messe 2022 trade show.

Developers and engineers can apply up until 11th February, 2022, with e-chain projects – to qualify the projects must have already been completed. In addition to the gold, silver and bronze vector awards, the green vector award has been introduced.

"Many industrial companies, like us here at igus, are increasingly addressing industrial sustainability. For example, customers can send their used and expired energy chains back to us for recycling. As the founder of the vector award, it was very important to us, together with the jury, to recognise sustainable projects with a special prize," explained Justin Leonard.

The green vector prize was awarded spontaneously to two projects at the last vector awards.