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An offshore inspection device, a floating catamaran and a driver assistance system for people with reduced mobility. What they have in common is the extraordinary use of high-performance plastics in bearing technology with which they won the 2019 manus award. A joint initiative, which the plastics specialist igus announces every two years, is now looking for unique applications with plastic plain bearings. The winner will receive prize money of up to 5,000 euros. To mark the tenth anniversary of the manus award, the jury is offering a sustainability prize.
The more than 70 submissions to the ROIBOT Award 2020 make it clear that entry into automation can be achieved easily and cost-effectively. This year, in addition to the expert jury, for the first time the public also has the chance to vote for their personal favourite. At www.roibot.de you can find many innovative examples of how Low Cost Automation from igus can be used profitably: from Bathroom mirror cabinet with sound system up to the automated “Chocomatic” praline dispenser.
In semiconductor manufacturing, components such as energy chains and cables must meet the highest standards regarding their release of particles. In order to be able to develop new motion plastics that are suitable for use in cleanrooms, the Fraunhofer IPA, working as a development and certification partner on behalf of igus, has now designed and built a tailor-made cleanroom laboratory with an ISO Class 1 cleanroom system in Cologne. With the new lab, customer tests and the development of new products by the plastics specialist can be carried out in advance under realistic conditions in a very short time.
Since the beginning of May, the igus innovations exhibition has been located in an exhibition hall in Cologne Porz-Lind. 100 motion plastics News are exhibited at the real igus trade show stand, and can be explored digitally either independently or together with igus experts. In June more than 18,000 visitors had already taken advantage of the unique offer and found out how they can improve the technology of their moving application and save costs with motion plastics.
In its virtual trade show, igus is now presenting more than 100 plastic innovations and product range additions from all areas of motion plastics. Around 400 square metres in size, the real stand is now open to visitors on the Internet and, using multimedia, provides information on the topic of “Cost down, Life up. It’s our job.” The trade show is part of the digital support given to customers, whereby personal guided tours, person-to-person meetings and group meetings on the stand can be arranged.
After a 2% increase in turnover last year, igus is currently registering different signals from the market. Whilst sales declined in the first four months due to the Corona situation, incoming orders have so far remained almost stable. The interest in motion plastics, which improve technology and reduce costs, is increasing markedly. So igus has set up a trade show stand where customers can discover digital innovations for themselves. The initial days have already seen much approval.
In the current situation, many firms are restricting visits to external companies. With its virtual visit, igus offers a simple alternative: assembly aids and drawings as well as a tour of the machine, interactive presentations for designers, buyers and other concerned parties are provided over the Internet
Renewable, sustainable and waste-reducing: these are the aims underpinning Cat-HTR (Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor) technology. It can be used to recycle plastic waste within 20 minutes. The oil obtained can be used again to make new polymer products. In order to support the circular economy of plastics, igus has now invested €4.7 million in a company that plans to start up the first commercial Cat-HTR plant.
“Industry 4.0”, “Internet of Things” and “Smart Factory” – these concepts are no longer a vague promise of what is to come. Companies are already able to benefit from the use of intelligent systems and products. At EMO 2019, igus will be showing how machine tool manufacturers and customers can raise their maintenance to a new level and, at the same time, reduce costs by using smart machine components.