This record participation in the manus award 2025 from igus impressively demonstrates the innovative power and creativity of engineers around the world. The competition recognises the creative use of plastic bearings in machines, systems and vehicles, with a focus on the economic, ecological and social benefits. With 613 registrations from 38 countries, the competition noted an increase of almost 28% compared to 2023.
A self-balancing wheelchair with electric drive that increases its range thanks to lightweight plain bearings made of high-performance plastic. An electric pergola on a patio that uses lubrication-free polymer bearings to adjust its slats reliably for years in all weather conditions without the need for tiresome relubrication. A microscope for eye operations in developing countries, which is particularly fail-safe thanks to plastic bearings. All projects have one thing in common: they do not use traditional metal bearings, but lubrication-free plastic bearings from igus and are therefore competing for the manus award 2025. igus awards the prize every two years to honour the creative use of polymer bearings - together with Deutsche Messe, Werkzeugbau Akademie Aachen, Industrieanzeiger, Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe, WTWH Media, Krones AG and TH Köln.
613 applications show how relevant high-performance plastics have become in economic and sustainable terms
"This year's record participation impressively demonstrates how attractive and relevant the switch from metal bearings to high-performance plastics has become regarding cost-effectiveness and sustainability," says Tobias Vogel, CEO Plain Bearings and Linear Technology at igus. For example, a manufacturer of an electric pergola reports in its submission that it can dispense with additional grease thanks to polymer bearings with integrated solid lubricants - and thus saves €25,000 in grease costs and 20,000 hours of maintenance time within the guarantee period, while protecting the environment.
Jury selects winners in four categories in February with up to €5,000 euros prize money
The manus award jury met on 19th February 2025 to vote on the winners. "In our assessments, we place particular emphasis on creativity and the courage to question established industry standards for metallic plain bearings and replace them with plastic alternatives," emphasises Vogel. "At the same time, the applications also provide great inspiration for other companies to switch from metal to plastic." The jury presents four awards: the golden manus with €5,000 prize money, the silver manus (€2,500), the bronze manus (€1,000) and the green manus for a particularly sustainable solution (€3,000). The winners will be officially announced on 27 March 2025. For the first time, the award ceremonies will take place on the winners' premises this year.