In search of spectacular plastic plain bearing applications

What do an exoskeleton, an articulated robotic arm and a research project on space debris have in common?

Plastic plain bearings are used in all these applications and they were chosen as the three winning applications at the last manus award – which is initiated every two years by motion plastics specialist igus.

Now the starting whistle has been blown – manus award 2019 is now open for entries. The winners can look forward to prize money of up to 5,000 euros.



Selecting three winners from among 541 entries from 35 countries – this was the great challenge facing the jury at the last manus award held two years ago.

In addition to the three winners, there were many other exciting applications using plastic plain bearings, from 3D printers to sports equipment, to art sculptures.

“This selection of the most varied applications alone illustrates the diverse application possibilities of plastic plain bearings,” explains Robert Dumayne, dry-tech director at igus.

Engineers can apply online and present their designs to the jury with short texts, photos and videos.

Whether production applications for the industry or individual pieces, each entry is treated equally, the only condition is that at least one built prototype of the presented application exists.

The deadline for entries is 22 February 2019 and the winners will be announced at the Hannover Fair 2019.