High school and college students across the country are getting help from igus, Inc., with their mechanical design ideas and inventions, thanks to the company's new Young Engineers Support program. Y.E.S., as it is known, donates igus products to students involved in various design competitions and school projects.

Igus is a manufacturer of plastic cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, plastic bearings and linear guide systems. The goal of the Y.E.S. program is two-fold: to support young engineers, and to build awareness about the advantages and merits of plastic components among the engineers of tomorrow. Igus has already donated products to students who are using them in unique and interesting ways.

A group of professors and students at Northwestern University, for example, used the igus DryLin T linear guide system in its wheelchair design. The seating system relieves the adverse affects of prolonged sitting suffered by wheelchair users. The team at Northwestern noted that the igus system permits it to test the chair with many different kinds of people, and also "makes [the chair] more comfortable and effective at the same time."

In another example, students from the University of Rhode Island used igus' igubal spherical bearings to support the steering shaft of their off-road vehicle. The vehicle was designed by the seniors to survive the "severe punishment of off-road terrain," according to igus. Once the vehicle was completed, the team participated in the Mini Baja East Competition in Canada, and finished 22nd out of 62 teams.

To check out these and other student designs—or to learn more about the Y.E.S. program—go to www.igus.com/yesprogram.asp.

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