3rd place - Weidmüller: 'Klippon Connect' terminal blocks

© Weidmüller

3rd place - Weidmüller

The 'Klippon Connect' terminal blocks with lateral Push In connection from Weidmüller are a solution for safe wiring in narrow distribution boxes. The terminal blocks combine the advantages of screw connection technology with the operation of push-in technology. They enable tool-free, clear wiring without a protruding bending radius. The side entry of the conductors into the terminal reduces the installation height and increases connection reliability without having to bend the cable. According to the manufacturer, this enables clear and space-saving wiring. Thanks to the clear arrangement of the side conductor entry, the terminal blocks are accessible for test systems even when wired. At the same time, the push-in connection provides a vibration-proof, gas-tight and permanently reliable connection. If the conductor needs to be disconnected again, simply press the pusher on the top of the terminal block. In addition, the markings and functional areas are clearly visible - even when wired.

2nd place in the electromechanics category

2nd place - Wago: 221 series connection terminal block

© Wago

2nd place - Wago

The 221 series connection terminal block from Wago is now also available with green levers 'Green Range'. It has the same properties as its sister with orange levers. However, it is partly made of origin-certified, biocircular (basis: bio-based waste materials from industry and households) and recycled plastics (post-consumer recyclate). The levers (PBT) consist of at least 27% recycled PET bottles. The housing is based on up to 77% bio-based residual materials from industry and households, such as tall oil, used grease and residues from the production of cooking oils, which are processed into high-quality polycarbonate using clever technical processes, thus reducing the use of fossil resources. The packaging of the 'Green Range' connecting clamp with levers is made of grass paper. This has a grass fiber content of up to 30% and a recycled paper content of around 70%. The production of grass paper causes around 5.6% less CO2e and around 11% less water consumption compared to the production of pure recycled paper. It also has around 28% less impact on biodiversity, as the grass fibers come from compensation areas for buildings or fallow agricultural land. Grass cuttings are used for the production of grass paper.

1st place in the electromechanics category

1st place - Sigmatek

The 'ready to use' I/O system X-Dias from Sigmatek can either be mounted on the DIN rail or, for higher quantities, integrated into the OEM PCB design and plugged onto the rear. The bus connection is already integrated in the I/O modules. Standard bus systems such as Industrial Ethernet and Varan bus are available for communication with the controller. Function-oriented connectors with ± signal for each input and output ensure a clear overview during wiring and commissioning. The I/O system can be integrated into customer-specific designs for series production of machines with higher quantities.

Ingrid Traintinger from Sigmatek is delighted with first place in the 'Electromechanics' category.

© Julia Bergmeister Photography / Computer&Automation

The base modules can be plugged onto customized wiring boards - on the back. This allows the control cabinet to be used in three dimensions and reduces the footprint. In this version, fuses, cut-off relays and the necessary intermediate wiring can be integrated on the OEM board, for example. Pre-assembled cable harnesses reduce the amount of wiring required. The system can be combined or extended with the 'S-Dias' and 'P-Dias' automation system (IP67).