The 2010 Innovation Prize awarded by the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce (HKZ) has been won by maxon motor. The company convinced the jury with its new precision motor for extreme condi-tions - the maxon EC22 HD. This drive can withstand 200°C, 100 G and 1,700 bar.

According to Mr Werner Steinegger, Chairman of the HKZ jury: "What persuaded us was primarily the unique blend of skills in terms of electrotechnology, mechanics, miniaturization and use of materials". With the EC 22 HD (heavy duty), maxon motor is the first supplier worldwide to launch a standard motor for extremely tough operating conditions. Developed for the exceptionally high requirements of deep drilling technology, the drive opens up new possibilities in a variety of equally demanding applications. Mr Felix Howald, Director of HKZ, said that another factor in the winning entry's favor was the fact that: "The inno-vation made by maxon motor is ready for the market and this will strengthen the company's ability to compete".

The different variations offered by the EC 22 HD are designed for operation in air or oil. The assigned pow-er rating therefore depends on the ambient medi-um: 80 watts in air and 240 watts in oil due to much greater heat dissipation. They are designed for ambi-ent temperatures of more than 200°C and atmospher-ic pressure of up to 1,700 bar.

The Ø 22 mm motors are also vibration-resistant up to 25 grms and can withstand impact and shock of up to 100 G (100 times gravitational acceleration); as a comparison, a Formula 1 car can take up to 2 G and fighter jets up to around 13 G.

maxon motor wins Innovation Prize for the second time.

The Innovation Prize awarded by the Central Switzer-land Chamber of Commerce is the most established company prize in Central Switzerland, having been awarded annually since 1986. It officially recognizes those who develop innovative and unique products, services or processes and bring them to the market. It is essentially all about originality and complexity as well as exceptional entrepreneurial achievement. The award is based on factors such as economic signifi-cance and job creation.

"maxon motor's power of innovation is documented by the fact that the company is receiving the oldest prize of its kind for a second time after winning it in 1996", writes HKZ in its communiqué. The drive specialist first won the award for developing an economical DC motor range entitled A-max. In doing so, it managed to retain the range of variations while achieving effec-tive automation. The A-max range allowed maxon motor to boost its growth even further.