HERMES AWARD

The HERMES AWARD 2010 has been won by LPKF Laser & Electronics AG, based in Hannover. The company received the award for its innovative laser process which structures extremely complex plastic components. The LPKF Fusion3D laser structuring system writes electronic conducting patterns directly onto the three-dimensional component, turning a simple plastic component into a high-grade circuit substrate - for example a motorcycle grip or cellphone antenna. The simultaneous deployment of four laser heads makes for faster, more precise processing.

The award-winning laser-direct structuring process won over the jury with its precision, authentic three-dimensionality and strong flexibility - layout changes can be easily effected by simply changing the data. The process offers considerable advantages for the developer: assuming the appropriate component layout has already been designed, both the per-item cost and the overall cost are considerably reduced. Separate cables or shields can be dispensed with, as can plug connections and additional circuit boards, making for a substantial reduction in the amount of assembly work required as well.

The HERMES AWARD carries a total purse of 100,000 euros. The award was presented on 18 April 2010 at the Opening Ceremony for HANNOVER MESSE by Dr. Annette Schavan, German Federal Minister for Education and Research.

 Apart from the winner, i.e. LPKF Laser & Electronics, the following enterprises had been nominated for the award:
attocube systems, based in Munich, ebm-papst, Mulfingen, Proton Motor Fuel Cell, Puchheim, and Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, Herborn. The award-winning, as well as the other four nominated products and processes will all be exhibited at the respective company stands during HANNOVER MESSE.

In addition, the "tech transfer - Gateway2Innovation" special display in Hall 2, stand D12, will present detailed information on all the entries nominated for the HERMES AWARD 2010 as well as the companies involved.