Altmann presents their cleanroom crane with semi-automatic operation and pendulum damping in Karlsruhe from April 23 to 25.

The model of a sling device for the cleanroom crane with semi-automatic operation and pendulum damping by Altmann is the centerpiece of the crane manufacturer's exhibition from Albaching. Visitors to LOUNGES2024 can explore its "inner workings." Its use accelerates processes in the cleanroom and makes them safer. (Photo: Altmann Fördertechnik)

From April 23 to 25, this year the LOUNGES2024 trade fair will take place in Karlsruhe. Altmann Fördertechnik will be participating as an exhibitor for the first time at the fair for cleanroom and pharmaceutical process technology. The latest innovation will be showcased at booth F3.2: the cleanroom crane with semi-automatic operation and pendulum damping. The innovation from Albaching was awarded third place in the "REINER" purity technology award by the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) at LOUNGES2023. Managing Director Achim Altmann will give a technical lecture titled "Innovation through Recombination" and explain what makes the cleanroom crane with semi-automatic operation and pendulum damping so innovative.

Altmann Fördertechnik's first visit to the cleanroom and pharmaceutical process technology trade fair in Karlsruhe in 2023 was a great success for the company from Upper Bavaria. For the development of the new cleanroom crane with semi-automatic operation and pendulum damping, Altmann Fördertechnik was awarded third place in the renowned REINER purity award by the Fraunhofer IPA. Therefore, the decision to participate as an exhibitor this year was an easy one.

Managing Director Achim Altmann also has the opportunity in his technical lecture "Innovation through Recombination" to dispel the prejudice that a crane with semi-automatic operation is "nothing half and nothing whole." The opposite is true.

Crane operator supported but remains flexible

Programming a semi-automatic crane is significantly more complex than a fully automatic crane. A semi-automatic crane supports the operator with routine tasks but still offers the maximum flexibility of a manually operated crane. Altmann explains, "A semi-automatic crane is in constant dialogue with the operator. The control system only enables the next correct process step to be initiated, such as moving to a target position along a predefined route. Only after approval by the operator does the crane proceed to the next station. This makes processes in the cleanroom safer." Using a semi-automatic crane also increases throughput times.

Visitors to LOUNGES2024 will be able to closely examine the innovation for precise load transport within a cleanroom. The "inner workings" of the crane control system are usually hidden, enclosed in a housing. At the model on the booth, visitors have the chance to take a look under the enclosure.

Beating inertia

The specially developed cleanroom crane is designed to transport machine parts to the desired assembly or manufacturing location without swinging the load. This is prevented by the integrated pendulum damping. The load is guided precisely to the target position. The crane operator does not need to perform compensating movements—neither when accelerating nor when decelerating. Because the load does not swing back and forth, the risk of accidents is reduced, and increased wear and tear are avoided. The reduced particle emission ensures compliance with ISO Class 5 requirements.

The organizers of LOUNGES2024 expect around 7,000 visitors this year. 230 exhibitors will present their innovations in Karlsruhe. The two managing directors, Robert and Achim Altmann, as well as sales employee Sebastian Lampl, look forward to presenting visitors at booth F3.2 with a model of the cleanroom crane's hook device and other innovations from Albaching.