CAITRON emphasizes investment security in its cleanroom HMI portfolio for GMP Class A/B through re- and new certifications

(Image credit: Caitron – Adobe Stock / James Thew)

With the Cleanroom HMI Series, CAITRON markets Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) specifically tailored for use in cleanroom environments. Fraunhofer IPA has now re-tested and recertified the Cleanroom HMI CR series for suitability in hygienic areas up to GMP Class A/B according to EU GMP Annex 1. Additionally, Fraunhofer IPA tested and certified the CAITRON cleanroom tablet CT13 as well as the modular HSH support arm system developed by CAITRON specifically for cleanroom environments.

"With our HMI portfolio, we provide pharma and life science companies with powerful tools to directly capture and visualize operational and quality data in the cleanroom," says CAITRON Managing Director Michael Hirt. For pharma and life science companies, this often results in significant advantages for further process optimizations — even in environments where this is not strictly required by process technology: shorter decision-making and communication paths reduce the risk of costly production interruptions. Furthermore, bundling data collection and production reduces the risk of contamination, as employees leave and re-enter the cleanroom environment less frequently.

Faster decision-making and investment processes

Michael Hirt further explains: "With the certifications of our Cleanroom HMI Series up to GMP Class A/B, pharma and life science companies facing investments in new systems gain double security. On the one hand, the tested and certified quality increases their investment security and reduces the risk of expensive follow-up costs. At the same time, choosing a certified product reduces the technical and personnel effort required internally for decision-making — which also promises a time advantage until system implementation."

The CAITRON Cleanroom HMI Series at a glance up to GMP Class A/B

All models of the Cleanroom HMI Series deliberately omit any frames and weld seams, resulting in a completely smooth surface that is easy to clean without gaps or crevices. The fully enclosed V4A stainless steel housings, compliant with IP69 standards, are screwless and tapered at the back. This allows for convenient and residue-free wiping and/or airflow cleaning. The HMIs are cooled entirely passively, without rotating parts such as fans or contamination-prone cooling fins.

The displays and housings are extremely easy to maintain and highly resistant to disinfectants and cleaning agents. The P-CAP multitouch displays can be operated easily and intuitively with a stylus or cleanroom gloves. They are also comfortable to operate by staff wearing two cleanroom gloves for safety reasons.

For convenient connection to peripheral devices, the HMIs feature fully integrated WLAN and Bluetooth modules. Additionally, the systems can be equipped with RFID/NFC modules integrated into the housing. This allows seamless integration into device-spanning authentication solutions: employees can log in contactlessly using their RFID transponder according to their assigned access permissions.

The CAITRON Cleanroom HMIs are available with Full HD widescreen displays from 17 to 24 inches.

Versatile mounting options with CAITRON HSH support arm system

The brackets and adapters of the modular CAITRON HSH support arm system have been tested and certified by Fraunhofer IPA for suitability up to GMP Class A/B cleanroom standards. Pharma and life science companies can thus install their devices from the Cleanroom HMI series as needed in their cleanroom environments, benefiting from the high modularity of the system.

For applications with special requirements, such as mounting on existing brackets of third-party equipment, CAITRON also offers a portfolio of customized solutions for optimal integration into laboratory or production environments.

Michael Hirt states: "The support arm system covers practically all scenarios encountered in cleanroom environments — from wall and ceiling mounts to attachment on mobile workstations. Thanks to its modularity and flexibility, HSH also simplifies retrofitting into existing production lines, for example during line modifications, as well as generally in cleanroom environments in laboratories and research facilities."

CAITRON HMI Tablet CT13 for cleanroom classes up to GMP A/B

"The HMI tablet CT13, tested and certified by Fraunhofer IPA, is the result of our many years of practical experience in cleanroom environments of the pharma and chemical industries, fully meeting the requirements for mobile equipment in these settings," says Michael Hirt. "Technically, it is based on Microsoft Surface Pro 10 and Surface Pro 11 models."

The CT13 tablet features full functionality of the front and rear cameras, making it ideal for high-resolution image and video documentation, such as sampling. The CT13 is equipped with a magnetic charging adapter. The device is charged directly via the power input, keeping the USB-C port available during charging. Charging can be done either via the charging adapter or a charging dock.

Thanks to the cleanroom-compatible Surface Connect port, CAITRON protects customers from the risk of deep discharges, which cannot be remedied on-site with a conventional USB-C connector and may require costly device maintenance outside the facility. The CT13's USB-C port is directly accessible and protected by a GMP-compliant cover. The tablet's buttons are operated via GMP-compliant switches.

The integrated RFID/NFC reader module supports easy and comfortable user authentication via transponder medium directly on the tablet — conveniently with a card or chip. An optional stainless steel carrying handle facilitates transport from one workstation to the next. Additionally, the devices can be coupled with peripheral systems such as keyboards, mice, or barcode scanners. Special wall mounts and docks are also available as supplementary components.

The CAITRON CT13 tablet's V4A stainless steel casing is fully enclosed, free of edges and dead spaces, and resistant to industry-standard cleaning and disinfectants. This ensures efficient cleaning over many charging cycles. Companies with Microsoft enterprise agreements can procure Surface Pro tablets themselves under their negotiated favorable contract terms. CAITRON then performs the conversion for cleanroom use.