Dual-track transfer system for manufacturing and assembly in cleanroom applications

Conveyor belt of the BS21 series from Schnaithmann, certified for use in cleanrooms according to ISO Class 5.

Example of a double-track transfer system based on the modular conveyor system kit of the BS21 series from Schnaithmann.

Maximilian Perret, Head of Product Management and Process Management at Schnaithmann in Remshalden.

The Schnaithmann Maschinenbau GmbH introduces double-track transfer systems of the BS21 series for manufacturing and assembly in cleanroom applications. The Remshalden-based system supplier for automation technology presents the ISO Class 5 certified conveyor belt systems at Motek 2022 in Stuttgart.

The flat belt double-track conveyors of the BS21 series were tested by the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) and found suitable for cleanrooms according to DIN EN ISO 14644-1. "We are very pleased that the use of our BS21 conveyors in cleanroom environments for ISO Class 5 is now officially certified," says Maximilian Perret, Head of Product Management and Process Management at Schnaithmann. "With this, we offer our existing customers, as well as new customers, an additional option for applications with high requirements for air purity." Cleanroom environments are needed wherever particles present in the ambient air disturb production or product quality. This includes not only medical technology and research, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry but also chip and semiconductor manufacturing, microelectronics and nanotechnology, optics and laser technology, aerospace, solar technology, food technology, cosmetics industry, or watchmaking technology. In addition to cleanrooms, the BS21 series is also suitable for use in ESD-protected areas where electrostatic charges must be avoided.

Transfer systems are used in assembly lines, conveyor and storage lines, material flow, and process chains for transporting, buffering, storing, or decoupling products on workpiece carriers. Schnaithmann's belt systems are modular and adaptable to different tasks and automation levels. A special feature of the BS21 system modular design are the 90-degree transfer curves, which enable flexible setup and a very compact design of the system. The lightweight construction, combined with fewer drives and reduced control effort, saves energy and costs. The double-track belt systems are easy to maintain, quick, and quiet. They are compatible with common transfer systems and workpiece carriers.

Flat belts, timing belts, roller chains, and duplex chains serve as the transport medium for workpiece carriers on the double-track conveyors. The conveyor belts are available with track widths from 160 mm to 1,500 mm and can be realized in lengths from 300 mm to 12,000 mm or longer. The flexible modular system offers, among other things, conveyor belts, curves, lift-over cross units, rotary units, indexing units, and load handling devices. "Our product experts assist in selecting the right series and components," says Perret. "Through many additional components and customer-specific adjustments, tailored transfer solutions are created. The scope of delivery is entirely based on customer requirements. Everything from individual belt components to pre-assembled systems to complex automation systems is possible."

Schnaithmann manufactures customized transfer and assembly systems in Remshalden for automation, assembly, material flow, and handling tasks. From concept development, planning, and design to commissioning of a complete transfer system and on-site maintenance, the family-owned company offers all services from a single source. With an export rate of 50 percent, Schnaithmann supplies customers worldwide.