Floating through the cleanroom

Trace-free on the move: The Multilift from EAP Lachnit operates with SEMI certification on air cushions through cleanrooms or Ex-zones.

Due to its compact and robust design, the Multilift is extremely maneuverable and can lift heavy loads.

The Multilift is manually operated via five air cushions and hovers lightly and simultaneously absolutely safely above the ground.

In sensitive areas of electronics, pharmaceuticals, or glass industries, forklifts and floor conveyors must meet strict requirements. Problematic are drives with tires or rollers that leave debris. This must be prevented, especially in cleanrooms or Ex-zones. EAP Lachnit has developed the Multilift for these requirements, which lifts and transports loads and runs on air cushions. Thanks to innovative technology, the air cushion forklift operates without wheels and has received SEMI certification from TÜV Rheinland for use in the semiconductor industry.

Lifting and moving without leaving traces. This is demanded by the strict regulations for cleanrooms or Ex-zones, which apply particularly to manufacturing in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries. Even the smallest contamination can lead to production errors, for example in semiconductor manufacturing. The conveyor technology specialist EAP Lachnit offers a Multilift specifically designed for these requirements, which runs on air cushions. This alternative drive replaces wheels, which can be problematic in operation. They leave debris and thus contaminants, which must be absolutely avoided in cleanrooms. The Multilift, on the other hand, is manually operated via five air cushions with diameters of 300 millimeters each, allowing it to float lightly and simultaneously be absolutely safe over the floor. The pressure of each air cushion is individually controllable, preventing tilting or tipping when lifting loads. The extremely compact forklift can rotate on the spot thanks to its air cushion drive and is also well suited for use in very confined spaces. The forklift is made entirely of stainless steel, with surfaces electropolished, eliminating any paint abrasion. Due to its construction and smooth surfaces, it is very easy to clean and meets the IP 67 protection class.

The suitability of the Multilift for the semiconductor industry has now been confirmed by TÜV Rheinland with SEMI certification (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International). The test defines minimum safety requirements for products used in semiconductor manufacturing. These requirements include safety hazards such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical dangers. An internationally leading electronics and optics manufacturer has been using the Multilift in its production for two years already.

Performance on Air Cushions

Thanks to its compact yet robust design, the Multilift is highly maneuverable and can lift heavy loads. It has a load capacity of up to 250 kilograms with a boom reach of 750 millimeters or 150 kilograms with a boom reach of 1,000 millimeters. The current device version has been equipped with a reinforced cylinder rated for a nominal load of up to 750 kilograms, providing triple safety. The compact column design of the Multilift has a diameter of 850 millimeters. When retracted, the machine has a compact height of less than 2,000 millimeters, allowing it to pass through door openings. When extended, loads can be lifted up to 3 meters high. The forklift's own weight is approximately 1,650 kilograms.

To enable versatile use, different lifting tools and a swiveling crane boom in articulated arm construction are available. Lifting is performed via a telescopic mast within the covered center mast, operated by two spindles with servo drive. A flat belt serves as the lifting element, with sevenfold safety against breakage. The lifting speed is infinitely adjustable from 0.25 mm/s to 50 mm/s. Operation is via remote control.