Guaranteed particle-free - Unique igus cleanroom laboratory for ISO Class 1 components

The new igus cleanroom laboratory was built by Fraunhofer IPA for the rapid development of particle-free motion plastics suitable for cleanrooms up to ISO Class 1 according to ISO 14644-1. (Source: igus GmbH)

The tests, for example of the e-skin energy conductors, are conducted under ISO 14644-14 conditions in modular laminar flow boxes. (Source: igus GmbH)

In semiconductor manufacturing, components such as energy chains and cables must meet the highest standards regarding particle emission. To develop new cleanroom-compatible motion plastics more quickly, Fraunhofer IPA has designed and implemented a tailored cleanroom laboratory with an ISO Class 1 cleanroom system in Cologne, commissioned by igus as a development and certification partner. With the new laboratory, customer tests and new developments by the plastics specialist can be carried out under real conditions in the shortest possible time.

A powerful microelectronics is one of the most important key technologies when it comes to networking, AI, electromobility, and the expansion of 5G. Increasingly, semiconductor and display manufacturers are expanding their research and development departments as well as their manufacturing capacities. The development work and production of QLEDs and microchips take place in cleanrooms under nearly particle-free conditions. Because even the smallest contamination can, for example, destroy the circuit of a smartphone. Wear-resistant and cleanroom-certified components are in demand. Since 2001, igus has been offering energy conductors made from wear-resistant high-performance plastics in its e-skin and E6 product family. They are specifically designed for use in cleanrooms and are certified according to Fraunhofer TESTED DEVICE®. "The semiconductor industry is still a rapidly growing market that offers many potentials for our motion plastics," explains Peter Mattonet, Industry Manager for Cleanroom Technology at igus. In this year alone, igus is introducing four new products for cleanroom technology, including the modular e-skin flat as a single pod variant – easy to open and fill from the outside – with individually connectable cable chambers, and the new e-skin SKS20 for short travel distances in very small installation spaces. "To accelerate our developments even further, we have now commissioned an in-house cleanroom laboratory from Fraunhofer IPA," says Andreas Hermey, Head of Development for e-chain systems at igus. The new laboratory is part of the 3,800-square-meter igus test laboratory in Cologne and will be used for all motion plastics, such as energy chains, cables, linear bearings, robot gearboxes, and sliding bearings.

Cleanroom tests according to ISO 14644-14 for rapid customer developments

In the field of new cleanroom product development, igus has been cooperating with Fraunhofer IPA for 17 years. "Due to our long-standing successful collaboration, it was clear to us that we wanted to implement the cleanroom laboratory project together with the experts from Fraunhofer IPA," Hermey explains. With the new laboratory, igus can now test its motion plastics according to ISO Class 14644-14. The internationally recognized ISO classes provide information about the particle-free quality of the components. They specify an allowable amount of particles in the cleanroom. "With the new cleanroom laboratory, we can conduct long-term tests under real conditions, improve our products in the shortest possible time, and also implement customer-specific setups directly," says Hermey. To meet ISO Class 1 standards, the developer must first pass through an airlock where cleanroom clothing is donned before entering the main laboratory chamber. Inside, there are two laminar flow boxes where the cleanroom experiments take place. For larger test setups, the boxes can be connected. To meet cleanroom requirements, appropriate filter and air treatment systems are necessary. An investment that pays off in the long term.