High dynamic and cleanroom compatible: JAT was awarded for Pick-and-Place System Fast 4PnP

With the multi-performance-optimized Pick-and-Place system Fast 4PnP, Jena Drive Technology offers a solution for cleanroom applications that combines maximum dynamics with nanometer precision. (Copyright: Julian Hoerndlein)

The recently awarded silver igus vector award-winning Pick-and-Place system Fast 4PnP from Jena Drive Technology offers a solution for cleanroom applications that combines maximum dynamics with nanometer precision.

The system was specifically developed for high-precision applications in cleanrooms – such as semiconductor manufacturing, especially for direct exposure processes (Step & Scribe), PCB assembly, handling sensitive chips, or laser-based processing. For the power supply, JAT chose the ISO-certified e-skin flat with chainflex cables from igus and was recently awarded the silver vector award for its innovative system architecture. The award recognizes the most exciting projects with energy chain systems every two years.

High dynamics meets nanometer precision

The core of the Fast 4PnP is the combination of an extremely lightweight carbon construction and frictionless air bearings. As a result, the system achieves accelerations of up to 100 m/s² while maintaining exceptional precision. The repeatability is below 100 nanometers.

The air bearings operate completely contact-free and thus wear-free. At the same time, they eliminate mechanical friction and enable particularly smooth, highly accurate movement – a crucial advantage for demanding positioning tasks in microelectronics and photonics.

“The market increasingly demands systems that can simultaneously handle high accuracy and high dynamics,” explains Volker Hille from Jena Drive Technology. “This combination ultimately determines productivity, quality, and economic efficiency.”

Productivity through speed

The high dynamics of the system enable extremely fast point-to-point movements. This allows cycle times to be reduced and production processes to be accelerated – a key economic factor, especially in automated series manufacturing.

At the same time, the high system efficiency opens up new possibilities for energy consumption: when maximum speed is not required, smaller motors can be used, saving energy. This creates additional flexibility in designing production facilities.

Cleanroom-compatible – significantly reduced particle emission

A special focus was placed on the cleanroom suitability of the system. The integrated energy supply avoids traditional cable management systems based on link chains. Instead, a particle-free solution was developed that operates without friction joints. The e-skin flat guides the cables in flexibly connectable single pods.

Since no mechanical friction occurs, virtually no particles are released – a decisive advantage for applications in high cleanroom classes, such as those required in semiconductor, laser, and medical technology.

Advantages in laser processing applications

The Fast 4PnP particularly excels in laser-based applications, such as precisely cutting tiny geometries or dicing semiconductor chips.

Thanks to its high acceleration, the system can move through tight curves at a constant speed. This ensures stable laser power; reducing or triggering the laser is avoided. This reduces thermal stress and prevents material damage or burnt edges.

Future technology for the next generation of microelectronics

With the Fast 4PnP, Jena Drive Technology addresses a market where the demands for precision and dynamics are continuously increasing. Smaller chips and more sensitive components require positioning systems that combine the highest accuracy, cleanroom compatibility, and high process speed.

The award-winning system demonstrates how modern drive technology can combine productivity, energy efficiency, and precision manufacturing in one platform.