igus sets a new standard with the first online tool for automatic design of Clean Cables

The e-skin flat configurator provides all relevant data such as technical drawings, STEP files, parts list, and installation instructions immediately for download. (Source: igus SE & Co. KG)

Reason to celebrate: igus has won the "Best of Industry Award 2025" in the category of Battery Development and Production with the e-skin flat. With the Apiro Gearbox Kit for lane adjustment, igus made it to the finals in the category of Modular Machine Concept. (Source: Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG)

Particle-free and space-saving design characterize cleanrooms worldwide for the manufacturing of microchips and semiconductors. To safely route cables under these conditions, igus has developed the e-skin flat. The new e-skin flat configurator now enables quick and automated design of flat cable management systems in cleanrooms. This reduces the previously manual effort to just a few minutes. Users can configure a complete system, automatically fill it, and immediately download a technical drawing and parts list. For the dry-cleanroom-compatible e-skin flat, igus has now also received the "Best of Industry Award 2025" in the category of battery development and production.

The design of a cleanroom cable management system, or also called Clean Cable, is complex: numerous requirements must be considered, suitable cables selected, and technical drawings created. This process requires expert knowledge and has so far been time-consuming and labor-intensive. This is precisely where igus now steps in with the new e-skin flat configurator. Users can design their suitable flat cable management system for the cleanroom in just a few minutes. "The online tool is the first of its kind for configuring cleanroom cable management systems. It guides the user step-by-step through the system design, checks feasibility, and immediately provides all relevant data," explains Kira Weller, product manager for e-chains and cleanroom expert at igus. "This creates planning certainty without waiting times and without time-consuming coordination." With the e-skin flat, users receive a clean, flat, and abrasion-resistant complete system made from high-performance plastic. Thanks to easy-to-open chamber systems, cables and hoses can be quickly inserted and replaced during maintenance. The Clean Cable also features the highest cleanroom classification with EN ISO Class 1 according to DIN 14644-1.

Automatic filling for optimal results

And this is how the configuration of the e-skin flat works via the online tool: In the first step, the user enters the required application parameters such as speed, acceleration, and travel distance. Additionally, environmental parameters, installation space limits, or off-site power supply can be specified. The next step involves selecting the cables. The tool provides access to igus's extensive chainflex cable pool as well as pre-terminated readycable with connectors, prioritized for the e-skin flat system. Custom cables can also be added. Then, the automatic filling begins. An integrated algorithm in the online tool uses the stored product data and customer parameters, recommending the best solution for the application based on predefined rules. The tool also indicates if a configuration is not feasible. Manual adjustments can be made at any time within the configurator.

From configuration to quote request in just a few clicks

On the results page, all relevant data is immediately available for download – from the technical drawing and parts list to the installation instructions. Customers can also download a STEP file additionally. If the user is satisfied with the design, they can request a quote, and igus experts will conduct a final review of the configured system. "Our goal was to make the configuration process for cleanroom cable management systems as simple as possible," says Kira Weller. "With the new e-skin flat configurator, we provide our customers with a complete package that allows them to start designing immediately. Through intelligent automation, we significantly reduce manual effort, both for our customers and ourselves, and create maximum planning certainty." The e-skin flat has now also received the annual "Best of Industry Award 2025" from the trade magazine MM MaschinenMarkt in the category of battery development and production. "We are very pleased with this award, which also motivates us to further advance development in this area," emphasizes Kira Weller.