Injection molding in the cleanroom

Development of own, growing heart valves for children with congenital heart defects. The valve is produced in a molding process from the body's own cells and is prepared here in the bioreactor system for later implantation. (Image source: RWTH Aachen / Thomas Ernsting)

The VDI Technology Forum, taking place on September 10 and 11, 2013, in Mannheim, is equally interesting for the industries of automotive technology, optics, electrical engineering, and medical technology. Whether in the manufacturing of plastic components for polymer optics or electronics, vehicle or packaging technology: Particles present in the ambient air interfere with the structuring of highly precise components, lead to lower-quality products in surface finishing, or even, in medical technology, result in microbiologically contaminated components. Increasingly, plastic processing requires a space where the concentration of airborne particles is kept as low as necessary.

What sounds simple repeatedly presents plastic processors, especially those specializing in the production of high-tech applications, with major challenges and questions, such as: How does injection molding in a cleanroom actually work? What defines a cleanroom class? Which class do I need? How should an employee behave in a cleanroom? When do zone and cell solutions make sense? How can subsequent processes like welding, gluing, printing, or packaging be integrated into the manufacturing process through automation solutions? What costs should processors expect for investment and operating expenses?

Through practical examples from experts in cleanroom manufacturing, you will learn how to meet the requirements for clean production. From tips on plant planning and acceptance guidelines to the actual injection molding process, you will be enabled to evaluate and select the appropriate solution for your own needs.

Learn, among other things:

Which cleanroom class you need for which product
How to master the regulatory framework
What role the human factor plays in the cleanroom
How to pass the acceptance test
When zone concepts and cell solutions are economically sensible
How to utilize multi-component technology in the cleanroom
How to automatically integrate subsequent processes such as assembly, printing, or packaging
+ Experience reports from manufacturing companies on the successful implementation of cleanroom technology