IPA test materials! e-skin flat energy chain with three layers meets cleanroom class 1

The e-skin flat received the highest cleanroom classification from the Fraunhofer Institute in a three-layer structure at a compact bending radius of 70 millimeters. (Source: igus GmbH)

To safely and compactly route cables and hoses in cleanrooms, particle-free energy chains are required. igus has developed the e-skin flat for this purpose, which, due to its modular design, is an economical alternative to flat ribbon cables. Its particle-free property according to ISO Class 1 was demonstrated in the Fraunhofer cleanroom test not only as a single-layer but now also as a three-layer ready-to-connect energy chain system.

Particle-free operation and space-saving design characterize cleanrooms worldwide, where LEDs, microchips, and semiconductors are manufactured. To securely guide cables in a compact space, igus developed the e-skin flat. The flat profiles allow cables and hoses to be quickly inserted and replaced during maintenance. igus relies on a special high-performance plastic, which has been regularly tested throughout the development process in the in-house cleanroom laboratory. Thus, the e-skin flat is wear- and abrasion-resistant in motion and has already met ISO Class 1 cleanroom standards since its introduction in 2019 as a single-layer variant. An invention that also convinced the jury of the REINER! Award 2021. "Since the e-skin flat is rarely only single-layer but often installed with three layers, it was our goal to also achieve the highest cleanroom class here," reports Peter Mattonet, Industry Manager for Cleanroom Technology at igus GmbH. Therefore, a three-layer e-skin flat energy chain with four chambers, including support chains, cables, and hoses, was tested at the Fraunhofer IPA Institute. The testers measured particle emission during operation at three points. The chain was the only energy chain for cleanrooms to receive ISO Class 1 certification according to ISO 14644-1 at a bending radius of 70 millimeters. "The e-skin flat thus stands out as a particle-free and especially compact energy guide for cleanrooms, allowing users to save space and thereby reduce costs," says Mattonet.

Directly connectable system with CFCLEAN

The e-skin flat energy guide can be configured freely depending on the application scenario. It can consist of up to six chambers per layer. In a three-layer construction, support chains in the lowest layer ensure the stability of the chain. Specifically designed for use in the e-skin flat, igus also developed the CFCLEAN series. The conductor cores can transmit energy, motor control, bus, and Ethernet signals. As a result, the user receives a ready-to-connect and certified complete system for their cleanroom if desired.