Lifting in the cleanroom

Fig. 1: VST Vessel service tool for EUV systems © Ann Wang/Reuters

Fig. 2: Cromox stop chain in the cleanroom © BKL

Particle freedom, purity, and reliability are the fundamental requirements for products used in cleanroom applications. Lifting components made from stainless steel ensure a long-term and sustainable investment.

Stainless steel chains and related components offer numerous application possibilities and an unparalleled product performance. Demanding environmental conditions as well as material- and time-intensive cleaning processes of the used components set high standards for surface quality. Excellent corrosion resistance and outstanding surface structures provide an optimally cleanable combination. The resulting advantages in safety and emissions-free operation guarantee economic efficiency.

Manufacturer of cleanroom-suitable LIFTING components made from stainless steel

cromox® products from the company Ketten Wälder GmbH from Bad Endorf are used worldwide across various industries and diverse applications. The non-rusting chains and components made from high-alloy stainless steel are increasingly used in cleanrooms. Ketten Wälder GmbH recognized the potential of stainless steel products in this sector and, in collaboration with key customers, purposefully develops cromox® solutions.

Electropolishing for optimal surface quality

The company Ketten Wälder GmbH offers components for cleanroom environments in electropolished versions. Products with this surface treatment are used, among others, in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, chemical industries, and in medical technology.

Advantages of electropolishing include smooth and shiny surfaces, metallic purity, optimal cleaning behavior, particle-free surfaces, significantly reduced tendency for deposits, markedly decreased outgassing behavior, high corrosion resistance, and reduced friction resulting in less wear.

BKL B.V. is a technical service company in the field of mechanics and mechatronics. They develop high-quality solutions aimed at enabling smarter, more efficient, and safer work in conjunction with hoists, industrial modules, and machines. The range of services includes engineering, inspections, service, and manufacturing.

Over the past few years, collaboration between Ketten Wälder GmbH and BKL B.V. has steadily increased, especially in the lifting sector for cleanroom applications. The products used meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, safety, and cleanliness. In close cooperation, both companies develop electropolished custom solutions for lifting loads in demanding environments. Electropolished stainless steel items have become indispensable for load attachment in industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, as well as automotive and aerospace sectors.

Figure 1 of a cleanroom shows a VST – Vessel Service Tool, which is used for servicing light sources in the latest EUV systems. The handling components used must operate flawlessly. The 100% tested, custom-made cromox® chain hoists meet and exceed the high standards of the industry.

Innovating for the future

The new cromox® catalog published by Ketten Wälder GmbH exclusively features stainless steel products—new product introductions such as lifting jacks, monorails, various types of load hooks, and chain shorteners. An additional section is dedicated to custom special constructions.

With continuous new developments combined with innovative ideas, Ketten Wälder GmbH offers the right components for use in cleanrooms. Made in Germany.