Not just clean

With the varioSTACK CF, IEF-Werner has developed a comprehensive palletizing concept for cleanroom applications. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

The cargo carrier transport system is not only extremely compact. It can also be retrofitted and maintained during operation. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

The servo press generation aiPRESS is suitable both for integration into systems and for use as a standalone system. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

The standard cell is extremely compact with an installation area of 1.4 square meters and can thus be integrated into many production environments. (Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

Semiconductor manufacturing, optics and laser technology, aerospace engineering, life sciences or medical technology: The production of many products takes place in cleanrooms. Highly precise manufacturing processes in this environment are increasingly carried out using automated systems. The automation specialist IEF-Werner presents the varioSTACK CF "Clean Factory" at Motek – a comprehensive palletizing concept for these specialized applications.

The foundation is the proven varioSTACK palletizing system. The open and modular palletizing system can be customized to any task. The user can operate the system with an integrated IEF product handling or connect it to an existing robot or handling system. Additionally, the extremely compact palletizer can be normally loaded with pallet trucks or trolleys – in the conveyor version, even from the side. IEF-Werner has optimized this system for cleanroom manufacturing, ensuring, for example, low foreign particle generation and short cycle times with the varioSTACK CF. When it comes to cleanliness in the cleanroom, easy cleanability of the system plays a special role. To achieve this, the lifting axis and the product handling are completely enclosed in stainless steel. The lifting axis can handle loaded trays weighing up to 15 kilograms. It is servo-controlled and equipped with absolute encoders. The product handling, including grippers, can pick up components weighing up to five kilograms. The energy guides are integrated.

Adapting to rapidly changing boundary conditions is one of the greatest challenges of today's and future manufacturing. To meet the ever-increasing demands for adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability, IEF-Werner GmbH relies on a new concept in the field of flexible, modular assembly systems. When designing the smallFLEX system, the focus was on enabling quick and efficient changeover and maintenance processes, as well as reconfigurability during operation. The continuous modularization, both in hardware and software, guarantees unprecedented flexibility while saving time and costs. IEF-Werner will showcase the advantages and capabilities of the new, modular smallFLEX approach for the first time at this year's Motek.

The exhibition will also feature other innovations. These include the aiPRESS servo press generation, suitable both for integration into systems and for use as a standalone system. This allows highly precise joining processes to be carried out automatically. This solution presses components with very high precision – within a few micrometers. This is achieved by a precision guide within a solid "C-frame" equipped with high-precision spindles.

Visitors will also learn about roboCELL, a standard cell that enables quick and easy automation of production processes. Since this solution is built from standardized components, it can be tailored to individual customer tasks. This keeps costs transparent, and customers benefit from rapid delivery. The standard cell is extremely compact, with a footprint of 1.4 square meters, making it easy to integrate into many production environments. Users can move this unit easily with a forklift or crane. The system is built on a self-supporting steel frame, which houses a Cartesian XYZ positioning system with a working area of 600 x 600 x 400 millimeters. An electrical cabinet and a base plate are integrated.