Openable igus energy chains for the cleanroom are available in ISO Class 1

Best values for the cleanroom: The e-skin energy conductors achieve ISO Class 1 in the Fraunhofer test. (Source: igus GmbH)

For a safe energy supply in cleanrooms, igus has developed its modular and openable energy management family e-skin. The energy chains supply plants with data, media, and energy without contaminating the air with unwanted particles. This was also proven by the Fraunhofer Institute IPA. All four types of energy chains in the family convinced in the tests – whether with or without cables – and received the Fraunhofer Tested Device certificate of ISO Class 1 for use in cleanrooms.

Without a cleanroom, the production of pharmaceutical products, microchips, OLEDs, LCDs, or semiconductors would not be possible. Because even the smallest contamination leads to impairment or destruction of the product. Therefore, nearly particle-free rooms with wear-resistant machine components are essential. For companies manufacturing machines and systems for cleanrooms, the certifications from the Fraunhofer Institute IPA according to ISO classes make it significantly easier to find suitable – cleanroom-compatible – components. The class of a cleanroom indicates the prescribed and approved amount of microorganisms or particles. The motion plastics specialist igus has now tested its modular and easily openable energy management family called e-skin at the Fraunhofer Institute IPA, with and without cables. This includes the e-skin energy management system, which already won the Fraunhofer Cleanliness Technology Award “Clean! 2018,” the e-skin soft for compact construction spaces and short free-standing lengths, as well as the e-skin flat, available in a closed and an openable chamber version. All energy chains received the Fraunhofer Tested Device certificate of ISO Class 1, placing them in the first class of cleanroom suitability.

Special Testing Procedure

In the test conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute IPA, according to ISO14644-14, each of the four igus energy chains was mounted on a test stand. They moved over 100 minutes. Particles shed from the plastic energy chains were measured at three different points. Both with and without cables, all four types of energy chains performed with ISO Class 1. Class 1 indicates a particle load of no more than two particles ≥ 0.2 µm per cubic meter of air.

Flexible Cable Management in the Cleanroom with Four e-skin Solutions

All igus e-skin energy management systems are made of tribologically optimized high-performance plastics that are particularly wear-resistant. The “classic” e-skin is a closed spiral hose that can be easily opened and filled via a modular design using a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows cost savings and minimizes downtime through quick cable replacement. To ensure e-skin is suitable for use in compact spaces, it has been equipped with a soft material. Thus, the e-skin soft can also be used in small construction spaces and short free-standing lengths. For very flat construction spaces and particularly demanding cleanroom applications, igus offers the e-skin flat with a chamber system. The energy management system is available in a closed version and a version with individually opening chambers. This is unique in the market and an absolute innovation. During maintenance, the cables can be easily reinserted without the need to install a new energy supply system. This reduces costs for the user and improves their technology. All energy chains are available pre-assembled upon customer request with highly flexible chainflex cables from igus. igus grants a one-time warranty of 36 months on all its cables.