Whisper-quiet, modular cleanroom solutions from igus for the smallest construction spaces

With the e-skin flat and the e-skin soft, igus offers two new space-saving energy chains for cleanrooms. The modular energy chains operate quietly and are easy to fill. In a second development stage of the e-skin flat, the individual chambers are to be opened using a zipper closure system. (Source: igus GmbH)

Guide cables safely and abrasion-resistant in cleanrooms: igus has the e-skin in its program for such applications. Specifically for compact installation spaces, the energy chain for cleanroom applications has now been equipped with a softer material. This allows the new e-skin soft to safely and particle-free guide cables at low installation heights. For very flat installation spaces, igus has additionally developed the e-skin flat. The new flat guide with a chamber system is easy to fill and simple to maintain. Both energy chains impressed in the noise test with their very quiet operation.

In the manufacture of microchips, OLEDs, LCDs, implants, in semiconductor production, or in pharmaceuticals, especially high demands are placed on a clean manufacturing environment. Because any kind of contamination directly affects the product and can lead to significant damage for manufacturers. Therefore, the conditions for the machine elements used, such as energy guides, are particularly high. In this context, igus introduced the e-skin four years ago, a sealed "corrugated tube" that is easy to open. It bears the Fraunhofer Tested Device quality seal of ISO Class 1 and was awarded second place in the Fraunhofer Purity Technology Award "Clean! 2018" in 2018. The e-skin is made of tribologically optimized, abrasion-resistant plastic, has a modular design, and is quick to fill. To make the e-skin suitable for use in compact spaces, it has now been equipped with a new soft material. Thus, the new e-skin soft can also be used in small installation spaces with short cantilevered lengths. For very flat installation spaces, igus offers a new solution with the e-skin flat, featuring a chamber system. Both energy chains performed well in the noise test during movement. The e-skin soft registered 32.4 dBA, and the e-skin flat 29 dBA. The new energy guides are significantly quieter in the cleanroom than alternative solutions on the market.

e-skin soft: modular and quick to fill

The new e-skin soft is based entirely on the proven modular principle of the e-skin. The separable top and bottom shells of the energy chain can be easily assembled into a fully enclosed tube with high dust and water tightness using a hook-and-loop fastening method. This guarantees both cleanroom suitability and quick filling and maintenance of the cables.

Secure energy guide for flat installation spaces in the cleanroom

Specifically designed for very tight installation spaces, such as in semiconductor manufacturing, igus has now developed the e-skin flat. The new energy guide consists of a profile with three cable chambers, produced via extrusion from high-performance plastics. It is very flat and allows for a particularly small bending radius and low installation height. The profiles can be connected to form wider systems. Unlike alternative solutions, the cables in the e-skin flat are not sealed in a film but are inserted into the chambers. During maintenance, the cables can be easily pulled out and replaced without the need to install a new energy supply. This reduces costs and improves the technology. In a second expansion stage, the individual chambers are to be designed to open from the outside via a hook-and-loop system, further speeding up maintenance. Another advantage: igus offers the new energy guides e-skin flat and e-skin soft as two cost-effective, ready-to-install solutions directly from stock.

Plug-and-play system with guaranteed lifespan

Upon request, the customer can receive the new energy chains for the cleanroom pre-assembled with chainflex cables as a complete system. The user has access to over 918 highly flexible cables with IPA Class 1, specifically developed for use in energy chains. All cables have been tested under real conditions in the company's own 3,800-square-meter laboratory. For this reason, igus, as the only provider worldwide, offers a 36-month warranty on its cable range.