e-skin flat ESD: Per la massima sicurezza e pulizia nelle camere bianche

Per la produzione sicura e priva di particelle di componenti sensibili all'ESD, igus ha sviluppato una variante elettrostaticamente dissipativa della e-skin flat — anch'essa con cavi sostituibili. (Fonte: igus GmbH)

Specifically for highly sensitive cleanrooms, igus has expanded its e-skin flat series with an ESD variant. The new material of the modular flat cable prevents electrostatic charging of the chain and at the same time ensures particle-free operation, even during the fastest movements. At the same time, the modular design with individual pods allows for quick filling of the energy guide.

In the production of electronics and semiconductor industries, besides particle-free cleanrooms, machine components that are electrostatically dischargeable are also in demand. Because only the smallest unnoticed electric shock caused by electrostatic charge can easily destroy valuable products. Therefore, igus has expanded its e-skin flat series with an ESD variant. The new black e-skin flat is made from an electrostatically dissipative material. “The new material combines the low particle emission of the proven e-skin flat and often required ESD approval. The chain produces almost no particles and discharges electronic charges directly,” explains Kira Weller, product manager for e-chains at igus. “With the new e-skin flat ESD, we have developed exactly the product our customers need for the production of sensitive electronic components.” The flat cable is used, for example, by the automation specialist Weiss in its high-speed pick & place unit HP70. This is used among other things for material handling in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Weiss is enthusiastic about the advantages of the e-skin flat ESD. The flat cable from igus is significantly more stable, quieter, and less wear-prone compared to traditional convoluted hoses during rapid movements. Compared to laminated flat cables made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the e-skin flat also scores with its modular design. In the in-house cleanroom laboratory, which igus developed together with the Fraunhofer Institute, the new e-skin flat has already proven itself in the highest cleanroom class.

Easy to replace cables

For quick and easy assembly of the e-skin flat, so-called “single pod” profiles are used. This allows the energy guide to be easily extended. A zip-lock system gives users the possibility to simply replace the cables. “This is a significant advantage over the widely used PTFE flat cables. Because the stranded conductors are welded into a continuous flat cable and are not separable. Users must replace the entire system if a single conductor breaks. This costs money and time,” explains Kira Weller. “We offer CFCLEAN conductor wires for our e-skin flat for the transmission of energy, motor control, bus, and Ethernet signals. This way, the user receives a ready-to-connect energy guide system directly from a single source.” If longer travel distances of up to five meters are required, the user can rely on a support chain, which is easily integrated into the pods. Spacers, connection elements of the e-skin flat series, as well as the smart i.Cee EC.S ultrasonic sensor for condition monitoring, are also compatible with the new ESD chain.