Cleanroom cable caterpillar from igus, which can be opened. gets ISO class 1

The modular e-skin energy supply systems show their best values in cleanroom tests conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute IPA

For reliable energy supply in cleanrooms, igus has developed the modular and openable e-skin cable caterpillar program. The cable beads supply the installation with data, media and energy without unwanted particles contaminating the air. This was also proven by the Fraunhofer Institute IPA. All four cable caterpillar types were convincing in the tests - with and without cables - and received the Fraunhofer certificate ISO Class 1 for use in clean rooms.

Without a cleanroom, it would be impossible to produce pharmaceuticals, microchips, OLEDs, LCDs or semiconductors. Because even the smallest contamination leads to a defect and ultimately the destruction of the product. Therefore, practically particle-free areas with wear-resistant machine components are most important. For companies producing machines and systems for cleanrooms, the certifications of the Fraunhofer Institute IPA through the ISO classes make the search for suitable - cleanroom-compatible - components considerably easier. The ISO class of a cleanroom is the designation of a prescribed and approved amount of microorganisms or particles. Motion plastics specialist igus has now had its modular and easy-to-open cablerup program called 'e-skin' with and without cables tested at the Fraunhofer institute IPA. This includes the e-skin cable caterpillar, which has already won the Fraunhofer "Clean manufacturing award!" in 2018. The e-skin soft for compact installation spaces and short cantilever lengths, as well as the e-skin flat for extremely flat installation spaces, in a sealed and opening version. All cable beads have received the Fraunhofer ISO class 1 certificate and have first-class clean room compatibility. 

Special testing procedure

In the test conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute IPA, in accordance with ISO14644-14, inspectors mounted all four igus cable tracks on a test bench. These were in motion for more than 100 minutes. Loose particles from the plastic cable beads were measured at three different measurement points. All four types performed in accordance with ISO Class 1, both with and without cables. Class 1 represents a particle load not to exceed two particles of size ≥ 0.2 μm per cubic meter of air.

Flexible cable routing in cleanrooms with four e-skin solutions

All e-skin energy supply systems from igus are made of tribologically optimized high-performance polymers that are extremely abrasion-resistant. The "classic" e-skin is a closed ribbed hose, which can be easily opened and filled using a zipper system thanks to its modular design. Costs can be saved and downtime minimized through quick cable replacement. To make the e-skin suitable for use in compact spaces, it is now made of a new, softer material. In this way, the new e-skin soft can also be used in small installation spaces on short cantilever lengths. For very flat installation spaces, and very demanding clean room applications, igus offers a solution with a compartmented design: the e-skin flat. The cable caterpillar is available in a closed version but also in a version with compartments that can be opened individually. This is unique and an absolute innovation in the market. When maintenance is required, the cables can simply be put back in without having to mount a new energy supply system. The user reduces his or her costs and improves technology. All cable tracks are available made-up with highly flexible chainflex cables from igus. igus provides a unique 36-month warranty on all its cables.