Manufacturing processes in micromechanics, electronics and optics as well as in the production of batteries and fuel cells are sensitive. Contamination from the smallest particles can lead to cost-intensive damage to products. It is therefore important for more and more industries and production processes to create controlled environmental conditions. According to the ISO 14644 standard, these cleanrooms are classified according to the quantity and size of contaminating particles from cleanroom class 1 (highest cleanliness) to cleanroom class 9.

The importance of automation in cleanrooms and laboratories is increasing, and at the same time more and more technical products are placing high demands on technical cleanliness during production. Manufacturers and integrators are faced with the challenge of relocating automated processes, including conveyor technology, to cleanrooms. Alternatively, automation solutions are also being implemented as so-called mini-environments, for example in encapsulated systems.

Manufacturing processes in these industries usually take place in class 5 to 9 cleanrooms or mini-environments. Maschinenbau Kitz (MK) designs its belts for these cleanroom classes and adapts the conveyor systems to the user's special cleanroom concepts. The specifications include good cleanability and the lowest possible particle emissions. All surfaces of the MK cleanroom technology are also smooth and corrosion-resistant, for example against cleaning fluids. The conveyor belts are wear-minimized. MK installs direct drives with a suitable motor, for example a smooth-jacket or drum motor. Drive rollers and bottom belt plates are made of stainless steel. Only closed cleanroom profiles are used. Moving parts that could potentially generate abrasion are located below the transport level and are positioned in line with the air flow concept.

Delivery from our own clean room

The optimized control strategy ensures cyclical operation so that the conveyor only runs when transport is required. The conveying speed is only as high as necessary. Accumulation operation with relative movement between the conveying medium and the conveyed material must be avoided.

As there are no standards for the design of cleanroom conveyor technology, the supplier's expertise and experience are crucial. Depending on the requirements of the application, the MK experts create a suitable conveyor technology concept and take all aspects of technical cleanliness into account. After final cleaning, the belts are delivered hermetically packaged from MK's own clean room; this ensures fast commissioning for the user. Individual testing and certification of the conveyors by an independent testing institute is also possible.

This article appeared in issue 12/23