Conductive energy chain from igus with self-supporting function eliminates the need for space-consuming shielding
With the growing demand for electric cars and the increasing spread of AI, the need for lithium-ion batteries and microchips is also rising. As these technologies have to deliver ever greater performance, they are also becoming more sensitive and place high demands on production environments. With e-skin soft ESD, igus is now launching a new energy chain for clean rooms that is not only abrasion-resistant but also conductive. It is a game changer for designers, as it allows for significantly more flexibility and space savings in cable management.
Tiny electrostatic discharges (ESD) are invisible to the eye, but can damage sensitive products in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. It is therefore important that all machine components used in the vicinity of these products have ESD protection. However, this is not a matter of course when routing power and data cables, as they are usually not conductive. "Many designers implement special shielding, but this wastes valuable space in the clean room," says Kira Weller, product manager for e-chains and clean room expert at igus. An equally impractical alternative is to keep a large distance from the product, which can also lead to space problems. To solve this dilemma, igus has developed a new version of the cleanroom-compatible e-skin soft energy chain: the e-skin soft ESD, a compact e-chain that is not only abrasion-resistant but also conductive thanks to additives in the material. Electrostatic charges can be dissipated via the connecting elements, similar to a lightning rod. Kira Weller: "For designers, the new energy chain is a game changer, as it can be used close to the product without additional shielding."
Space-saving e-chain enables tight bending radii
The e-skin soft ESD has a compact design and requires only a small amount of installation space. It consists of an upper and lower shell that form a closed tubular housing that securely encloses cables, wires, or media guides. It is made of an in-house high-performance plastic that allows for a tight bending radius of 55 mm. Depending on the version, the internal height varies between 20 mm, 24 mm, 28 mm, and 40 mm, and the internal width between 33 mm, 48 mm, 68 mm, and 85 mm. Another special feature: thanks to its oval geometry and defined rigidity, the e-skin soft ESD, unlike conventional corrugated hoses, can also be used for unsupported lengths. This eliminates the need for a guide. In addition, the energy chain is particularly durable and has a service life of more than 20 million double strokes.
On the way to the highest purity level, ISO Class 1
The e-skin soft ESD meets the most stringent cleanroom requirements. "The high-performance plastic is extremely abrasion-resistant, so that no particles are generated during operation, even with rapid movements," emphasizes Kira Weller. Particles from the cables cannot escape to the outside either, as the upper and lower shells can be joined together to form a closed tube using a zipper principle. "This guarantees both cleanroom suitability and quick filling and maintenance of the cables," says Kira Weller. Tests in the in-house cleanroom laboratory in Cologne, which was set up in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), have already been completed with very good results for the new energy chain. Official certification will take place in the coming weeks.
More information about e-skin soft ESD and other ESD energy chains from igus can be found here: https://www.igus.de/energieketten/neuheiten/e-skin-soft-esd