igus, a leading provider of lubrication-free and abrasion-resistant plastic components for motion systems, has made a significant breakthrough in battery production for electric vehicles. igus’ E6.29 energy chain has become the first cable guide system to receive certification under dry cleanroom conditions, achieving ISO Class 4 rating from the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA.
“The quality requirements are constantly increasing – on the part of both customers and test standards. For this reason, we’ve been working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA since 1997, where our energy chains are examined in standardised motion sequences. This allows us to make a clear statement about the cleanliness class of our energy chains,” explains Kira Weller, Product Manager for e-chains at igus.
In collaboration with the Cellforce Group, Fraunhofer IPA developed a cutting-edge solution for testing under dry cleanroom conditions—the DryClean-CAPE, a mobile cleanroom tent. This innovative system offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional stationary cleanrooms. By utilizing two distinct covers and independent air treatment units, the DryClean-CAPE achieves a unique combination of low humidity, particle-free environment, and exceptional cleanliness standards.
As a result, the Fraunhofer IPA introduced a new type of certification specifically designed for dry-room conditions. The E6.29 energy chain from igus not only became the first cable guide system to pass this stringent test but also achieved the highest possible rating within the tent-like cleanroom, ISO Class 4. This remarkable accomplishment establishes igus as a pioneering company in the field, ensuring safe and reliable cable management solutions for dry-room applications.
During the testing process, the E6.29 energy chain underwent rigorous evaluation in a dry-room environment with a dew point of -40°C, equivalent to a relative humidity of less than 1% at a room temperature of 22°C. The chain also met the ISO Class 3 cleanroom requirements. Made from durable high-performance plastics with optimized friction and wear properties, the E6.29 energy chain is readily available as a standard catalog part in various sizes and configurations.
Furthermore, igus is currently conducting an endurance test on the E6 scalable crossbars in its in-house test laboratory, simulating dry-room conditions. Even after undergoing an impressive 10 million double strokes, the crossbars continue to exhibit exceptional performance.
The certification of the E6.29 energy chain for dry cleanroom applications represents a significant milestone in battery production for electric mobility. By combining dryness, freedom from particles, and outstanding performance, igus is poised to revolutionize cable management solutions, meeting the increasingly stringent quality requirements of customers and test standards in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.
