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Cleanroom systems for highly sensitive manufacturing
When launching a new production line, SwissOptic created separate cleanroom-within-a-cleanroom systems. Based on item components, the solutions satisfy the most stringent demands in terms of cleanliness. Find out how these mini-environments can be flexibly adapted to a range of work processes.
The project at a glance
item components and solutions
✓ 16 mini-environments to cleanroom class 5
✓ item Profiles X 8 and XMS
✓ Integrated work benches
✓ Four Filter Fan Units in the cell ceilings
✓ Integrated cable routing and item Fixing System
Sector
✓ Semi-conductor industry
Benefits
✓ Increased production capacity
✓ Improved quality and precision of assemblies
✓ Ergonomically designed work benches
✓ Optimisation of production processes thanks to lean concept
SwissOptic – sensitive components in the cleanroom
SwissOptic AG is a leading international company in the optics sector. Since 1997, it has been developing, manufacturing and integrating optics, mechanical elements and electronics to create innovative system solutions for a range of industries. In addition to its headquarters in Switzerland, the company also has a branch in Wuhan, China. SwissOptic uses cleanrooms to manufacture highly sensitive components for the metrology, semi-conductor, medical technology, industrial manufacturing, security and aviation sectors. The company has had a successful partnership with item for over 20 years, and decided to refurbish its cleanroom for a new production line that was to be used in the semiconductor industry. The aim was to boost production capacity, improve the working environment and achieve a higher cleanroom class.
The challenge
The existing cleanroom needed to be brought up to date for the new production line. It no longer satisfied the strict cleanliness requirements associated with the sensitive production processes. The challenge was to create flexible, cleanroom-compatible work areas that would boost production capacity. At the same time, the costs for the refurbishment had to be kept as low as possible. What’s more, the new work areas had to achieve higher cleanroom classes and exhibit lower particle concentrations. Another challenge was to implement ergonomic principles, with optimum tool positioning and digital integration at the work bench.
A bespoke solution
The mini-environments from item have been used to create 16 functional assembly cells that satisfy cleanroom class 5. They offer flexible work areas for the production, inspection and cleaning of optomechanical and electronic assemblies. The mini-environments consist of partial enclosures based on aluminium profiles with integrated work benches. They meet the strictest requirements in terms of cleanliness. As a cleanroom-in-a-cleanroom, the cells form a self-contained unit. By refurbishing its cleanroom, SwissOptic was not only able to increase its production capacity, it also created added flexibility, as the assembly cells can now be moved from place to place within the production line, as required.
“The mini-environments from item offer an ideal working environment for the sensitive production processes in the cleanroom.”
- Mark Rüdisser, Project Manager at SwissOptic
Find out more about cleanrooms
Sample solutions for clean production
Cleanroom solutions from item
Discover our sample solutions, which you can take and use as straightforward templates or as inspiration for your own bespoke cleanroom solution.
The building kit system for clean production
Discover the components and applications
The cleanroom-compatible components in the item Building Kit System give you the freedom you need to build cleanroom applications in precisely the shape, size and configuration you need.