Newsletter_03-2026_EN

EN 03/26

Shared use of a key

patent – Agreement

strengthens innovative

power on both sides

TITEL

Shared use of a key patent

– Agreement strengthens innovative

power on both sides

The two technology companies MAFAC and LPW have mutually

agreed to co-utilize an important patent for cleaning

using vacuum-based pressure change processes in their

joint technological field going forward. This ends a previously

ongoing patent dispute and respects the respective

development efforts over the past years in this field.

Joint Use Strengthens Customer Benefits

Both companies have invested a great deal of foundational work in

recent years into the development of new cleaning methods and the

optimization of existing ones. Ten years ago, LPW acquired a larger

number of patents and patent applications (EU, USA, China) related

to the cyclic nucleation process and further developed these into a

stable and high-performance washing mechanical component. Additionally,

in 2019, LPW initiated the patent „Method and Apparatus

for Providing a Medium by Cyclic Nucleation,“ which was granted by

the patent office in 2022.

Meanwhile, MAFAC has been intensively engaged since the

mid-1990s with cleaning in vacuum environments and vacuum-based

pressure change processes. In 1997, an international patent (EU,

USA) was filed by the then MAFAC Managing Director Joachim

Schwarz and granted by the relevant patent offices. The process was

used for many years, continuously developed, and established. This

led to the successful MAFAC VAP technology today.

This specific patent essentially concerns sensor-based process

monitoring during the extraction of contaminants from the component

surface initiated by the vacuum-based pressure change process

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 03-2026

Seite 2/79

during cleaning and/or rinsing procedures. Therefore,

this patent is an important building block for

future cleaning processes and their process control.

Since significant innovation steps by both

companies occurred in parallel, the parties agree

that continuing the legal dispute would have cost

only one thing: valuable time and resources that

could be better invested in new developments.

Strategic Decision in the Interest

of Customers and Markets

With this agreement, the companies respond

to the market‘s dynamics, which is increasingly

characterized by rapid development cycles and rising

demands for quality and process monitoring.

Through joint patent utilization, both companies

can continue their individual innovation projects

unhindered and without delays, bringing their solutions

to market faster and more efficiently.

„The joint patent use is a strong signal and

provides both sides with planning security and

thus benefits for our customers. At the same time,

we can continue our development work without

restrictions,“ explains Gerhard Koblenzer, managing

partner of LPW.

Stefan Schaal, managing partner of MAFAC,

also emphasizes the advantages of the agreement:

„This solution is constructive and fair. So, typical

for medium-sized businesses. It allows both companies

to fully exploit their individual strengths

and enables our customers to benefit from continuous

innovations.“

„Of course, there remains a competitive situation,

as before. However, owner-managed SMEs

also allow for compromises where others have

long given up,“ agree both CEOs.

Win-Win Situation Looking to the Future

The agreement represents a clear win-win situation:

LPW and MAFAC reduce the risks of

a legal dispute and avoid further delays that a

lengthy process would have entailed. Moreover,

the companies strengthen their individual innovation

capabilities and can focus on market

competition. With this step, MAFAC and LPW

send a signal that accelerates technological progress

while safeguarding the interests of both

companies.

March 2026

Dear cleanroom professionals,

In just a few days, it will be that time again:

LOUNGES 2026 will open its doors!

With a record number of exhibitors.

And a record number of visitors is expected.

We look forward to seeing you there:

You will find Reinraum Online at stand I 3.4.1.

But first, here is some latest news from

the cleanroom industry:

> Shared use of a key patent – Agreement

strengthens innovative power on both sides

> Siemens study results redefine standards

for safety, efficiency and flexibility

in life sciences labs

> Why is cleanroom training important?

> New clean room boosts competitiveness

> The roadmap to net zero in life science labs

> Maximum cleanliness

– not just a cleaning process

> . . .

Regards

Reinhold Schuster

LPW Reinigungssysteme GmbH

Industriestraße 19

D 72585 Riederich

Telefon: +49 7123 38040

eMail: info@lpw-cleaning.de

Internet: http://www.lpw-cleaning.de


Seite 3/79

Siemens study results redefine

standards for safety, efficiency and

flexibility in life sciences labs

– World‘s first independent comparison test of lab ventilation systems

under real-world stress conditions reveals groundbreaking insights

– Results can be directly applied to design, optimization, and operation

of laboratories worldwide

– Siemens further develops its Smart Lab Ecosystem to help create labs

of the future that are safer, as well as more adaptable and sustainable

PEARL Project-Setup

During project PEARL we tested three leading ventilation systems

under identical, controlled conditions in our pilot lab in Zug. We measured

nine performance factors — from particle removal speed to user comfort

to ventilation efficiency — using heat loads, smart sensors, aerosol

recovery tests, and laser visualization.

Siemens has unveiled the results of a comprehensive

and independent study on laboratory

ventilation in the area of life sciences.

The study was conducted between November

2024 and February 2025 together

with H. Lüdi + Co. AG, a supplier of core

components and system solutions for modern

laboratories and a Siemens Xcelerator

partner. The Lucerne University of Applied

Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in Lucerne, Switzerland,

was contracted as the independent

research and testing institution to execute

all measurement activities. The project, named

“PEARL”, was the world’s first to compare

different lab ventilation and air distribution

systems under controlled, real-world

conditions.

During the test phase, three different air

supply systems were controlled and measured

in seven different configurations under

comparable situations and were stressed to

their limits. The results are a unique set of

data insights for each system, where specific

situations can be compared, addressing

various elements like safety and contamination

control, user comfort, system flexibility,

adaptability, and ventilation efficiency.

The study found that precise control of

airflow is paramount, leading to safer, more

efficient, and comfortable lab environments.

In fact, oversupplying air can disrupt

controlled conditions, elevate costs, and

increase CO₂ emissions. Remarkably, some

scenarios required less than half the volume

of air, achieving 45 percent better ventilation

efficiency and demonstrating superior

removal of dangerous gases and heat. Better-controlled

airflow also led to up to 29

percent faster recovery times after simulated

spills, directly improving user safety and

comfort. Furthermore, project PEARL advocates

for a shift from designing lab spaces

for a single, specific use to creating flexible,

next-generation environments capable of

scaling from zero up to 300 Watts per square

meter. These advanced systems are right-


Seite 4/79

sized and well-controlled, delivering the

exact amount of air needed to maintain safety

and comfort while simultaneously saving

energy and reducing emissions.

While conducting the physical tests,

Siemens built a digital model of the complete

project setup, including a simulation of

the tests themselves. „Comparing our project

PEARL digital model with real-world

measurements revealed amazing accuracy.

This validated knowledge allows us to fine-tune

and optimize performance, safety,

and comfort for future lab designs directly

within their digital twin,” said Tim Walsh,

Global Solution Director for Life Sciences at

Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

The demand for laboratory space is on

the rise in all key geographies, fueled by

R&D investments, biotech innovations and

a growing pipeline of new drugs. In the UK

alone, estimates call for one million square

meters of additional lab space in the next

five years to cover predicted research needs.

The study´s findings help address the critical

needs for safer, more flexible, and energyefficient

laboratories.

Based on the insights from project

PEARL, Siemens has further improved the

Smart Lab Ecosystem (SLE), a modular infrastructure

kit that allows for the creation

of highly adaptable and scalable lab environments

that can be tailored to specific

research needs, from basic research to highcontainment

facilities. The SLE enables up

to 80 percent faster design and configuration

of all types of lab environments up to

bio-safety level 2.

„Project PEARL is a game-changer for

the laboratory industry,“ Walsh added. „For

the first time, we have real-world data that

not only confirms our digital models but

allows us to refine them and design laboratories

that are truly optimized for safety,

comfort, and efficiency. The Smart Lab Ecosystem

builds on this foundation, offering

our customers a complete, turnkey solution

that is both innovative and future-proof.

We are not just building laboratories; we

are creating intelligent environments that

will accelerate scientific discovery and drive

progress for years to come.“

Siemens AG

D 80333 München

Luftkeimsammler BioCapt® Single-Use für

ein kontinuierliches Monitoring im Reinraum

Erfahren Sie mehr

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Ausgabe DE 05-2023

Seite 5/103

Why is cleanroom training important?

The cleanroom is one of the most sensitive areas in the company. Therefore, cleaning

requires specialized knowledge and practical application skills. Precisely

this is what Piepenbrock trains its employees in at its own cleanroom training

center in Osnabrück. Since November 2024, the building service provider has

also been training specialists from aseptic areas – with a combination of theory,

practice, and virtual reality.

conveys the key requirements for behavior

and cleaning techniques. It creates understanding

of cleanroom specifications and

processes and helps minimize contamination

and error sources. This strengthens both

employee safety and compliance.”

Whether in pharmaceutical production,

medical technology, or the semiconductor

industry: cleanrooms are present where the

highest requirements for product safety are

imposed. It’s about particles and germs – not

only in the air. Laws, standards, and guidelines

regulate the requirements for work in

sensitive production environments. “To be

allowed to work in a cleanroom, employees

must undergo training with subsequent

success control and provide proof of it. In

sterile areas, a so-called B-qualification is

necessary,” explains Norbert Gürke, Head of

Technical Management of Cleanroom Cleaning

at Piepenbrock. But cleanroom training

is much more than just a formal obligation,

Gürke adds. “The training makes a significant

contribution to quality assurance. It

What are the contents

of a cleanroom training?

In cleanroom training, cleanroom staff learn

everything they need to know for working in

sensitive environments. The regular training

ensures that people working in a cleanroom

are familiar with the specific material, behavior,

and clothing rules, as well as the associated

risks. Besides knowledge, they gain

confidence in their activities. “Participants

recognize the connection between their

own behavior and its impact on quality and

safety in the cleanroom. It’s about understanding

how particles, microorganisms, and

other contaminants affect product quality

and how they can be effectively prevented,”

Gürke explains. This is crucial. “With proper

handling of materials and equipment, germs

and particles can be minimized, and crosscontamination

avoided. If this fails, it can

have serious negative consequences – health-wise,

technically, and economically.”

Training employees for work

in the cleanroom

(Source: Piepenbrock Unternehmensgruppe GmbH + Co. KG)

In Piepenbrock’s cleanroom cleaning, personnel

training is the most important pillar.

The specialist department has developed

a comprehensive training program for this

purpose. “We train our site managers to

become cleanroom responsible persons.

Cleaning staff undergo a three-part initial

training. And we offer basic training for


Seite 6/79

sales staff and branch managers,” Gürke describes.

Piepenbrock conducts these training

sessions either in its own cleanroom training

center or directly at the customer’s site.

Practical and based on clear guidelines: “We

document all training for cleaning staff and

cleanroom responsible persons in an auditcompliant

manner. At least once a year, a refresher

is mandatory. Our cleaning staff can

conveniently complete the refresher courses

via e-learning,” Gürke says. For optimal training

results, the service provider is exploring

innovative methods. Since 2025, Piepenbrock

has been training its cleanroom staff with the

support of virtual reality (VR).

Customized cleanroom training

for specialists

But Piepenbrock’s training offerings go beyond

its own cleanroom staff. “Upon request,

we train specialists with a customized

concept that fits their daily work. We enable

training sessions with and without VR, even

on-site at the customer’s location,” Gürke

explains. The building service provider also

uses the Innerspace VR simulator in its GMP

cleanroom training. “The two-day training is

offered quarterly at our cleanroom training

center in Osnabrück. It combines theoretical

knowledge and practical exercises with VR,”

Gürke says. The program is aimed at professionals

who regularly work in aseptic cleanroom

environments. This includes technical

staff from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology

industries involved in production, filling,

quality assurance, and technical services, as

well as pharmacy employees. Since the training

is listed with the Pharmacy Chamber of

Lower Saxony, participants earn 16 continuing

education points. Gürke highlights the benefits:

“Training participants immerse themselves

in a three-dimensional, realistic working

environment with the simulator. Through the

VR headset, they see contaminants invisible

to the naked eye. The specialists can reinforce

their knowledge from the training and practically

apply it in our cleanroom training center.”

Interested parties can find more information

about Piepenbrock’s training program at

https://www.piepenbrock.de/gmp-reinraumschulung/.

Piepenbrock Dienstleistungen GmbH + Co. KG

Ehrenbreitsteiner Straße 44

D 80993 München

Telefon: +49 89 17878984

eMail: reinraum@piepenbrock.de

Internet: https://www.piepenbrock.de/

dienstleistungen/reinraumreinigung.html

NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 03-2026

Seite 7/79

Expansion for the manufacture of water treatment plants in the

pharmaceutical, high-purity and hydrogen sectors

EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems:

Site expansion with symbolic

wall breaking ceremony

EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems makes a visible statement for

growth and future orientation: Instead of a traditional groundbreaking

ceremony, the management team used a sledgehammer and opened

the site expansion with a symbolic wall breakthrough. With this

act, the official transformation and integration of the newly acquired

neighboring property begin. In the coming weeks, the building will

be physically connected to the main site and prepared for expansion.

Through the additional 3,600 m², there will be more space for

further production lines and a significantly improved plant flow. The

individual steps in plant construction, from pre-assembly to manufacturing

to testing and quality control, can now be completed more

straightforwardly and quickly. The proximity of engineering and

plant construction facilitates coordination and accelerates implementation.

The expansion is an important step to reliably meet the

increasing demand in the pharmaceutical, high-purity, and hydrogen

sectors.

A clear signal for growth

Ulrich Träger, Managing Director of EnviroFALK: „For me, this wall

breakthrough is something special. My father built the company, and

now seeing how it continues to grow and how much future is being

created here is a good feeling.“ Eva Bitter, Managing Director of EnviroFALK

PharmaWaterSystems, adds: „And we already feel this future.

The new spaces give us a real boost to become even faster and

more flexible. This expansion unleashes a dynamic that the entire

team can feel.“

Competencies under one roof

With the site expansion in Leverkusen, EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems

is consolidating even more technological expertise and

manufacturing capacity for water treatment systems in the pharmaceutical,

high-purity, and hydrogen sectors.

The close proximity of all relevant areas shortens coordination

paths, improves interdisciplinary exchange, and significantly accelerates

development and production processes. „The goal is to implement

our projects even more efficiently while reliably meeting the

increasing market demands,“ emphasizes Eva Bitter.

EnviroFALK PharmaWaterSystems GmbH

Maybachstraße 29

D 51381 Leverkusen

Telefon: +49 2171 7675 0

eMail: info@envirofalk-pharma.com

Internet: http://www.envirofalk-pharma.com

Site expansion with symbolic breaking of the wall. From left to right:

Ulrich Träger, Steffen Kern and Eva Bitter, management of EnviroFALK

PharmaWaterSystems.


Seite 8/79

Otto Rüttgers GmbH in Solingen manufactures scalpel blades and

holders that must meet the highest medical technology requirements.

With its move to a new location, the company built a new Class 7 clean

room that will also reliably meet future regulatory requirements.

The cleanroom was designed and

implemented by item pluspartner PETEK

Reinraumtechnik, which relied on item‘s

proven profile system.

Partnership for precision in medical technology

New clean room boosts

competitiveness

of Otto Rüttgers GmbH

Precision and Safety for Sensitive Applications – Otto Rüttgers GmbH & Co. KG

manufactures scalpel blades and holders that meet the highest medical technology

standards. To ensure the long-term quality of their products and to comply

with future legal requirements, the company invested in a new cleanroom. The

project was realized together with item plus partner PETEK Cleanroom Technology

– based on proven components from the item system building kit.

Otto Rüttgers GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered

in Solingen, specializes in the production

of scalpel blades and holders and

has a history of over 170 years. As a provider

of medical devices, the company supplies

medical facilities worldwide. The daily operations

are shaped by the highest quality

standards and comprehensive regulatory

requirements. Otto Rüttgers produces approximately

ten million products annually

for the international market, with a particular

focus on the USA. Managing Director

Ralf Zimmermann took over the company in

2020 and is strategically focusing on technological

advancement and future-proof

production processes.

Project start with clear task distribution

With the move to a new location, Otto Rüttgers

GmbH & Co. KG planned to establish

a cleanroom that would not only replace

the existing space but also feature a higher

cleanroom class (Class 7). The goal was to

meet future regulatory requirements and

strengthen the company‘s competitiveness

in the long term. The initial contact with

item was made during another project. After

visiting the item Cleanroom Center (icc)

at the headquarters in Solingen, Managing

Director Ralf Zimmermann was convinced

that he had found the right partner for his

project. The icc is an exclusive showroom

where visitors can see modular cleanroom

solutions in action. From walk-in cleanrooms

to machine cabins with live airflow

visualization, visitors can experience the

versatility of the item system building kit.

The displayed solution impressed, but in its

standard version, it was not fully tailored to

Otto Rüttgers‘ individual requirements. To

enable a customized implementation, item

recommended the certified plus partner

PETEK Cleanroom Technology GmbH from

Radolfzell. PETEK has extensive expertise

in cleanroom technology and develops tai-


Seite 9/79

lored solutions based on item components.

The clear task distribution – design and implementation

by PETEK, component supply

and technical support by item – was as important

to Otto Rüttgers as the proximity of

the item contact person.

Custom cleanroom made

from item profiles

For the realization of the cleanroom, PETEK

Cleanroom Technology relied on the proven

profile system from item. This allows for a

stable, flexible, and visually high-quality

construction that meets the high standards

of medical technology. The basic framework

of the cleanroom is entirely made from item

profiles, while surfaces, plastic channels,

and other specific components were manufactured

by PETEK. The new space measures

approximately 5.1 meters in length, 4.1

meters in width, and 3.5 meters in height

– compactly dimensioned and optimally

tailored to Otto Rüttgers‘ production processes.

A partially walk-in ceiling was also

integrated to facilitate maintenance work

on filters and air conditioning units. At the

lower part of the room, there is a surrounding

gap of about four centimeters between

the floor and walls. Through this, filtered

air is controlled and exits to the outside,

creating a constant positive pressure in the

cleanroom. This reliably prevents particles

from entering from outside. A special role in

the construction of the cleanroom is played

by item’s X 8 framing system: this modular

surface attachment system is specifically

developed for use in cleanrooms and is suitable

for both walls and ceilings. By combining

the basic profile, aluminum covers,

and seals, smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces

are created that are free of hard-to-reach

gaps. This avoids typical weak points where

particles could accumulate. This aspect

is particularly relevant in terms of „Good

Manufacturing Practice“ (GMP). The guidelines

issued by the European Commission

define strict requirements for production

environments and processes in pharmaceutical

and medical device manufacturing.

The goal is to ensure quality, efficacy, and

safety permanently. Cleanrooms must therefore

be designed to allow reliable cleaning

and monitoring at all times. „We used the

item framing system for the first time in this

project,“ explains Stanislav Klopot, General

Manager at PETEK Cleanroom Technology

GmbH. „The handling in construction convinced

us – and we see great potential for

further cleanroom projects.“ The framing

system is just one example of the versatility

of the item system building kit for pure production.

It offers a wide range of products

specifically developed for cleanroom use.

Thanks to its modular design and system

flexibility, constructions can go far beyond

standard solutions. Every component – from

profiles and surface attachments to framing

systems – is well thought out, easily combinable,

and allows for individual adaptation

to specific requirements. This creates a

perfect basis for implementing customized

cleanroom systems and adapting to specific

production processes.

Secure production process thanks

to material lock

A special requirement for the new cleanroom

was the integration of a material lock.

It ensures that scalpel blades, after cleaning,

go directly into packaging without contact

with ambient air. Beforehand, the scalpels

are cleaned outside the cleanroom in a separate

area that also adheres to high hygiene

standards. They are then transferred via the

material lock directly into the cleanroom,

where automated packaging machines seal

them in sterile foil packaging. These consist

of a transparent and an opaque foil side,

sealed using heat technology. The shortened

transport path from cleaning to packaging

significantly reduces the risk of contamination.

„The material lock was indispensable

for us to meet the high requirements

for sterile medical products,“ explains Ralf

Zimmermann, Managing Director of Otto

Rüttgers GmbH & Co. KG. „This way, we can

ensure that our products go into sterile packaging

immediately after cleaning – a crucial

step for quality assurance.“

Implementation in close collaboration

The implementation of the cleanroom was

carried out in close coordination among all

involved parties. While PETEK Cleanroom

Technology was responsible for design and

manufacturing, the Otto Rüttgers team

handled the assembly on-site independently.

To facilitate the setup, wall elements and

the partially removable ceiling were prefabricated

by PETEK, then disassembled for

transport and delivered to Solingen. Otto

Rüttgers placed particular emphasis on re-

The collaboration proved to be a win-win

situation: PETEK contributed its specialist

cleanroom expertise, while item ensured

continuous support as a reliable local

partner. From left: Stefan Denker,

PETEK, and Ralf Eickhorn, item.

A special requirement for the new clean room was the integration of a material lock. This

ensures that the scalpel blades are transferred directly into the packaging after cleaning

without coming into contact with the ambient air.


Seite 10/79

liable support throughout the entire project

phase. Here, item’s strength as a local partner

came into play, providing quick availability

of missing components and personal

support on-site. The assembly proceeded

smoothly, and the cleanroom was completed

on schedule. „The close collaboration

with item was a key success factor for us,“

emphasizes Ralf Zimmermann. „Someone

was always available, and we could rely on

immediate support when needed.“

Result: increased safety

and future viability

With the new cleanroom, Otto Rüttgers

GmbH & Co. KG now has a production environment

that meets regulatory requirements

while allowing room for future developments.

The high-quality construction

from item profiles combined with PETEK

Cleanroom Technology’s expertise enables

reliable and hygienic processing of scalpel

blades and holders. By upgrading from cleanroom

class 8 to class 7, the company has

significantly raised its quality standards and

laid the foundation for further certifications.

The integrated material lock ensures a

seamless transition from cleaning to packaging

and significantly contributes to the safety

of the entire process.

The collaboration also proved to be beneficial:

PETEK contributed specialized

cleanroom expertise, while item, as a reliable

local partner, provided continuous support.

This resulted in a customized solution

that opens new market opportunities for

Otto Rüttgers and secures production in the

long term. Additionally, the new location offers

more future possibilities: while production

was previously limited to single-shift

operation, the cleanroom now provides the

basis for a flexible two-shift operation – an

important step toward expanding production

capacity.

item Industrietechnik GmbH

D 42699 Solingen

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Ausgabe DE 05-2023

Seite 11/103

The roadmap to net zero

in life science labs

Author: Tim Walsh, Global Solution Director for

Life Sciences at Siemens Smart Infrastructure

Life science facilities are some of the toughest

challenges in the race to decarbonize

– given their high energy consumption. The

good news is technology is here to help. Not

only for decarbonization, but also for energy

security and cost reduction.

In our most recent Siemens Infrastructure

Transition Monitor, which brought together

insights from 1,400 executive respondents

across 19 countries, more than half of

industrial leaders (63%), including pharmaceutical

companies, view digitalization as a

critical enabler of the transition towards net

zero, with AI emerging as the most important

technology to achieve it.

This is especially valuable for labs. AI

can analyze vast streams of data to optimize

operations, spot energy inefficiencies invisible

to the human eye, and help facilities

reduce emissions without putting product

quality or compliance at risk.

However, it is also true that AI demand

is generating more power consumption,

which can impact overall decarbonization

goals. Yet life science facilities are already

proving AI’s value through measurable operational

gains today, emerging autonomous

capabilities demonstrating clear potential

for transformative impact.

In fact, AI has already started to be

embedded in products and platforms. For

example, to help automate and control

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

(HVAC). By using HVAC equipment data

along with weather and, in some scenarios,

occupancy data, it defines the optimal conditions

in a room or zone of a building. This

effectively creates a self-adjusting system

that predicts the ideal conditions and then

operates the HVAC more efficiently.

This isn’t theoretical, it’s happening

right now in energy-intensive critical environments

– labs, production facilities and

controlled storage – where precise environmental

control is essential for both compliance

and energy efficiency. The results are

measurable – pharma and life science facilities

implementing intelligent HVAC controls

in these critical spaces are achieving

significant monthly energy savings.

Many pharma organizations are also

looking further ahead. The shift from smart

to autonomous technology is gaining mo-

Example of a laboratory ecosystem.

mentum, with 60% of industrial leaders saying

the benefits outweigh the costs. For labs,

laying the foundations for this shift means

thinking about getting your systems to work

together and smart data platforms now,

which will ultimately allow them to move

faster and more effectively towards net zero.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

My goal with this article is to get specific

about how labs can start applying the digital

tools that already exist - meeting today’s

practical needs and then build on them

gradually, in a way that fits their operational

model, whether they’re a global pharma giant

or a smaller research lab.

Stage 1: See what’s happening

Think of it as giving your lab a nervous system.

By strategically placing sensors on critical

equipment and systems - from cleanroom

HVAC units and ultra-low temperature

freezers to fume hoods, incubators and

autoclaves - you can see exactly how energy

is being used, and where it’s being wasted.

The result is a real-time picture of

energy consumption, equipment health,

environmental conditions and overall performance.

This makes it far easier to target

the areas that matter most, for example, a

freezer running outside its optimal temperature

band or a cleanroom airflow pattern

consuming more air changes per hour than

required by standards.

Small-scale labs: Implementing just a

handful of low-cost IoT sensors can deliver

quick wins and tangible savings, without requiring

a major IT investment.

Stage 2: Get your systems talking

Right now, lab systems often work in silos

– HVAC doing one thing, freezers another.

By connecting these into a single digital environment,

you break down those silos and

start to see the whole picture - how one system

affects another.

The key here is that you need the solid

foundations of a robust building management

platform. These platforms handle the

heavy lifting and act as a central hub that

links different lab systems, analyze thousands

of data points in real time and create

the framework for AI to later act with the

greatest impact. When AI has a complete

operational picture, it can make intelligent

decisions – about anything from cleanroom

airflow to freezers and security systems.

Small-scale labs: Even connecting just

your HVAC and fume hoods to one shared

dashboard can unlock valuable insights and

savings.


Seite 12/79

digital controls that optimize performance

and enable preventative maintenance.

Supported by €1 million ($1.2 million)

in government subsidies, the project now

saves around €925,000 ($1.09 million) annually

and cuts 2,400 tons of CO₂ emissions

each year.

Small-scale labs: While not always feasible

for a single lab, at campus or portfolio level

this approach is a powerful lever for both

decarbonization and cost control.

Stage 6: Let the lab run itself (almost)

Stage 3: Build a digital twin

This is where things start to accelerate.

A digital twin creates a virtual version of

your lab so you can safely test changes - like

adjusting airflow or optimizing equipment

schedules - before doing anything in the

real world. This isn‘t just a fancy 3D model

– it‘s a working copy that shows you how all

your lab systems interact in real-time.

Digital twins bring together dynamic

and static data from multiple sources, delivering

real-time understanding that dramatically

improves decision making, advanced

planning and optimization potential. Digital

twins also allow engineers to model different

scenarios and assess outcomes before

implementation. It can help labs move from

reactive management to proactive design,

showing managers where the biggest energy-saving

opportunities lie without risking

safety or compliance.

Small-scale labs: Many digital twin solutions

are now cloud-based services, lowering

the barrier to entry and enabling advanced

optimization without huge CapEx.

Stage 4: Apply AI intelligence

For lab and facility managers, AI integration

means moving beyond simple alerts to intelligent

systems that continuously analyze

energy demand and environmental conditions.

AI-powered systems can spot patterns

you’d miss, predict equipment failures and

recommend adjustments that balance energy

reduction with compliance and product

3D image of a

smart lab ecosystem.

quality.

A good example is the Life Science

Factory in Göttingen, Germany - proof that

AI isn’t just for pharmaceutical giants. This

3,300 m² shared facility with state-of-theart

labs, open offices and a prototyping

workshop for life science start-ups, uses

intelligent ventilation and automated light

and shade control via room automation to

optimize energy use. Air volume flows are

monitored with alerts if consumption is too

high. Other systems track energy supply

and highlight optimization potential. Together,

these systems ensure the Life Science

Factory operates at peak efficiency, while

maintaining the strict environmental conditions

required for cutting-edge life science

research.

Small-scale labs: Many AI platforms

now come with user-friendly interfaces, so

you don’t need a team of data scientists to

benefit. In shared facilities like the Life Science

Factory, start-ups and smaller companies

can also access advanced technologies

and scale them up as needed, without heavy

upfront investment.

Stage 5: Rethink your energy supply

Cutting consumption is only half the story -

how you generate and supply energy matters

just as much. Ferring GmbH recognized this

when building its new 15,000 m² facility for

research, labs and sterile cleanroom production

in Germany. The company invested in

a dedicated energy center with combined

heat and power plants, boilers, chillers and

air compressors, all managed by advanced

The end game is labs that self-optimize -

environmental systems automatically adjust

to occupancy and process demand, keeping

energy use to a minimum while meeting regulatory

standards. Facilities teams are freed

from firefighting and can focus on longterm

strategy and continuous improvement.

Going a step further, autonomous labs

could eventually interact with the wider

energy ecosystem. By shifting loads, storing

surplus renewables and providing flexibility

services back to the grid, they would become

active players in the clean energy transition.

Boehringer Ingelheim is already heading

that way, as Jan Fassbender, Head of Global

Facilities and Engineering, told us when interviewed

for our ITM 2025 research, with

AI helping to tailor the energy mix of each

site, helping many to become carbon neutral.

“We are shaping each site’s future energy

mix based on what‘s locally available now,

and what will be in 2030 or 2035,” Fassbender

explained. “These models rely on advanced

analytics and AI to simulate the mix of

electricity, storage, heat pumps and more.

These insights are invaluable when engaging

suppliers and grid partners. Fourteen

of our sites are already carbon neutral using

this data-driven approach.”

Small-scale labs: Even partial automation

- like predictive maintenance or automated

freezer monitoring - delivers measurable

savings and reduces operational risk.

Conclusion – A leadership opportunity

for the whole industry

Net zero isn’t just for the largest players.

Whether you’re running one research lab,

working from a shared lab space or operating

a global R&D network, there’s a clear

path forward - cutting emissions, saving

costs and showing regulators, investors and

employees that sustainability can be built

into the science.

Siemens AG

D 80333 München


Seite 13/79

New Elis Cleanroom site

in Mannheim commences operations

As one of the leading market participants, the international textile

and hygiene service provider Elis today announces the commissioning

of the new Elis Cleanroom location in Mannheim, Baden-

Württemberg. After Bad Windsheim and Beelitz, Mannheim is the

third cleanroom operation in Germany. The new site was created by

converting an existing flat laundry operation, which Elis transformed

into a modern cleanroom facility.

The facility in Mannheim features two ISO 5 cleanrooms. All

processes are fully compliant with the EU Good Manufacturing

Practices (GMP) Annex 1. At this location, reusable cleanroom textiles

can be hygienically and germ-free processed. This includes under-

and outerwear for cleanrooms, socks, wiping cloths, cleaning

towels, and full protective glasses. Sterilization at 121 or 134 degrees

Celsius is possible using an autoclave.

The production started in early December 2025 with an initial

30 employees. The site will be gradually ramped up over the coming

months and years. At full capacity and maximum expansion stage,

the operation can process more than 175,000 parts per week and will

employ over 100 staff. With Mannheim, Elis now operates three cleanroom

laundry facilities in Germany. Worldwide, Elis‘s cleanroom

network comprises 34 locations in 18 countries.

François-David Tourneur, Country Manager Germany and Austria:

„With the commissioning of the Elis Cleanroom site in Mannheim,

Elis strengthens its position as a leading partner for contamination

control. We are pleased to ensure regional supply in

southwestern Germany with the opening of this site. As the largest

cleanroom operation within the Elis Group — measured by potential

production capacity — the site also plays an important role in supplying

our customers across Europe.“

Elis Cleanroom GmbH

Hofmannstraße 13-19

D 91438 Bad Windsheim

Telefon: +49 9841 40140850

eMail: cleanroom.de@elis.com

Internet: https://de.elis.com/de

Italian Production Facility:

Second Direct Imaging System in Cleanroom

At the Mogliano Veneto plant, the ALBA PCB Group has established

a second Class 10,000 cleanroom, a constantly decontaminated

environment designed to house the most advanced direct imaging

technology for printed circuit boards.

The LDI Ledia system from the Japanese company Screen Research,

which we have recently installed, represents one of today’s most

advanced benchmarks for the Direct Imaging of photoresist and

soldermask. Its multi-wavelength UV-LED technology ensures maximum

exposure precision, setting itself apart from traditional laser

systems through its energy efficiency and reduced heat generation.

Ledia enables the fast and accurate printing of both the internal

and external layers of the PCB, as well as the soldermask, delivering

results of absolute excellence:

– Resolution of 10,160 DPI (2.5 µm);

– Perfect adhesion to the contour and shape of the substrate

This further investment confirms the company‘s commitment to

maintaining its Italian production facility at the highest technological

standards.

ALBA PCB Group

IT 31021 Mogliano Veneto (TV)


Seite 14/79

Ecoclean: Ultra-fine and high-purity cleaning

Maximum cleanliness

– not just a cleaning process

In order to secure a future-proof and competitive position in the market, numerous

companies are restructuring their product ranges. The trend is towards

sophisticated solutions for high-tech industries. This not only means higher demands

on the precision of components, but also extremely strict specifications

regarding particulate and film cleanliness, which must be achieved in a processreliable,

economical and sustainable manner. This requires a different approach

to cleaning, a critical look at the entire production chain and manufacturing environment,

and an experienced partner.

In the course of industrial transformation,

more and more companies are focusing on

the manufacture of high-quality products

and components with good margins. The

focus is on high-tech industries that promise

stable demand through growth in the

future. The extremely high demands on

manufacturing precision in these industrial

sectors, such as the semiconductor supply

industry, electronics manufacturing, e-mobility,

the optical and optoelectronic industry,

sensor technology, photonics, thin-film

technology, vacuum, laser and analysis

technology, and aerospace, include the

cleanliness of components. This applies

regardless of whether the components are

barely visible electronic parts, millimetresmall

connecting elements, precision optics

or metre-sized structural components,

and regardless of the materials from which

they are manufactured.

Defining cleanliness according

to requirements

This trend poses challenging tasks for parts

cleaning. Unlike conventional component

cleaning, which usually involves removing

large quantities of manufacturing residues

such as chips and processing media, ultrafine

and high-purity cleaning is all about

removing minimal residual contamination.

The specifications for particulate cleanliness

extend into the submicrometer range.

Depending on the industry, component

and its application, film-like residual contamination,

such as organic and inorganic

residues, ionic residues and microorganism

The specifications for particulate cleanliness extend into the submicrometer range,

and in the case of film-like contamination, even nanolayers of organic and inorganic

residues, for example, must be removed in a process-reliable and reproducible

manner. (Image source: Ecoclean)

residues, must be removed in a process-reliable

and reproducible manner down to nanometre

levels. In high-purity applications,

such as the manufacture of components for

EUV lithography, so-called hydrogen-induced

outgassing (HIO) substances must also

be taken into account.

The requirements for particulate cleanliness

to be met during cleaning are specified

by the corresponding surface cleanliness

class (ORK) according to EN ISO 14644-9

(SCP – surface cleanliness by particle concentration)

or the corresponding VDI guideline

2083, sheet 9.1. Film-chemical, organic

and inorganic surface cleanliness is usually

defined by individual specifications or factory

standards. In addition, outgassing rates

may be evaluated using mass spectrometers.

These demanding tasks require a partner

who, on the one hand, has comprehensive

technological expertise and knowledge

of the applications and physical relationships.

On the other hand, experience in this

field of cleaning and appropriate test facilities

for cleaning trials under production-related

conditions should be available. As an

experienced full-service provider of futureoriented

and globally available solutions for

ultra-fine and high-purity cleaning, Ecoclean

meets these requirements.

Selecting the right cleaning process

and system technology

In order to meet these very strict cleanliness

specifications in a process-reliable, reproducible

and sustainable manner, several

cleaning steps are usually required along the

manufacturing chain. The following questions

play a role in selecting the optimal solution

for the respective cleaning process:

What material is the part made of? What are

the geometry, dimensions and weight of the

component? What contaminants need to be

removed? What cleanliness requirements

must be met? Which cleaning process and

which chemicals are suitable for this? On

this basis, it is possible to determine which

and how many cleaning steps are required,

using which medium and which process


Seite 15/79

The specifications for particulate cleanliness

extend into the submicrometer

range, and in the case of film-like contamination,

even nanolayers of organic

and inorganic residues, for example,

must be removed in a process-reliable

and reproducible manner. (Image

source: Ecoclean)

A High Purity Test Centre with a cleanroom and various measuring and analysis methods is available

for process design and definition of process parameters under production-related conditions.

Contract cleaning orders are also carried out here. (Image source: Ecoclean)

Depending on the workpieces to be cleaned,

defined dwell times in the various baths must

be strictly adhered to, which places very high

demands on process control.

(Image source: Ecoclean)

Whether you need to handle a wide variety of materials, meet high throughput requirements

and/or strict cleanliness specifications, modular ultrasonic multi-bath immersion systems can be

efficiently adapted to the task at hand – even for integration into or connection to a cleanroom.

(Image source: Ecoclean)

In chamber systems, such as this two-chamber

cleaning system for water-based processes,

the design, system technology, media flow and

treatment are specially adapted to the specific

requirements of ultra-fine and high-purity

cleaning. (Image source: Ecoclean)

technologies. Other aspects to be taken into

account include the required quality of the

rinsing medium and the appropriate drying

technology, as well as clean part handling

and the ambient conditions, for example

connection or integration into a clean room

or clean environment.

Cleaning along the production chain

The basis for ultra-fine or high-purity cleaning

is „oil- and grease-free“ parts. In order

to achieve and maintain this level of cleanliness,

a cleaning process is carried out after

the various processing steps, such as machining,

forming, grinding or polishing. The effect

of the cleaning medium used is enhanced

by various process technologies that can

be combined in almost any combination,

such as steam degreasing, spray, high-pressure,

immersion, ultrasonic and megasonic

cleaning, as well as plasma cleaning, injection

flood washing, pulsed pressure cleaning

(PPC) and ultrasonic plus. These process

options ensure that the required cleanliness

is consistently achieved, even for geometrically

complex workpieces.

For intermediate cleaning processes or

parts with less stringent cleanliness specifications,

modular single- or multi-chamber

systems operating under full vacuum, such

as EcoCstretch or EcoCvela, are typically

used. Depending on the processing medium

used, these systems can be operated

with an environmentally friendly solvent,

e.g. hydrocarbons or modified alcohol, or a


Seite 16/79

specially selected water-based cleaner. The

design, system engineering, media flow and

treatment of these systems are specially tailored

to ultra-fine cleaning and high-purity

applications. Thanks to the process mechanics

concentrated in the working chamber,

e.g. injection flood washing, ultrasound and

PPC, this type of system also offers advantages

when cleaning large and complex

workpieces.

Ultrasonic multi-bath immersion systems

are the optimal solution for parts with

a wide variety of materials, high throughput

requirements and/or strict cleanliness

specifications. In addition to individually

designed cleaning systems for high-end

applications, the plant manufacturer offers

an efficient solution with the UCMSmart-

Line and UCMPerformanceLine series of

systems consisting of standardised modules.

The electrical and control technology

is integrated into the respective modules

for the process steps of cleaning, rinsing,

drying, loading and unloading, as well as for

the transport system. This, together with

the provision of process mechanics tailored

to requirements, such as PPC, allows

the systems to be optimally adapted to the

respective task. The option of upgrading the

cleaning system at a later date ensures future-proofing

in the event of increased requirements.

Test centre for process design

or contract cleaning

Ecoclean determines the right system concept

for the application and the optimal

cleaning process in its own High Purity

Test Centre. It has a Class 7 clean room with

Class 6 zones and various measurement and

analysis methods (e.g. microscopy, residual

gas analysis, UV light and fluorescence

measurement). In addition to the productspecific

development of cleaning processes

and parameters, the plant manufacturer also

uses the Test Centre to carry out contract

cleaning orders. A packaging station for

cleaned parts ensures that the high level of

cleanliness achieved is also delivered to the

customer.

UCM AG

Langenhagstrasse 25

CH 9424 Rheineck

Telefon: +41 71 8866760

Telefax: +41 71 8866761

eMail: info@ucm-ag.com

Internet: http://www.ucm-ag.com

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Ausgabe DE 05-2023 Seite 17/103

SPETEC® cleanroom cells bring particle concentration to its knees

Flexible in design,

versatile in use

The requirements for cleanliness or purity of environments have

increased significantly, especially in the fields of laser safety, laboratories,

and research. The use of cleanroom technology is often

necessary, for example in the manufacturing, packaging, or storage

of dust-sensitive mechanical, optical, and electronic components.

Numerous chemical, pharmaceutical, microelectronic, or medical

technology sectors even require a particle-free environment.

For this purpose, Spetec GmbH offers three modular cleanroom

concepts that provide users with all possibilities—whether it’s a

small, cost-effective solution for 3 m² or a high-quality cleanroom of

350 m²—and all without construction work.

An SPETEC® cleanroom module initially consists of a filter unit,

the Laminar Flow Module, which reduces the particle concentration

in the air from around 15 million/m³ to about 1,500 particles within

the unit using H14 filters with an efficiency of 99.995%. This filter

unit promotes the air in a laminar flow along with particles towards

the floor, so that particle-free air is achieved after a short period.

The actual cell consists of the filter unit, around which a strip

curtain or side panels made of aluminum composite panels and acrylic

or composite glass are built, creating a sealed unit. Additionally,

other equipment options such as electric sliding doors, material or

personnel locks are possible, so that any exchange with contaminated

outside air can be avoided. Depending on the number of laminar

flow modules, cleanroom classes ISO 5 to ISO 8 can be achieved.

Furthermore, classes A to D according to GMP can be implemented.

The SPETEC® cleanroom modules can be combined arbitrarily

and thus fulfill a wide variety of requirements. They are flexible in

design and versatile in use.

Spetec Gesellschaft für Labor- und Reinraumtechnik mbH

Am Kletthamer Feld 15

D 85435 Erding

Telefon: +49 8122 959090

Telefax: +49 8122 9590955

eMail: info@spetec.de

Internet: https://www.spetec.de


Seite 18/79

Piepenbrock is responsible for cleanroom cleaning at Wörwag

Pharma Production, among other things. (Image: Piepenbrock

Unternehmensgruppe GmbH + Co. KG)

Cleanroom expertise in the Munich region

Wörwag Pharma Production relies on

cleaning services from Piepenbrock

Wörwag Pharma Production GmbH & Co. KG trusts in the

services of the Piepenbrock Group. Since December 2, 2024,

the Munich branch has been responsible for cleanroom and

maintenance cleaning at the Pöcking site in Upper Bavaria.

clude different intervals and work steps, which we carefully document,“

explains Klaudija Bagara, area manager of the Piepenbrock

Munich branch. While production was expanded, Piepenbrock also

provided special services in construction cleaning to ensure a clean

construction site.

From Qualification to Trust

Wörwag Pharma supports patients in maintaining or restoring their

health. The product range includes medications and dietary supplements

for diabetic comorbidities, the nervous and immune systems,

and the musculoskeletal system. In Pöcking on Lake Starnberg,

Wörwag Pharma Production GmbH & Co. KG produces various tablets

and dragees. A team from Piepenbrock ensures a particle- and

germ-free environment according to GMP cleanroom class D. „With

the contract at Wörwag Pharma, we have expanded our expertise

in cleanroom cleaning in the Munich region. This allows us to meet

the specific requirements of this cleaning,“ says Francesca Görner,

branch manager at Piepenbrock in Munich.

Piepenbrock convinced with its GMP cleanroom qualification and

professionalism during the tender process. This pays off in practice.

„The employees of Piepenbrock implement what they promise.

We are grateful for their expertise and recommendations,“ emphasizes

Andreas Wallé, managing director and site manager at Wörwag

Pharma Production. A growing trust is reflected in increased inquiries

for special services. „I am glad that the partnership has worked

well and that we can discuss and solve challenges together,“ summarizes

Bagara.

Customized Cleaning

Five days a week, the Piepenbrock team is active in Pöcking. In the

evening, the staff clean the offices, sanitary facilities, and the canteen

in the administration building. During the night shift, they take

care of the approximately 2,600 square meters of GMP area, including

commissioning and storage. „We carry out the cleaning work

according to the detailed specifications of the customer. These in-

Piepenbrock Dienstleistungen GmbH + Co. KG

Ehrenbreitsteiner Straße 44

D 80993 München

Telefon: +49 89 17878984

eMail: reinraum@piepenbrock.de

Internet: https://www.piepenbrock.de/dienstleistungen/reinraumreinigung.html


Seite 19/79

EFAFLEX high-speed cleanroom doors in GMP use at Losan Pharma

Highest standards guaranteed

During the construction of their new manufacturing plant

in the Breisgau Business Park, Losan Pharma GmbH once

again chose EFAFLEX rapid roll-up doors for cleanrooms.

In sensitive zones such as material sluices, sluice corridors,

and production areas, a total of 35 doors from the EFA-

SRT® CR C and EFA-SRT® CR Premium series ensure

controlled access while adhering to the strictest hygienic

requirements.

When entering the new production building in Eschbach, the precisely

thought-out design immediately catches the eye. Glass walls,

smooth floor surfaces, and high-quality stainless steel machinery

emphasize the high technical and hygienic standards of the production.

The installed rapid roll-up doors seamlessly integrate into the

overall concept and make a significant contribution to process stability,

particle reduction, and compliance with GMP and ISO standards

for cleanrooms.

“For us, it is essential that the rapid roll-up doors used have a valid

certification according to DIN EN ISO 14644-1,” says Christoph Lang,

Technical Director of Losan Pharma GmbH. “The air purity must be

guaranteed at every point and at all times. This particularly includes

preventing particles from the so-called gray area from uncontrollably

entering our cleanrooms. Therefore, the doors must be as airtight as

possible.”

In addition to airtightness, the pressure stability of the door systems

also plays a central role, especially in sensitive areas with active

pressure cascades. “In our sluices, there are sometimes significant

pressure differences between adjacent rooms. A particularly critical

transition exists, for example, to the fully automated high-bay storage

zone, where the cleanroom doors must operate absolutely reliably

even under constant pressure load. The EFAFLEX cleanroom

doors meet these requirements without restrictions,” emphasizes

Christoph Lang.

Hygiene was also consistently considered when selecting the

door systems. For Losan Pharma, a GMP-compliant design with

rounded edges, smooth surfaces, and slanted elements that ensure

easy cleaning and minimal particle adhesion is important. The entire

system must be ergonomic, maintenance-friendly, and durable in

itself.

A particular advantage is the fully integrated control unit. “The

EFA-TRONIC control is space-saving built into the door construction.

This not only saves installation effort but also allows for a clean

implementation without additional control cabinets in the cleanroom.

Furthermore, the control impresses with its versatile connectivity.

Potential-free contacts and freely configurable inputs facilitate

integration with conveyor technology and the higher-level control

units of autonomous transport vehicles.”

Christoph Lang is also fully satisfied with the service: “What distinguishes

EFAFLEX is not only the technical quality of the products

but also the team behind them. During maintenance, we experience

quick response times, and for individual solutions, we always have

competent contacts at our side. The technicians think along, understand

our processes, and provide practical and feasible suggestions.”

In the end, it was the overall package that convinced: “EFAFLEX


Seite 20/79

offers the best combination of cleanroom design, system

integration, pressure resistance, durability, service

quality, and a very good price-performance ratio

for our requirements.”

INGENIEURBÜRO &

REINRAUMSERVICE

EGON BUCHTA GMBH

Safety, efficiency, and hygiene

perfectly combined

The rapid roll-up doors EFA-SRT® CR Premium

and EFA-SRT® CR C were specifically developed

for cleanroom applications and meet the highest

requirements for airtightness, hygiene, speed, and

system integration. Both models are designed for up

to 200,000 cycles per year and achieve maximum

opening speeds of up to 2.5 meters per second. Their

hygienic design facilitates cleaning and minimizes

particle adhesion.

The control is integrated space-saving into the

door construction—on the EFA-SRT®-CR C into the

complete cover, on the EFA-SRT® CR Premium into

the drive housing. An emergency mechanical manual

release accessible from both sides is available. Both

models can optionally be equipped with an uninterruptible

power supply (UPS), with the Premium model

even integrated directly into the housing.

Reliable partner for the pharmaceutical

industry – Losan Pharma GmbH

With the construction of the new production facility

at the Eschbach site, Losan Pharma GmbH is expanding

its capacities and alleviating the existing spaces

at the headquarters in Neuenburg. The state-of-theart

premises at the Losan Pharma Campus in the

Breisgau Business Park were commissioned in the

first half of 2025 and provide optimal conditions for

GMP-compliant pharmaceutical production at the

highest level.

Losan Pharma has been a reliable development

partner for the international pharmaceutical industry

since 1992. The company employs around 800 staff at

the Eschbach and Neuenburg locations. Its range of

services includes the development, manufacture, and

packaging of innovative dosage forms as well as analytical

services and the design and GMP-compliant

production of pharmaceutical packaging.

Losan Pharma is regularly audited by national and

international health authorities and has successfully

passed all inspections. The medicines produced at

the site are exported to over 70 countries worldwide,

demonstrating quality, reliability, and regulatory excellence.

„WIR SIND

FÜR SIE DA.“

FULLSERVICE FOR

CLEANROOM SOLUTIONS

– GMP- und Nutzerberatung

– Dokumentenerstellung nach

EU-GMP-Leitfaden; Annex 15

– partikuläre und mikrobiologische

Qualifizierungen, Wartungen und Service

inkl. Messtechnik und Dokumentation für

„as built“, „at rest“ und „in operation“

– Qualifizierungen von

Kühl- und Wärmegeräten

EFAFLEX Tor- und Sicherheitssysteme GmbH & Co.KG

Fliederstraße 14

D 84079 Bruckberg

Telefon: +49 8765 820

Telefax: +49 8765 82200

eMail: info@efaflex.com

Internet: http://www.efaflex.com

– Hygienepläne, Schleusenordnungen, SOP‘s

– GMP- und Hygieneschulungen

– Blower-Door-Test

www.reinraumservice.de


Seite 21/79

On Friday, 6 February 2026, the new clean room personnel airlock for student training purposes

was opened at the Birkenfeld Environmental Campus of Trier University of Applied Sciences.

Opening of the personnel airlock

for clean room training at the

Birkenfeld Environmental Campus

With the opening of the personnel lock, an training infrastructure

is established that is consistently aligned with the regulatory requirements

of the pharmaceutical industry and represents a central

component for practical, GMP-compliant training. GMP stands for

„Good Manufacturing Practice“ and refers to a quality assurance

system for production, control, and storage in the pharmaceutical

industry. It ensures, through binding guidelines, a consistent high

product quality to eliminate risks for patients.

In the pharmaceutical environment, personnel are considered one

of the most critical potential sources of contamination. The personnel

lock therefore plays a key role, as it is not just an access point

but a quality-critical process step that significantly contributes to

minimizing biological and particulate contamination, thereby influencing

product quality and patient safety. The cleanroom personnel

lock enables students and company employees to undergo

practical training of essential GMP-relevant processes such as cleanroom

qualification according to guidelines and assessment of the

impact of personnel movements, monitoring of airborne particles in

rest and operational states, microbiological monitoring of microbial

contamination, and GMP-compliant entry and exit of personnel,

considering clothing concepts, documentation requirements, and

training obligations.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Percy Kampeis (centre) hands over the key to

the personnel airlock to its future users Prof. Dr. Roman Kirsch (left)

and Prof. Dr. Denis Theobald (right).

This practical training provides targeted preparation for real pharmaceutical

work environments, benefiting students and partner

companies. With the commissioning of the personnel lock, targeted

investment is made in training qualified graduates, enabling them to

quickly become productive in pharmaceutical processes.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Percy Kampeis, Program Director of the Master‘s program

„Cleanroom Technology in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing,“

expressed his thanks to all contributors and the companies that, as

sponsors, made the construction of the personnel lock possible. A

project of this quality would not have been feasible without the support

of strong industrial partners and the dedicated involvement of

technical specialists. As a symbolic conclusion, the key to the personnel

lock was handed over to the future users Prof. Dr. Roman

Kirsch (Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Mechanical

Process Engineering) and Prof. Dr. Denis Theobald (Quality Assurance

in Pharmaceutical Technology).

Hochschule Trier

D 54293 Trier

Guests were able to view the new personnel airlock for

cleanroom training at the opening. (Source: Jannik Scheer;

Copyright: Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld)


Seite 22/79


Seite 23/79

Long-term investment strategy focuses on Europe and the US

One of the largest single

investments in the company‘s history:

Pharmaceutical service provider Vetter

Pharma builds new site in Saarland

– Initial investment volume in Saarlouis of 480 million euros

– Construction start in the second quarter of 2026

– Production of medications planned to start in 2031

Aerial view of the 40-hectare

construction site (marked)

acquired by Vetter in Saarlouis for

the new production site. © Vetter

Pharma International GmbH

Vetter, one of the world‘s leading pharmaceutical

service providers for the manufacturing

of injectable medications, confirms

during a meeting with the Saarland state government

at the State Chancellery its construction

project for a new, state-of-the-art

production facility in Saarlouis. This underscores

the family-owned company‘s longterm

growth strategy and its commitment

to the German location. The construction is

scheduled to begin in the second quarter of

2026. An investment volume of nearly half a

billion euros is planned for the first phase of

the production plant. The site is expected to

Anke Rehlinger, Minister-President of Saarland,

and Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of

the Advisory Board and member of the Vetter

family of owners, with the model for the new,

multi-stage production site in Saarlouis.

(Image source: State Chancellery of Saarland /

Jennifer Weyland)

be operational in 2031.

By the end of 2024, Vetter had acquired

the approximately 40-hectare industrial site

in Saarlouis. The decision to settle in Saarland

is based on long-term strategic considerations

and convincing location factors.

The European Commission has approved

state aid of up to 47 million euros for the

extensive construction project. In the long

term, Vetter foresees the potential creation

of up to 2,000 jobs at the site. Recruitment

will begin once the structural prerequisites

are in place. Open positions will then be

posted on the Vetter website.

“With the construction of our new production

facility in Saarlouis, we are taking

an important milestone on our sustainable

growth path. Long-term success is achieved

through the right balance between stability

and targeted expansion,” emphasizes

Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the

Supervisory Board and member of the family

ownership. “We have great confiden-


Seite 24/79

ce in Saarland and are proud to strengthen

the economic location of Germany with our

investments. At the same time, we reaffirm

our long-term commitment as a family-owned

company in the global pharmaceutical

market – including our ongoing investments

in the USA.”

The Saarland state government also

welcomes this decision. “We are pleased

with Vetter‘s decision to establish Saarlouis

as a new production site. This is a

strong signal for the future of Saarland

and a success of the settlement efforts,”

said Saarland Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger.

Economy Minister Jürgen Barke

added: “The planned investment means

diversification of our economy and creates

new jobs in a market with a future. This

strengthens Saarland in the structural

change and contributes to the sustainable

development of our innovation and industrial

landscape.”

For over 75 years, Vetter has stood for

quality, innovation, and responsibility in

pharmaceutical manufacturing, helping patients

worldwide to improve their quality of

life. To meet the growing demand and increasing

market requirements, the company

is strategically investing in its existing sites

in Germany, Austria, and the USA. With the

new location in Saarlouis, Vetter is significantly

expanding its production capacity

once again.

Vetter Pharma International GmbH

D 88212 Ravensburg


First-Of-Its-Kind Solution For Barium Titanate Epitaxy on Silicon to Accelerate

Datacom and Quantum Computing Applications.

Veeco and imec develop 300mm

compatible process to enable

integration of barium titanate

on silicon photonics

Cross-sectional Transmission Electronic Microscopy image of the BaTiO3/SrTiO3/Si(001) heterostructure

with high-resolution micrograph and atomic force micrograph images in inset.

Photos of the Veeco 300mm oxide system for hybrid-MBE BTO on Silicon epitaxy.

Veeco Instruments Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO)

and imec announced today that they have

collaboratively developed a 300mm high

volume manufacturing compatible process

that enables the integration of barium titanate

(BaTiO3 or BTO) on a silicon photonics

platform. BTO is a promising material with

unique electro-optical properties that can

be used for high-speed and low-power light

modulation in emerging applications such

as high-speed optical transceivers, quantum

computing, light detection and ranging (Li-

DAR), and AR/VR applications. Historically,

approaches to integrate BTO have struggled

to meet the desired cost targets to make

it viable for high-volume manufacturing.

Veeco has now delivered its first Molecular

Beam Epitaxy (MBE) based cluster system,

marking a significant milestone in Veeco’s

and imec’s partnership and their dedication

to enhance silicon photonics platform

capabilities. The new 300mm platform is

designed for the epitaxy of BaTiO3 single

crystalline thin films on silicon, available

with both solid and hybrid Molecular Beam

Epitaxy (MBE) solutions. With the integration

of these alternative growth techniques,

the system will be capable of BTO-on-Si deposition

with improved repeatability and at

a lower cost than classical MBE methods.

The optical transceiver market for datacom

is expected to grow to $13.1 billion in 2030,

up from $2.9 billion in 2024. However, to alleviate

the trade-offs of current silicon modulator

technologies, including high power

consumption, performance (speed, drive

voltage), and area, the introduction of novel

electro-optic materials, like BTO, into

silicon photonics will be crucial. At present,

there is no commercially available production-compatible

solution for manufacturing

these materials. In partnership with Veeco,

imec is now addressing this industry need

to develop scaled solutions that allows the


Seite 26/79

integration of materials such as BaTiO3 and

SrTiO3 onto a 300mm silicon platform.

“Over the past 4 years, imec and Veeco have

collaborated on developing alternative techniques

for BaTiO3-on-Si and benchmarking

both material and electro-optic properties

towards defining a strategy for advancing

large-scale manufacturing solutions,” says

Clement Merckling, Scientific Director at

imec. “With the introduction of Veeco’s

first-of-its-kind MBE solution, we are expanding

our capabilities for heterogeneous

integration of beyond-Si electrooptic materials,

strengthening our R&D offering for

current and new partners with an interest in

exploring and prototyping next-generation

silicon photonics technology.” added Joris

Van Campenhout, imec Fellow and Optical

I/O Program Director.

“This partnership with imec is a monumental

step forward for the MBE industry, datacom

and quantum computing production,”

commented Matthew Marek, Senior Director

of Marketing for Veeco’s MBE Product

Line. “The historic view of MBE processing

has been that it is slow and expensive; however,

new hardware developments that

our team validated in partnership with imec

bring MBE into a cost-effective domain

that is suitable for semiconductor fabs. We

are excited about the work underway between

our two organizations to demonstrate

a repeatable, high-volume BTO production

process. We anticipate this effort will help

us achieve our shared goal to unlock BTO

photonic modulator breakthroughs for a

better and greener future.”

IMEC Belgium

BL 3001 Leuven


DLR receives funding for new Human Exploration Control Centre (HECC)

building at Oberpfaffenhofen site

Focus on the Moon and Mars:

New control centre planned for

astronautical space travel

– The Human Exploration Control Center (HECC) will enable the operation of astronautic

and robotic missions to the Moon and Mars in the future.

– For the construction of the Moon control center HECC, Bavaria‘s Minister President

Dr. Markus Söder presents a funding notice of 58 million euros to the DLR.

– Focus areas: Spaceflight, Moon, Mars, Exploration

For the astronautic spaceflight of tomorrow,

a new control center will be established at

the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in

Oberpfaffenhofen: the Human Exploration

Control Center (HECC). In the future, both

astronautic and robotic missions to the

Moon and Mars will be operated at HECC.

The new infrastructure will further strengthen

the Bavaria location. In cooperation

with European partners, the control center

will also significantly contribute to securing

national and European independence in

spaceflight. The Free State of Bavaria is funding

the construction with 58 million euros.

Additionally, DLR is investing 20 million

euros from the institutional basic funding

of the federal and state governments and is

responsible for implementing the development

work for the Moon and Mars missions

at HECC.

On February 4, 2026, Bavarian Minister

President Dr. Markus Söder will hand over

the funding notice for the construction of

the new control center to the DLR at the

Gateway Lunar Space Station (artist‘s impression): Impression of the Gateway Lunar Space

Station. The space station in lunar orbit will serve as a habitat, refuelling and research centre

for astronauts exploring our moon as part of the Artemis programme. The Human Exploration

Control Centre (HECC) will be responsible for operating three modules of the Gateway: the

HLCS communication system to the lunar surface, the I-HAB living and working module,

and the ESPRIT propulsion module. (Credit: ESA)

Oberpfaffenhofen site – received by DLR

Chairwoman Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-

Pyzalla, DLR Spaceflight Operations Division

Head Dr. Anke Pagels-Kerp, and Director

of the DLR Spaceflight Operations and

Astronaut Training Facility Prof. Felix Huber.

„DLR stands for knowledge exchange

with public stakeholders and transfer to

industry. Through their consistent implementation,

extensive and internationally

recognized expertise in spaceflight control

and astronaut training has been built

up at the Bavarian site Oberpfaffenhofen

of DLR for decades,“ explains Prof. Dr.-Ing.

Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of DLR.

„With today‘s handover of the funding notice

amounting to 58 million euros by Minister

President Dr. Markus Söder, the future

of spaceflight control at DLR begins. Particularly

robotic exploration within the framework

of international cooperation and as

support for astronautic missions will play an

increasingly central role in the new Human

Exploration Control Center HECC.“

Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research,

Technology, and Space, states on the

occasion of the planned establishment of

HECC: „With the Human Exploration Control

Center, the future European center for

robotic and astronautic exploration is being

created here in Oberpfaffenhofen. The federal

and state governments are moving

forward together. The expansion of our national

competencies in spaceflight control

is a significant contribution by Germany to

Europe‘s sovereignty in space.“

From Bavaria‘s perspective, Minister

President Dr. Markus Söder emphasizes:

„Bavaria‘s gateway to the stars is coming.


Seite 28/79

The Free State, DLR, and ESA form a strong

community. With innovation and pioneering

spirit, we promote research, freedom,

and the future. Bavaria is investing 58 million

euros in a new building, five million

euros in the development of a gateway in

orbit, and in an AI project for astronaut

support. The Moon is our springboard into

space – and perhaps someday the stopover

to Mars. From the Moon, real-time monitoring

of robots, autonomous energy systems,

and long-term living and working in space

can be researched. This is the most exciting

adventure of our time. It also has tangible

effects on our lives on Earth: numerous new

technologies and jobs are emerging in Bavaria

as part of the Space Valley.“

„Spaceflight has long been a vital economic

and technological factor. With the

new Human Exploration Control Center, we

bring future technology to Bavaria, secure

highly qualified jobs, and lay the foundation

for future missions both by the government

and for commercial purposes. Not

least thanks to the forward-looking funding

by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs,

DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen has stood

for outstanding expertise in spaceflight for

many years. We are now building on this

strength. Bavaria once again demonstrates

that high-tech, industry, and research go

hand in hand here,“ adds Bavaria‘s Minister

of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger.

Prepared for future demands

The Human Exploration Control Center

will be established at the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen

as part of the National Space

Operations Center (GSOC). It is based on

the successful operation of the Columbus

module of the International Space Station

(ISS). Therefore, the existing infrastructure

at GSOC will be expanded, and an additio-

On the way to the Moon: illustration of an Orion spacecraft from NASA‘s Artemis programme.

A central part of the Orion spacecraft is the European Service Module (ESM), which is being

built in Germany by the European Space Agency (ESA) on behalf of NASA. It contains Orion‘s

propulsion system and supplies power via four solar generators. It also regulates the climate

and temperature in the spacecraft and stores fuel, oxygen and water supplies for the crew.

(Credit:© NASA, image montage: DLR)

nal building will be constructed. It will accommodate

up to 200 employees, a Moon

control center with dedicated clean rooms,

and multi-mission rooms that enable the

parallel operation of various missions. Highsecurity

areas with separate server and control

rooms ensure that the facility can handle

increasingly demanding operational tasks

in the future. Furthermore, the GSOC team

is developing new operational and deployment

concepts for Moon and Mars missions.

In particular, the HECC will support

the operation of the Gateway Lunar Space

Station on the European side. To this end,

GSOC is already developing operational

procedures for the international Habitation

Module I-HAB, a central unit of the

Gateway. HECC will assume operational

responsibility for a total of three modules.

These include, besides I-HAB, the communication

system to the lunar surface

Handover of the funding approval notice at the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen: From left:

Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the

DLR Executive Board, Dr. Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister-President, and Dr. Anke Pagels-Kerp,

DLR Executive Board Member for Space. (Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0))

HLCS (HALO Lunar Communication System),

and the propulsion module ESPRIT

(ESPRIT Refueling Module, ERM). The

Gateway is planned to be constructed during

this decade and will orbit around the

Moon as the next outpost of humanity in

space. With the return to the Moon, the Artemis

program also aims to prepare future

astronautic missions to Mars.

Stopover to Mars

In the long term, the HECC will also be responsible

for astronautic missions beyond

the Earth-Moon system. For example, missions

to Mars have a signal travel time of up

to 40 minutes to Earth, making operation

in real-time via conventional methods impossible.

To address this, GSOC at DLR is

already developing AI-based solutions such

as the assistance system METIS (Mars Exploration

Telemetry-driven Information

System), which will enable autonomous or

semi-autonomous operation of spacecraft

in the future.

With long-term support from the European

Space Agency (ESA), the HECC will

be established as a European control center

for astronautic and robotic exploration.

Funding from the Free State of Bavaria and

DLR‘s investments now ensure that the

technological and infrastructural foundations

are laid at the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen.

Construction is scheduled to begin

in 2028. The operation of the Human Exploration

Control Center is expected to start

in 2030.


Seite 29/79

DLR e.V.

D 51147 Köln

Guests from industry, politics and the regional economy at the grand opening of SMC‘s

new Industrial Application Centre in Dresden on 29 January 2026.

SMC offers innovative solutions for the automation

industry and is now also represented in

Dresden with an IAC. (Photo: SMC Deutschland

GmbH)

SMC opens Industrial

Application Centre in Dresden:

New space for networked development

and industrial automation in Silicon Saxony

With the Industrial Application Center, SMC enhances its innovation capabilities and provides

companies in Dresden with a place where they can jointly develop efficient automation

solutions for future-proof production processes.

Unlike traditional test centers, the IAC offers a practical environment

where applications can be operated in real-time, motion and

control sequences demonstrated, and typical scenarios from everyday

production can be simulated. This allows for the direct experience

of circuits, cylinders, electric axes, sensors, or vacuum components

for automation processes.

„Dresden is one of the most important microelectronics locations

in Europe. We are creating a place here where end users, machine

builders, and SMC experts can work together on technical

solutions,“ says Robert Angel, Managing Director of SMC Germa-

ny GmbH. „The IAC, as a central innovation hub, aims to accelerate

coordination processes and strengthen knowledge transfer so that

early decisions can be clearly directed towards forward-looking, implementation-oriented

results.“

The IAC is aimed at companies from various industries such as

semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, mechanical engineering,

and food processing. Workshops, training sessions, project

meetings, and technical consultations take place here — always with

the goal of precisely defining requirements together and developing

applications tailored to needs.


Seite 30/79

existing center at SMC‘s headquarters in Egelsbach and strengthens

the nationwide network of application-oriented development work

for the automation industry. During the opening, the management of

SMC Germany and the IAC Dresden team also presented a donation

check to the association „Wegen uns e. V.,“ which is committed in

Dresden to caring for and adopting children as well as supporting the

families that take them in.

The IAC is managed by a core team, which is supported as needed

by additional specialists from the region. The flexible structure

allows for the precise inclusion of expertise required for customer

projects depending on the task.

Robert Angel, Managing Director of SMC Germany, and Stefan Voigt, Site

Manager of the IAC in Dresden, emphasise the importance of modern

automation and microelectronics technologies for Saxony as a business

location at the opening of the Industrial Application Centre. (Photo: SMC

Deutschland GmbH)

With the IAC, SMC sends a clear signal for the Saxony location and

creates a platform that closely integrates industry, research, and

technological development. The Dresden IAC complements the

„Our goal is to create a space where industrial challenges are not only

discussed but also made tangible through the direct interaction of

application, engineering, and practice,“ explains Matthias Ronacher,

Senior Vice President of Direct Sales. „This creates a joint development

process that effectively combines technical depth, direct interaction,

and real industrial conditions.“

A virtual 360° tour of the IAC in Egelsbach is already available.

SMC Deutschland GmbH

D 63329 Egelsbach

Clean Room Design

Glatt Process & Plant Engineering

Pharma+Biotech provides a

holistic planning that brings

together all interfaces and

engineering disciplines in

advance.

Cleanrooms as an integral part of

complex system planning.

Let‘s develop your

optimum solution.

ppe.glatt.com


Rejlek Group relies on sustainable precision with Sumitiomo (SHI) Demag

Austria‘s first fully

electric SAM-C automation

Cell at Rejlek

The Rejlek Group in Vienna has recently commissioned Austria’s first fully integrated SAM-C automation solution from

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. The fully electric IntElect 130 impresses the Austrian manufacturer of high-precision plastic components

with outstanding process stability, energy efficiency, and precision. Marking an important step toward sustainable

manufacturing.

“For us, the combination of cost-performance ratio and technical sophistication

was decisive,” explains Johannes Burtscher, Operations

Manager for Injection Molding and Stamping Technology at Rejlek

“The machine offers an exceptional value creation depth – from the

drive technology to the integrated robotic solution. What particularly

impressed us was the seamless integration of the SAM-C robot,

which significantly simplifies operation and maintenance.”

Higher productivity with low energy consumption

The SAM-C robot is fully integrated and perfectly matched

to the all-electric machine.

Rejlek manufactures precision components in Vienna for industrial

electronics, mobility, and medical technology. On the new fully electric

IntElect, plastics with high glass fiber and recycled content are

processed – a significant step toward more sustainable production.

“Our machine is designed to safely process even recycled materials,”

says Burtscher. “This allows us to directly reuse production waste

and efficiently close the material loop.”

Thanks to the activeMeltControl technology, the machine automatically

compensates for material fluctuations, ensuring consistently

high quality with minimal scrap rates. The adaptive control system

adjusts the injection process in real time, enabling particularly

stable production conditions. A clear advantage, especially when

using multi-cavity molds.

We see great potential to further expand the

partnership in the area of multi-component

technology in the future.”

The new all-electric injection molding machine

from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag produces connectors, control

units and sensors.


Seite 32/79

Space-saving Automation with System Integration

A key feature of the new production cell is the fully integrated SAM-

C robotic solution. “The compact design saves valuable floor space,

and thanks to the joint control of the machine and robot, operation

is extremely intuitive,” explains Burtscher. “This reduces training requirements

and downtime.”

In the production process, the SAM-C robot performs precise

part removal and handling for subsequent processing steps, making

a decisive contribution to higher process reliability and consistent

product quality. Michael Domes, Managing Director Sales

Austria at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, adds: “With the SAM-C series,

we offer a fully integrated automation solution that is perfectly

tailored to our fully electric machines. The combination of high

dynamics, energy efficiency, and ease of use provides our customers

with new opportunities to manufacture more productively

and sustainably.”

Sustainability as a Core Practice

At Rejlek, sustainability has long been an integral part of daily production.

In addition to using recycled materials, the company optimizes

cooling management and relies on closed water circuits.

“Our fully electric system significantly reduces energy consumption

compared to hydraulic machines,” emphasizes Burtscher. “At

the same time, we benefit from precise, stable cycles and very high

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).” The technology thus

supports both the company’s ecological and economic objectives

– an aspect that is equally central for Rejlek and Sumitomo (SHI)

Demag.

Partnership on Equal Terms

The collaboration between Rejlek and Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has

developed over many years. About every tenth injection molding

machine at the Vienna site comes from the German-Japanese manufacturer.

“The relationship is characterized by trust, technical

depth, and short communication paths,” says Burtscher. “We see

great potential to further expand the partnership in the area of multi-component

technology in the future.”

For Michael Domes, the installation of Austria’s first SAM-C cell

marks another milestone: “Rejlek impressively demonstrates how

precision, automation, and sustainability can be harmonized. The

implementation confirms that fully electric production is convincing

not only technologically but also economically.”

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag

D 90571 Schwaig


Launch of new A14 and embedded DRAM process design kits (PDKs) accelerates research

and innovation in logic and memory scaling

NanoIC extends its PDK

portfolio with first A14 logic

and eDRAM memory PDK

On 2nd February, 2026, the NanoIC pilot line, a European initiative coordinated by imec and dedicated to accelerating innovation

in chip technologies beyond 2nm, announced the release of two new process design kits (PDKs): an A14 pathfinding

PDK for advanced logic scaling and an eDRAM system exploration PDK for advanced memory innovation. Both PDKs are

first‐of‐their‐kind releases, providing early access to cutting-edge design rules and flows, and giving users a unique gateway

to investigate advanced technology nodes and embedded memory designs.

The advanced Process design kits (PDKs) from the NanoIC pilot line

play a key role in advancing semiconductor innovation. They give

designers early access to realistic design rules and implementation

workflows long before hardware for a new technology exists. With

the introduction of the A14 and eDRAM PDKs, NanoIC for the first

time gives designers early insight into two critical technology areas

for future compute systems: logic scaling at the A14 Angstrom node

and embedded memory integration.

By making these PDKs freely accessible, NanoIC seeks to connect

early-stage design exploration with real-world integration, helping

researchers and start‐ups explore emerging nodes, anticipate

integration challenges, and benchmark designs against realistic scaling

metrics. “PDKs like A14 and eDRAM are catalysts for learning

and design”, Marie Garcia Bardon, Department Director at imec and

work package leader within the NanoIC project, explains. “They offer

a robust environment for hands-on evaluation and quantitative

comparison of different technology choices. This approach accelerates

learning, de-risks architectural and design innovation, and helps

designers prepare for advanced logic nodes and embedded memory

technologies well before hardware becomes available.”

“By making these PDKs broadly accessible, we lower barriers for

universities, industry, and start‐ups to engage with next-generation

technologies”, Giuseppe Fiorentino, program manager for NanoIC

continues. “Access to realistic rules and flows enables teams to explore

new research directions and breakthrough concepts that will

feed directly into the European semiconductor value chain.”

3D representation of the A14 device structure

showing the 4 stacked nanosheets with its local routing

and back side metal contact.

A14 pathfinding PDK: scaling down to the 14-Angstrom node

As the first of the newly launched PDKs, the A14 pathfinding PDK

provides a virtual design environment for exploring scaling at the

14‐Angstrom node, one of the next major steps in device miniaturization.

A key innovation at this node is the introduction of a direct

backside contact as a new scaling booster. Whereas the earlier

N2 PDK supported backside power delivery through TSV‐Middle

(TSVM) structures, the A14 node advances this concept by replacing

TSVM with a more compact direct backside contact scheme. By

A 4x4 IGZO 2T0C cell array where read/write

transistors (RTX/WTX) are on top/bottom levels with

the corresponding connections.


Seite 34/79

routing power directly from the wafer’s backside to

the gates and removing the need for complex top‐side

metal routing, this architecture reduces IR drops

and delivers an 18% area gain and 7% power reduction

compared to N2 at iso frequency and cell density.

Imec is the first to release a PDK at this node.

The kit includes a comprehensive 162‐SDC library

and is supported by two major EDA vendors, Cadence

and Synopsys.

eDRAM system exploration PDK: enabling embedded

memory exploration

Complementing the logic pathfinding work enabled

by the A14 PDK, the NanoIC pilot line also introduces

a first eDRAM system exploration PDK,

an important step toward addressing one of the

biggest challenges in advanced systems: providing

dense, low-latency on-chip memory. Central to

this effort is bringing memory closer to the processing

units, a key strategy for reducing latency and

improving power efficiency in advanced compute

architectures.

The current eDRAM PDK provides a virtual

platform for exploring embedded memory solutions

that bridge the gap between dense but power-hungry

off-chip DRAM and fast but area-limited on-chip

SRAM. With a focus on system‐level behavior in

data‐intensive and AI workloads, it enables researchers

to evaluate new memory architectures and

integration strategies that bring higher‐density memory

closer to processors and GPUs, reducing data

movement, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing

overall system performance.

Looking ahead, the eDRAM PDK will evolve into

a full system exploration platform. This next phase

will allow designers to move beyond virtual validation

and analyze complete system-level interactions.

As the platform matures, future development steps

include hardware validation and, eventually, opportunities

for tape‐out and prototyping on the NanoIC

pilot line.

IMEC Belgium

BL 3001 Leuven


Seite 35/79

What’s the cost of a half-degree?

Vaisala’s new Origo slashes cooling

waste in data centers

Roughly 80% of the world’s data centers still

rely on air cooling. Fixing a ‘half-degree’ error

there can avoid around $805 million in

cooling waste every year, about $8 billion

over a decade, based on moderate 10 MW

sites.

Vaisala, a global leader in measurement

instruments and intelligence for climate action,

introduces Origo, a next-generation

modular measurement platform designed to

transform environmental monitoring in data

centers and other mission critical-buildings.

Why half a degree matters

A temperature sensor off by just 0.5 °C (32.9

°F) might sound trivial, but for example in

a 10 MW data center, that small error can

cost more than $800,000 in wasted cooling

energy over ten years. In life science cleanrooms,

for example, the stakes are even higher:

any critical environmental parameter

such as temperature or relative humidity can

compromise product integrity or research

outcomes, with losses that go far beyond

energy costs.

Air cooling remains essential in a rapidly

evolving data center market

There are an estimated 12,000 data centers

worldwide, with the U.S. and Europe accounting

for more than a half. While liquid

and hybrid cooling are growing fast for high

density AI workloads, air cooling remains

the universal foundation of data center thermal

management. It provides the room-level

baseline cooling every facility needs, while

liquid cooling adds targeted, high efficiency

heat removal for the hottest racks. As a

result, hybrid architectures —air for space,

liquid for the densest loads— are now standard

in both new builds and retrofit projects.

Impact at scale

Reliable, precise measurement is critical for

optimizing air-cooled environments.

“Generic sensors with ±0.5 °C accuracy

drive overcooling and energy waste, costing

operators tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Origo’s precise ±0.1°C and ±1 %RH

accuracy and stable measurements reduce

unnecessary cooling while ensuring the

reliable environmental control that critical

facilities depend on. It translates to performance

that pays for itself in months and

protects uptime for years to come,” says Anu

Kätkä, Vaisala’s Product Line Manager for

HVAC and Critical Buildings.

Applied at global scale, eliminating the

“half-degree” error across today’s predomi-


Seite 36/79

nantly air-cooled installed base — roughly

80% of the world’s ~12,000 data centers —

would avoid around $805 million in wasted

cooling energy every year, totaling approximately

$8 billion over a decade.

With data centers consuming about 1.5%

of global energy, and demand set to more

than double by 2030, precision sensing is

essential to keep energy use and emissions

in check while safeguarding IT performance.

Designed for today’s and tomorrow’s

critical environments

Origo is engineered for simplicity and

long-term adaptability. Its modular design

enables monitoring of multiple parameters

through Vaisala’s compatible probes, such

as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and dew point sensors,

on the same platform. This flexibility

makes Origo a future-proof solution that

adapts to evolving measurement requirements

also in other critical environments

such as cleanrooms, life science applications,

and semiconductor manufacturing.

Backed by Vaisala’s commitment to

reliability, Origo ensures accurate measurements

and dependable performance

throughout its service life, helping operators

protect processes, reduce risk, and optimize

resources.

Origo’s field‐replaceable probes allow

quick on‐site updates with minimal interruption.

Vaisala’s wide range of services,

from accredited calibrations to technical

support, is available to complement on‐site

expertise.

Key facts briefly

– The world runs on approximately 12,000

data centers; U.S. + Europe together represent

well over a half of all sites

– Air cooling remains a standard baseline

for most facilities; liquid is growing fast

for high-density AI, often in hybrid setups

– A 0.5 °C error can cost a 10 MW data center

more than $800,000 in cooling energy

over 10 years

– Vaisala Origo delivers ±0.1 °C temperature

accuracy and ±1 %RH humidity accuracy

for stable, reliable environmental control

– Modular design and multi‐parameter

capability suit critical environments such

as data centers, cleanrooms, hospitals,

production facilities, and semiconductor

environments

Vaisala GmbH

Rheinwerkallee 2

D 53227 Bonn

Telefon: +49 228 249710

Telefax: +49 228 2497111

eMail: vertrieb@vaisala.com

Internet: http://www.vaisala.de


Imec inaugurates NanoIC pilot line,

accelerating innovation in sub-2nm

systems-on-chip

– Imec inaugurates Europe’s NanoIC pilot line with the official opening

of a 2,000m² cleanroom expansion at its Leuven campus.

– Equipped with cutting-edge tools, including ASML’s High NA EUV tool, imec’s cleanroom

is a cornerstone of the NanoIC initiative – pursuing sub-2nm chip technology.

– Exactly four years after EU President Von der Leyen announced the European Chips Act,

Europe’s semiconductor ambitions have become a tangible reality.

Imec – a world-leading R&D center in advanced semiconductor technologies –

inaugurated a 2,000m² cleanroom expansion at its Leuven headquarters on 9th

February 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in the deployment of Europe’s NanoIC

pilot line. The event was attended by European EVP Henna Virkkunen,

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Flemish Minister-President Matthias

Diependaele, and ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet, alongside representatives

from the European high-tech ecosystem – including industry and startups – the

NanoIC pilot line consortium, and policymakers from the EU, Belgium, and Flanders.

With a capacity of over 12,000m², imec’s cleanroom plays a crucial role in

the European Chips Act’s ambitions to position Europe at the forefront of nextgeneration

semiconductor innovation and manufacturing; a strategy that will be

instrumental in reinforcing the continent’s industrial fabric in the AI era, while

safeguarding a climate of sustained economic growth, security, and prosperity for

decades to come.

Van den hove, CEO of imec.

“Imec researchers are working here side

by side with IDMs, foundries, equipment

and materials suppliers, system companies,

start-ups, universities, and fellow European

RTOs. Together, we have embarked on an

ambitious journey to push semiconductor

technologies beyond the 2nm node. By providing

access to cutting-edge semiconductor

technologies, the NanoIC pilot line will

play a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s

industrial fabric in the AI era, and ensuring

a climate of economic growth, security, and

prosperity for decades to come,” he added.

“Since announcing in May 2024 that imec

would host the NanoIC pilot line, we’ve moved

at full speed – accelerating tool acquisition

and launching a comprehensive recruitment

program. Today, that effort culminates

in the inauguration of a 2,000m² cleanroom

extension at the imec premises. It will house

a best-in-class toolset, including ASML’s

next-generation High NA EUV scanner that

is scheduled to arrive mid-March,” said Luc

Strategic Importance and Future Outlook

And the momentum continues. With strong

backing from the European, Belgian, and

Flemish governments – and a robust net-

Left to Right: Patrick Vandenameele (CEO-elect imec), Thomas Skordas (European Commissioner), Luc Van den hove (CEO imec), Henna Virkkunen

(European Commissioner), Matthias Diependaele (MP Flanders), Jari Kinaret (Executive Director Chips JU), Christophe Fouquet (CEO ASML).


Seite 38/79

work of industry partners – imec will soon

begin construction of a whole new 4,000m²

cleanroom at its Leuven campus, another

key asset to bring Europe’s NanoIC initiative

to full cruising speed. Over the next five

years, the NanoIC pilot line will integrate

more than a hundred new tools, distributed

across imec and partner sites at CEA-Leti

(France), Fraunhofer (Germany), VTT (Finland),

CSSNT-UPB (Romania), and Tyndall

National Institute (Ireland). “We don‘t

have the luxury of being the biggest or the

strongest, but we do have the choice to be

the best,” explains Matthias Diependaele,

Flemish Minister-President. “Imec brings

together talent, knowledge, and international

collaboration. With the NanoIC pilot

line, Europe is making that choice a reality:

for technological excellence and strategic

independence. The fact that imec is hosting

this pilot line underscores the exceptional

strengths that Flanders has developed in research

and innovation. Here, we are demonstrating

how a world-class region can shape

the chip technology of tomorrow.”

A Step Forward for European

Semiconductor Leadership

Christophe Fouquet, President and CEO of

ASML: “Today we are making a step forward

in strengthening the chip technology ecosystem

in Europe to serve our customers,

the world’s chipmakers. Through our 40

years partnership at imec, together we have

been driving faster innovation, fostering

stronger collaboration, and supporting the

development of regional talent, all of which

are needed to support the advancement of

the worldwide chip industry and AI. We are

today inaugurating the NanoIC pilot line,

that includes ASML’s High NA EUV system

and which is the best example of what we

can do when worldwide leaders in technology

partner to bring together their latest

technology and talent. Thanks to the strong

support of EU President Von der Leyen and

the European Chips Act, we are all very

proud and thankful that this is happening at

the heart of Europe and will allow Europe to

play an even more critical role in the global

semiconductor ecosystem”.

The acquisition and operation of the

NanoIC pilot line are jointly funded by the

Chips Joint Undertaking, through the European

Union’s Digital Europe (101183266) and

Horizon Europe programs (101183277), as

well as by the participating states Belgium

(Flanders), France, Germany, Finland, Ireland

and Romania.

IMEC Belgium

BL 3001 Leuven

Sichere Echzeitüberwachung

// Remote Partikelzähler Apex Rxp

EXKLUSIVPARTNER

// LIGHTHOUSE Apex R5 + Apex R5p

MT Messtechnik GmbH

Mitterlängstr. 26

82178 Puchheim

Tel. +49 89 25 26 888-0

info@mt-messtechnik.com

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com Produkt-Details erhalten Sie gerne auf Anfrage. NEWSLETTER | Ausgabe DE 05-2023 Seite 39/103

www.mt-messtechnik.com

SOPAT and Parsum optical inline systems strengthen process analysis portfolio

Endress+Hauser acquires

particle analysis specialist

Endress+Hauser has further expanded

its portfolio of measurement instruments,

solutions and services for process

analysis. It has acquired SOPAT,

a Germany-based specialist in inline

process measurement technology, retaining

the company’s staff in Berlin

and Chemnitz.

SOPAT and its subsidiary Parsum now come

under Endress+Hauser’s liquid analysis product

center, based in Gerlingen, Germany.

“The particle characterization systems developed

by SOPAT complement our existing

portfolio by adding a range that is strategically

important in terms of our core target

industries,” said Endress+Hauser Liquid

Analysis Managing Director Dr Thomas

Buer.

Endress+Hauser Liquid Analysis mit Sitz in Gerlingen zählt weltweit

zu den führenden Anbietern in der Flüssigkeitsanalyse.

Endress+Hauser übernimmt die SOPAT GmbH, einen Anbieter von Inline-Prozessmesstechnik für die Partikelcharakterisierung.


Seite 40/79

Smart concept

SOPAT GmbH was founded in Berlin in 2012

by Jörn Emmerich and Dr Sebastian Maaß.

In 2022, it acquired Parsum in Chemnitz,

Germany, a maker of inline particle size analysis

systems founded in 1997. SOPAT and

its subsidiary Parsum now have a combined

workforce of 30.

SOPAT’s smart systems use a photooptical

image-based inline technology to

analyze particles, droplets and bubbles in

running processes in real time. The technology

measures particle sizes and shapes

without sampling or dilution, thereby enabling

precision process monitoring, faster

response times and enhanced product quality.

Parsum probes, on the other hand, use a

laser beam in combination with fiber-optic

spatial filtering to analyze particle size and

particle speed distributions, particularly for

solids, powders and granulates.

Improved process insights

Customers in multiple industries, including

life sciences, food & beverage and mining,

minerals & metals, use particle counting

and analysis to ensure product quality. “This

step is a continuation of our strategy and

strengthens our analysis portfolio. We can

now provide even better support for our customers

across the board, from laboratory to

production process,” Dr Thomas Buer said.

“Our strength lies in our combination of

scientific precision and industrial practicability.

As part of the Endress+Hauser Group,

we can progress innovations through to

broad-based industrial use more rapidly and

hence contribute to more stable and resource-efficient

processes worldwide,” commented

SOPAT’s Jörn Emmerich. Co-founder

Dr Sebastian Maaß added: “Accurate,

reliable data taken directly from production

processes gives our customers the improved

process insights they need to effectively

drive sustainable process optimization in

response to rising energy and raw material

costs.”

Endress+Hauser acquired SOPAT effective

1 January 2026. Both parties have agreed to

keep the details of the sale confidential. Jörn

Emmerich and Dr Sebastian Maaß, SOPAT’s

co-founders, will stay on as members of the

innovative company’s management team.

Leaders in liquid analysis

Endress+Hauser Liquid Analysis is one of

the world’s leading providers of measuring

instruments and complete systems for liquid

analysis. The company’s smart solutions

help customers in the environmental technology

and process industries operate their

plants safely, reliably, cost-effectively and in

an eco-friendly manner. Highly advanced

production processes ensure premium quality

from end to end. Endress+Hauser Liquid

Analysis is a strong innovator, as recognized

by numerous international awards and prizes.

Its innovative strength is drawn from

the expertise of more than 1,300 employees

worldwide, who are based at its headquarters

in Gerlingen and its other German sites

in Waldheim and Groß-Umstadt, as well as

at its sites in Anaheim (California, USA),

Suzhou (China) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

(India).

Endress+Hauser AG

CH 4153 Reinach BL 1


Data transmission, autonomous driving and light-based

computers could benefit

New microlaser for

application and research

An innovative micro-laser concept based on so-called surface emitters (VCSEL) has been developed by the Department

of „Optoelectronics and Quantum Devices“ at TU Berlin under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Stephan Reitzenstein. The new

micro-lasers are vertically structured laser diodes in which the upper, light-reflecting layers have largely been replaced by

an optical grating embedded in the semiconductor material. This approach has enabled, on the one hand, to nearly halve the

production time of the laser diodes. On the other hand, embedding an optical grating provides a method to produce many

diodes with different laser wavelengths in a single manufacturing step. The results were achieved in collaboration with researchers

from the University of Łódź (Poland) and are now published in the journal „Optica“.

Schematic representation of a microlaser

with a nanometre-precise structured surface

grating. The compact semiconductor

laser generates a directed light beam with

a beam profile precisely tailored to the

respective application.

The wavelength of the laser beams can be

adjusted by varying the thickness of the bars

in the line grating, their spacing and the depth

of the grooves. Below the line grating, you can

see the few Bragg mirrors above the active

layer (light grey) where the radiation is

generated. Below this are many layers of

Bragg mirror layers. (Image taken with an

electron microscope)

They have been in use for more than two

decades: laser diodes that emit their light

perpendicular to the semiconductor chip in

which they are embedded. These „VCSEL“

(Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) diodes

can, unlike side-emitting laser diodes,

very effectively couple the laser beam into

an optical fiber. The reason for this is their

round geometry with a small form factor, as

well as good beam quality and focusability.

VCSELs are therefore used, for example, in

large data centers where they enable efficient

data transmission between individual

servers. They are also used in smartphones

for facial recognition.

Time savings for industrial production

„A VCSEL essentially consists of an active

layer where the photons are generated, and

above and below it, layers of so-called Bragg

mirrors. These reflect the light repeatedly

back into the active layer to stimulate the

generation of more photons. This is the typical

laser effect, which causes all the light

beams to oscillate in perfect sync,“ explains

Stephan Reitzenstein. „The upper mirror

layers reflect the laser light slightly less, allowing

part of the laser beam to exit and be

utilized.“

The researchers have now replaced a

large part of the upper mirror layers with

a fine striped grating, etched into the semiconductor

material using a lithographic

process. By diffracting the light waves at

the grating and their subsequent superposition,

effects similar to those achieved with

complex mirror layers can be realized. „The

main difference is that we no longer need

to deposit so many semiconductor layers

sequentially. This is a lengthy and expensive

process that takes about twelve hours.

Using the grating, we save roughly half of

that time,“ explains Niels Heermeier, the

first author of the study. This time and cost

savings are crucial factors for industrial manufacturing.

Producing different laser diodes

in a single manufacturing step

„The even more important advantage of

the striped grating is that it allows the simultaneous

fabrication of laser diodes with

different emission wavelengths on a single

semiconductor wafer,“ explains Heermeier.

To achieve this, several geometric parameters

of the grating are varied during the etching

process depending on the diode: the

width of the grating bars, their spacing, and

the depth of the etched grooves in between.

„This flexibility is not possible when depositing

mirror layers, as these must grow uniformly

across the entire wafer, setting the

properties for all diodes equally.“

To precisely manufacture the new micro-lasers

with their individual properties,

an extremely high accuracy is required: deviations

of less than five nanometers from

the target size are permissible. Compared

to the nearly 400,000 kilometers distance

from Earth to the Moon, this corresponds

to a maximum allowable deviation of two

meters. This performance was only made

possible by an electron beam lithography

system available at the department, acquired

with funds from the German Research

Foundation (DFG) and TU Berlin, which the

researchers must adapt through a complex

process for their specific task.


Seite 42/79

Schematic structure of the new microlaser

with the bottom layer of Bragg mirror pairs

(DBR), the active layer in red, the few layers

of Bragg mirror pairs above it (DBR) and

the line grating (MHCG).

Applications for data centers, autonomous

driving, and optical computers

In addition to applications in data centers

for efficient signal coupling into fiber optic

cables, the micro-lasers could also be used

for the so-called LIDAR (Light Detection

and Ranging) method, which measures

distances using laser beams and plays a

significant role in autonomous driving. Arrangements

with laser diodes of different

wavelengths—such as those easily produced

with the new method—offer much better

resolution.

The new VCSEL diodes could also become

an important component of hardware

for neuromorphic computing with optical

processors, developed by Stephan Reitzenstein‘s

group together with colleagues at the

University of Berkeley and MIT in Boston.

These computers are modeled after the

human brain and operate with optical components

and light as information carriers

instead of electrical circuits. Usually, this

light is emitted by an array of multiple laser

diodes on the optical chip. „It is crucial that

the wavelength of the light from the laser diodes

is exactly the same. Even the smallest

deviations in manufacturing can lead to different

wavelengths,“ explains Stephan Reitzenstein.

With the new method, it would be

possible to measure the wavelengths after

manufacturing of the optical chip and then

precisely match them by subsequently etched

grating structures.

On the way to ultracompact laser diodes

The new micro-lasers are also interesting

for basic research, as researchers from the

collaborating group in Poland have, for

the first time, realized the exotic quantum

state of a „Bose-Einstein condensate“ with

photons in conventional VCSEL diodes by

chance. This phenomenon can now be studied

more precisely with the new, easily adjustable

laser diodes.

„The next step will be to replace the lower

mirror layers of the new VCSEL diodes

with a second striped grating,“ says Reitzenstein.

„This would make the component

even more compact and faster to produce.“

„However, this task is significantly more

complex because the diode‘s substrate

material must then be removed from the

underside.“ From Stephan Reitzenstein‘s

perspective, the new „Center for Integrated

Photonics Research“ (CIPHOR), as a central

part of the new experimental physics building

on TU Berlin‘s East Campus, will play

a special role. This facility will be built from

2028 onwards and will open up new manufacturing

possibilities with its state-of-theart

cleanrooms.

Technische Universität Berlin

D 10587 Berlin


AT&S continues to invest and

triples cleanroom area in Leoben

The Austrian high-tech company is responding to the sustained strong order situation

in the embedding sector and is investing heavily in more production capacity.

The cleanroom area at the main plant in Leoben is being tripled. Following

the opening of the unique competence center for R&D and IC substrate production

last year, the next step to strengthen the Austrian location is being taken.

challenging global economic environment.”

Mertin adds: “Our decision to consistently

expand production in Leoben-Hinterberg is

a clear commitment to quality and a strategic

step towards securing our technological

sovereignty and our ability to supply our customers

in the long term.”

AT&S AG continues its strong growth path

in the new year. Given the continued strong

order situation and numerous major projects

won in recent months, the company

is investing massively in the infrastructure

of the Leoben site. Following the successful

commissioning of the state-of-the-art

competence center for R&D and IC substrates

production in summer 2025, AT&S is

launching the next phase of its site offensive:

With an investment volume in the midsingle-digit

million range, the capacities in

the existing printed circuit board plants will

be comprehensively expanded and modernized.

AT&S is on the upswing

“After a challenging year and a half, things

are looking up again,” says Michael Mertin,

CEO and Chairman of the Management

Board of AT&S. “The driver is artificial intelligence.

It is therefore crucial to invest

boldly in our own capabilities, especially in a

Cleanroom area tripled

The key facts: the cleanroom area, which is

essential for high-tech production, at the

main plant in Leoben will be tripled from

760 to 2,300 square meters. As this new cleanroom

extends over two floors, the elevator

system and staircase will also be built using

cleanroom technology. In addition, the quality

of the cleanroom will be raised by one

quality class to ISO6. Office, storage and

logistics areas will also be converted. The

expansion should be completed by summer

2026. “The conversion includes state-ofthe-art

production facilities and optimized

logistics processes that will take the site to

the next technological level,” says Barbara

Decker-Schlögl. As Senior Director Operations

and the new site manager, she is coordinating

all activities with her team. “We are

significantly increasing our capacities. We

owe this expansion to a consistently strong

order situation for special embedding products

and it is a huge vote of confidence in

the expertise of our team.”

AT&S CEO Mertin also refers to the

increase in production staff. “In the fall, we

announced 150 new jobs in Leoben and the

feedback was great. With our IC substrates

as essential components for new cloud and

AI applications and our renowned expertise

in highly developed printed circuit boards,

AT&S is ideally positioned globally and here

in Austria.”

AP&S International GmbH

D 78166 Donaueschingen


Seite 44/79

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences has been successful in securing funding

from the Carl Zeiss Foundation for research projects on energy storage.

Funding takes

research on the

energy transition

to a new level

As part of the event „CZS on Site,“ three newly appointed professors

from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences demonstrated that

they will play an important role in research on the energy transition.

To gain a direct impression of the funded projects, Esslingen

University invited Judith Hohendorff and Jasmin Kerl from the Carl

Zeiss Foundation to visit the cleanroom laboratory in Göppingen.

There, the foundation professor Prof. Mario Joost works with a team

of doctoral students and postdocs on the hydrogen technology of the

future by developing sustainable materials for use in fuel cells and

electrolyzers. Master‘s students from the Hydrogen Economy and

Technology Management program in Göppingen are also introduced

to research in this forward-looking field.

Prof. Sandra Hartl, who teaches in the Mechanical Engineering

program in Esslingen, presented her research in the field of energy

storage with iron, highlighting its potential as a widely available, easily

transportable energy storage solution for a climate-neutral energy

supply.

Prof. Hendrik Dubbe, who teaches in the Chemical Engineering

program, developed lithium-free battery cells based on aluminum-sulfur

in the LiFreBat project. The funding from CZS enabled

the establishment of a laboratory for the production of battery cells.

Among other achievements, this has already led to the acquisition of

additional third-party funding projects.

During the „CZS on Site“ event in Stuttgart, the Minister for Science,

Research, and Arts, Petra Olschowski, as well as the Managing

Director of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, Dr. Felix Streiter, were able to

exchange ideas with the funded professors, Prof. Christof Wolfmaier

(Rector of Esslingen University of Applied Sciences), and Prof. Gabriele

Gühring (Prorector for Research and Transfer).

Prof. Sandra Hartl and Prof. Mario Joost are delighted to welcome

Judith Hohendorff from the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

The team was able to show visitors the funded projects

in the clean room laboratory in Göppingen.

About the Carl Zeiss Foundation

The Carl Zeiss Foundation aims to create space for scientific breakthroughs.

As a partner of excellent science, it supports both basic

research and application-oriented research and teaching in STEM

fields (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology).

Founded in 1889 by physicist and mathematician Ernst Abbe,

the Carl Zeiss Foundation is one of the oldest and largest private science

funding foundations in Germany. It is the sole owner of Carl

Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. Its projects are financed from the dividend

distributions of these two foundation companies.

Hochschule Esslingen

D 73728 Esslingen am Neckar

As part of the ‘CZS vor Ort’ event in Stuttgart, the Minister of

Science, Research and the Arts, Petra Olschowski (2nd from right),

and the Managing Director of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, Dr Felix

Streiter (left), had the opportunity to talk to the funded professors,

Prof. Christof Wolfmaier (Rector of Esslingen University of Applied

Sciences) (right) and Prof. Gabriele Gühring (Vice-Rector

for Research and Transfer) (2nd from left).


Seite 45/79

A group of young researchers in Würzburg is developing a key technology

for scalable quantum systems. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research

is providing more than €6.6 million in funding for this project.

Initiating the next phase in

quantum computing

At Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), a technology

is currently being developed that could be crucial for the future of

quantum technologies: a novel phase modulator that controls light

signals extremely quickly and almost losslessly. For the development

of this component, the junior research group Ferro35 led by Dr. Andreas

Pfenning, Chair of Technical Physics, receives more than 6.6

million euros from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology,

and Space (BMFTR).

Quantum computers, quantum sensors, and eavesdroppingproof

communication are considered key technologies of the coming

decades. However, despite significant progress, a component

essential for scalable photonic quantum systems has so far been

missing: a modulator that precisely influences quantum states without

disturbing the delicate light signal. This is exactly where the

junior research group is focusing.

A component that makes the difference

Phase modulators are well established in classical optical networks.

However, current solutions are not sufficient for quantum technologies.

„We need components that enable high speeds while exhibiting

extremely low optical losses,“ says Pfenning. „This combination does

not exist yet—and it is crucial for complex quantum circuits.“

The junior research group is therefore pursuing a new approach:

integrating barium titanate (BTO) into III-V photonics platforms,

The group produces the crystals themselves in a clean room

and incorporates them into what are known as III-V photonics

platforms (see image). (Source: Martin Brandstätter;

Copyright: University of Würzburg)

which are already used for efficient quantum light sources. Combining

these two material systems is considered technologically challenging

but opens up entirely new possibilities for controlling light

on a chip.

Crystals produced in-house

To make this approach work, the team produces the necessary crystals

themselves: layer by layer, in a cleanroom and under high vacuum.

The method is called molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and is

among the most precise techniques in materials research. Several

MBE systems are already available to the group at the Gottfried-

Landwehr Laboratory for Nanotechnology, and another will be set

up specifically for Ferro35. „For ferroelectric materials, we need an

especially clean process environment,“ explains Pfenning. „Even

tiny contaminants can alter the properties of the crystals.“

Like Lego: from component to quantum circuit

Dr Andreas Pfenning is leading the project. (Source: Martin Brandstätter;

Copyright: University of Würzburg)

In addition to the modulator, the group is developing other components

necessary for photonic quantum circuits, such as waveguides,

couplers, and integrated quantum light sources. These parts are first


Seite 46/79

simulated and then fabricated in the cleanroom.

„We are building a component library that allows us to design,

assemble, and directly produce circuits,“ says Pfenning. „It‘s somewhat

like stacking Lego blocks: when the right element fits in the

right place, a functional circuit gradually takes shape. The designs

developed in this way can be immediately manufactured and tested

experimentally.“

This not only facilitates development but also opens up new

possibilities in teaching. Students will be able to experiment with

the models in the future—a playful approach to a highly complex research

field.

It will still take some time before fully scalable quantum computers

become a reality. However, the components developed in the

project could already create fertile ground earlier. „Fast and low-loss

modulators are also interesting for telecommunications,“ says Pfenning.

„Our technology can provide important impulses here.“

The „Quantum Futur“ funding program

Ferro35 is supported within the framework of the „Quantum Futur 3“

program. The initiative of the BMFTR supports young scientists in

establishing independent research groups that create new technological

foundations for the second generation of quantum technologies.

For Dr. Andreas Pfenning, the funding means the opportunity

to establish a clearly defined research direction at JMU: ferroelectric

quantum photonics.

With Ferro35, a technology platform is being created that aims

to contribute to the long-term strengthening of Germany‘s and Europe‘s

technological sovereignty. The funding includes building its

own infrastructure, training scientific personnel, and developing key

components for photonic quantum systems.

About the person

Dr. Andreas Pfenning has been leading the Ferro35 junior research

group at the Chair of Technical Physics at JMU since 2026. Since

the end of 2022, he has been heading the Semiconductor Quantum

Photonics working group there and is pursuing his habilitation in experimental

physics.

After earning his doctorate, he conducted research as a postdoctoral

researcher at the Quantum Matter Institute of the University

of British Columbia in Vancouver, where he worked on silicon-based

photonic quantum information processing. His current research

combines integrated quantum photonics, novel ferroelectric materials,

and the development of scalable quantum technologies.

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

D 97070 Würzburg


New e-skin flat configurator enables rapid design of certified cleanroom

cable routing systems – including technical drawings and STEP files

igus sets new standard with

first online tool for automatic

design of clean cables

Particle-free and space-saving design characterize cleanrooms worldwide for the

manufacturing of microchips and semiconductors. To safely route cables under

these conditions, igus has developed the e-skin flat. The new e-skin flat configurator

now enables quick and automated design of flat cable management systems

in cleanrooms. This reduces the previously manual effort to just a few minutes.

Users can configure a complete system, have it automatically filled, and then immediately

download a technical drawing and parts list. For the dry-cleanroomcompatible

e-skin flat, igus has also received the „Best of Industry Award 2025“

in the category of battery development and production.

Designing a cleanroom cable management

system, or also called Clean Cable, is complex:

numerous requirements must be considered,

suitable cables selected, and technical

drawings created. This process requires

expert knowledge and has so far taken a

lot of time and manual effort. This is exactly

where igus now steps in with the new e-skin

flat configurator. Users can design their suiplanning

security without waiting times and

without time-consuming coordination.“

With the e-skin flat, users receive a clean,

flat, and abrasion-resistant complete system

made from high-performance plastic.

Thanks to easily opened chamber systems,

cables and hoses can be quickly laid in and

replaced during maintenance. The Clean

Cable also has the highest cleanroom classification

with EN ISO Class 1 according to

DIN 14644-1.

table flat cable management system for the

cleanroom in just a few minutes. „The online

tool is the first of its kind for configuring

cleanroom cable management systems.

It guides the user step by step through the

system design, checks feasibility, and immediately

provides all relevant data,“ explains

Kira Weller, product manager of e-chains

and cleanroom expert at igus. „This creates

Automatic Filling for Optimal Results

And here’s how the configuration of the e-

skin flat works via the online tool: In the first

step, the user enters the required application

parameters such as speed, acceleration, and

travel distance. Additionally, environmental

parameters, installation space limits, or

an external feed can be specified. The next

step is cable selection. The tool provides access

to igus‘s extensive chainflex cable pool

as well as pre-terminated readycable with

connectors, prioritizing suitable cables for

the e-skin flat system. Custom cables can

also be added. Then comes the automatic

filling. An integrated algorithm in the online

tool uses the product data stored in the system

and the specified customer parameters

to recommend the best possible solution for

the application based on predefined rules.

The tool also indicates if a configuration is

not feasible. Manual adjustments can be

made at any time within the configurator.

From Configuration to Quotation

in Just a Few Clicks

The e-skin flat configurator provides all relevant data such as technical drawings, STEP files,

parts lists and installation instructions for immediate download. (Source: igus SE & Co. KG)

On the results page, all relevant data are

immediately available for download – from

the technical drawing and parts list to the

assembly instructions. Customers can also

download a STEP file additionally. If the


Seite 48/79

Reason to celebrate: igus has won the ‘Best of Industry Award 2025’ in the

category of battery development and production with its e-skin flat. With its Apiro

gearbox kit for lane adjustment, igus made it to the finalists in the category of

modular machine concepts. (Source: Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG)

user is satisfied with the design, they can

request a corresponding quote, and igus experts

will perform a final review of the configured

system. „Our goal was to make the

configuration process for cleanroom cable

management systems as simple as possible,“

says Kira Weller. „With the new e-skin

flat configurator, we provide our customers

with a complete package that allows them to

continue designing immediately. Through

intelligent automation, we significantly reduce

manual effort for both our customers

and ourselves, creating maximum planning

security.“ The e-skin flat has also received

the annual „Best of Industry Award 2025“

awarded by the trade magazine MM MaschinenMarkt

in the category of battery

development and production. „We are very

pleased with this award, which also motivates

us to continue advancing development

in this area,“ emphasizes Kira Weller.

igus SE & Co. KG

D 51147 Köln

Alles für Ihren Reinraum

aus einer Hand

Bekleidung & Handschuhe

Tücher & Swaps

Reinigungsgeräte- & mittel

Dispenser

Partikelmessgeräte

Staubbindematten

HANS J. MICHAEL GmbH, Hart 11, 71554 Weissach im Tal

hjm-reinraum.de | Tel. 07191/9105-0 | office@hjm-reinraum.de


FET – Specialists for the

extrusion of ultra-thin filaments

A world without yarns, fibres and nonwovens is unthinkable. High-quality fibres form the

basis for textiles and numerous other products – but their manufacture requires the utmost

precision and compliance with strict technical and legal requirements.

Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET), based in Leeds (UK), is a leading British manufacturer

of process technology and equipment for the chemical yarn and fibre extrusion industry.

Since its foundation in 1998, FET has been developing, producing, installing and maintaining

highly specialised extrusion lines for customers worldwide.

All FET systems are custom designed. The company supplies extruders and complete

downstream equipment on a laboratory, pilot or turnkey production scale for applications

including:

– Melt spinning systems for monofilaments and multifilaments

– Meltblown and spunbond systems for nonwoven structures

– Wet spinning systems for filaments and fibers

FET carries out development work, tests and customer trials at its own state-of-the-art

fibre development centre with integrated test laboratory. Typical applications are:

– Resorbable polymers for use in medical devices

– New types of special fibers made from exotic and difficult-to-process polymers

– Sustainable polymers such as biodegradable and compostable materials

– Textiles for a wide range of composite materials

– Functional textile materials as well as a wide variety of nonwovens

The areas of application for yarns, fibres and

nonwovens produced using FET systems

range from clothing and functional textiles

to hygiene products, upholstery and mattresses,

and even applications in the construction

industry. In medical technology,

absorbable and non-absorbable polymers

are used, for example, in surgical sutures

and implants. Further processing is carried

out by customers or specialised service providers,

with sterilisation mainly using ethylene

oxide or gamma irradiation.

Fiber development center

A key factor in FET‘s success is its close cooperation

with technologically demanding

customers. Following extensive investment,

the company opened its new Fibre Development

Centre (FDC) in 2023. The two-storey

building houses state-of-the-art fibre

extrusion systems and is used for the joint

development of scientifically sound and

practical solutions – in cooperation with

customers, raw material manufacturers and

research institutions. Almost all relevant

material types are examined and processed

here.

Extruded yarns and fibers for medical

applications

A milestone was reached in 2012 when a

leading medical technology manufacturer

sought a turnkey solution for processing resorbable

polymers for surgical suture material.

Together with Motan Colortronic LTD

UK and raw material suppliers, FET launched

an extensive development project.

Key requirements included:

– Extremely low and uniform moisture

content of the material

– Additives must be dosed constantly and

with an accuracy of 0.02%, even with

different extruder throughputs

– Product-specific tensile strength and

length elasticity

– The manufactured products must be

biocompatible and free from impurities

A typical system for the production of biomedical yarns is described here as an example. (FET)

In addition, there were strict regulatory requirements,

particularly regarding filament

thickness according to the European Pharmacopoeia

(EP) and USP classification. At


Seite 50/79

the same time, economic aspects also play a role, as the polymers

used can cost over £2,500 per kilogram.

As conventional melt spinning processes were unsuitable, FET

developed a modified process. Working closely with Motan Colortronic,

innovative solutions were developed, including improved

material drying, high-precision gravimetric dosing, energy-efficient

processes and fully integrated, automated control.

These developments resulted in production-ready systems that

have since been successfully used by FET customers worldwide.

Motan Colortronic supplies the complete material preparation and

supply system, including dosing, conveying and drying systems.

Material diversity and process reliability

Today, numerous polymers are used worldwide for medical applications,

including PLA, PGA, PCL, P4HB, PDO and PTMC. They are

characterised by high biocompatibility, low toxicity and defined degradation

rates. To date, FET has processed over 70 different types

of polymers as mono- and multifilaments as well as nonwovens – including

materials from sustainable sources.

Precise drying is particularly important, as many of these polymers

are extremely sensitive to hydrolysis. FET therefore relies on

specially developed extruder and screw combinations as well as

extrusion under an inert atmosphere to ensure consistent product

properties.

Material preparation and supply

The wide variety of materials also places high demands on peripheral

technology. Depending on the application, Motan Colortronic

dryers with dew point and air volume control, automatic or manual

conveyor systems, and gravimetric dosing and mixing systems are

used. FET attaches great importance to the use of proven standard

components for safe and reliable operation.

In laboratory and pilot plants, drying is often carried out in batches.

The material is then transported to the extruder in hermetically

sealed glass containers to prevent contamination. For this purpose,

FET has developed a special quick-release fastening system that can

be adapted to standard containers.

motan gmbh

D 61381 Friedrichsdorf

WIR MESSEN

NACH NORMEN

ISO 14644

VDI 2083

GMP

ANNEX 1

MEDIZINISCHE DRUCKLUFT

UND WEITERE EDELGASE

ISO 8573 + PHARMACOPEIA

C-tec Cleanroom-Technology GmbH

Tübinger Straße 47 D 72127 Kusterdingen

Tel.: +49 7071 6887180 Fax: +49 7071 688718700

E-Mail: public@c-tec.de www.c-tec.de


Three adjustment levers for better flushing quality and what‘s behind them

Reliable high-purity cleaning:

Why rinsing determines success

or rejection

During rinsing, it is decided whether highpurity

components meet the required cleanliness

limits or whether recontamination

after cleaning causes rejects. Three factors

are particularly crucial:

– Purified water quality directly at the

Point of Use (particles, organics/TOC,

conductivity, pH).

– Minimal carryover between process

stages and defined rinsing procedures.

– System technology and circuit hygiene:

suitable materials, well-designed piping,

and continuous monitoring.

The following article explains the background

of these levers and shows why rinsing

in high-purity component cleaning becomes

a system-critical process step.

Media as a limiting factor

In high-purity component cleaning, cleanliness

requirements are more stringent than

in any other industry: permissible upper

limits of the chemical composition of the

component surface in atomic percent, low

outgassing rates, and particulate-free in the

submicron range. The reason for these high

demands stems from the extreme vacuum

conditions in which the components are

used; for example, in EUV lithography, space

travel, or mass spectrometers for analytics.

In these applications, cleanliness becomes

a system characteristic. This means

that the entire system must be designed to

achieve high limits and prevent recontamination.

This applies especially to the media

used, because every contact medium must

also meet the high limits to avoid violating

specifications. Otherwise, the component

cannot be properly cleaned or risks recontamination.

For ambient air and process air, the limits

can generally be controlled through

HEPA/ULPA filtration and cleanroom technology.

Process water, however, is more

complex. During rinsing, it must not carry

contaminants such as particles or organics

onto the component; otherwise, recontamination

and component rejection are imminent.

What does „rinsing“ mean?

Rinsing is not just a simple „washing off“

of cleaner, but essentially a dilution of the

transported liquid film on the component

surface with rinse water. Through dilution,

residual contamination is simultaneously

removed and carried away. This makes rinsing

a matter of material transport: the goal

is to reduce the contamination concentration

step by step to below specified limits

(both particulate and film/organic).

In short: the component can only be as

clean as the last rinse.

Key factors for good rinsing quality

The main factors for good rinsing quality are

water quality at the Point of Use and minimal

carryover.

The required water quality, as outlined

above, depends on the relevant cleanliness

requirements. Often, so-called ultrapure

water (UPW) is used in the final rinses, although

standardized definitions for ultrapure

water are not widespread in the European

economic area and terminology is sometimes

inconsistent.

Water quality again depends on the

raw water quality of the municipal supply.

Depending on hardness, conductivity, and

salt content, pretreatment may be necessary,

such as activated carbon filtration,

particulate filtration, de-manganization,

High rinsing quality for high-purity cleaning: Test cleaning at the BvL Technology Centre with the Atlantic cleaning system and

a ultrapure water treatment system (EnviroFalk)


Seite 52/79

or de-icing.

Subsequently, permeate (low-salt water)

is typically separated from concentrate via

reverse osmosis using pressure over a semipermeable

membrane.

For very high requirements, further

treatment often follows, such as mixed-bed

ion exchange or alternatively electrodeionization

(EDI), which operates continuously

without regeneration chemicals. Additional

stages like UV disinfection for microbial reduction

or degassing may also be added depending

on the requirements.

The water quality is ultimately determined

and monitored via parameters such as

conductivity, pH, or TOC values.

Through all this modern water treatment

technology, excellent water quality can be

guaranteed at the end of a water treatment

system. However, it is even more critical to

maintain water quality at the Point of Use,

i.e., in the tank or chamber of the cleaning

system.

System technology as an enabler: material

selection, carryover, circuit hygiene

An elaborate system technology is required

here to ensure good water quality at the

Point of Use through minimal carryover, appropriate

material selection, and possibly

circuit hygiene. Because the rinsing quality

is only as good as the system that supports it.

The design and construction of the

cleaning system must be aimed at minimizing

carryover. This includes the consistent

separation of media circuits: each

tank has its own piping system, filters, and

pump. Additionally, the piping layout must

be flow-optimized to prevent water residue

accumulation. Often, the carriers and racks

are neglected. These must also be designed

according to the motto „form follows function“

so that they have no crevices or large

surfaces where water residues could settle.

Depending on the system type, there

are other structural features; for example, in

immersion cleaning systems, defined overflows

and baffle plates between tanks must

be considered. Drain times and shaking of

carriers support the prevention of carryover.

Chamber systems benefit from an optimized

chamber design for drainage, complete

emptying, and chamber cleaning between

process steps.

Additionally, water quality should be

monitored in the cleaning system, i.e., at the

Point of Use, using appropriate sensors.

The choice of suitable materials and

surfaces is also decisive. To improve material

compatibility, V4A stainless steels (e.g.,

1.4404, 1.4571) should be used instead of V2A

steels, and proper welding quality must be

ensured. Brass should be completely avoided.

PP and PVDF can also be suitable for

piping.

Practical example: Design of cleaning

systems for high-purity rinsing processes

As a practical example, BvL Surface Technology

GmbH cites cleaning systems designed

for high rinsing quality at the Point

of Use, among other features, through separate

media circuits, appropriate material

selection, and process-monitoring of water

quality. The NiagaraUP chamber cleaning

system and the AtlanticTR immersion cleaning

system are cited as examples. Sample

cleaning runs are possible in the company‘s

own technical center. Additionally, a UPW

system (EnviroFALK) is available for testing

(parameters: conductivity 0.04 µS/cm; TOC

13.58 ppb).

BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH

D 48488 Emsbüren

25 years of excellence in quality:

Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions

honoured by the DGQ

The head of the DGQ office in Frankfurt, Jürgen

Freund (left), presented the certificate of

honour for 25 years of outstanding commitment

to Christian Meisel (centre) and Florian

Hermann (right), who are responsible for quality

management at Pfeiffer. (Source: DGQ)

The airflow management is one of the central

principles of function in cleanrooms. It

significantly determines the distribution

and removal of particles and germs. The

catch: airflows are invisible to the human

eye.

If you want to understand and control

air movements in the cleanroom — which

is essential for compliant operation — they

must be made visible. Only then can product

quality and process safety be reliably

guaranteed: even the smallest particles or

unwanted turbulence can impair air quality

and thus threaten the required level of cleanliness.

The solution to this challenge is flow

visualization. Using a fog generator, it makes

the actual airflows in the cleanroom visible

and allows for direct comparison with normative

target specifications.

A new technical standard is set here by

the specially developed fog generator CAT

PURE FOG for cleanroom use. Its uniform,

ultra-fine mist from pure water ultrasonic

nebulization makes even minimal air movements

visible — reliably and even in hard-toreach

areas. Additional advantages include

the refilling of the water tank during operation,

the adjustable fog intensity over ten

levels, and the removable chassis for maximum

flexibility and comfortable handling.


D 35614 Asslar


Seite 53/79

S!MPATI 4.90 Pharma:

Optimised batch evaluation and

data management

From Spring 2026, Weiss Technik will deliver powerful

data analysis and simplified reporting with

the updated software version. The improved display offers

more clarity and convenience for the user. The update

is compatible with current Windows operating systems and

meets all industry-specific safety regulations.

Certified secure: With S!MPATI 4.90 from Weiss

Technik, companies can meet all regulatory

requirements for electronic systems – compliant with

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU-GMP Annex 11.

Traceable. Secure. Documented.

(Image: Weiss Technik GmbH, own image)

With the upcoming adaptation of S!MPATI 4.90 Pharma to Windows

11 and Windows Server 2022, Weiss Technik is expanding the

software with additional innovative features.

Simplified Batch Evaluation

The assessment of stability test samples is significantly facilitated by

new evaluation tools. These functions allow precise assessment of

batch storage conditions, including the evaluation of the activation

energy of chemical reactions during pharmaceutical storage. This

also greatly simplifies reporting. Supported by an optimized graphical

display for more intuitive navigation, the software update improves

overall quality assurance.

Seamless System Integration

Additionally, S!MPATI 4.90 Pharma supports integration into existing

laboratory and data management systems. The optional interfaces

to modern communication protocols such as OPC-UA, Interbus,

and Profibus enable smooth transfer of central data from isolated

systems into a networked environment. The software is also

compatible with the Active Directory directory service, allowing

easy and secure network access. Even during communication network

interruptions, the collected data is not lost thanks to an optional,

integrated storage function in the system.

Enhanced Data Security

A key feature of the S!MPATI software is enhanced data encryption.

Tamper-proof storage and automatic verification ensure that unauthorized

changes are immediately detected or made impossible in

the first place. Additionally, the program ensures traceability (audit

trail) of data and processes. Laboratories can document their measurement

analyses according to the highest regulatory standards and

provide the required evidence at any time. S!MPATI 4.90 Pharma

complies with all regulatory requirements, such as FDA 21 CFR Part

11 and EU GMP Annex 11 Next Level Compliance.

Global Availability

FDA Approved: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

regulates the safety of drugs and medical devices. S!MPATI 4.90

from Weiss Technik supports pharmaceutical companies in complying

with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU-GMP Annex 11.

(Image: Weiss Technik GmbH, own image)

The new version of S!MPATI Pharma will be available worldwide

from the second half of the year. It offers laboratories a future-proof

solution for optimizing reporting, batch evaluation, and compliance.

Weiss Klimatechnik GmbH

D 35447 Reiskirchen


Seite 54/79

Fast and flexible optimised fluidics solutions

Process understanding

meets plastics expertise

The production of plastic parts requires specialized expertise.

The fluidics specialist Bürkert has over 40 years of

experience in plastics technology – from development to

manufacturing of plastic components and assemblies. Currently,

it offers the complete plastics value chain under one

roof at the new Plastics Technology Competence Center at

Bürkert Campus Criesbach. This provides greater flexibility

in design, optimizes the manufacturing process of tools

as well as the production of parts. At the same time, valuable

injection molding process knowledge can be integrated

into the development process, which optimizes the finished

products and fluidic systems for their intended application.

Author: Matthias Schelling

In article and tool simulation, components are examined in terms

of their mechanical properties, the flow behaviour of the medium in the

finished system, the plastic melt flow during component manufacture

and the warping behaviour after the manufacturing process.

(Source: Bürkert Fluid Control Systems)

Fluidic applications often place high demands on the materials used:

aggressive media, high temperatures and pressures, as well as hygiene

requirements in the food industry or biocompatibility in medical

technology or pharmaceuticals are just some of the challenges. The

plastic parts used here, such as valves, media-conducting lines, or

complex custom solutions, involve a great deal of know-how. Bürkert‘s

fluidics experts have therefore built up knowledge and expertise

in-house for over 40 years, from developing plastic components

to plastic manufacturing (see Image 1). Recently, these have been

consolidated in the new Plastics Technology Competence Center at

the Criesbach Campus. Users benefit from precisely tailored plastic

solutions, shorter development times, faster market launches, and

support with sometimes complex and lengthy international approval

processes.

The entire plastics value chain from a single source

A cross-functional team from materials laboratory, development,

tool design, tool manufacturing, technical center, plastics production,

and quality assurance covers the entire plastics value chain in

the new competence center. The first step is the selection of the material.

The standard portfolio includes around 90 different materials

suitable for most applications. For particularly challenging applications,

customized materials can also be developed in close consultation

with the customer.

After selecting the material, it is qualified in the laboratory for the

respective application. This applies to the material, the component,

or the entire system. Subsequently, the components are developed

to enable cost-effective series production with plastics. Depending

on customer requirements, prototypes are then produced, e.g., using

additive manufacturing technologies, vacuum casting, or injection

molding from cost-effective prototype tools in original materials.

The prototypes are realized according to user needs for functional

or spatial testing. Even at this stage, it is helpful to keep the complete

Bürkert covers the entire value chain of plastics production

in-house. This enables fast response times for adjustments

and prevents disruptive supply chains.


Tool design and toolmaking are also carried out in-house.



Seite 55/79

solution in mind, not just the development of individual parts. Articles

and tool simulations follow, for example, regarding mechanical

properties, flow behavior of the medium in the finished system, plastic

melt flow during component manufacturing, and warpage behavior

after the manufacturing process (see Image 2). The tool design

and manufacturing are also handled in-house (see Image 3), as well

as a technical center and the plastics injection molding facility for

transparent parts, complex mechanically stressed parts, and microstructures

in macro-components.

By offering a complete solution from a single source, short and

fast communication channels are created, facilitating optimizations.

Additionally, disruptive supply chains are avoided. Throughout all

steps, customers benefit from the combined expertise of the fluidics

specialists: they are not only well-versed in the chemistry of the materials

used but also familiar with the processes of the target industry

where the finished components will be deployed. The innovative

capacity of plastics development has already been demonstrated in

various applications: reliable washable valves in the food and pharmaceutical

sectors, water treatment at dental clinics, food-safe labeling

using industrial inkjet systems, pressure-resistant systems

for hot water and steam applications, or parts colored to match the

customer‘s corporate identity.

Bürkert GmbH & Co. KG

D 74653 Ingelfingen

SÜDPACK once again

improves its EcoVadis score

SÜDPACK’s consistent commitment to sustainability is clearly reflected in the

2026 EcoVadis ranking: The film manufacturer has further improved on its already

strong results from previous years – earning an impressive 85 out of 100 points,

placing it among the top 5% of companies rated worldwide and securing a Gold

Medal as a result.

From 59 to 63, then 84 in 2024 – and now

85 points: the SÜDPACK Group’s EcoVadis

track record reflects the company’s continuous

progress in the areas of sustainability

and corporate responsibility. As a highly

innovative family-owned business, SÜD-

PACK has consistently placed strong emphasis

not only on sustainable procurement

practices across its entire supply chain, but

also on setting new industry standards with

its recyclable, material-efficient high-performance

films and forward-looking packaging

concepts.

The latest award reflects the concrete

sustainability goals outlined in the company’s

ambitious “Sustainability Leadership”

strategy – and, as the management team

emphasizes, “the measurable progress made

represents an outstanding achievement by

our entire workforce. At the same time, it

serves as motivation to keep improving, to

continually set new standards for environmental

and social responsibility, and ultimately

to create long-term value for all our

stakeholders.”

Concrete progress at SÜDPACK

The renowned sustainability ratings platform

has assessed around 150,000 companies

worldwide based on their performance

in the areas of environment, labor and human

rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

In the 2026 ranking, SÜDPACK was

once again recognized for operating an

advanced sustainability management system.

The company maintained its consistently

high scores in both the Environment

(92 points) and Labor & Human Rights (84

points) categories. However, in the Ethics

category, SÜDPACK achieved a significant

improvement over the previous year – rising

from 72 to 80 points. Supporting documentation

highlights the exceptionally broad

integration of ethics-related actions and

certifications throughout the company’s

operations. This included conducting risk

assessments for information security and

further expanding existing anti-corruption

measures.

SÜDPACK also improved its score in

the Sustainable Procurement category – by

three points to 80 compared to the previous

year. Key contributing factors included

risk assessments that identify potential negative

impacts on sustainability within the

supply chain, whether related to suppliers,

products, or purchasing categories. These

assessments, supported by formalized documentation,

serve as proof of a structured

CSR risk analysis process. The advantage:

If risks are identified through this analysis,

targeted measures can be developed – and

additional incentive programs for suppliers

introduced. Wherever possible, SÜDPACK

already prioritizes business partners that actively

pursue their own ecological and social

sustainability initiatives.

SÜDPACK VERPACKUNGEN SE & Co. KG

D 88416 Ochsenhausen


Seite 56/79

Entering the 2026 Anniversary Year with Traditional Munich Dance

Entering the 2026 Anniversary

Year with Traditional Munich Dance

For 75 years, Schreiner Group has stood for innovation, quality, performance and

enthusiasm. What began in 1951 in a small garage has grown into an internationally

successful high-tech company. With the traditional dance of the Munich

Schäffler (coopers) guild, Schreiner Group has now ceremoniously entered its

2026 anniversary year, deliberately highlighting the connection between historical

roots, lived tradition and future-oriented development.

In the 2026 anniversary year, CEO Roland Schreiner looks back on 75 years of company history

and looks forward to a promising future. © Schreiner Group

The Schäffler Dance: A Symbol of Confidence

and New Beginnings

Every seven years, the Munich Schäffler

perform their traditional dance, maintaining

a venerable tradition: the circular dance

with green-leafed arches is said to have originated

in 1517, when it was intended to draw

people out of their homes after the plague

and bring joy back to the city. It stands for

confidence, community and a fresh start toward

a promising future. The Schäffler have

also been dancing regularly at Schreiner

Group for many decades, underlining the

family-owned company’s strong ties to the

region and its traditions.

“The fact that the Schäffler are opening

our anniversary year is particularly fitting

for us,” said CEO Roland Schreiner. “The

Schäffler Dance connects history with the

present while at the same time looking ahead.

Over the past 75 years, Schreiner Group

has developed into an innovative high-tech

company with excellent prospects for the

future, without losing sight of its roots.”

Today, around 1,300 employees at four locations

worldwide generate annual sales of

more than EUR 220 million.

From a Garage Business to an International

High-Tech Company

Schreiner Group was founded in 1951 by

Margarete and Theodor Schreiner in the

Munich district of Laim. From an early stage,

the company focused on innovation and be-

gan producing self-adhesive labels as early

as 1961 as a further development of wet-glue

labels. In 1974, Helmut Schreiner took over

the company from his parents and decisively

shaped its successful development for

almost 40 years. Many milestones – such as

the integration of key additional functions

into labels and the move to today’s headquarters

in Oberschleißheim – are closely

associated with his entrepreneurial leadership.

As Senior Shareholder, Helmut Schreiner

continues to be closely involved with

Schreiner Group. He states: “Growth was

never an end in itself for us. What always

mattered was positioning the company for

the future – through investments in technologies,

long-term thinking and responsibility

for our employees and the region.”

An Anniversary Year with Many Highlights

Schreiner Group will celebrate its 2026 anniversary

year with a series of activities and

events spread throughout the year, which

will also be showcased on the company’s

social media channels. A first anniversary

highlight is coming up soon: on April 25, an

open house will take place at the Dorfen site,

offering visitors insights into the work and

production of Schreiner Group – including

the new extension that was opened at the

end of 2025.

Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG

D 85764 Oberschleißheim


Seite 57/79

At the end of 2025, Bernhard Scheller and Jürgen Kutzer stepped

down from active management of Ruland.

Ruland plant for production

in the food industry.

© Ruland Engineering &

Consulting GmbH

Ruland Engineering & Consulting

introduces new management team

Jürgen Schütze – Focus on Sales, Digitalization, and IMS

Jürgen Schütze began his career at Ruland in 2007 while still studying

for his Bachelor of Engineering. After numerous projects and

leadership responsibilities in automation, he moved into sales and

joined the management two years ago. As managing director, he

now supports customers in developing process lines and planning

systems for the reliable processing of liquids. Additionally, he is responsible

for digitalization as well as quality, environmental, and occupational

health and safety management.

Jens Schumann – Responsibility for Technical Implementation

Ruland management: Jürgen Schütze, Florian Klein, Jens Schumann.

© Ruland Engineering & Consulting GmbH

„On behalf of all employees, I thank Bernhard Scheller and Jürgen

Kutzer for 25 years of Ruland,“ says Florian Klein, Managing Partner

of Ruland Engineering & Consulting GmbH. „Both have built

and shaped the company. Their personal commitment was crucial

to our success. They have made Ruland what it is today. We are very

pleased that Bernhard and Jürgen will continue to support us with

their extensive knowledge in plant engineering for new projects and

consulting tasks.“

New Management

Ruland Engineering & Consulting has appointed long-standing employees

Jürgen Schütze and Jens Schumann to the management.

Both will lead the company into the next phase of development together

with Florian Klein.

After completing his training as a dairy technologist and successfully

graduating in Food Technology from TU Munich/Weihenstephan,

Jens Schumann began his career at Ruland in 2011. The graduate engineer

gained extensive experience in the planning and realization

of complex systems in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries

through international projects in special plant construction.

He took on the management of process engineering departments

early on. Since 2024, Jens Schumann has been part of the management

team. In his current role as managing director, he is responsible

for the entire process and electrical engineering project planning,

construction, piping, and assembly.

Looking Ahead

„With succession from within our own ranks, we are focusing on

continuous development,“ says Florian Klein. „We continue to see

ourselves as a family business, where partnerships with our customers

come first. With expert consulting, we deliver tailor-made,

future-proof process systems for innovative production processes.“

Ruland Engineering & Consulting GmbH

D 67435 Neustadt


Seite 58/79

Das internationale Event der Reinraum- und Prozessbranche

Mit dem Code

rronline2026

dein kostenloses

Besucher-Ticket

buchen

24. bis 26. März 2026 · Messe Karlsruhe

Wir freuen uns, Sie im Frühjahr 2026 wieder in Karlsruhe begrüßen zu dürfen.

Neben allgemeinen Themen, wie Regelung und Compliance, Qualifizierung und Validierung,

Service und Dienstleistungen, Messen und Kalibrieren, Ausbildung und Training sowie

allgemeine Qualitätskontrolle und Mikrobiologie fokussieren die LOUNGES 2026 die Bereiche:

• Gebäudeplanung und Architektur

• Reinraumplanung und -ausstattung

• Reinraumbetrieb und Instandhaltung

• Messtechnik und Monitoring

• Lüftung und Klimatechnik

• Bekleidung und Verbrauchsmaterialien

• Reinigung und Hygiene

• Pharmaproduktion und Prozesstechnik

• Anlagenbau und -planung

• Pharmaverpackung und Kennzeichnung

• Prozessautomation und Digitalisierung

• Steriltechnik und Biotechnologie

• Künstliche Intelligenz und virtuelle Welten

• Qualitätsmanagement und Validierung

Buche jetzt dein kostenloses Besucher-Ticket und erhalte vergünstigten

Zugang zu den aufgezeichneten Vorträgen der LOUNGES 2026!

www.cleanroom-processes.de

Die Plattform der Reinraum- und Prozesstechnikbranche


Seite 59/79

Technical conference / Case studies / Lessons learned

LABOR IMPULS FORUM 2026

Innovative research and laboratory

environments – from vision to reality

The focus is on interdisciplinary exchange

between architecture, science, and technology.

Laboratories are understood as crucial

interfaces between research, developderstand

diabetes and metabolic diseases

holistically. The goal is to develop new prevention,

diagnosis, and therapy approaches

that measurably contribute to improving

patient care.

The HPC represents a new approach in biomedical

research. Here, visionary minds,

interdisciplinary teams, and entrepreneurial

thinking come together. It offers young research

groups maximum freedom to pursue

radically new ideas, take risks, and develop

innovative solutions for medicine of tomorrow.

State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure,

open work concepts, and a pronounced

culture of innovation make the campus

a hotspot for scientific pioneering work.

The focus of the

LABOR IMPULS FORUM 2026

on March 17-18, 2026 in Munich is:

What do laboratory spaces look like that

not only enable innovation but actively

promote it? The southern German region

is among the most innovative areas in Europe

– here, globally relevant developments

in biotechnology, medical technology,

pharmaceuticals, and chemistry are emerging.

The region is characterized by a high

concentration of companies and research

institutions that, for example, develop and

produce biological medicines. Notably, the

Ulm–Laupheim–Biberach–Ravensburg

axis and the European Metropolitan Region

Munich stand out. And it is here that the

LABOR IMPULS FORUM 2026 will take

place – under the main theme “INNOVA-

TION SPACES SOUTH: Laboratories and

Life Sciences in Dialogue”.

ment, and future technologies – especially

in the rapidly growing Life Sciences sector.

These industries require not only excellent

research teams but also physical environments

that enable collaboration, flexibility,

and sustainability. The laboratory thus becomes

an active co-creator of the innovation

process. The LABOR IMPULS FORUM

sees itself as a platform to actively shape

this change – together with the people who

experience it daily. Participate in the LA-

BOR IMPULS FORUM 2026 and contribute

your personal expertise to the exchange

between the disciplines of the laboratory

world.

On the second day of the event, participants

will have the opportunity to get to

know the Helmholtz Center Munich up close:

the Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC)

and the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC).

The HDC is dedicated to one of the greatest

health challenges of our time. With

a strong focus on translational research,

the HDC combines basic research, clinical

studies, and data-driven approaches to un-

Visiting both facilities provides an exclusive

behind-the-scenes look at excellent research

practices and vividly demonstrates

how scientific visions, technological innovation,

and societal relevance come together

at the Helmholtz Center Munich. An

inspiring conclusion to the Labor Impuls

Forum, opening new perspectives and encouraging

further reflection.

LABOR IMPULS FORUM 2026 – two days

of specialized conferences in dialogue about

innovations between laboratories and Life

Sciences.

In the podcast “Labor im Ohr” https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/labor-im-ohr/

Maike Kranz (event organizer) discusses

out-of-the-box topics with some speakers

in advance.

There is also a network discount (€990

instead of €1,250), available upon request

from uniko.academy lif@uniko.academy

(with a corresponding code) for interested

participants.

uniko GmbH

D 52074 Aachen


Seite 60/79

Expert interview for analytica 2026

Microplastics detection

between claim and reality

– Imaging and spectroscopy: ideal combination for plastics analysis

– analytica conference: microplastics in environmental samples and foodstuffs

– From GC-MS to Raman microscopy: all major manufacturers represented in Munich

Microplastics can now be found everywhere, but detecting the tiny plastic particles

is still a challenge. At analytica, which will open its doors in Munich from

March 24 to 27, 2026, scientists, equipment manufacturers and users will be looking

for solutions together. An interview with Prof. Stephan Wagner, Professor

of Environmental Analysis at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein

and head of an analytica conference session on plastics analysis.

What methods are used to detect

microplastics?

The number of particles – as well as their

shape, size and chemical composition – are

easy to determine using optical microscopy

in combination with FTIR or Raman spectroscopy.

It’s then called FTIR or Raman

microscopy. Complementary methods like

these, which also include the combination

of electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy,

are becoming increasingly popular.

There are also mass-based methods, with

pyrolysis GC-MS being the gold standard.

The sample is pyrolyzed at high temperatures,

the gaseous pyrolysis products are

separated by gas chromatography and identified

by mass spectrometry. However, there

is interference depending on the matrix.

This is a common problem with mass-based

processes. And with small particles,

even if there are many of them, the mass

can be so small that the detector does not

respond.

Will your analytica conference

session highlight the different

methods?

Yes, but in the session, we don’t want to

Prof. Stephan Wagner, Professor of

Environmental Analysis at Fresenius University

of Applied Sciences in Idstein, heads an

analytica conference session

on plastics analysis

© Hochschule Fresenius

Professor Wagner, how advanced

is the analysis of microplastics?

With the right reference materials, it

works quite well in drinking water, although

low concentrations are definitely

a challenge. It’s more difficult in wastewater

because it contains all kinds of

particles, not just plastic. It’s even more

complicated for soil and air samples. The

concentrations in soil are usually lower,

while the particles in the air are extremely

small. However, air measurements are

important, especially if you consider tire

wear particles. They can be so small that

they are possibly respirable.

At analytica, new developments in the field of microscopy will be showcased

© Messe München GmbH


Seite 61/79

just talk about microplastics in environmental

samples. Before the material ends

up in nature, it may be cheese packaging

or a drinks bottle. It’s therefore also about

product quality and how microplastics

can be controlled and reduced in

packaged or industrially processed food

in general.

What are your expectations

for analytica?

For me, analytica is the leading trade fair

par excellence because it brings together

people from science, the equipment industry

and application. We discuss certain

topics in the sessions at the analytica conference

and then go over to the exhibition

halls where we see the corresponding analysis

systems and application notes. Equipment

manufacturers also sometimes take

part in the discussion in the sessions. This

proximity to application and the exchange

are important. It’s a great help to us in the

research lab when a manufacturer presents

a new method or device that can solve our

problems.

Thank you for your time.

The session “Challenges and Solutions for

Analyzing Plastics Throughout Their Life

Cycle – Detecting Plastics Where They

Don‘t Belong”, led by Stephan Wagner, will

take place on March 25 from 09:30 to 11:30

in the ICM (Room 3).

Solutions relating to plastics analysis

Modern systems that characterize plastics

are indispensable not only in environmental

analysis but also in the development

of more sustainable materials and in

industrial production and quality control.

analytica leaves no aspect out and provides

information on all facets of plastics

analysis. Information on FTIR and Raman

microscopy will be available at the stands

of attocube, Bruker, Horiba, Jasco, Keyence,

Malvern Panalytical, Nikon, Oxford

Instruments, PerkinElmer, Renishaw

and Thermo Fisher Scientific, among

others. Leading manufacturers of optical

microscopes, in the shape of Carl Zeiss

Microscopy, Evident, Leica Microsystems

and Nikon, and high-tech suppliers from

the electron microscopy segment, namely

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jeol and Hitachi,

will be there. Equipment for pyrolysis

GC-MS can be found in the portfolios

of analytica exhibitors such as Agilent,

Gerstel, Shimadzu, SIM and Thermo

Fisher Scientific.

Messe München GmbH

D 81823 München

Matthias Ruoss becomes new

Managing Director of Enzler Reinigungen AG

Matthias Ruoss

Matthias Ruoss will take over the management

of Enzler Reinigungen AG on February

1, 2026, becoming a member of the Executive

Board of the Enzler Group. Prior to this,

Matthias Ruoss held various leadership positions

at the two international corporations

CBRE and ISS. He has over 19 years of experience

in the fields of Facility Management

and cleaning.

The graduate business economist FH

in Facility Management places great importance

on customer proximity as well as

high customer and employee satisfaction.

Matthias Ruoss is 41 years old, married to

Daniela, and resides in Immensee (SZ). In

his free time, he keeps himself physically

and mentally fit through various activities in

nature, enjoys playing and listening to music,

and likes to spend time in both domestic

and international locations with his family

and friends.

Regarding his new role, he states: „Sustainable

success is created where people

can take responsibility. Leadership, for me,

means providing orientation, removing

obstacles, and creating conditions so that

our employees can jointly generate real added

value for customers and the organization.“

„We are pleased to welcome Mr. Ruoss

as an experienced industry specialist to our

family business. The focus of the Enzler

Group will continue to be on hygiene, cleanliness,

and digitalization, and Mr. Ruoss

will play a key role in this,“ emphasizes Karl

Enzler, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Enzler Hygiene AG

CH 8005 Zürich


Seite 62/79

Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions celebrates 25 years of VDMA membership: The first VDMA Day at the

headquarters in Aßlar focused on knowledge exchange and networking. (Source: Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions)

First VDMA Day at Pfeiffer

Vacuum+Fab Solutions in Aßlar

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its membership in the

German Association of Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA),

Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions hosted its first VDMA Day on February

3, 2026, at the headquarters in Aßlar. The event focused on

promoting knowledge transfer and targeted networking of the company‘s

departments on current industry topics.

Exchange on Current Regulatory Challenges

The VDMA Day concentrated on the new and increasingly complex

requirements arising from current and upcoming regulations affecting

the industry. Key topics included the Machinery Regulation, the

Cyber Resilience Act, the Radio Equipment Directive, ATEX, and

the impacts of US tariffs.

Several technical presentations examined these issues from different

perspectives, with VDMA employees discussing practical questions

with participants from Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions. These

employees work across various departments, including Research &

Development, Trade Compliance, Export Control, Logistics, and Digital

Transformation.

Networking and Knowledge Transfer in Focus

The event facilitated direct experience exchange between VDMA

and the highly qualified staff of Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions,

many of whom are active in over 32 VDMA committees — including

the Vacuum Technology Research Fund and various standards committees

for vacuum technology, photovoltaic manufacturing equipment,

and other areas. The VDMA Day further strengthened this

network, making future knowledge transfer to relevant departments

and work areas more efficient.

Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions particularly benefited from the industry

expertise of the speakers and well-founded assessments of

current regulatory developments. The close exchange enabled immediate

discussion of practical questions from everyday business

and early adaptation to changing regulatory requirements — supported

by the professional competence of the largest European industry

and trade association.

25 Years of Partnership

“The connection between VDMA and Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions

has existed since 2001. It began with participation in a project

of the Vacuum Technology Research Fund (FFVak). Today,

over 40 employees from Pfeiffer are actively involved in VDMA,

contributing their expertise to the development and implementation

of industry standards,” reports Jürgen Eisenreich, VDMA

Senior Consultant for Compressors, Pneumatics, and Vacuum

Technology.

This long-standing commitment highlights the importance of the

network and Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions‘ role as an industry

driver.


D 35614 Asslar


Seite 63/79

Artificial intelligence and automation have long been an integral

part of industrial surface technology.

PaintExpo 2026 shows how

AI and automation are changing

surface technology

Artificial intelligence and automation have long been an

integral part of industrial surface technology. Whether process

monitoring, quality assurance, material efficiency or

plant control – digital technologies are fundamentally changing

painting processes and raising them to a new level of

performance. PaintExpo is responding to this development

and, from 14 to 17 April 2026, will be focusing on intelligent,

automated solutions that are already in use today and will

become even more important in the future. Close cooperation

with manufacturers, system providers, research institutions

and users shows that: AI is no longer a promise for

the future, but a decisive lever for more efficient, sustainable

and stable coating processes.

AOM-Systems is a major player when it comes to sustainable processes

and error minimisation in the wet paint process. Data generated

by AOM forms the basis for the AI that automates and optimises

customer processes. This enables users to use AI to correct

errors in the spraying process in a targeted and immediate manner.

In return, the AI sends the operator a message indicating the exact

cause of the error in the process. This reduces production errors and

minimises paint, energy and electricity consumption. Thus, AI now

contributes directly to resource conservation and better use of production

resources. “A major OEM had to achieve a minimum coating

thickness and therefore specified a high safety factor to ensure that

the minimum coating thickness was achieved even with minor process

fluctuations. With spray from AOM, they can now control 100%

of the coating application in real time. This saves a huge amount of

coating thickness, material and alternative downstream checks, and

therefore money,“ explains Managing Director Dr Meiko Hecker,

using a practical example to illustrate the benefits for users. During

PaintExpo, AOM-Systems will focus on the integration of spray monitoring

directly into the atomiser.

Convergent Information Technologies GmbH, a leading global

software supplier for paint repair using robots, also utilises various

forms of AI and machine learning. “This enables the automation of

complex applications that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

They allow for shorter start-up times, greater production flexibility

and faster integration of new products,“ explains Managing Director

Dr.-Ing. Christof Eberst. At PaintExpo, Convergent IT will showcase

the next generation of automated planning for paint repair using robots

and other surface processes. New input options for easier robot

programming will also be presented, especially for cost-effective

systems.

At Dürr Systems AG, the focus is on automation for wet paint systems.

At PaintExpo, Dürr will be demonstrating overspray-free

painting with the EcoPaintJet live and presenting the further development

of the EcoSupplyP Core material supply system. This is

a modular paint supply system with pigging that can be used wherever

different paint colours are applied in small quantities, such as

in the construction and wood industries or by automotive suppliers.

Unused paint can be recovered almost completely, minimising the

consumption of detergent and speeding up the colour change. With

the EcoPaintJet, overspray-free paint application made its way into

industrial vehicle painting, which paints with sharp edges and without

any overspray. Now other industries are also benefiting from

this solution.

ESS Engineering Software Steyr GmbH specialises in automating

the pre-processing step in meshing. This commitment to process

automation extends across the entire simulation workflow. Thanks

to automation, the solutions achieve considerable time and efficiency

gains. For example, vehicle development time can be reduced by

up to one month and operating costs can be cut by around 30 per

cent. ESS solutions also enable reduced prototype costs, faster optimisation

and less dependence on experts. Instead of around 600

kWh for painting a vehicle, ESS‘s new patented painting technology

reduces the energy requirement per car body to 200 kWh. In

conjunction with CO2 reduction, increased material efficiency and

waste prevention thanks to digital prototypes, ESS customers save


Seite 64/79

significant resources. At PaintExpo, ESS will showcase a range of

automated processes and workflows covering the entire simulation

process.

As a leading developer of end-of-arm tools for sensitive surface

processing – such as grinding, polishing or deburring – FerRobotics

Compliant Robot Technology GmbH occupies a key position at the

interface between high-precision mechatronics and advanced automation.

With the help of its patented Active Compliant Technology

(ACT), the company is transferring sensitive manual processes to

robot-assisted series production. ACT-based tools guarantee precision

through active force control, automatic tolerance compensation

and AI-optimised calibration, resulting in 100% reproducible results

and enabling perfect finishes even on sensitive surfaces. At the

same time, efficiency increases while process reliability is enhanced

and the reject rate is minimised. At PaintExpo 2026, FerRobotics

will present the Active Taping Kit (ATK), a solution for automated

masking and a unique method for repairing paint defects on plastic

(AOK 403), as well as new processing strategies for fast and intuitive

programming.

Automation and AI are also relevant in powder coating. As an application

manufacturer, Gema Switzerland GmbH has been relying

on intelligent, networked control systems and control software for

some time now, such as the MagicControl 4.0 system, which offers

a powerful automation interface. In addition, selected concepts

from Industry 4.0 can be profitably applied in the powder coating

process. Production data is continuously recorded, processed and

visualised in a clear and informative manner using tools such as the

GemaConnect® Dashboard. The resulting added value for powder

coating customers is material savings and increased efficiency.

Precise control optimises the amount of powder used, which means

less overspray and therefore less material consumption. However,

AI and automation can also serve to achieve higher quality and

consistency, relieve the burden on workers, improve process control

and traceability with networked systems and real-time data, and

increase safety for operating personnel. At PaintExpo, Gema will be

presenting a wide range of integrated functions that continuously

improve industrial powder coating and support the sustainable use

of resources.

Automation also plays a central role at M&N Fördersysteme GmbH.

The conveyor technology ensures a continuous, stable flow of materials

and guarantees that all process steps in surface technology

are precisely coordinated. This enables M&N‘s customers to achieve

high process reliability, efficiency and reproducible quality. Automated

conveyor technology also makes an important contribution

to conserving resources, as continuous and precisely controlled

transport of workpieces reduces downtime and idle time, minimises

reworking and ensures optimum utilisation of the coating systems.

This leads to lower energy consumption, less waste and more

efficient processes overall. In Karlsruhe, M&N is focusing on new,

advanced rotary transfer systems and optimised control and guidance

systems that offer greater flexibility in cycle times and workpiece

variants, improve the energy efficiency of the drives and enable an

even more continuous, automated material flow.

In paint and coating development, ML-supported analysis methods

enable formulations, recipes and application processes to be

understood much more quickly and thoroughly. Pi Probaligence

develops ML algorithms that are used across industries in product

development, process control and simulation. These models are

increasingly being incorporated into control software, where they

enable intelligent predictions and assistance functions. The more

data-rich and automated a process is, the more effectively Pi Probaligence

solutions can be used. In product development, ML enables

data-efficient, exploratory experimental design that searches parameter

spaces in a targeted manner. This either finds an optimum or

creates a digital twin that virtually maps complex real chemical and

physical systems. At PaintExpo 2026, Pi Probaligence will present

specific applications from industry and research and introduce a

new interface with natural language control and automated connection

to existing tools.

AI and automation as integral components

of networked coating processes

The applications presented illustrate that AI and automation in surface

technology are no longer viewed in isolation, but increasingly

as integral components of continuous process chains. The focus

is shifting from individual optimisations to networked systems in

which process data, quality information and plant parameters are

collated and evaluated in real time. This development opens up new

potential for reproducible quality, resource efficiency and process

stability – but at the same time requires a high level of system integration

and robust data models. PaintExpo 2026 reflects this technological

maturity within the industry and provides a platform for

professional exchange on the practical application, limitations and

further development of AI-supported solutions in industrial surface

technology.

Leipziger Messe GmbH

D 04356 Leipzig


Seite 65/79

The full variety for all applications at interpack 2026

Materials, packaging materials

and packaging aids

“Innovative Materials” is one of the hot topics at interpack 2026 and the packaging materials area of the trade fair brings

together the packaging industry’s concentrated expertise – with over 1,000 exhibitors and a globally unique variety of packaging

solutions, packaging materials and packaging aids.

New material technologies are shaping the packaging of tomorrow:

highly developed plastics, fibre-based materials and smart coatings

are optimising shelf life, protection and recyclability. From 7 to 13

May, the packaging area at interpack 2026 will showcase tried-andtested

solutions in new applications along with the latest developments

and innovations. It will be bringing together more than 1,000

manufacturers of packaging solutions, packaging materials and packaging

aids from all over the world in seven halls and floors, including

many premieres by first-time exhibitors. In total, 2,800 exhibitors

are expected at interpack.

“The variety of materials and their applications at interpack is unique

anywhere in the world,” says Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack.

“By making Innovative Materials our hot topic, we are consciously

placing the packaging materials sector at the strategic focus this year

and consolidating developments from international markets.”

Plastic-based packaging solutions

and flexible packaging

Looking at the global market situation, flexible and rigid plastic packaging

types occupy the largest market share in consumer goods

packaging, at a total of 65 per cent (2024, VDMA/Euromonitor). At

interpack, exhibitors will be showcasing numerous plastic solutions

too – containers and flexible packaging, including bio-based films

with a clear focus on sustainability. Drawing the crowds in Hall 9

will be Sonoco, Taghleef Industries, groku Kunststoffe, Jokey, Aries

Packaging and Nurel, among others, while Schütz, Greif Packaging,


Seite 66/79

Metal and glass packaging

Metal packaging, in particular cans and can seaming systems, will be

featured in Hall 7a. The companies represented will include Soudronic,

Lanico, the IPA (International Packaging Association), Emballator,

Umar Makina and SPL Industries. “The demand for complete

canning lines is increasing, especially in the pet food sector,” says

Ruedi Umbricht, COO of Soudronic AG. “The drivers of this demand

are sustainability requirements and the CO₂ footprint of packaging,

or strategic considerations for expanding the value chain. In terms of

sustainability and CO₂-balance, the steel can offers distinct advantages.

Soudronic, as a manufacturer of turnkey can production lines,

will be presenting visitors to interpack with a whole variety of options

for producing metal packaging.” According to industry figures,

the share of metal packaging is currently 12 per cent, with forecast

growth of 13 per cent in the coming years.

Werit Kunststoffwerke, the Armando Alvarez Group, Irplast, Hipac

and the SIT Group will be exhibiting in Hall 10. The caps and closures

segment will be covered by companies such as United Caps and

Bericap.

Taghleef Industries, which will be exhibiting in Hall 9, will be showing

a wide range of films. “This includes bio-based and recycled

solutions for flexible packaging and labels. Monomaterial PP films

and material-reduced variants emphasise our focus on recyclability

and reduced material usage,” says Ambra Stocco, European Marcom

Manager & Label Lead at Taghleef Industries, describing the company’s

portfolio.

Schütz is among the exhibitors with a particularly extensive presence

in the packaging sector and will be represented in Hall 10. Here,

visitors can look forward to plastics solutions for industry and logistics.

“Our interpack presence in 2026 will focus on smart packaging

concepts that optimally combine economic efficiency with ecological

sustainability. With our product and service innovations, we provide

customers across the world with pioneering solutions to make

their logistics processes even safer and more resource-efficient,”

says Veit Enders, Member of the Board at Schütz.

There will also be a wide range of packaging aids such as adhesives

and adhesive tapes in Halls 7 and 10. Suppliers such as Henkel, Jowat,

Selig Group, H.B. Fuller, Tesa and Sicad will be exhibiting solutions

for different applications and material combinations.

Paper-based packaging solutions, cardboard

and packaging printing

Paper and cardboard-based packaging occupies a global market

share of around 16 per cent for consumer goods. Further growth of

around eight per cent is expected for this segment by 2029. At interpack,

the area for paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard and

packaging printing can be found in Hall 8a. Among others, Metsä

Board, Stora Enso, Sappi, Koehler, Starkraft and Printcity will be presenting

their portfolios there. Labelling and coating solutions from

CCL Label, Actega, Michelman and Stahl Packaging will be some of

the products on show, likewise in Hall 8a.

Glass packaging, a classic among packaging solutions, will also be

represented at interpack. In Hall 10, the Federal Association of the

German Glass Industry (BV Glas) will be a central point of contact,

providing information on current developments and trends. Glass

accounted for eight per cent of retail sales of consumer goods packaging

in 2024 and is expected to grow by a further six per cent by 2029.

Alternative and bio-based materials

Alternative and new materials, especially in Hall 9, will provide an

additional flourish with exhibitors such as Jonatura, Plantera, Innovia

Films, Natureworks and Pacovis. Here, the focus will be on innovations

in the field of bio-based plastics, while fibre-based materials

will be on show in Hall 8a. Metsä Board and Stora Enso, for example,

will be two of the must-visit stands.

Hot Topic 2026: Innovative Materials

With “Innovative Materials”, interpack is once again placing its special

focus on the topic of materials. These have always been of central

importance to the packaging industry. At the same time, requirements

are constantly increasing: new regulatory provisions, higher

expectations of sustainability and recyclability, plus additional functional

requirements are the characteristics of material development.

Therefore, under the hot topic “Innovative Materials”, the focus will

be on materials, material concepts and design approaches that combine

functionality, resource efficiency and recyclability.

“One of the key tasks for companies in all sectors today is to

utilise resources efficiently and to consistently close material flows

worldwide. We view modern technology as the key to mastering these

challenges of the circular economy. For us, interpack is the most

important platform for discussing these approaches live with our

partners,” Veit Enders from Schütz categorises the challenges.

Save the date: Tuesday at interpack in the Spotlight Forum

Visitors with a particular interest in material solutions can also make

a note of 12 May: that is when “Innovative Materials” is set to take

centre stage at the interpack Spotlight Forum. The programme will

be announced in good time.

More detailed information on exhibitors, products and material

solutions can be found in the interpack exhibitor and product

database: http://www.interpack.com/1410

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

D 40001 Düsseldorf


Seite 67/79

Fraunhofer ZSI at Analytica 2026

Intelligent Sensors for

Quality-assured Cell Production

Fraunhofer research scientists are optimizing the manufacturing of 3D tissue

models using a modular sensor platform and AI. Their solution enables continuous

quality control in bioreactors and opens up new perspectives for the biotech

and pharmaceutical industries - for more than just animal-free drug testing.

Whether for drug screening or toxicity testing,

stem cell-based 3D tissue models

are key to biomedical research. However,

producing cell aggregates in bioreactors is

highly complex and cost-intensive. Until

now, quality has only been checked at the

end of the process. This entails a high risk of

lost time and material.

Now, at the Fraunhofer Center for Sensor

Intelligence ZSI, research scientists from

the Fraunhofer Institutes for Biomedical

Engineering IBMT and for Nondestructive

Testing IZFP have jointly developed an

intelligent sensor system that continuously

monitors and optimizes the entire manufacturing

process. Fraunhofer IBMT is contributing

its expertise in developing optimized,

standardized cell culture methods and

innovative model systems for stem cell research.

The Multimodal Autonomous Sensor

Platform (MAUS) from Fraunhofer IZFP

implements the groundbreaking collection

and transmission of sensor data and of the

information derived from it.

The research scientists rely on two camera

paths for visual quality control. An in-situ

camera focuses on the rotating reactor

tubes and detects spheroids in suspension,

while another camera detects them as they

are drawn through a microfluidic channel.

The integrated AI recognizes and classifies

cell aggregates within milliseconds. The

MAUS edge AI platform bundles all sensor

data, evaluates it directly on site and transfers

the results to a database.

Lower risk, higher objectivity

With their solution, the experts at Fraunhofer

are integrating real-time quality control

in production. This quality control is objective,

automatic and cost-effective, as the

media for stem cells are already expensive

and the cultivation process is time-consuming.

Project manager Thomas Velten from

Fraunhofer IBMT explains: “We replace

subjective assessment with objective AIbased

evaluation, ongoing monitoring and

potential adjustment of process parameters.

Last but not least, we ensure connectivity

with modern process control systems in

the pharmaceutical and biotech sector. Our

solution corresponds to modern concepts

such as Process Analytical Technology

AI-supported monitoring of 3D cell aggregate

growth in suspension-based bioreactors.

© Fraunhofer IBMT, Bernd Müller

Coordinated sensors, clear

quality statement

In the current SpheroSense research project,

the Fraunhofer IBMT team installed

two levels of sensors in a commercial bioreactor

for 3D cell spheroids, i.e., spherical

cell models that can mimic tissue. The cell

environment is monitored by electrochemical

sensors for glucose, lactate, dissolved

oxygen, pH and temperature. Cameras provide

for optical characterization of the cell

aggregates. They continuously analyze the

size, number, and quality of the spheroids

in real time. This results in a growth curve,

enabling conclusions to be drawn on optimal

conditions.

Bioreactor with integrated sensors for online process control and optical characterization

of the 3D cell aggregates produced. © Fraunhofer IBMT


Seite 68/79

An NFC coil for MAUS manufactured using

a 3D circuit board printer. © Fraunhofer IZFP.

(PAT) and Continuous Process Verification

as required by the FDA and EMA.” System

operation is label-free, meaning that no

staining is necessary and the spheroids remain

undamaged.

Data sovereignty from the very start

A further benefit: The solution works

without any cloud connection and thus

fulfills the most stringent data security

requirements. A cloud connection is possible

on request, but the default configuration

keeps sensitive process data with the

customer.

The system can be adapted to different

application scenarios ranging from stem

cell research to industrial cell production.

“Our MAUS platform enables rapid prototyping

for all monitoring applications.

With its modular design, it can be adapted

flexibly and expanded quickly and easily

to meet any needs,” explains Christoph

Weingard, sensor intelligence and microelectronics

developer at Fraunhofer

IZFP. “For example, we implemented radio

modules with Bluetooth and near-field

communication (NFC) in SpheroSense in

order to read the sensors inside the tubes

without any additional cables. The appropriate

plug-in module is simply attached,

and monitoring starts.”

The entire system is being used successfully

in production at the Fraunhofer

Center for Sensor Intelligence ZSI, with

direct feedback from the colleagues who

produce 3D cell spheroids and use them in

further projects.

Presentation at Analytica 2026

The specialists will present their solution at

Analytica in Munich from March 24 to 27,

2026. Visitors can learn about the entire system,

including sensors, cameras and real-time

data analysis, at the world‘s leading trade

show for laboratory equipment, analysis and

biotechnology.

Fraunhofer-Institut

für Biomedizinische Technik IBMT

D 66280 Sulzbach

Ziehl-Abegg successful at the German Design Award in the category

“Excellent Communications Design – Event”

Social Media Days impress expert jury

The internationally operating industrial company Ziehl-Abegg has been named a Winner at the German Design Award 2026.

The event format Social Media Days received the distinction in the category „Excellent Communications Design – Event“.

The jury described the concept as „an exceptionally coherent communication

concept that effectively combines professional depth

with emotional engagement.“ According to the jury statement, the

Das Organisationsteam der Social Media Days bei Ziehl-Abegg

(von links): Tamara Hirmann, Rainer Grill und Rebecca Amlung.

(Foto: Ziehl-Abegg)

Social Media Days „activate people across industry boundaries

through a clear, identity-defining design and a compelling dramaturgy“

and represent an outstanding example of excellent communication

design in an event format.

„We have been a trendsetter for years as a traditional industrial

company when it comes to addressing young people,“ says Joachim

Ley, CEO of Ziehl-Abegg. „Through high-calibre keynote speeches,

hands-on workshops and deliberately designed networking opportunities,

we also enable employees in public authorities, organisations

and other companies to elevate their social media communication

to a new level.“

The German Design Award, presented by the German Design

Council, recognises projects each year that stand out through design

excellence and conceptual strength. The award is regarded as

a recognised benchmark for quality and innovation in design and

communication.

The Social Media Days 2026 will take place on 1 and 2 July in

Schwäbisch Hall. The format combines professional exchange, industry

impulses and networking for practitioners from industry, media,

communications and HR.

Ziehl-Abegg SE

D 74653 Künzelsau


Seite 69/79

JEC World 2026: Schütz presents

high-performance

lightweight structures

From 10 to 12 March 2026, Schütz Composites will be presenting

its extensive Cormaster® portfolio at JEC World

in Paris (Hall 6, Booth E55). The versatile honeycomb materials

made of aramid paper are designed for demanding

lightweight construction applications in aerospace, vehicle

construction, industry and racing sports; production redundancies

ensure outstanding supply security and consistently

high quality.

The Cormaster® high-tech material is shaped into a hexagonal or

over-expanded cell structure in a high-precision process. The geometry

gives the material an extremely low weight combined with

high strength and resistance to moisture, oils and kerosene, a combination

of properties that makes Cormaster® solutions ideal for

demanding tasks.

At JEC, Schütz will be presenting its entire range of honeycomb

materials, including milled and thermally formed variants as well as

sandwich panels and engineered panels. The panels are produced in

multi-stage presses or, if required, cured in large-capacity autoclaves

at pressures of up to 8 bar and temperatures of up to 250° C. The

sensitive prepregs are processed in an ISO Class 7 clean room – a

decisive advantage for complex structural components.

Cormaster® material can be used in a wide range of applications,

from load-bearing structural components in aircraft cabins to components

in vehicle construction, industry and motor racing. It is also

used in high-performance maritime projects: many parts of the racing

yacht Malizia – Seaexplorer skippered by German IMOCA sailor

Boris Herrmann are made of Cormaster®.

Continuous investment secures the highest standards

Schütz continuously invests in modern manufacturing technologies

to increase process stability and quality in the composite sector. In

Honeycomb blocks are produced in an automated process.

(Photo: Schütz)

recent years, the composite specialist has expanded production capacities

and installed new equipment at its locations, including an

additional automated production line at the headquarters in Selters.

A new, additional sandwich panel press went into operation in the

first quarter of 2026, further boosting system redundancy.

Simultaneously, Schütz is optimising existing systems through targeted

investments in state-of-the-art sensor and control technology.

This gives the company even more high-precision control over

manufacturing tolerances and allows complex manufacturing processes

to be implemented with an exceptional degree of efficiency.

Wide range of manufacturing capabilities

and customised solutions

With its own model and mould making facilities and extensive machining

capabilities, including CNC machining, automated potting

processes and clean room conditions, Schütz offers a wide range

of engineering and production services to meet individual requirements.

SCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KGaA

D 56242 Selters

Cormaster® honeycomb material, made from

aramid paper, has outstanding mechanical strength

and minimal weight. (Photo: Schütz)

At the Selters site, state-of-the-art plant technology

is used to ensure the supply security of Cormaster®

lightweight construction materials. (Photo: Schütz)


Seite 70/79

The new AIM9 inspection

platform from Syntegon combines

visual inspection and leak detection with

outputs of up to 600 vials per minute.

Syntegon launches AIM9

high-speed inspection platform

– Reliability built on many decades of experience

– Output of up to 600 vials per minute; container sizes up to 250 ml

– Future-proof thanks to integrated visual inspection and leak detection

Based on decades of experience and proven technology, Syntegon is

launching the AIM9 inspection platform. It combines visual inspection

and leak detection with outputs of up to 600 vials per minute,

helping pharmaceutical manufacturers and CMOs achieve the highest

inspection and product quality.

“The new AIM9 enables our customers to boost productivity and

meet ambitious delivery targets.” Designed for high-performance

environments, the automated vial inspection platform processes up

to 600 containers per minute.

A further challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers and CMOs

lies in handling multiple container sizes and products. Therefore,

Syntegon designed the new AIM9 with enhanced flexibility.

The platform accommodates vial sizes from 2 to 250 milliliters

and enables easy changeovers as well as fast adaptation for new

products.

maximum detection and minimal false reject rates. Apart from Syntegon’s

patented SD technology, area and line-scan cameras, customers

can further opt for deep learning integration or the bubble

masking tool, which distinguishes harmless bubbles from harmful

defects.

Reliability built on experience

AIM9 is a new platform based on proven technology. The smooth

transport system, which has been tried and tested by many customers

all over the world, ensures safe and stable container handling

throughout the inspection process. “Backed by many decades of

experience, we can offer our customers exactly what they need to

achieve the required performance, efficiency, and flexibility in their

inspection process,” Bernd Barkey underlines. “AIM9 is available in

several variants based on a standardized platform, which allows us to

co-create the ideal solution together with our customers.”

Integrated CCIT for complete assurance

The seamless AIM9 platform comes with another important new

feature: It provides fully integrated Container Closure Integrity Testing

(CCIT), offering headspace gas analysis, high‐voltage leak detection,

or both, without the need for additional equipment.

Together with the full range of visual inspection technologies for the

detection of particles and cosmetic defects, the new AIM9 ensures

Syntegon Technology GmbH

Blaufelder Straße 45

D 74654 Crailsheim

Telefon: +49 7951 4020

eMail: packaging-ph@syntegon.com

Internet: http://www.syntegon.com


Seite 71/79

CAT PURE FOG: Tracking

invisible turbulence

Pure Fog fog generator

(Copyright: CAT GmbH)

The airflow management is one of the central

principles of function in cleanrooms. It

significantly determines the distribution

and removal of particles and germs. The

catch: airflows are invisible to the human

eye.

If you want to understand and control air

movements in the cleanroom — which is

essential for compliant operation — they

must be made visible. Only then can product

quality and process safety be reliably

guaranteed: even the smallest particles or

unwanted turbulence can impair air quality

and thus threaten the required level of

cleanliness.

The solution to this challenge is flow

visualization. Using a fog generator, it

makes the real airflows in the cleanroom

visible and allows them to be directly

compared with the normative target specifications.

A new technical standard is set here with

the specially developed fog generator

CAT PURE FOG for cleanroom use. Its

uniform, ultra-fine mist from pure water

ultrasonic nebulization makes even minimal

air movements visible — reliably

and even in hard-to-reach areas. Additional

advantages include the refilling

of the water tank during operation, the

adjustable fog intensity over ten levels,

and the removable chassis for maximum

flexibility and comfortable handling.

CAT Clean Air Technology GmbH

Motorstraße 51

D 70499 Stuttgart

Telefon: +49 711 365919937

eMail: info@catgmbh.de

Internet: http://www.catgmbh.de


Seite 72/79

Analytik Jena presents PULSEspencer R,

a new solution for low-volume dispensing

Analytik Jena presents new automation solutions for laboratory

workflows at SLAS 2026 International Conference & Exhibition

(February 7–11). A special highlight is the launch of the PULSEspencer

R. It is the first model of a digital and contactless dispenser series

in the Analytik Jena portfolio. The PULSEspencer R redefines

precise, touchless operation and sets standards for modern research

applications.

The new PULSEspencer R enables precise dosing of liquids such as

DMSO, water, small molecules, and biomolecules using disposable

cassettes. The system is based on three core principles: miniaturization,

direct dilution, and rapid volume distribution. These features

help make workflows more efficient and reduce resource consumption.

With its compact design and modular concept, the PULSEspencer R

supports a variety of applications – from drug discovery to genomics

– and allows users to handle tasks easily and reproducibly.

The advantages at a glance:

– Faster assay setups through intuitive software

and contactless dispensing

– Miniaturization saves reagents and reduces waste

– Compact design for flexible integration into any laboratory

Analytik Jena GmbH+Co. KG

D 07745 Jena


Seite 73/79

Holding Firm where it Matters:

Standard Parts with

Increased

Clamping

Force

In any situation requiring repeated fastening by manual screwing, speed and a secure hold are critical. That’s why Ganter

has upgraded its proven hand knob nuts, star knob screws and adjustable hand levers with increased clamping force. Their

clamping surface with ball bearing doubles the clamping force while protecting the surface from damage.

Numerous industrial and engineering applications require that

parts and jigs be repeatedly slid over slots or repositioned by means

of threaded holes. When a secure hold and quick clamping are

priorities, Ganter’s hand knob nuts, star knob screws and adjustable

hand levers with increased clamping force are the right choice. They

all share a hardened clamping surface featuring a ball bearing and

underlying base. While with typical screws and nuts, roughly half

the tightening torque is lost to under-head friction, in this case it is

transmitted directly to the thread. This allows for generation of high

axial clamping force purely by hand and without tools, ensuring that

the parts are secured quickly and reliably. Because the clamping surface

does not turn along with the clamping motion, the clamped part

is left almost completely unmarked, with no scratching or scoring.

The hand knob with increased clamping force GN 6335.9 of black,

impact-resistant plastic guarantees ergonomic transmission of force

from the user’s hand to the underlying steel parts with the axial bearing

and threaded bushing. It is available in four diameters between

40 and 80 mm with threads from M6 to M12.

The quick release star knob screw GN 6336.9 combines the advantages

of clamping and releasing in less than a full turn with those

of increased clamping force. With threaded segments that move at

the push of a button, it allows the screw shaft to be inserted easily

into the hole and tightened with no more than one turn by hand. The

screw is available in M8, M10 and M12, each with three typical shaft

lengths.

Adjustable hand levers with increased clamping force GN 300.4 are

available as standard with internal or external thread. Internal serration

allows users to always select the best gripping position. The

lever handles of zinc die casting are either chrome-plated or powder

coated in five color variants. The axial bearing and other mechanical

elements below the lever are made of nitrided or blackened steel. If

protection against corrosion is required, the identically designed GN

300.7 is the right choice with lever, screw and clamping elements all

made of non-rusting stainless steel.

Ganter was founded in 1894 as a mechanical workshop in Furtwangen

in the Black Forest. The first Ganter standard parts catalog appeared

in 1912 – five years before the founding of the “Standardization

Committee of German Industry”, the predecessor of the Deutsches

Institut für Normung e. V., known commonly as DIN. Today,

560 employees at two locations develop, produce and sell standard

parts for all areas of industry. More than 85,000 parts are held in

stock, ready for delivery.

Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KG

Triberger Straße 3

D 78120 Furtwangen

Telefon: +49 7723 65070

Telefax: +49 7723 4659

eMail: info@ganternorm.com

Internet: http://www.ganternorm.com


Seite 74/79

Maximum freedom of movement in the smallest of spaces

Compact, robust, versatile:

miniature ball rollers from Rodriguez

Miniature ball rollers, shown below,

from Rodriguez‘s extensive range

of ball rollers are the ideal choice

for use in measuring instruments,

lightweight construction and

compact motion tasks.

(Image: Rodriguez)

With a diameter of 4.8 to 15.8 mm, Rodriguez‘s miniature ball

bearings are technically in the small league, but they deliver

performance at the highest level. They are the ideal choice

for use in measuring instruments, lightweight construction,

and compact motion tasks, for example in the automated

manufacturing of mechatronic components. The minis also

demonstrate their strength in compact conveyor modules in

cleanrooms and in miniature mechanics.

The goal of minimal space and weight: this requirement was long

known mainly from robotics and semiconductor technology. However,

there is now a trend towards miniaturization in many other industries

as well. Products and solutions are intended to be extremely

small and lightweight, yet maximally powerful. This is only possible if

the components used are also „made small.“

360° mobility for a wide range of applications

Miniature ball bearings are particularly useful wherever compact dimensions,

multi-dimensional mobility, and precise, gentle handling

are required. They provide a simple, robust, and economical solution

to realize freedom of movement without complex mechanics.

Typical application areas include conveyor and handling technology,

assembly and testing fixtures, medical and laboratory technology,

electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as machine

and fixture construction.

Robust small-format ball bearings

Rodriguez offers mini ball bearings from the manufacturer Alwayse

– optionally with a plastic load ball for mark-free and lightweight

applications, with no sealing here. „Rodriguez is one of the world‘s

largest providers of ball transfer systems,“ explains Jörg Schulden,

Head of the Linear Technology Business Unit. „Our range includes

several hundred different variants of ball bearings.“

Further miniature versions of various products can be found throughout

the entire range. In addition to particularly compact linear

guides, miniature ball screw drives are also offered. In the rotary

sector, miniature ball swivel joints provide high performance in the

smallest space, while thin-ring bearings have established themselves

as slim problem solvers. Based on these compact components,

Rodriguez also naturally develops custom system solutions.

Rodriguez GmbH

D 52249 Eschweiler


Seite 75/79

Ultrasonic welding creates the conditions for durable and sustainable systems

RFID in reusable cups

Reusable cup with

ultrasonically welded RFID chip.

(Image: RINCO ULTRASONICS AG)

Digital deposit and payment solutions are growing in importance in

the catering, event and self-service industries. In order for a reusable

cup to be used in these types of systems, it must be uniquely identifiable.

A specific customer request from the DACH region shows

how an RFID chip can be permanently and reliably integrated into

the base of a polypropylene cup. The following application report

describes the technical framework conditions and the selected joining

approach using ultrasonic technology that were put into practice

by RINCO ULTRASONICS.

RFID enables automated deposit and payment systems

When an RFID chip is integrated directly into the cup base, reusable

cups can be uniquely identified and integrated into digital processes.

Applications range from cashless payments at dispensing stations

and automated deposit refunds to seamless tracking of individual

cups that are currently in circulation. Operators benefit from simplified

workflows, lower process costs and improved protection against

misuse, such as the return of cups that are not part of the system.

However, the main prerequisite here is secure, permanent and protected

integration of the chip into the plastic cup.

Technical challenges of integration into PP cups

Reusable cups are exposed to mechanical stress, frequent washing

and temperature fluctuations on a daily basis. The requirements for

joints are just as challenging. The RFID chip must be permanently

enclosed in a waterproof casing to ensure reliable operation even after

many rinsing cycles. At the same time, it must not be possible to

damage, tamper with or remove it.

Cyril Geisser, Project Manager at RINCO ULTRASONICS, explains:

„The material itself posed a challenge: Polypropylene (PP) requires

very precise definition of parameters to prevent uncontrolled melting.

At the same time, the chip electronics must not overheat during

welding. The customer also wanted a visually clean weld seam that

would not detract from the appearance of the cup.”

Ultrasonic welding, a reliable joining solution

Ultrasonic welding was chosen to fulfil these requirements. This

process enables targeted, localised heating of the plastic directly

at the joint. This allows the PP cup base to be fused in a controlled

manner without subjecting the RFID chip to thermal stress. The

result is a material-bound connection that is tight, stable and tamper-proof.

The relevant process parameters – including amplitude, welding

force, energy and time – can be precisely adjusted and monitored.

This allows the welding process to be adjusted exactly to the material

and component geometry. For easy and ergonomic handling, a special

holder with a sliding table has been designed to allow for quick

assembly. Short cycle times result in a process that is economical

and ideal for use in automated series production.

Added value for operators and the environment

Ultrasonic welding can transform a conventional reusable cup into

a durable, digital system element. Operators benefit from automated

processes, lower operating costs and improved traceability. At

the same time, the solution supports sustainable concepts, as the

cups remain in circulation for a long time, which conserves resources.

“This application shows the potential of combining plastic components

and integrated electronics – provided that the joining technology

is precise and reliable,” explains Cyril Geisser, Project Manager

at RINCO ULTRASONICS. “We are seeing an increasing demand

for systems like this. In this project, the customer approached us

specifically because our environmental management system is certified

according to ISO 14001 and we consistently work on environmentally

friendly and sustainable product solutions.”

RINCO ULTRASONICS AG

CH 8590 Romanshorn 1


Seite 76/79


Veranstaltungen im März 2026

Für mehr Informationen oder zum Anmelden einfach auf die Veranstaltung klicken

10.03.2026 - 12.03.2026 Seminar Praxiskurs Dampfsterilisation

Veranstaltungsort: Horn, Schweiz, Veranstalter: CONCEPT HEIDELBERG GmbH

10.03.2026 Seminar Reinstwasser im GMP-Umfeld

Veranstaltungsort: Aesch BL (CH), Veranstalter: Swiss Cleanroom Concept GmbH

11.03.2026 - 12.03.2026 Seminar Bestimmung von Messunsicherheiten nach GUM

Veranstaltungsort: Kirchzarten bei Freiburg, Veranstalter: Testo Industrial Services GmbH

11.03.2026 - 12.03.2026 Symposium Aktuelle Trends im Biomanufacturing

Veranstaltungsort: Stuttgart, Veranstalter: ISPE - DACH

11.03.2026 Seminar Anforderungen an die QA-Oversight

Veranstaltungsort: Rheinfelden (CH), Veranstalter: Swiss Cleanroom Concept GmbH

12.03.2026 Webinar Single-Use Systems - What you need to know - Live Online Training

Veranstaltungsort: online, Veranstalter: CONCEPT HEIDELBERG GmbH

12.03.2026 Seminar Reinraum-Lufttechnik, Risikoanalyse und Qualifizierung

Veranstaltungsort: Unterägeri (CH), Veranstalter: Swiss Cleanroom Concept GmbH

13.03.2026 - 14.03.2026 Seminar Aseptische Herstellung atoxischer Parenteralia

Veranstaltungsort: Elmshorn, Veranstalter: Berner International GmbH

16.03.2026 - 17.03.2026 Seminar Validierung von Prüf- und Testmethoden

Veranstaltungsort: Ostfildern oder Online, Veranstalter: Technische Akademie Esslingen e.V.

16.03.2026 - 20.03.2026 Seminar Kalibriertage Thermodynamik: Prüfmittelmanagement und Kalibriertraining

Veranstaltungsort: München/Dachau, Veranstalter: Testo Industrial Services GmbH

17.03.2026 - 18.03.2026 Webinar Cross Contamination Control - Live Online Training

- Implementation of a Cross Contamination Control Strategy


17.03.2026 Seminar Medical Grade Plastics – Kunststoffe in der Medizintechnik

Veranstaltungsort: Ostfildern, Veranstalter: Technische Akademie Esslingen e.V.

17.03.2026 Tagung Reinraum-Stammtisch: „Retrofit − Nachrüstung von Lüfter-Filter-Modulen (FFU)

an Maschinen für ein integriertes Minienvironment“

Veranstaltungsort: Kahla, Veranstalter: COLANDIS GmbH

17.03.2026 - 18.03.2026 Konferenz LABOR IMPULS FORUM

Veranstaltungsort: München, Veranstalter: uniko GmbH

18.03.2026 - 20.03.2026 Webinar Validierungsbeauftragte/r in der pharmazeutischen Industrie (QV 16) - Live Online Seminar


24.03.2026 - 27.03.2026 Messe analytica 2026

Veranstaltungsort: München, Veranstalter: Messe München GmbH

24.03.2026 - 26.03.2026 Messe LOUNGES 2026

Veranstaltungsort: Karlsruhe, Veranstalter: Inspire Media GmbH

24.03.2026 - 25.03.2026 Konferenz Trends in Barrier Systems & Robotics - Part of Pharma Congress 2026

Veranstaltungsort: Wiesbaden, Veranstalter: CONCEPT HEIDELBERG GmbH

24.03.2026 - 25.03.2026 Konferenz GMP for Prefilled Syringes - Part of Pharma Congress 2026


24.03.2026 - 25.03.2026 Konferenz European Aseptic Technologies & Annex 1 Conference - Part of Pharma Congress 2026


24.03.2026 - 25.03.2026 Konferenz GMP-compliant Clean Rooms and Facilities - Part of Pharma Congress 2026


24.03.2026 - 25.03.2026 Kongress GMP PharmaCongress & GMP PharmaTechnica Expo 2026


25.03.2026 Seminar Hygienic Design – Reinigungsgerechte Gestaltung von Maschinen,

Anlagen und Komponenten

Veranstaltungsort: Ostfildern, Veranstalter: Technische Akademie Esslingen e.V.


Seite 78/79

Veranstaltungen im April 2026

Für mehr Informationen oder zum Anmelden einfach auf die Veranstaltung klicken

07.04.2026 Seminar Reinheit und Messtechnik für pharmazeutische Gase

– Mit Messtechnik Workshop


08.04.2026 Seminar Mikrobiologie im GMP-Umfeld


09.04.2026 Seminar Reinraum-Basiswissen inkl. Workshop


14.04.2026 Seminar GMP-gerechte Kalibrierung

Veranstaltungsort: Wien (AT), Veranstalter: Testo Industrial Services GmbH

14.04.2026 - 17.04.2026 Messe PaintExpo 2026

Veranstaltungsort: Karlsruhe, Veranstalter: Leipziger Messe GmbH

15.04.2026 - 16.04.2026 Workshop Praxisworkshop Reinigungsvalidierung


15.04.2026 - 16.04.2026 Training & Schulung GMP-Reinraumschulung für aseptische Bereiche

Veranstaltungsort: Osnabrück, Veranstalter: Piepenbrock Dienstleistungen GmbH + Co. KG

21.04.2026 - 22.04.2026 Webinar Clean Rooms and HVAC Systems - Live Online Training


21.04.2026 - 22.04.2026 Webinar Validierung von sterilen und aseptischen Prozessen (QV 3)

- Live Online Seminar


21.04.2026 - 22.04.2026 Webinar Aseptic Process Simulation – APS (Media Fill

– Validierung aseptischer Prozesse) (S 7)

- Live Online Seminar


24.04.2026 - 25.04.2026 Seminar Sicherheitstraining Zytostatika

Veranstaltungsort: Elmshorn, Veranstalter: Berner International GmbH

27.04.2026 - 29.04.2026 Training & Schulung Lehrgang für Reinraum-Verantwortliche mit Zertifikat

Veranstaltungsort: ReinraumTrainingCenter Frankfurt, Veranstalter: Cleanroom Future GmbH

27.04.2026 Kongress 30. Swiss Cleanroom Community Event

Veranstaltungsort: Pratteln (CH), Veranstalter: Swiss Cleanroom Concept GmbH

28.04.2026 - 30.04.2026 Seminar Dichtigkeitsprüfung & Visuelle Kontrolle von Parenteralia

Veranstaltungsort: Mannheim, Veranstalter: CONCEPT HEIDELBERG GmbH

28.04.2026 Seminar Grundlagen der Computersystemvalidierung (CSV)


29.04.2026 Seminar Reinraum Qualifizierung und Monitoring

Veranstaltungsort: Wattwil (CH), Veranstalter: Swiss Cleanroom Concept GmbH

30.04.2026 Seminar GMP-Grundlagen für Neueinsteiger für Pharma, Medtech und Spitalpharmazie

Veranstaltungsort: Rheinfelden (CH) , Veranstalter: Swiss Cleanroom Concept GmbH

Impressum:

W.A. Schuster GmbH / reinraum online · Mozartstraße 45 · D 70180 Stuttgart · Tel. +49 711-9640350 · Fax 9640366

info@reinraum.de · www.reinraum.de · GF Dipl.-Designer Reinhold Schuster · Stgt, HRB 14111 · USt.-IdNr. DE 147811997

Originaltexte und Bilder:

Die namentlich gekennzeichneten Beiträge stehen in der Verantwortung des jeweiligen Autors. Nachdruck, auch auszugsweise, nur mit Genehmigung

der Redaktion und mit Quellenangabe gestattet. Für unaufgefordert eingesandte Manuskripte und Abbildungen übernimmt der Herausgeber keine

Haftung. Dem Herausgeber ist das ausschließliche, räumliche, zeitliche und inhaltlich eingeschränkte Recht eingeräumt, den Beitrag in unveränderter

oder bearbeiteter Form für alle Zwecke beliebig oft zu nutzen oder Dritten zur Nutzung zu übertragen. Dieses Nutzungsrecht bezieht sich auf Print- und

elektrische Medien (Internet, Datenbanken, Datenträger aller Art).


Seite 79/79

Newsletter_03-2026_EN

Verwandeln Sie Ihre PDFs in ePaper und steigern Sie Ihre Umsätze!

Template löschen?

Als Template speichern ?