Newsletter_02-2023_EN
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NEWSLETTER
www.cleanroom-online.com Edition EN 02-2023
In addition to batch-by-batch monitoring, the APM system can also be used for monitoring
at defined time intervals, such as once a shift or once a day. For this, the microphone is
fixed-mounted to the automatic transport system, meaning that these measurements are also
performed in a reproducible manner without contact with the medium. (Photo credit: Ecoclean)
Monitoring and documenting
ultrasonic frequency
and power in-line on
a batch-by-batch basis
In-line ultrasonics monitoring with innovative APM solution
In high-purity industries, companies are increasingly faced with the challenge of recording and
documenting all cleaning process parameters for each batch of parts. Until now, in-line measuring
of ultrasonic frequency and power in fully automated immersion cleaning systems has
been a problem. Thanks to the development of the APM (Acoustic Performance Measurement)
solution, Ecoclean has now solved this dilemma.
Precision cleaning in fully-automated, ultrasonic
multi-bath immersion systems is state of the art in
high-purity industries such as the medical device
sector, precision optics and the semiconductor
supply industry, as well as when it comes to analysis,
laser and vacuum technologies. Companies not
only have to consistently meet extremely high cleanliness
requirements, but they also have to record and
document compliance with all validated process parameters
for each batch of parts. While existing in-line
Page 1/20
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NEWSLETTER
www.cleanroom-online.com Edition EN 02-2023 | Page 2/20
measurement technology makes it possible to monitor parameters
such as temperature, conductivity and pH value of the baths as well
as the dwell time of the parts in the baths in an easy and reproducible
manner, up to now there has been no way to automatically monitor
ultrasonic frequency and power in-line. The current practice is
to use test foils, which do not allow deviations to be detected with
sufficient accuracy, or hydrophones. With these methods, ultrasonic
frequency and power are measured manually. Since the measuring
device is moved during the monitoring step, measurement results
are not reproducible. In addition, the sensor must be immersed in
the various baths, which can lead to contamination.
Reproducible, in-line batch monitoring with automatic analysis
The APM reproducibly monitors ultrasonics parameters in-line
for each batch using special microphones placed in a fixed
position at the edge of the tank, which record the frequency and
power. Analysis, evaluation and storage of the collected data are
carried out by the innovative measuring system‘s software.
(Photo credit: Ecoclean)
Ecoclean GmbH‘s newly developed Acoustic Performance Measurement
(APM) system, on the other hand, is capable of monitoring
the parameters of ultrasonic frequency and power in-line at each
processing station and for each batch. Special directional microphones
are used for this, which are placed in a fixed position at the edge
of each tank, and directed towards the centre of the bath surface.
Thus, measurements are carried out without any movement or contact,
ensuring reproducible results and enabling them to be precisely
assigned to the batch concerned. Analysis, evaluation and storage of
the data are carried out by the software of the innovative measuring
system.
FEBRUARY 2023
Dear cleanroom professionals,
„gugge rom, gugge nom, scho isch dr Monat wiedr rom“. That‘s what we Swabians say
when time passes too quickly. It is already February again and thus a twelfth of the year
has passed. At the end of the month it is already one sixth.
However, we have made good use of the time that has passed, not only to prepare the
newsletter for you, but also to publish the new REINRAUM YEARBOOK 2023.
As a subscriber you will receive this by post at the end of the month.
But before that, here are some interesting articles. Also on the last pages of the German
newsletter are many interesting events. Subscribe now, because one thing is clear,
education improves your chances in the future and no one can take them away from you.
What the current newsletter is about, among other things:
> Monitoring and documenting ultrasonic frequency and power in-line
on a batch-by-batch basis
> Partikelkonta Detect and control particle contamination in cleanrooms mination
> Advancing Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cell and Module Technology
to Industrial Maturity
> Shape Change at the Push of a Button
> Radioactive Substances Fight Cancer in the Mini-lab
> Designer immune cells for drug discovery, potency and safety testing
> …
I wish you an interesting read.
With kind regards
Reinhold Schuster
www.reinraum.de
NEWSLETTER
www.cleanroom-online.com Edition EN 02-2023 | Page 3/20
Under identical conditions, the microphone records the sounds
emitted by the cleaning medium under identical conditions for each
batch. The measured ultrasonic frequency and power values are
continuously transmitted to the system’s software, where they are
evaluated by algorithms and compared with previously-defined and
stored setpoint values of the part-specific cleaning program. Should
there be any deviations, the system issues a warning or error message.
To rule out the possibility of sounds from surrounding tanks
falsifying the measurement results, the software detects and masks
out any interfering signals.
All data and evaluations recorded during in-line monitoring by
the APM are automatically transferred to the cleaning machine‘s
batch logging system, which comes as standard. This makes it easy
to ensure and prove that the ultrasonically induced cavitation determined
during validation of the cleaning process has been adhered to
in production for each batch.
guaranteed. For this check, the ATS advances to the respective tank
where it measures both the frequency and the sound power. When
the software analyzes and evaluates the data, the values measured
are compared with set parameters defined during validation of the
cleaning process for the treatment station. The measurement results
are archived automatically in the machine’s PLC, meaning that proof
can also be supplied over a longer period of time. Compared to previous
practice, even this application option of the new APM system
offers far more reliable results and thus significantly higher process
reliability.
Ecoclean‘s innovative APM won second place at the FiT2clean
Awards, which were presented for the first time by Fachverband industrielle
Teilereinigung e.V. (FiT) in 2022.
Alternatively: measurements at defined intervals
If ultrasonic parameters do not need to be recorded for each batch,
the APM can also be used to monitor parameters at defined time
intervals, such as once a shift, once a day or once a week. For this
measurement strategy, a microphone is fixed-mounted to the automatic
transport system (ATS), so that here, too, measurements are
made without contact with the medium and their reproducibility is
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(Image: PMT Partikel-Messtechnik GmbH)
Detect and control particle contamination
in cleanrooms mination
Autor: Marcel Hopfe
Anyone who controls particles in cleanrooms is familiar with ISO
14644. The best-known part is ISO 14644-1, which is relevant for classification.
Far less well known is part -9, which deals with particles
on surfaces. It deals with the surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, work
areas, tools and products. This ISO part contains eight SCP classes
(surface cleanliness by particle concentration).
Particles from approx. 2 µm can be measured with the PartSens
4.0 and thus SCP classes 4 - 8 can be tested. As a supplier to the semiconductor
industry, tests were carried out on the surface cleanliness
in a clean room that complies with class 7 according to ISO
14644-1.
In the first test, the floor was sampled. Measuring point 1 was
located directly in front of a workstation where components are
measured (referred to as measuring workstation in the following).
Measuring point 2 was located directly in front of the entrance to the
material sluice. A sample was taken at both points using an adhesive
pad (so-called TapeLift Pad). The result can be seen in figure 1
and corresponds to what was expected. More and larger particles are
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TapeLift Pad bei der Entnahme von der Trägerfolie
(Bild: PMT Partikel-Messtechnik GmbH)
(Image: PMT Partikel-Messtechnik GmbH)
found on the ground in front of the sluice. Compared to the permitted
limits, the measurement workstation meets SCP class 6 and the
area in front of the sluice meets SCP class 7.
Next, the work surfaces were examined. These are brushed stainless
steel tables from the company Sailer. These were chosen by the
customer because they are characterised by very low roughness (Ra
< 0.2 µm) and are therefore easy to clean. Brushed stainless steel
surfaces, such as those used by Friedrich Sailer GmbH, are almost
comparable with electropolished stainless steel surfaces in terms
of surface roughness. These surfaces are clearly superior to ground
stainless steel materials in terms of surface roughness and thus
cleanability. Due to the high surface quality of Sailer stainless steel
tables, direct measurement is possible with the PartSens 4.0 without
the need for a Tape Lift. Minimal surface structures can be effectively
suppressed by the PartSens 4.0 using the „ groove mode“.
Measurements were taken at ten different locations on a frequently
used work table. The table was then cleaned and measured again ten
times at similar locations. With one exception, a cleaning effect is
visible in all ten measurements. The measured values before and after
cleaning can be seen in figure 2. Since the cleaning was very thorough,
it can be assumed that the count rate after cleaning is equal
to the zero count rate. For the selected measurement parameters, a
zero count rate of 145 ± 36 particles per measurement was obtained.
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Furthermore, the zero count rate was determined for each individual
measuring channel. This made it possible to correct the measurements
„before cleaning“ by the zero count rate. Thus, the comparison
with the limit values from ISO 14644-9 is possible. In the present
case, an SCP class 7 could be verified. The graphical comparison of
the measured values with the ISO limit values can be seen in figure
3. The measured values in the range 1-5 µm must be viewed critically,
as this is the absolute limit range of the measuring device.
Since it is known that humans are one of the main sources of
particles in the cleanroom, the cleanroom garment was sampled
before leaving the cleanroom. For this purpose, a sample was taken
from five locations using a TapeLift pad. The sites were the chest,
upper arm, palm, cheek and thigh. The results are shown in table 1.
Over 90% of the particles are smaller than 50 µm and non-metallic.
Based on the number and shape of the particles, these are probably
skin flakes. Furthermore, some smaller, metallic shiny particles and
two fibres were found. In addition, a large shiny metallic particle in
the range of 600 to 1,000 µm, which can be seen in Figure 4, was
particularly conspicuous.
The complete particle size distribution of the particles distributed
on the cleanroom garment is listed in numbers in table 1 and
can be seen in figure 5. The distribution corresponds qualitatively
to the usual observations in various measurements in other cleanrooms
and underlines the relevance of ISO 14644-9. To determine
the cleanliness of the cleanroom and the products produced in it,
the measurement of the particulate surface cleanliness is a useful
supplement to the measurement of airborne particles as described
in ISO 14644-1 and -2.
PMT Partikel-Messtechnik GmbH
Schafwäsche 8
D 71296 Heimsheim
Telefon: + 49 70 33 53 740
Telefax: + 49 70 33 53 74 22
eMail: info@pmt.eu
Internet: http://www.pmt.eu
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NEWSLETTER
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Advancing Perovskite-Silicon
Tandem Solar Cell and Module
Technology to Industrial Maturity
Stacking a solar cell made of perovskite material on top of a conventional sili-con solar cell enables a more effective use of
the solar spectrum, compared to a pure silicon solar cell. Scientists around the world are presently conducting research on
these perovskite-silicon solar cells, focusing on stability, durability and industrial manufacturing processes. Between 2020
and 2022, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, together with industry partners, developed
technologies for the production of perovskite-silicon full-format PV modules in the joint project „SWiTch“. At the cell level,
the research teams in the Fraunhofer lighthouse project „MaNiTU“ and in the project „PrEs-to“, funded by the German
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action BMWK, succeeded in scaling up perovskite-silicon tandem solar
cells from laboratory cell size to wafer size. Within the framework of a recent col-laboration agreement with Meyer Burger,
Fraunhofer ISE will further intensify its activities in the field of tandem solar cells and modules.
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells represent
another further development of
the conventional silicon wafer-based solar
cell technology. Here a perovskite solar cell
with a wider band gap is stacked on top of
the silicon solar cell to make better use of
sunlight. „Efficiencies of over 35 percent are
possible with these tandem solar cells,“ says
Prof. Dr. Andreas Bett, institute director at
Fraunhofer ISE. „Laboratory-scale perovskite-silicon
tandem solar cells have already
overcome the silicon cell’s theoretical upper
efficiency limit of 29.4 percent, showing
promise for even more efficient solar cells in
the future.“
Scaling of the laboratory cells
to wafer size
On a laboratory scale, the best published
efficiency of a perovskite-silicon solar cell
is currently 31.3 percent. However, these laboratory
solar cells have a small cell area of
around 1 square centimeter, and most of the
manufacturing processes used in the laboratory
to date cannot be used for industrial
production. „We are therefore very pleased
that we have succeeded in achieving a certified
efficiency of 22.5 percent for a perovskite-silicon
solar cell with an area of more
than 100 square centimeters and with in-
Processing perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells at Fraunhofer ISE. The lab infrastructure comprises
evap-oration chambers for perovskite absorbers, selective contacts and metals, and the atomic
layer deposi-tion of metal oxides under an inert gas atmosphere. © Fraunhofer ISE
dustrial screen-printing metallization. Our
aim is now to realize the high efficiencies of
our small laboratory cells on large-area cells
using scalable fabrication methods,“ says Dr.
Patricia Schulze, solar cell scientist working
in the „MaNiTU“ project at Fraunhofer ISE.
In particular, the Fraunhofer researchers are
working on a hybrid deposition process based
on two established manufacturing processes
to produce perovskite solar cells on
double-sided textured silicon solar cells.
First full-format modules built
In the joint project „SwiTch“, Fraunhofer ISE
developed interconnection and encapsulation
solutions for tandem solar cells together
with the project partners. „The interconnection
and lamination processes had to be understood
and adapted in such a way that the
perovskite-silicon solar cells can be integrated
into the module without damage, at low
cost and with long-term stability,“ says Dr.
Holger Neuhaus, department head of Photovoltaic
Modules at Fraunhofer ISE. First module
prototypes with an output of 430 watts
peak have already been produced. The development
was accompanied by a detailed
analysis of cell-to-module losses and work
on the long-term stability of the tandem PV
modules. As part of the joint project „SAL-
TO“, Fraunhofer ISE was able to establish
Meyer Burger‘s patented SmartWire interconnection
technology (SWTC) for fullformat
modules at Fraunhofer ISE. This lowtemperature
technology is suitable for interconnecting
silicon-perovskite solar cells, in
contrast to conventional soldering processes.
Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE
D 79110 Freiburg
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Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM
Shape Change at the
Push of a Button
Programmable materials are true shape-shifters. At the push of a button, they change their properties in a controlled and
reversible manner and adapt independently to new conditions. Areas of application include comfortable seating or mattresses
that prevent bedsores. In this case, the carpet pad deforms in such a way that the contact surface is large and the
pressure on the body parts is reduced as a result. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials
CPM are developing such programmable materials and bringing them to market together with industrial partners. One
of the aims is to reduce the use of resources.
Numerous people around the world are affected by bedriddenness
– whether due to illness, accident or old age. Since they are often unable
to move or turn on their own, bedsores can become very painful.
The aim is to prevent bedsores in the future with materials whose
shape and mechanical properties can be programmed to change
at any point. For example, the hardness and stiffness of mattresses
made from programmable materials could be adjusted in any area at
the touch of a button. In addition, the base deforms independently
in such a way that a high pressure at one point is distributed over a
larger area. The bed automatically becomes softer and more elastic
where it presses. In addition, caregivers can specifically adjust an ergonomic
lying position to suit the patient.
Material Plus Microstructuring
Materials for applications that require a targeted change in stiffness
or shape are being developed by researchers at Fraunhofer CPM,
which is characterized by six core institutes and aims to design and
produce programmable materials. But how can materials be programmed
in the first place? »We basically have two adjusting screws:
the base material – thermoplastics in the case of mattresses, and
metallic alloys, including shape memory alloys, for other applications
– and, in particular, the microstructure,« explains Dr. Heiko Andrä,
topic focus spokesperson at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial
Mathematics ITWM, one of the core institutes of Fraunhofer CPM.
»The microstructure of the so-called metamaterials is composed of
individual cells, which in turn consist of structural elements such as
small beams and thin shells.« While the size of the individual cells
and their structural elements varies randomly in conventional cellular
materials such as foams, it is also variable in programmable materials,
but precisely determined – in other words, programmed.
This programming is done, for example, in such a way that pressure
at a certain position leads to desired changes in shape at other
points on the mattress, for example to increase the contact area and
provide optimum support for the body zones.
Materials Can Also React to Heat or Moisture
The change in shape that the material should exhibit and the stimuli
to which it reacts – mechanical stress, heat, moisture or even
an electric or magnetic field – can also be determined by the choice
of material and its microstructure. »Programmable materials make it
Left: Unit cell made of structural elements, Middle: Structure of the material from many cells, Right: 3D printed demonstrator. © Fraunhofer IWM
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possible to adapt objects to the respective application or person and
thus to use things in a more multifunctional way than before. So they
don‘t have to be replaced as often. This is particularly interesting
against the background of resource consumption,« says Franziska
Wenz, deputy topic focus spokesperson at the Fraunhofer Institute
Top: Stiffness and shape change can be locally adjusted by patterning a
film. Bottom: Stacking foils of different heights allows the creation of a
programmable material. © Fraunhofer ICT
for Mechanics of Materials IWM, also one of the core institutes of
Fraunhofer CPM. In addition, added value can be created by adapting
objects to the individual needs of users.
The Way to the Application
A single material can replace complete systems of sensors, controllers
and actuators. Fraunhofer CPM‘s goal is to lower the complexity
of systems and reduce the use of resources by integrating functions
into the material. »We always have the industrial product in mind
when developing the programmable materials, so we take series
production and material fatigue into account, among other things,«
says Wenz. The first concrete pilot projects with industrial partners
are also already underway. The research team expects that the programmable
materials will initially replace individual components in
existing systems or be used in special applications - such as medical
mattresses, seats, shoe soles and protective clothing. »Step by step,
the proportion of programmable materials could then increase,« Andrä
estimates. After all, they can be used everywhere – in medical
and sports articles, in soft robotics as well as in space research.
Fraunhofer-Institut für Techno- und Wirtschaftsmathematik ITWM
D 67663 Kaiserslautern
GEMÜ honoured by WirtschaftsWoche
as „Global Market Leader“ for the
seventh time in a row
The Ingelfingen-based technology company GEMÜ is being awarded
the title of „Global Market Leader“ for yet another year, earning the
distinction „Champion 2023“ as part of the global market leader index
of the University of St. Gallen and the Academy of German Global
Market Leaders.
For what‘s already the seventh time in a row, valve specialist GEMÜ is being
awarded the WirtschaftsWoche „Global Market Leader – Champion 2023“ quality
seal. The basis for the award is the inclusion of GEMÜ in the global market leader
index in the segment „Valves and automation components: Valves, Process
and Control systems for sterile applications“.
Companies are designated as „Global Market Leader Champion“ if they are
first or second in the relevant market segment, are represented on at least three
continents with their own production and/or sales companies, have an annual
turnover of at least €50 million, and can demonstrate an export share of at least
50% of their turnover. The owners must also at least partially be based in Germany.
„The global market leader is an important annual indicator of the success of
our family business. We are proud that we‘re giving peak performances with innovative
products, our future-oriented strategy and our committed global team
– even in uncertain times,“ says Gert Müller, Managing Partner of the GEMÜ
Group.
GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG
D 74653 Ingelfingen
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Radioactive Substances
Fight Cancer in the Mini-lab
Two Dresden Research Institutes want to Reduce the Number of Animal Experiments
in Radiopharmaceutical Research with a New Idea
Radioactivity can save lives. When neither chemotherapy or surgery nor radiation from the outside help against a tumor,
modern medicine uses so-called radiopharmaceuticals. These radioactive drugs not only detect cancer cells, they also enable
targeted radiation from the inside to destroy the tumor. However, before such substances become available for use in
humans, extensive animal testing is currently required during their development. A joint project of the Fraunhofer Institute
for Material and Beam Technology IWS in Dresden and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) is currently
researching an alternative method to this. Artificial organ structures and tumors in chip format form the basis for this.
In 2021, a total of 1.86 million vertebrates and cephalopods were used
for research purposes in Germany, according to information from
the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Although this is two
percent less than in the previous year, it is still a very large number.
The animals most commonly used in German laboratories are mice,
fish and rats. “Currently, many research tasks require the help of
such animal experiments to be solved,” Dr. Wiebke Sihver from the
HZDR‘s Radionuclide Diagnostics Department points out. This is
why searching for alternative options remains enormously important,
she adds. “In addition, animal models often lack important references
to the human organism.”
In their work, Wiebke Sihver and her HZDR colleagues are concerned
with the development and application of radiolabeled substances
for cancer diagnostics and in particular also cancer therapy.
These radioligands are labeled with a radioactive nuclide (radionuclide)
and bind to a target molecule, in the case of cancer to specific
target structures of the tumor. The radiopharmaceutical thus acts
directly on the tumor. Surrounding healthy tissue is spared. To date,
radiopharmaceuticals developed at the HZDR have to be tested in
animal models such as mice and rats after in vitro characterization.
Several years ago Wiebke Sihver was already seeking a replacement
for the many animal experiments in radiopharmaceutical research.
During her search for alternative systems she quickly came across
Fraunhofer IWS. There, a team has been researching for several
years on microphysiological systems that use cultivated mini-organisms
to mimic the functioning of the human organism – thanks to
the use of human cells, for example, closer to the human tumor than
animal experiments could. It was the starting point for a new idea.
Development with Great Potential
Researchers at Fraunhofer IWS have already been working on the
mini-labs for more than ten years. With these microphysiological
systems in the format of a tablet box, organ functions or even disease
Radiopharmaceuticals enter the picture when chemotherapy, surgery
or radiation have proven ineffective against a tumor. Microphysiological
systems emulate the micro environment of the body and are an easy to
use platform for the cultivation of 3D tumor models.
© Amac Garbe/Fraunhofer IWS
An HZDR and Fraunhofer IWS project team is researching how
to use so-called microphysiological systems to reduce animal
testing, which is currently necessary before human application.
© Amac Garbe/Fraunhofer IWS
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processes can be artificially represented with the help of cell cultures.
Valves and channels simulate the vascular system, a small pump
the heartbeat. The microphysiological systems are made of plastic
films layered on top of each other. Blood vessels and chambers are
cut into these by laser. In special modules, users later grow cell cultures
that can survive for up to a month in the micro systems. Meanwhile,
blood circulates in the mini-lab in the form of a nutrient medium
that supplies the cells with oxygen and nutrients. A few years
ago, this framework only enabled the representation of two organs.
Today, as many as four can be simulated simultaneously on these novel
multi-organ chips.
When the HZDR team turned to Fraunhofer IWS, the experts
there quickly recognized the potential for a new application. “Multiorgan
chips have not yet been used in the development of radiopharmaceuticals,
so there is a great need for them,” explains group leader
Florian Schmieder, who has been involved in lab-on-chip research
at Fraunhofer IWS for many years. Together, the two institutes successfully
applied for a grant from the German Federal Ministry of
Education and Research on “Alternative Methods to Animal Testing”.
This will continue until 2024, and they have achieved the first
promising results.
Reducing the number of animal experiments
The joint research work aims to place 3D tumor models on a chip
that will subsequently make testing radiopharmaceuticals simpler
and less expensive. Producing a three-dimensional cell aggregate
– a spheroid that can mimic tumor tissue – from a two-dimensional
cell culture therefore posed the first challenge. “This allows us
to integrate the characteristics of the micro-tumor into our system,”
explains development engineer Stephan Behrens, Fraunhofer IWS.
In perspective, this representation on the chip should become increasingly
detailed, for example by using patient-specific cells or to
determine newly discovered, characteristic proteins on different tumor
cell types that can be detected radiopharmacologically.
The first tests of Wiebke Sihver and her team with the multiorgan
chips already showed positive results. First, they used known
substances whose properties can be easily observed on the chip.
“We saw that the binding to the tumor spheroids already works,”
she describes. They also plan to display a kidney model and a liver
organoid on the chips. The kidneys in particular are considered
dose-limiting and thus play an important role in radiopharmaceutical
research. “In colloquial terms, this means that if the radioligand
gets stuck, this can lead to damage in the kidney, but also in the liver
cells,” the scientist explains. Testing such substances using cell
cultures on a chip therefore offers a promising alternative, she says.
If the tests in the project continue to be positive, unknown radioligands
will also be tested in the systems at a later stage. “This saves
a large number of animal experiments,” says Sihver. Although their
research cannot yet completely eliminate animal experiments, the
researchers are working to reduce their number.
As a result of the new development, Florian Schmieder sees
many advantages for future patients. “We could place patient-specific
cells on a chip and thus simulate how a cancer develops.” Individual
therapies tailored to the patient‘s needs would be possible
in this way “Cancer also forms tumor-specific antigens that are not
so representable in animal models.” This should be feasible on the
chips, too.
The close cooperation between the two research institutes
constitutes a striking example illustrating the added value of the
DRESDEN-concept science alliance, in which 36 partners have joined
forces to promote Dresden as a research location and to create
as well as exploit synergies in research and teaching as well as infrastructure
and administration.
Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS
D 01277 Dresden
First tests with the multi-organ chips already showed positive results. The
binding of known substances to the tumor spheroids already worked. It
is planned to further extend the microphysiological system by adding a
kidney model and a liver organoid. © Amac Garbe/Fraunhofer IWS
Binding of [68Ga]Ga-C225 (2 nM) in MPS-modules on A431 (A)
and MDA-MB435S (C); (B) shows the nonspecific binding on A431,
(D) on MDA-MB435S (0.8 μM C225); below: graphs of saturation
assays on A431 monolayer in MPS chips with [64Cu]Cu-C225 (E)
and [68Ga]Ga-C225 (F) (black, gray, red symbols: total, nonspecific,
specific binding). © HZDR/Fraunhofer IWS
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Designer immune cells
for drug discovery, potency
and safety testing
Precise therapeutics testing — preventing animal testing
To prevent testing on animals and create even more precise ways of testing therapeutics, the pharmaceutical industry is
increasingly turning to human immune cells. However, the availability of cells like these has been limited to date. Now,
Fraunhofer researchers have succeeded in scaling the production of customized immune cells from laboratory up to industrial
level.
Human immune cells and immune cell preparations are gaining an
increasingly prominent role in modern medicine – in new cancer
treatments and in the development and testing of new drugs, for instance.
To obtain these cells for health research purposes, the industry
has long relied on human donors or used cell lines from different
types of cancer. Given that every human being and every cancer cell
is unique, however, it was not possible to standardize the processes
involved. This was proving a major problem until two stem cell researchers
from Japan and the UK discovered a huge game changer
in 2006, when they succeeded in converting mature skin cells into
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can then redevelop
into different cell types. In recognition of this, Shinya Yamanaka and
John B. Gurdon were awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine – the fastest the prize has ever been awarded in medical
history.
Enter Prof. Nico Lachmann and his team at the Fraunhofer Institute
for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM and Hannover
Medical School (MHH), who are now exploiting the ability of these
iPSCs to divide and differentiate indefinitely. The researchers have
developed an unprecedented method of continuously producing
specific, mature immune cells from these iPSCs in scalable systems
– from small to industrial-sized applications. This is done in a device
resembling a large snow globe, where the stem cells are immersed
in a solution and kept constantly in motion. Using novel bioprocesses,
they continuously propagate the targeted immune cells. What’s
more, the iPSCs do not need to be replaced until around three
months down the line to keep quality consistent.
Immune cells on a large scale
Prof. Lachmann uses different scalable systems to continuously produce
specific mature human immune cells from induced pluripotent stem
cells. © Fraunhofer ITEM
The ingenious design – in 3D, instead of the previous 2D design at
the bottom of a petri dish – is what makes the process really stand
out. It means that the researchers are able to produce significantly
larger quantities of the designer immune cells and the scale can be
expanded as required. As Prof. Lachmann states: “We spent three
years researching the ideal medium, angle and speed for the standardized
production of immune cells from iPSCs and have repeatedly
adjusted many parameters along the way. This optimized method
is a great asset for investigating and evaluating drug candidates
because we can test their efficacy and safety directly in human target
structures without having to use animal experiments, which are effectively
the long way round.”
Initially, his team specialized in macrophages, which are scavenger
cells that fight bacteria and form an important element in the human
immune response. The next step will see Prof. Lachmann and
his team establishing cell-based potency assays (for cancer drugs, as
an example). These test systems can measure the potency of biological
and bioengineered drugs and play an essential role in the quality
control and release testing of active ingredients and drugs. Based on
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their key technology for the continuous production of macrophages,
the researchers also intend to develop new manufacturing processes
for various fully standardized immune cell products and cell-based
immunotherapies, thereby opening up many additional applications.
A whole host of applications
The potential of designer immune cells is huge – to take one example,
they can be genetically modified to light up when they detect
impurities in drugs, something that has been very laborious to identify
until now. Artificial skin tissue, which is already being used to
test cosmetics, could be enriched with immune cells to better reproduce
the reactions of a human organism. Another possible scenario
would include the use of such cells to test air quality. When people
breathe in, their macrophages and other immune cells are the first
to react to pollutants in the air. Furthermore, there is the therapeutic
effect that the cells may have: In the future, specifically adapted and
artificially produced immune cells may even be used to cure diseases
in patients, such as cancer.
With all this in mind, it is hardly surprising that pharmaceutical
companies and research organizations have already expressed
a keen interest in the process and are enthusiastic about designer
immune cells. As Nico Lachmann is happy to confirm: “This demand
is a clear sign that our technology has great potential for practical exploitation
– something that we are assessing at the moment.”
Das Fraunhofer-Institut für Toxikologie und Experimentelle Medizin ITEM
D 30625 Hannover
Raumedic publishes first
sustainability report in accordance
with international standards
Raumedic AG published its first sustainability report based on the internationally recognized standards of the Global Reporting
Initiative (GRI). The report relates to the past fiscal year 2021 and provides transparent information on the company‘s
sustainability achievements and goals at its global headquarters in Helmbrechts.
With the publication of the Sustainability
Report, Raumedic is committing itself to the
principle of a holistic sustainable management.
The legal obligation to publish a sustainability
report takes in from 2024.
Stefan Seuferling, CEO of Raumedic
AG: „With the publication of the report, we
grant our stakeholders transparent insights
into all ongoing sustainability activities. We
are aware of our social, environmental and
economic responsibility. Raumedic is already
pursuing numerous sustainable projects
today. It is important for us to act with foresight.
The current challenges also offer
great potential for making goods flows and
processes more efficient.“
At Raumedic, the sustainability strategy
and its implementation are coordinated
and tracked by a special project office, headed
by Dr. Stefan Wagner. His team identified
the impact of Raumedic‘s corporate
activities on the environment and society
through a comprehensive analysis. The entire
value chain, from the procurement of raw
materials to issues of product recycling and
disposal, was closely examined.
„Our objectives encompass all three
pillars of sustainability: economic, environment
and social. We unite these in our guiding
principle of „creating sustainable value“.
The sustainability report now lays the
foundation for future projects on which our
further work will be built in the long term,“
says Dr. Stefan Wagner, Head of Project Office
Sustainability at Raumedic.
One of the focal points for Raumedic is
an increasingly sustainable energy policy -
through savings and the use of renewable
energy. A certified energy monitoring system
has been in place at Raumedic since
2014. On its basis, 4.52 million kilowatt hours
of electricity have already been saved since
then. This is equivalent to the annual consumption
of 800 4-person households.
Raumedic AG‘s sustainability report will
be published annually in the future.
Stefan Seuferling
Stefan Wagner
Raumedic AG
D 95233 Helmbrechts
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Sensor solution for
checking electrolyte balance
Optical microring sensor for quantitative analysis of electrolytes
In the human body, electrolytes play a key role in maintaining water balance and distribution of fluids. All charged particles
dissolved in the blood interact with each other. If a disturbance to their complex equilibrium is suspected, the concentration
of a variety of these microminerals will be analyzed. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications,
Heinrich-Hertz-Institut, HHI and partners from a variety of disciplines have joined forces as part of the optION project.
The project goal is to develop a device concept that uses a photonic sensor solution to significantly reduce the amount of
blood needed for analysis and make the testing process significantly easier for all those involved.
Whether it’s kidney diseases, heart failure, alcohol poisoning or diabetes
mellitus — analyzing electrolyte balance is imperative to the
diagnosis of these and many other serious diseases. Its composition
is precisely balanced in the respective parts of the body and any
changes can have dramatic effects. For example, if your sodium ion
concentration is too low, the cells in your brain might start to swell,
which could cause a coma. Today’s measuring devices require separate
sensors for each type of electrolyte. A blood sample of around 70
to 80 microliters is needed in order to cover all sensors with blood.
The volume of blood that can be taken from small children or elderly
patients is often insufficient for this.
To overcome this challenge, teams of specialists in medicine,
fluid mechanics, surface chemistry, photonics and electronics from
Eschweiler in Kiel, Scienion AG, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
and Fraunhofer HHI teamed up to form the optION consortium.
Their goal: to investigate and expedite a new measurement principle
in photonics, enabling very small volumes of blood to be analyzed
with high precision. The researchers also had another objective:
They wanted to develop a device concept that end users could use to
test for a variety of health parameters rapidly, without complications
and in a way that is convenient to patients — even in areas that are
harder to reach. “Think of it like a simple blood sugar test,” explains
project manager Jakob Reck from Fraunhofer HHI. “It takes a prick
of the fingertip to produce a droplet of blood, which is enough to
immediately determine all of the relevant parameters.”
Microring sensors for electrolyte analysis
The experts are using microring resonators as photonic sensors. The
highly sensitive integrated silicon nitride waveguides are produced
on site in the Fraunhofer HHI cleanrooms. The waveguides form a
ring where near-infrared light is able to interact with itself and the
environment.
When an analyte accumulates on the ring, this causes a shift in
the effective refraction index and optical resonance of the ring. “In
principle, the ring goes ‘out of tune’ — similar to a guitar string,” explains
Reck. “If an analyte interacts with the ring — in other words,
the “string” — the tone changes. We are able to design these “guitar
strings” to be extremely sensitive, resulting in clear signaling and
analytics.”
Each of the sensors emits a signal that is specific to a particular
electrolyte, guaranteeing the functionalization of the sensor’s surface:
To this end, Scienion scientists attached special capture molecules
to the ring resonators. Only the specific analyte to be investigated
is able to latch onto a ring using the lock-and-key principle
and thereby influence the light field on the waveguide. This change
is directly related to the amount of molecules that have accumulated.
Even the smallest deviation in the optical characteristics can be
measured, which makes it possible to detect even the tiniest amount
of a substance with a high degree of accuracy.
For the functionalized photonic sensors, the Biofluid Mechanics
Laboratory at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin developed
a microfluidics system to transport small quantities of liquid onto
the chips in a targeted manner. Several microrings with different
coatings can be covered with just one sample. As such, electrolyte
concentration can be analyzed using volumes of less than 20 microliters.
Following this, specialists from Eschweiler and Fraunhofer HHI
combined sensors and fluidics with control, read-out and evaluation
electronics into a demonstrator device whose performance was
tested at Fraunhofer HHI and by the Charité Institute of Laboratory
Medicine, Clinical Chemis-try and Pathobiochemistry.
Accurate measuring and high levels of flexibility
One of the photonic sensor chips developed as part of the optION project
with eight sensor channels made from silicon nitride. © leto digital
Leontopoulos GbR
These tests speak for themselves: “Our process is highly flexible and
very reliable,” says Fraunhofer HHI scientist Reck. “No matter which
of the tested parameters we are looking at, we are generally two orders
of magnitude above the detection limit required for mainstream
tests. We also have a diverse range of options, since the surface of
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our resonators can be adapted to a large number of analytes.”
Additionally, the consortium’s photonic sensors are very small,
allowing for sensitive measurement of tiny volumes as well as the
parallel detection of different electrolytes and other biomarkers by
multiplexing multiple sensor rings. “We have a fingernail-sized sensor
chip that uses eight microring resonators. As such, the process
can be highly miniaturized and integrated,” says Reck. Furthermore,
the sensor is designed for rapidly recording measurement data in
real time so that surface kinetics can be displayed through the binding
of the biomolecules.
The current sensor head demonstrator can fit in a shoebox, paving
the way to a small handheld device that can be used in a laboratory
setting and, as a result, be easily sent into the field. On top of
this, it is battery operated and does not need to be connected to the
grid, which again makes it easier to use.
Interdisciplinary solution — broad applicability
Jakob Reck sees its interdisciplinary nature as having added tremendous
value to the project — and as a challenge that the consortium
members called for from the outset: “The aim was to implement an
innovative concept that is needed on the market — with all its individual
aspects: from the photonic chips through to the surface functionalization
and microfluidics to device integration. The only way
for this project to be successful is for the parties involved to be extremely
communicative and willing to listen to each other so that they
truly understand what is required by each of the other disciplines.”
The results of the research project, which ended in October
2022, are impressive. The successful partners are already planning
follow-up projects — they have enough starting points, and market
demand is high. As a result, the joint research project Poly-Chrome
Berlin kicked off in 2022: Its aim is to develop new applications in
sensors and analytics that can be implemented in a cost-effective
way. As before, analytics using photonic sensor chips is a significant
part of this project, which also involves specialists from
Fraunhofer HHI. “This demonstrates the broad range of possible
applications of our solution since the project goes beyond the
scope of medicine, with the aim to establish sensors in the field
of life sciences — in vitamin detection, for example. Another exciting
field of application is water and environment analytics, where
the solu-tion can be used for rapid testing in bodies of water and
pipelines, such as for cyano-bacteria in the latter,” says Fraunhofer
expert Jakob Reck. These small sensor chips are making big waves
— they will soon show that they are able to perform in a number of
different situations.
Fraunhofer-Institut für Nachrichtentechnik, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut, HHI
D 10587 Berlin
Strength in sustainability:
Vetter wins gold in EcoVadis ranking
Vetter significantly increases its sustainability rating.
We achieved gold status in the renowned,
independent EcoVadis sustainability ranking.
With 72 points out of a maximum of
100, we significantly increased our score
compared to the last evaluation and are now
among the top five percent of all participating
companies in the industry.
Vetter significantly increases its sustainability
rating.
Sustainability plays an important role
at Vetter and has been deeply rooted in
our corporate strategy for many years. The
positive result reaffirms the ongoing commitment
and demonstrates where we are
implementing improvements in the rating
criteria of Environment, Labour & Human
Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
The applied methodology is based
on international CSR standards such as
the Global Reporting Initiative, the United
Nations Global Compact, and ISO 26000.
“Tens of thousands of companies around
the world, including many of our customers,
use EcoVadis as an indicator of sustainable
business practices. They also incorporate
the independent assessments into their selection
of suppliers and business partners,“
explains Henryk Badack, Vetter’s Senior
Vice President Technical Service/Internal
Project Management.
„Simply talking about this topic is never
enough in our opinion,“ states Vetter Managing
Director Thomas Otto. „With our activities
involving social, economic and ecological
sustainability, we want to have a positive
impact on the regions with our sites.“
This responsibility is a high priority at
Vetter. „We are very proud that our far-reaching
initiatives in many areas around sustainable
corporate governance have had a
significant impact on the EcoVadis rating,
and that we were, once again, able to demonstrate
improvement over previous years.
The positive external evaluation is a
strong achievement and further motivates
us to continue this great development in a
transparent manner among our employees,
customers, and partners, as well as the patients
and society,“ said Vetter Managing
Director Peter Soelkner.
In our sustainability report, we summarize
all sustainability measures to this point
in a transparent manner and share the future
vision to all stakeholders.
Vetter Pharma International GmbH
D 88212 Ravensburg
www.reinraum.de
NEWSLETTER
www.cleanroom-online.com Edition EN 02-2023 | Page 16/20
COMING
SOON
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All German locations of Röchling
Medical are now ISCC PLUS certified
– The international standard gives customers access to renewable alternatives
– Transparency through mass balancing creates customer confidence
Röchling Medical, a subsidiary of the Mannheim-based plastics processor
Röchling, is taking the next step towards sustainability. ISCC
PLUS (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) is one of
the world‘s leading certification systems for the use of bio-based and
recycled raw materials. Röchling Medical has now achieved this certification
at all of its German sites. The company already had the site
in Neuhaus am Rennweg ISCC PLUS certified in 2021 and the site in
Brensbach in June 2022. Now the certification of the third German
Medical site in Waldachtal has been added.
Identical material properties as fossil-based products
„In such a highly regulated environment as the pharmaceutical and
medical device industry, it is a challenge to drive the change towards
more sustainable solutions for the pharmaceutical and medical
industry,“ says Grit Pasche, Global Director Quality & Regulatory
Affairs at Röchling Medical. That is why the option of using ISCC
PLUS-certified materials was exactly the right choice for the company,
she says. „These polymers, which are based on renewable raw
materials, offer the same properties in terms of product performance
as fossil-based alternatives. This means that we can offer our customers
access to sustainable alternatives that have the same properties
as fossil-based polymers in terms of product performance and
regulatory approvals,“ emphasizes Grit Pasche. The same technical
equipment can be used for the material production process as for
purely fossil-based materials, which speaks for an efficient infrastructure
and also supports the utilization of the production facilities,
some of which are very investment-intensive.
High transparency creates trust
The principle of mass balancing that goes hand in hand with ISCC
PLUS enables a high level of transparency and thus creates trust
among customers. Bio-based and circular feedstocks are mixed with
fossil raw materials. The proportion of bio-based raw material is mathematically
assigned to the finished products. This systematically reduces
the use of fossil raw materials and promotes the use of biobased
and circular raw materials. In addition, ISCC PLUS certification
ensures traceability along the entire supply chain. This is because all
companies along the value chain must be ISCC PLUS certified. Mass
balancing is carried out according to defined and transparent rules.
As part of an ISCC PLUS-certified supply chain, Röchling Medical‘s
customers can thus actively contribute to promoting sustainability
and conserving resources.
Röchling Medical, with its nearly 1,500 employees in its six locations
in the USA, EU, and China, offers its customers a wide range
of high-quality, customized components and assemblies through to
complete OEM products. The product portfolio also includes standard
plastic products with special expertise in diagnostics, medical
device, pharma, surgery & interventional and much more. These
competences are complemented with extended services regarding
development and regulatory affairs up to the approval of a complete
medical product.
Röchling Industrial SE & Co. KG
D 49733 Haren
Röchling Medical Waldachtal is now also ISCC PLUS certified.
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NEWSLETTER
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Full speed ahead: Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
expands fast-cycle all-electric platform
Moulding specialist releases new mid-size IntElect S high-speed energy-saving
range globally.
Engineered specifically for high volume packaging, medical and automotive applications requiring the highest processing
precision in the fastest cycle time, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is accelerating its global expansion of the IntElect platform.
Filling an important gap in the mass-manufacturing market, notably
thin-wall packaging, the company is releasing new sizes within its
IntElect S all-electric high-performance injection moulding machine
range, including medium clamping force (mid-size) machines
between 220 and 450 tons. Product Manager of the IntElect series
Peter Gladigau, emphasises that with this latest release moulders
requiring cycle time speeds of between three to 12 seconds now no
longer need to compromise on any aspect of productivity, energy efficiency
and processing speed and stability.
By expanding the IntElect S series, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is
resolute in its ambition to open up the all-electric moulding machine
market and the associated benefits to even more product applications,
including low part weights and narrow tolerance components.
Positioned squarely between the conventional IntElect all-electric
series and the new high-speed packaging injection moulding machine
PAC-E, the IntElect S is geared specifically towards plastic
processors mass-manufacturing narrow tolerance and thin-walled
components at the fastest speeds.
“Cycle times of between three and twelve seconds and injection
speeds of up to 350 mm/s are the typical range of this machine,“
reports Gladigau. He draws special attention to the resilient, high
performance drives, shorter clamp spindles and longer service life.
Culminating in faster acceleration of the injection speed to achieve
on average a one second cycle time saving when compared to a
standard IntElect model.
The IntElect S mid-size range caters specifically to high performance
applications with the shortest cycles, high material throughput,
which typically consumes more energy affirms Gladigau.
“Given the rapid rise in energy prices, counteracting the impact on
rising manufacturing costs through higher productivity, processing
repeatability and reduced waste is increasingly imperative with regard
to competitiveness. For this very reason, market interest in our
IntElect S series remains very high,” reports the product manager.
Indicative of the current energy challenges, for packaging applications,
the IntElect S can lower energy consumption to between
0.25 to 0.32 kilowatt hours per kilogram, states Gladigau. Citing it
as the epitome of mass production efficiency, compared to hybrid
machines this increased production capacity combined with saving
tens of thousands of euros per year on energy , can result in one of
the fastest machine paybacks.
Benchmarking dry cycle times on thin wall packaging products
with equivalent electric systems on the market, IntElect S remains at
the forefront of innovation and energy efficiency, assures Gladigau.
Featuring optimised tool movement, nozzle position, injection
and ejector movements and metering speed, the IntElect S model
outperforms previous generations of IntElect machines. “Increasing
the capacity of the IntElect’s braking energy recovery system not
only improves energy efficiency but also extends the lifespan of electrical
components and capacitators. Verified by extensive machine
and part lifecycle durability tests, notes Gladigau. Clamp spindles
tested under the hardest conditions showed no evidence of visible
wear after millions of cycles. Guaranteeing safe operation of the machine,
even in the fastest-cycle applications.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
D 90571 Schwaig
Die vollelektrische High-Performance Spritzgießmaschine IntElect S von Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.
www.reinraum.de
NEWSLETTER
www.cleanroom-online.com Edition EN 02-2023 | Page 19/20
Needle-Trap Offers
New First-Opening
Indication Feature
Schreiner MediPharm at Pharmapack 2023
Needle-Trap, the successful and unique label with integrated needle protection from Schreiner MediPharm, the specialist
in innovative pharma labels, has now been complemented by a completely new feature: A special security seal reliably indicates
that the prefilled syringe has been opened before and helps protect its integrity up until final use. The novel combination
of needle and product protection was showcased for the first time from February 1 - 2, 2023 at Pharmapack in Paris.
A secure supply chain and integrity of drug
packaging are important aspects for pharmaceutical
manufacturers. Regulations
such as the EU Falsified Medicines Directive
contribute to supply chain security
but address only secondary packaging. By
contrast, primary containers like prefilled
syringes require more specific solutions for
tamper evidence and first-opening indication.
Due to its integrated plastic trap, the
Needle-Trap needle protection label poses
special challenges to a first-opening indication
feature. As well as smooth processing in
pharmaceutical manufacturing operations,
ease of use by healthcare staff must be considered.
The experts at Schreiner MediPharm
have further developed and complemented
Needle-Trap by integrating into the needle
protection label a novel kind of closure seal
with a tab ending on the syringe cap. Before
the injection, the needle trap is first folded
sideways as usual. While the cap is being
pulled off, a perforation automatically activates
the label-integrated seal, which irreversibly
indicates the first opening of the
label. Special security cuts prevent undetected
removal of the seal. Overt authentication
features such as a guilloche pattern
or covert security features can be added for
authenticity verification.
The addition of the new feature to Needle-Trap
provides pharmaceutical manufacturers
with a multifunctional and cost-efficient
solution. It combines protection of
healthcare staff against needlestick injuries
with first-opening indication ensuring the
integrity of the prefilled syringe on unit level.
Thus, product and patient safety is enhanced.
In addition, the new Needle-Trap
version can be easily integrated into existing
pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Healthcare staff benefit from efficient and
reliable needle protection as well as convenient
first-opening indication that is irreversible
and detectable at first glance.
Schreiner MediPharm
D 85764 Oberschleissheim
The security seal integrated in the needle protection system reliably
indicates first opening of the prefilled syringe. © Schreiner MediPharm
Dual safety: Needle-Trap with first-opening indication combines needle
and product protection. © Schreiner MediPharm
www.reinraum.de
NEWSLETTER
www.cleanroom-online.com Edition EN 02-2023 | Page 20/20
Seminar “Safe automation”:
Exchange on safe area monitoring
- “Automation on Tour” in person or digital
The new programme of the Pilz seminar format “Safe automation” starts from March 2023. At over 30 locations across
Germany, plant and machinery manufacturers can obtain information about safety concepts for area monitoring, free of
charge. In 2023, the supplementary online event series “Web compact”, from the “Automation on Tour” series, focuses on
safety-related questions from plant and machine operators.
From March until June 2023, Pilz will welcome
plant and machine manufacturers
at over 30 locations in Germany for an intensive
exchange on the options available
for safe area monitoring – whether that be
safety concepts using scanners, light curtains
or radar/sensor technology. As part of
the event, experts from Pilz will share their
knowledge of current changes in directives
and standards. Also part of the programme:
everything you need to know about the Machinery
Regulation.
Then we move from theory to practice:
together with experts from Pilz, delegates
work out a safety solution on a common
example of a machine, live on site. The verification
of the safety concept is also examined
in detail. New to the seminar: a discussion
of the most important “dos and don‘ts”
with electrosensitive protective equipment.
The second series of seminars from Pilz,
“Safe operation of plant and machinery” will
be continued in 2024, and thereafter will be
alternated with the seminar “Safe automation”.
Digital supplement “Web Compact”
“Automation on Tour” returning to a place near you: In the “Safe Automation” seminar, from
March until June 2023, Pilz will welcome plant and machine manufacturers in over 30 locations in
Germany, for an intensive exchange on the options available for safe area monitoring.
(Photo: © Pilz GmbH & Co. KG)
If you cannot attend in person but wish to
stay up to date on safe automation matters,
then twice a month Pilz covers a current topic
in a web seminar, with the online format:
“Automation on Tour – Web compact”. In
2023 the topics range from “Safe presence
detection under rugged environmental conditions”
to the question, “What the new Machinery
Regulation means for machine manufacturers
and operators”, and “Employee
protection in production – Productivity and
machinery safety”. Here too, the focus is
on high practical relevance and knowledge
transfer. In 2023, for the first time, delegates
can submit questions on the relevant topic
in advance.
Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
D 73760 Ostfildern
Impressum:
cleanroom online / W.A. Schuster GmbH · Mozartstrasse 45 · D 70180 Stuttgart · Tel. +49 711 9 64 03 50 · Fax +49 711 9 64 03 66
info@reinraum.de · www.cleanroom-online.de · GF Dipl.-Designer Reinhold Schuster · Stgt, HRB 14111 · VAT DE 147811997
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