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TECHNOLOGY NEWS: MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT

The Series 4 temperature control unit can be placed inside the cleanroom to regulate the temperature of moulds or plastic-processing equipment.

Many plastic parts used in medical applications are manufactured in a cleanroom to minimize contamination. The units that regulate the temperature of moulds or plastic-processing equipment in the cleanroom typically are placed outside the controlled environment to prevent the potential introduction of particulates. But placing them on the periphery is a drag on productivity, notes Roland Huber of Grossenbacher Apparatebau AG (St. Gallen, Switzerland; www.hb-therm.ch). To remedy that, the company recently introduced a cleanroom package for its Series 4 temperature control units.

“Because the disinfection process for cleanroom staff is so time-consuming, it is more efficient to have the temperature control unit installed inside—rather than outside—the work area,” says Huber. “To optimize the workflow, we developed a cleanroom package that allows [installation] of the HB-Therm Series 4 temperature control units in the cleanroom without creating any contamination issues.”

In addition to the closed heat-transfer medium circuit, the cleanroom package features fibre-free insulation, rub-resistant castors made of polyurethane, and a high-gloss finish. That way, emissions and, therefore, particle contamination can be kept below the specified limit. The product also comes with a user-friendly graphical display, multiple-language support menu functions, and convenient online help.