Newsletter_03-2024_EN

EN 03/24 

Optics and Photonics: 

High-tech Center for KIT

Karlsruhe Center for Optics and Photonics Sets Standard and Uses Synergies 

– Interdisciplinarity Pushes Exchange and Innovation 

Optics and Photonics: 

High-tech Center for KIT 

The Karlsruhe Center for Optics and Photonics (KCOP) is taking shape. At the new, highly modern technology center of 

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), research teams will work on applications of light or photons. These include highly 

efficient photovoltaics, 6G communication and glass fiber networks, novel quantum sensors, superconducting detectors, 

extremely fast 3D image acquisition, and high-resolution microscopy for life sciences. The 56 million Euro building is 

planned to be inaugurated in early 2026. 

“Science needs inspiring places like KCOP, where expertise, excellence, 

and top-level laboratory equipment meet with interdisciplinary 

collaboration,” said Professor Oliver Kraft, KIT Vice President 

Research, at the roofing ceremony for the new building last week 

(December 1, 2023). “This will leverage synergies, ideas, and innovations 

and eventually contribute to the technological and digital 

sovereignty of Germany.” 

Optics and photonics are among the key technologies of our modern 

society. Glass fibers, photovoltaics, sensors, microscopes, microchips, 

and nanomaterials – they all are based on the use of light. 

“Our technologies are essential ingredients of the energy transition, 

digitalization, and networking and they are indispensable for recording 

data in industry and science,” Christian Koos summarizes. He 

is Professor of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Electronics 

and of the Institute of Microstructure Technology of KIT as well as 

Scientific Director of KCOP. 

2 000 Square Meters of Clean Room and Laboratory Areas 

Koos points out that excellent laboratories and laboratory equipment 

are prerequisites of cutting-edge research in these areas. Dr. 

Lothar Hahn, KCOP project manager, adds that the instruments are 

highly specialized and rooms have to meet very high requirements: 

“For our work, we need clean rooms. These are rooms with very few 

particles. Let me give an example why this is so important: A human 

hair is about 20 times thicker than one of our components. Any particle 

present would destroy our components.” Creating such experimental 

conditions, however, represents a considerable effort. So far, 

small and partly outdated clean rooms have been available at various 

institutes of KIT. KCOP will now set new standards and use synergies. 

“As of 2026, research teams use an internationally outstanding 

Cutting-edge research in optics and photonics needs special clean 

rooms for sensitive components. (Photo: Sandra Göttisheim, KIT) 

technology platform with about 2,000 square meters of clean rooms 

and laboratory areas and a pool of instruments. Thanks to their joint 

use, more efficient operation will be possible,” Koos emphasizes. 

Apart from Karlsruhe, there are only few places in Europe where 

degree programs are offered in optics and photonics. With KCOP, 

KIT will become even more attractive for researchers, students, and 

industry partners. 

Interdisciplinary Dynamics, Sustainable Building 

At KCOP, researchers of various disciplines will meet and discuss 

under one roof: “KCOP will give rise to an entirely new level of interdisciplinary 

dynamics,” Koos says. The technology center will mainly 

be available to the institutes of KIT, but also external research teams 

will be given the opportunity to work there. The planned fields of 

work will include renewable energies, novel communication technologies, 

quantum components, life sciences, digital fabrication on the 

nanoscale, and customized materials. 

The Helmholtz Association funds the new building with about 

EUR 50 million, another 6 million come from KIT. Ongoing construction 

work is on schedule and budget. According to Lothar Hahn, 

the building was planned such that the silver standard can be reached. 

The latter is defined in the “Assessment system for sustainable 

building” of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development, 

and Building. For this, good insulation of the building, highly efficient 

heat recovery, and use of recycled and environmentally compatible 

construction materials must be ensured. The waste heat of another 

large experimental facility in the vicinity is used for heating the new 

building. 

Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, 

KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. 

It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global 

challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, 

about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in 

natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities 

and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible 

tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based 

study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between 

important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of 

society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis 

of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie 

D 76131 Karlsruhe 

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 03-2024 

page 2/33

March 2024 

Dear cleanroom professionals , 

It is almost difficult to write a foreword without 

addressing the current state of the German 

economy. I hope you can count on more than 

the 0.2% growth forecast by the government. 

And so can your customers. 

Cleanroom metamorphoses 

„Mutabor“ – „I will be transformed”. This spell is 

known by many people. It is from the fairy tale 

„The Story of Caliph Storck” by Wilhelm Hauff. 

The spell helps the Caliph from Baghdad and his 

Grand Vizier transform in storcks. The artist 

Jörg Mandernach uses „Mutabor” as his theme. His 

works, paintings, paper cut installations, collages 

and murals are about transformation, metamorphosis. 

Humans, animals, creatures, plants and 

their surroundings are connected, interrelated, 

merged, silhouette-like, shadowy or like creatures 

out of a dream or fairy tale. Mandernach takes 

inspiration from cultural history and contemporary 

art itself. He is inspired from the environment and 

also from the changeable self. 

The person who transforms into somebody or 

something else also plays a major role in the 

cleanroom. The transformation happens step by 

step. The individual‘s original outfit vanishes, 

covered by a protective suit, gloves and shoes. Hair 

and face are also hidden under a cleanroom hood 

or behind a mask. Everything is standardized, 

controlled. As soon as one enters the cleanroom, 

their movements are reduced, choreographed 

in order to keep the degree of contamination to 

a minimum. One becomes a sort of cyborg. One 

operates in a room that is hermetically sealed from 

the external environment. Without this process of 

transformation the precise, delicate work under 

sterile conditions would not be possible. ... 

We simply want to be confident and and that‘s 

why in the new REINRAUM JAHRBUCH 2024 

we have added a few visual and haptic 

highlights. 

You will also find content highlights again 

in this month‘s newsletter: 

> Optics and Photonics: High-tech 

Center for KIT 

> Pooling expertise: Cooperating in the 

manufacturing of ATMP production systems 

> Industrial cleaning – new technology leads to 

greater efficiency despite a shortage of staff 

> #INNOHubs: Fascinating Clean Room 

at Fraunhofer IISB 

> Hohenstein becomes part of the 

AI hotspot IPAI 

> Leak Detection for Electric 

Vehicle Battery Production 

> . . . 

With kind regards 

Reinhold Schuster 


page 3/33

Researchers are looking to groundbreaking technologies like bioprinting to 

streamline the drug development process, potentially saving millions of dollars 

and reducing reliance on animal testing. 

Reducing Costs and Increasing Accuracy: 

Exploring Bioprinting‘s Game-Changing 

Role in Drug Testing 

(Photo credit: iStock) 

Researchers are looking to the latest technological advancements to 

help speed the process of bringing new pharmaceuticals to market. 

The whole drug development process requires up to fourteen years 

and over $2 billion in investment, so any advantage can lead to 

considerable savings. Bioprinting is one area of biotech that has the 

potential to improve this situation. 

The promise of bioprinting 

Bioprinting is a cutting-edge technology that uses 3D printers and 

biomaterials to create living tissues and organs for medical applications. 

By building up cells and biomaterials layer upon layer, it is 

possible to construct functioning tissues and organs. This has clear 

promise in the area of organ transplantation, but the possibility of full 

organ transplants remains a few decades away. 

In the meantime, a potential game-changer lies in applying bioprinting 

to drug testing. Traditionally, drugs are tested on two-dimensional 

cell cultures or animals before human trials. But those 

processes are expensive and lengthy, and they also fail to predict all 

possible human responses accurately. Here, bioprinting steps in to 

revolutionize the process. 

The benefits of bioprinting in drug development 

By leveraging bioprinting, scientists can design 3D tissues that mimic 

specific human organs or diseases. „Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) 

models, organoids or specific disease tissues engineered from human 

cells offer a more human-relevant model for detecting a drug‘s 

effectiveness or side effects before it advances to human trials,“ says 

Vidmantas Šakalys, Chief Executive Officer of Vital3D Technologies, 

a biotech company that specializes in 3D bioprinting solution. 

„Instead of a broad-brush, one-size-fits-all approach, bioprinting 

will make it possible to observe how specific drugs interact with different 

human body tissues, bringing an unprecedented level of accuracy 

and speed to drug testing.“ 

There are several tangible benefits to this approach. First, bioprinting 

could significantly reduce the time and cost associated with 

drug development, meaning companies could know a drug’s effect 

sooner, minimizing expensive failed trials. Second, this technology 

has the potential to decrease reliance on animal testing, marking a 

significant shift toward more human and effective approaches in 

biomedical sciences. 

Addressing challenges ahead 

Still, there are certain challenges left to face before bioprinting can 

be adopted for mainstream drug testing. „The human body is infinitely 

complex in its chemical and biophysical structures, making it 

highly difficult to create testing models that closely resemble the necessary 

environment,“ says Šakalys. „The main limitation is the fact 

that currently there are no standardized tissue sourcing or processing 

techniques, and no standardized cell medium formulations or 

well-defined tissue engineering matrices.“ 

But biotech firms are making progress nonetheless, Šakalys says. 

“Currently, the organ-on-a-chip development field is experiencing 

exponential growth, which suggests a promising future for actively 

adapting this technology in research. As technological innovations 

continue to enhance the reproducibility, complexity, and scalability of 

organ-on-a-chip models, researchers can anticipate an increasingly 

refined toolkit for understanding human physiology and pathology.” 

Vital3D 

L 10224 Vilnius 


page 4/33

Pooling expertise: Cooperating in the 

manufacturing of ATMP production systems 

New mRNA vaccines and gene therapeutics have gained media attention as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. These 

pharmaceuticals, known as ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products), contain living cells or the nucleic acids DNA or 

RNA. Producing such ATMPs in high quality requires customized production facilities and an associated range of services. 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT and Harro Höfliger from Allmersbach im Tal are now entering into 

a cooperation to develop fully automated ATMP production systems: Together, the partners are developing an offer for consulting, 

analysis and product development through to the serial production of marketable ATMP systems. 

The aim of the cooperation between Fraunhofer IPT and Harro Höfliger 

is to transfer the technical expertise from production research 

into the production and sale of high-performance individualized 

medical products. The result is a joint range of efficient systems and 

associated services that meet the increasing demands on quality, safety 

and efficiency of the new class of medicines. They are marketed 

by industry partner Harro Höfliger for the production of ATMPs. The 

cooperation was launched with the signing of the cooperation agreement 

on November 14, 2023 in Aachen. 

From process analysis and plant development 

to the finished medicinal product 

The tasks of the Fraunhofer IPT within the collaboration primarily 

include the techno-economic analysis of the processes in cell production: 

cultivation, differentiation, genome editing, quality control, 

material transport, filling and storage as well as the evaluation 

of the automation potential. Scientific studies, the risk assessment 

of biological production and the development of new software and 

hardware solutions for ATMP production facilities are all part of the 

collaboration. The construction of fully automated cell production 

facilities for the pharmaceutical industry up to pre-series production 

is also planned in individual cases. 

As part of the offer, Harro Höfliger transfers the development 

work to the series construction of the systems. The aim of the cooperation 

partners is to set up GMP-compliant production systems 

for the high-throughput production of a wide range of pharmaceuti- 

Niels König, Head of Production Metrology Department IPT 

and Christian Kollecker, Sales Director Aseptic Technologies 

Harro Höfliger. © Fraunhofer IPT 

cals and medicinal products. As an industrial partner, Harro Höfliger 

takes over worldwide sales and customer support as well as maintenance 

services for the individual machines at the end customer. 

Many years of experience in the integration 

of production technologies in the life sciences 

The Fraunhofer IPT has been conducting research in the field of 

automated cell cultivation for more than 12 years and has decades 

of experience in the design and development of special machines. 

The know-how from successful research projects, such as „Stem- 

CellFactory“, in which industry-ready automated system prototypes 

for pharmaceutical drug development were built, flows directly into 

the cooperation. Other current research and development projects 

at the Fraunhofer IPT are investigating the automation of the production 

of new gene and cell therapeutics, such as those required for 

the treatment of blood cancer or osteoarthritis. 

As an international company based in Baden-Württemberg, 

Harro Höfliger specializes in the development and construction of 

high-throughput production systems for pharmaceuticals and medical 

devices for the pharmaceutical industry. The company also contributes 

its extensive experience in Good Manufacturing Practice 

(GMP) and clean room production to the cooperation. 

Cooperation between research and industry brings 

added value for pharmaceutical companies and patients 

Niels König, Head of the Production Metrology department at 

Fraunhofer IPT, is looking forward to the collaboration: „With this 

joint offering, we are creating real added value for ATMP production: 

our technical expertise and excellent research performance at the 

cutting edge will flow directly into the implementation of marketable 

and serial products that will be available worldwide“. 

Christian Kollecker, Sales Director Aseptic Technologies at Harro 

Höfliger, focuses on the customers: „Customers from the pharmaceutical 

industry benefit from the cooperation throughout the entire 

development and production process. From individual consultation 

and analysis of their requirements for ATMP production machines 

through to support and sales after installation, we support them in 

every phase.“ 

Christian Kollecker, Sales Director Aseptic Technologies at Harro 

Höfliger, and Bastian Nießing, Group Leader Automation in the 

Life Sciences at the Fraunhofer IPT, will be happy to answer any further 

questions you may have about the cooperation. 

Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT 

D 52074 Aachen 


page 5/33

“AJCsens”: inline monitoring using a highly integrated contamination 

sensor in adaptive jet cleaner. © Fraunhofer IVV 

“CoControl QCM”: oscillating quartz technology for monitoring 

inline cleaning. © Fraunhofer IVV 

Industrial cleaning – new 

technology leads to greater efficiency 

despite a shortage of staff 

From May 14-17, 2024, the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV will be exhibiting cyber-physical 

cleaning technology for quality-assured, efficient and resilient production processes at Interclean in Amsterdam, Hall 5, 

Stand 530. In the Robot Arena, visitors will also have the opportunity to find out how the cleaning robot with sensor-guided 

adaptive jet cleaner devel-oped by Fraunhofer IVV works. 

In order to address quality risks in manual 

cleaning processes and the increasing challenge 

posed by the shortage of skilled workers, 

Fraunhofer IVV has developed innovative 

sensor technology and digital applications 

for adaptive cleaning processes. 

Automation and repeatability - mobile 

cleaning robot detects, cleans and 

then documents cleanliness in hygienecritical 

areas 

The “Exo-MCD” is a modular cleaning robot 

that can be deployed as an autonomous device 

for automatically cleaning hygiene-critical 

systems and production environments. 

Fully integrated contamination sensor technology 

in the MCD automatically detects 

the degree of contamination and means the 

cleaning process can be fully documented. 

Visitors can get a first-hand look at the potential 

of the “Exo-MCD” at demonstrations 

each day in the Robot Arena. 

An innovative adaptive jet cleaner 

(AJC), that rotates around three axes, takes 

care of the cleaning. The next-level version, 

the “AJCsens” will also be on display at the 

trade fair. This adaptive jet cleaner, which 

operates autonomously, uses highly integrated 

sensor technology to enable continuous 

inline monitoring of the cleaning process 

for the first time, delivering highly efficient, 

need-driven cleaning. 

Quality assurance - digital support 

for manual cleaning 

Fraunhofer IVV has developed “CleanAssist” 

technology to give fresh, groundbreaking 

impetus to manual jet-based cleaning: 

virtual support, digital twins and innovative 

sensor technology allow cleaning to be 

documented in full and fully automatically, 

and cleaning staff to be qualified swiftly and 

with minimal effort. 

The cleaning lance is fitted with tracking 

sensors that visualize both cleaning performance 

and, for example, spray shadows. A 

digital twin tracks progress in the cleaning 

environment and displays actual cleaning 

progress in near real time on end devices 

such as, for example, a tablet or AR glasses. 

This means that operating personnel can 

physically see areas which have been missed, 

under-cleaned or over-cleaned, so these 

become a thing of the past. 

Contamination detection - inline 

contamination sensors for a need-driven 

cleaning process 

Fraunhofer IVV’s research work in the field 

of contamination sensors is designed to deliver 

powerful technology for the paradigm 

shift towards truly need-driven process 

management. It’s not just a matter of conserving 

cleaning resources. In view of ever 

more demanding challenges stemming from 

the growing choice of products and the related 

frequent changeover and cleaning 

processes, gaining additional production 

time is particularly important. We will be 

exhibiting two sensor systems from the Co- 

Control range at Interclean 2024: “LumiHD” 

and “QCM.” 


page 6/33

“CleanAssist”: the combination of highly integrated tracking sensors, 

near-real-time spray cleaning simulation and digital twin enables reliable 

quality assurance and full documentation of manual cleaning processes. 

© Fraunhofer IVV 

“CoControl LumiHD”: Ultra-compact inline contamination sensor for filmlike 

and particulate contamination with a hygienic design. © Fraunhofer 

IVV 

“CoControl LumiHD” is an ultra-compact 

yet at the same time highly sensitive optical 

contamination sensor for both film-like 

and particulate contamination. The sensor 

for detecting contamination uses hybrid 

technology to evaluate information under 

UV and white light excitation. This innovative 

combination of fluorescence properties 

and characteristic visible features makes 

it possible to reliably detect a previously 

unimaginable range of different types and 

states of contamination without the need 

for direct contact and over a wide area. Even 

non-fluorescent traces, such as burnt food, 

can be detected. Thanks to its hygienic design 

and a universal, hygienic connector, the 

sensor system is simple to integrate into any 

cleaning process. This enables continuous, 

automated inline control and the cleaning 

as well as the level of contamination to be 

documented. 

“CoControl QCM” is an innovative sensor 

system for reliably detecting contamination 

on the walls of closed systems such 

as pipelines or tanks. The thickness shear 

mode oscillator relies on the piezoelectric 

effect to collect information about the contamination 

layer based on specific changes 

in vibration properties. A special evaluation 

algorithm can then be used to signal when 

the desired level of cleanliness has been 

achieved. This means it is now possible for 

the first time to measure the state of contamination 

directly during the fouling and 

cleaning cycles and to draw reliable conclusions 

about the actual need for cleaning and 

how successful it was, instead of only indirectly 

by evaluating the cleaning fluid. This 

small, compact sensor system can also be 

hygienically retrofitted into existing systems 

with little effort. 

Fraunhofer-Institut für Verfahrenstechnik 

und Verpackung IVV 

D 85354 Freising 

“Exo-MCD” smart cleaning robot cleans systems and production environments automatically and reproducibly. © Fraunhofer IVV 


page 7/33

#INNOHubs: Fascinating Clean Room 

at Fraunhofer IISB 

Kevin Ehrensberger completed his vocational training as microtechnologist at Fraunhofer IISB in September 2021. The 

former nanotechnology student has one thing in common with his colleagues Nadine Riek and Stefanie Schickedanz: 

„I also wanted to work with my hands, something in relation to reality.“ The small but significant word „also“ is elementary 

in this sentence. To practice their profession, microtechnologists dive deep into the micro- and nanostructures of computer 

chips and semiconductor components, both theoretically and practically. Stephanie Natzer, instructress at Fraunhofer IISB, 

explains why this varied profession has such a bright future: “Microtechnologists know how to create these tiny marvels and 

experience this technological progress in real time, so to say.“ 

As microelectronic technician you belong to an exclusive club 

From cell phones, battery charging systems and cars to airplanes and 

satellites - digitization and the Internet of Things are spurring the 

development of increasingly powerful devices and components. The 

need for efficiently switching power components to convert electrical 

energy is growing as well. This is one of the main emphases 

of the Fraunhofer IISB, Institute for Integrated Systems and Device 

Technology based in Erlangen. Trough research and development on 

power electronics, semiconductor technology and materials, it supports 

important industries such as energy technology, photovoltaics 

or e-mobility. 

There are six technical departments at Fraunhofer IISB. Nadine 

is one of seven current microelectronic technician apprentices and 

learns how to assemble electronic components along with mounting 

circuit boards in the packaging technology laboratory. The online 

tender for this apprenticeship had spontaneously piqued her interest. 

„This profession is still young. It‘s not something you specifically 

look for. We are quite an exclusive club“ Nadine says. Only 17 other 

apprentices from all over Bavaria sit together with her in the vocational 

school class. 

With her passion for chemistry, she already fulfilled a large part of 

the suitability profile. Nevertheless, you should also be comfortable 

with math, physics and English. Before starting her apprenticeship, 

Nadine didn‘t really know what to expect. „I think it‘s great that we 

go through all the departments here. In the workshop, we learn how 

to fabricate workpieces according to technical drawings, and in the 

clean room we learn everything about the manufacturing processes 

for integrated circuits, such as lithography, ion implantation, dry and 

wet etching, thermal oxidation or metallization.“ 

Not only clean, but pure! 

The Semiconductor Devices department at Fraunhofer IISB has 

various focal points, including the development of sensor devices 

and power devices based on silicon and silicon carbide. The latter 

are switching components used to control electrical machines in e- 

vehicles, for example. In Fraunhofer IISB‘s high-tech clean rooms, 

the entire process spectrum for manufacturing components can be 

mapped. Teams from various scientific and engineering disciplines 

develop holistic solutions here for customers from industry, starting 

with design, feasibility studies and prototyping up to the manufacturing 

process. „As microelectronic technician, I take care of the 

implementation and control of the manufacturing processes“ Kevin 

explains. 

He works in the field of photolithography and spends most of his 

working time in the institute‘s clean rooms on the Erlangen hightech 

campus of the FAU. Fraunhofer IISB maintains the largest clean 

room together with the neighboring Chair of Electronic Devices. 

Even the tiniest dust particles can lead to defective components, 

which is why the air in the clean room is permanently filtered and 

recirculated. „We wear coveralls, headgear, gloves and face masks so 

that we don‘t introduce particles under any circumstances“Kevin 

continues. Even the use of lights is strictly regulated. Photolithography 

is a key process step in the manufacture of integrated circuits. 

Exposure processes are used to create patterned photoresist layers 

on a silicon wafer. To prevent the light-sensitive photoresist from developing 

in an uncontrolled manner, only yellow light without blue 

light components is allowed to illuminate the workplace.“I found the 

clean room absolutely crazy when I was looking for an apprenticeship, 

so I really wanted to learn more about it“ Nadine interjects. 

The true Silicon Valley lies in the 

Nuremberg Metropolitan Region 

The Nuremberg metropolitan region is convinced that the Franconian 

Switzerland is home to the true Silicon Valley. The Siemens semiconductor 

research laboratory was housed in Pretzfeld Castle in 

1946 and served as the setting for a groundbreaking invention that 

made it possible to manufacture semiconductors and thus ushered 

in the era of microelectronics. In the mid-1950s, the production of 

monocrystalline hyper pure silicon succeeded here. Emerging from 

this history, a technological-scientific network of companies and 

research institutions has formed in the Nuremberg Metropolitan 

Region around integrated circuits, power electronics, semiconductors 

and nanotechnology. Resultingly, today‘s microtechnologists at 

Fraunhofer IISB are experiencing further development of processes 

and materials for ever smaller and more powerful components live. 

„Our profession is very popular for young women,“ Stefanie 

Schickedanz tells and continues: „We are all a bit nerdy in a positive 

sense. We want to fundamentally understand the technologies we 

work with. Solving a problem for the sake of the problem is a motivation 

that drives many people in technology and science.“- Nadine 

adds,“Even as apprentices, we are often given team tasks or being 

asked how we would solve something. You are taken serious right 

from the start.“ 

Working with a machine park that is unique all over Europe 

Stefanie completed her apprenticeship in the field of industry. Today, 


page 8/33

© beton media / Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg 

she trains microtechnologists in the Packaging and Interconnection 

Technology department. Up to this day, she has never regretted her 

move to the renowned research institute. „I am professionally challenged 

here. The work is very diversified and often not only my skills 

but also my creativity is asked. Writing programs and presentations, 

maintaining equipment - it‘s all included.“ 

Stefanie‘s field of activity is part of microsystems technology 

and deals with all kinds of processes for assembling electronic and 

non-electronic micro-components into a functioning system. In her 

AVT clean room in Erlangen, a fleet of equipment is available at her 

disposal that is unique not only in the Nuremberg metropolitan region, 

but throughout Europe. Stencil printers, inkjet printers, presses 

for metal sintering and soldering, wire & die bonders, equipment for 

subtractive as well as additive manufacturing and many more enable 

the production-oriented manufacturing of prototypes or small series. 

„As microelectronic technicians we know exactly what‘s going 

on in our equipment. We‘re often present during customer meetings 

so that we can provide important input on process performance and 

suitability“ she explains. „It also makes sense to involve us technicians 

from the beginning when designing and laying out new equipment 

for future applications,“ Kevin adds. 

Investigating the matter of future technologies thoroughly 

Manufacturing capacities for chip fabrication are currently being 

built up throughout Europe. In the vicinity of these mega-factories, 

technology clusters are emerging - as in the Nuremberg metropolitan 

region - where experienced specialists are sought around 

topics like semiconductors, integrated circuits and microsystems 

technology. Microtechnology is important for practically every key 

technology, and skilled workers are in hot demand. Based on their 

successfully completed apprenticeship, Stefanie and Kevin have 

laid a solid foundation for their future careers and are already on 

their way to the next level: both are taking further training as electrical 

engineers. 

Which innovations would these three like to see in the future? 

What needs to be researched? What is their professional motivation? 

Stefanie: „I think sustainable energies in general and energy 

storage in particular are of utmost importance.“ - Nadine: „I want to 

work in a varied profession and help shape projects.“ - Kevin:“I love 

working in applied research, where I can actively contribute to the 

development of future technologies.“ 

#INNOHubs @Metropolregion Nürnberg 

The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region offers ideal conditions for taking 

full advantage of professional opportunities. Our global players 

& hidden champions offer the best foundations for this, but it is above 

all our scientists and workers who shape the innovative landscape 

of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. The #INNOHubs present 

an entire network of laboratories, competence centers, workshops 

and think tanks as well as the technological and scientific 

work that takes place there. The focus is particularly on the people 

who work, research and develop there as a team - because the future 

is best shaped together. 

From Baumüller to Siemens, employees, trainees or students 

give an insight into their daily work or an overview of the equipment 

in the laboratories and workshops and show how and what is being 

worked on in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. 

Fraunhofer IISB 

D 91058 Erlangen 


page 9/33

Advances in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and surgery are transforming 

healthcare. This new era is marked by enhanced safety, improved accuracy, 

and greater personalization. 

From Telesurgery to 3D Bioprinting: Five 

Emerging Technologies Poised to Reshape 

Medical Treatment 

Technological advances are revolutionizing healthcare, improving 

patient access to personalized care and ensuring clinicians adhere 

to evidence-based guidelines. This transformation is leading to enhanced 

patient safety. Here are five medical innovations involving 

the latest tech, all with the potential to redefine healthcare. 

1. Telesurgery: the next leap in remote medical care 

Remote surgery, also known as “telesurgery,” makes it possible 

for a surgeon to perform an intricate operation from miles away, 

even from the other side of the world. This is done through a combination 

of advanced robotics and high-speed data connections. With 

this technology, surgeons can guide robotic instruments remotely, 

bringing expert surgical care to patients no matter where they are in 

the world. 

This technology is already being used for minimally invasive procedures 

like knee and hip replacements, but research is ongoing for 

its potential use in neurosurgery and spine procedures as well. 

2. 3D-Printed Organs: personalized solutions for 

transplant patients 

In the not-too-distant future, 3D bioprinting could bring an end 

to the era of long transplant waiting lists, offering personalized solutions 

to patients in urgent need of organ replacement. This innovative 

technology creates biological tissues and organ structures one 

layer at a time, employing a process similar to traditional 3D printing 

but using living cells — often called “bio-ink” — as the raw material. 

Since bio-ink is derived from the recipient’s cells, the body is 

more likely to accept the transplanted tissues as a part of itself, making 

lifelong immunosuppressive therapy less necessary. While fullscale 

3D-printed organs are still a couple of decades away, biotech 

firms like Vital3D are developing technologies to enhance the speed 

and precision of 3D bioprinting, making strides toward a future where 

organ scarcity is no longer an issue. 

(Photo credit: freepik) 

3. Nanomedicine: harnessing the power of the microscopic 

Nanomedicine is an innovative field of medical research in 

which nano-sized tools are used to navigate the body in ways 

previously unimaginable, targeting particular cells for treatment. 

One area where nanomedicine shines is in targeted drug delivery. 

Whereas traditional medication can affect both sick and healthy 

cells, nanoparticles can be designed to deliver drugs precisely to 

the diseased cells, minimizing side effects and boosting treatment 

efficacy. 

As research progresses, the application of nanomedicine has the 

promise to become a cornerstone in the future of minimally invasive 

treatments, providing a powerful tool in the fight against some of the 

most challenging diseases. 

4. CRISPR technology: revolutionizing genetic medicine 

A gene-editing technology known as CRISPR allows scientists 

to target specific segments of genetic code and replace or modify 

them with pinpoint accuracy. This technology is being developed at 

biotech firms around the world, including the Lithuania-based Caszyme, 

a startup that specializes in providing research services for 

CRISPR applications and creating new CRISPR-based molecular 

tools. 

Using such tools, researchers are making considerable headway 

in addressing health conditions like sickle cell anemia, congenital 

blindness, and heart disease at the genetic level. As ethical debates 

and research progress, CRISPR stands as one of the most groundbreaking 

and contentious medical technologies in modern science. 

5. Artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could improve the medical landscape 

at both administrative and diagnostic levels. AI’s capacity to sift 

through millions of scientific papers and patient records increases 

the ability of hospitals and physicians to dramatically improve patient 

care. For example, the startup Oxipit has developed AI solutions 

to help radiologists analyze medical images, lowering error rates and 

improving patient outcomes. 

The University of California, Irvine is also using AI-based tools 

to help doctors read brain scans of stroke victims, helping speed up 

the diagnosis and treatment processes in situations where time is of 

the essence. The integration of AI within healthcare is ongoing, and 

with each advancement, it promises not only to enhance the quality 

of care but also to substantially reduce healthcare costs, making cutting-edge 

medical services accessible to a broader population. 

Vital3D 

10224 Vilnius 

Lithuania 


page 10/33

IPAI Campus: By the end of 2027, the first buildings of the AI hotspot, which is unique in Europe, will be ready for occupancy 

and will become the home of the community on 23 hectares. © Ipai 

Artificial intelligence is the key technology of the future 

Hohenstein becomes 

part of the AI hotspot IPAI 

The testing service provider and research partner Hohenstein is 

joining the Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn. 

The topic of artificial intelligence is nothing new for the 

company: there are already points of contact with AI applications in 

some interdisciplinary research projects. In addition, there is the cooperation 

with the Munich-based start-up Sizekick and its AI-based 

technology for size recommendations, which aims to reduce size-related 

returns in online fashion retail. „We expect the connection to 

the IPAI AI network to provide us with valuable 

impulses to remain fit for the future,“ explains 

Hohenstein CEO Dr. Timo Hammer, „This unique 

platform brings together a wide variety of 

players with their experience and knowledge. 

New ideas, projects and even products can be 

generated with great dynamism in the network as an intelligent response 

to future requirements. Because one thing is clear - artificial 

intelligence is THE key technology of the future“. 

The Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn 

(www.ip.ai) sees itself as an innovation platform for applied 

AI and a German lighthouse project with international appeal. The 

center is intended to map the entire AI value chain, from the qualification 

of specialists to the application of ethically responsible 

AI. The aim is to use the AI ecosystem to bring together 

companies, start-ups, research institutions, scientists, 

and public institutions and to secure Germany‘s digital 

independence and competitiveness in a key future technology. 

Hohenstein - Quality to the point 

Dr. Timo Hammer, CEO Hohenstein is a family-owned company with more than 

Hohenstein © Hohenstein 75 years of experience in testing, certification, and research. 

With roots in the textile sector, the Hohenstein 

testing spectrum today includes both softlines and hardlines. 

Around the globe, more than 1,000 employees work on individual 

testing and service offerings and customized solutions related 

to product responsibility, sustainability, and market transparency. 

Customers from all over the world receive everything from a single 

source: Hohenstein accompanies companies along the entire value 

chain, from the testing process and certification to the marketing of 

their products. 

Hohenstein Stammsitz in Bönnigheim © Hohenstein 

Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG 

D 74357 Hohenstein 


page 11/33

Long-standing customer relationships and extensive expertise 

Leak Detection for Electric 

Vehicle Battery Production 

– Long-standing customer relationships and extensive expertise 

– Electric vehicles – decisive in reducing CO2 emissions 

– Tracer gas leak detection ensures quality 

Electric vehicles are a decisive factor in reducing CO2 emissions in 

road traffic. They store the energy required for propulsion in batteries 

and an electric motor converts it into motion. In contrast to combustion 

engines, no fossil fuels are required. 

If the batteries are charged with electricity 

from renewable energy sources, they 

even have a completely CO2-free energy 

balance. Today, lithium-ion batteries are 

used almost exclusively as accumulators. 

Vacuum technology is indispensable for 

their production. 

Tracer gas leak detection 

ensures quality 

The proper functioning, quality and 

safety of lithium-ion batteries, which are 

used as accumulators in electric vehicles, 

depends on their integrity and impermeability to external influences 

such as moisture ingress. For this reason, leak detection systems are 

used in battery production to check the batteries. Pfeiffer Vacuum 

supplies the necessary vacuum solutions from a single source. 

One of the world‘s leading battery manufacturers for the automotive 

industry is currently using test gas leak detection systems 

from Zeltwanger Leaktesting & Automation GmbH, which are 

equipped with complete solutions from Pfeiffer Vacuum. The systems 

must meet stringent requirements. The decisive factors here 

are achieving the required cycle time and high reproducibility of the 

battery cell test. 

Patrick Lange (Key Account Manager Pfeiffer Vacuum, right) and Jonas 

Klös (Market Manager Pfeiffer Vacuum, left) together with the project 

manager on the customer side, Markus Mattauch, (center) in front of a 

battery leak detection system. 

Enabled by Pfeiffer Vacuum technology, even the smallest leaks 

can be quantified and localized with the help of Zeltwanger‘s testing 

systems. This makes it possible to quickly eliminate leaks in a 

downstream production step. Changes 

to geometries and improvements to production 

methods and processes can be 

initiated based on the results obtained. 

This leads to quality improvements, increases 

the yield and reduces manufacturing 

and testing costs. 

Together with Zeltwanger, Pfeiffer 

Vacuum‘s team of experts designed the 

appropriate solutions - tailored to the end 

customer‘s requirements. 

Pfeiffer Vacuum is characterized by 

its know-how and expertise in leak testing 

and vacuum technology, combined 

with a broad product portfolio that offers 

the entire product range from a single source. Helium leak detectors 

from the ASI 35 series as well as valves, vacuum gauges, DuoLine, 

Hena and Pascal backing pumps and other components are used in 

the test system. 

“Since our entry into leak testing with helium a few years ago, we 

have acquired extensive expertise through intensive development 

work and close cooperation with leading suppliers of key components 

- including Pfeiffer Vacuum. In addition to innovative ideas 

and skillful implementation, this is one of the main reasons for our 

leading position today. The transfer of knowledge and the support of 

the Pfeiffer Vacuum application team helped us with the preparatory 

work for important orders and enabled us to experience a helpful 

learning curve,” explains Markus Mattauch, the responsible project 

manager at Zeltwanger. 

In the years leading up to project realization, the collaboration 

between Pfeiffer Vacuum and Zeltwanger was intensified. Zeltwanger 

had the opportunity to familiarize itself with the functionality 

of the technology in earlier projects. The concept for the vacuum 

components was developed in close cooperation with a view to performance, 

footprint and energy efficiency. The decisive factors were 

the short-term availability of the products and the well-known quality 

of Pfeiffer Vacuum. 

Markus Mattauch adds: “When a customer from the automotive 

industry enquired about the supply of test gas leak detection systems, 

Pfeiffer Vacuum was our first choice: Here, we can not only rely 

on impeccable quality and the immense know-how of the experts. 

The team also kept to our very tight schedule and provided us with 

excellent support.” 

Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH 

D 35614 Asslar 


page 12/33

The design pathfinding PDK lowers the threshold for academia and industry to access 

the most advanced semiconductor technologies 

Imec Launches the First Design 

Pathfinding Process Design Kit for N2 Node 

At the 2024 IEEE International Solid-State 

Circuits Conference (ISSCC), imec, a worldleading 

research and innovation hub in 

nanoelectronics and digital technologies, 

launches its open process design kit (PDK) 

with a concomitant training program offered 

through EUROPRACTICE. The PDK 

will enable virtual digital designs in imec’s 

N2 technology, including backside power 

delivery network. The PDK will be embedded 

in EDA tool suites, such as from Cadence 

Design Systems and Synopsys, providing 

broad access to advanced nodes for design 

pathfinding, system research and training. 

This will give academia and industry the 

tools to train the semiconductor experts of 

tomorrow and enable the industry to transition 

their products into next generations 

technologies through meaningful design 

pathfinding. 

Foundry PDKs give chip designers access 

to a library of tested and proven components 

to deliver functional and reliable 

designs. These are usually available to the 

ecosystem once the technology reaches a 

critical level of manufacturability. However, 

restricted access and the need for NDAs 

have created a high threshold for academia 

and industry to access advanced technology 

nodes during their development. Access 

to imec N2 PDK will help both academia 

and commercial companies: “If we want to 

engage a new generation of chip designers, 

we must provide them early access to the 

infrastructure needed to develop their design 

skills on the most advanced technology 

nodes. The accompanying training courses 

will get these designers up to speed as quickly 

as possible and acquaint them with the 

most recent technology disruptions such 

as nanosheet devices and wafer backside 

technology. The design pathfinding PDK 

will also help companies to transition their 

designs to future technology nodes and preempt 

scaling bottlenecks for their products.” 

says Julien Ryckaert, VP Logic Technologies. 

The design pathfinding PDK contains 

the necessary infrastructure for digital design 

based on a set of digital standard cell 

libraries and SRAM IP macros. In the future, 

the design pathfinding PDK platform will 

extend to more advanced nodes (e.g. A14). 

The training program will start early Q2, 

teaching subscribers the specificities of the 

N2 technology node and offering hands-on 

training on digital design platforms using 

the Cadence and the Synopsys EDA software. 

“Nurturing an engineering workforce 

that is equipped with the necessary technology 

to develop transformational products 

is critical to the semiconductor industry,” 

said Brandon Wang, vice president, technical 

strategy & strategic partnerships at 

Synopsys. “Imec’s design pathfinding PDK 

is an excellent example of how industry 

partnerships can broaden access to advanced 

process technology for the current and 

next generation of designers to accelerate 

their semiconductor innovation. Our collaboration 

with imec to deliver a certified, 

AI-driven EDA digital design flow for its N2 

PDK enables design teams to prototype and 

accelerate the transition to next-generation 

technologies using a virtual PDK-based design 

environment.” 

“Cadence is committed to working with 

universities and research institutions to 

drive innovation and support workforce development 

for the nano- and microelectronics 

industry,” said Yoon Kim, VP Cadence 

Academic Network. “Cadence and imec 

have a long history of successful collaboration 

on multiple projects, and the new imec 

design pathfinding PDK represents a major 

new milestone for training the next generation 

of silicon designers. Imec used all the 

tools in Cadence’s industry leading AI-driven 

digital and custom / analog full flows 

to create and validate the design pathfinding 

PDK, ensuring academia and industry 

partners have access to a complete Cadence 

flow at the most advanced nodes, enabling 

them to transition to the next generation of 

designs seamlessly.” 

The design pathfinding PDK allows for digital designs with 2nm Gate All Around (GAA) 

technology including backside connectivity. 

IMEC Belgium 

BL 3001 Leuven 


page 13/33

Pfeiffer Vacuum and GSI/FAIR honor 

Dr. Simon Lauber with FAIR-GSI PhD Award 

– Groundbreaking findings in ion beam technology 

– Vacuum technology an important trailblazer for research and development 

Dr. Simon Lauber was honored with the 

“FAIR-GSI PhD Award 2023” for his outstanding 

dissertation. In his dissertation, he 

studied the HELIAC, a novel superconducting 

linear accelerator built jointly by the 

Helmholtz Institute Mainz and GSI/FAIR 

Darmstadt: “Advanced numerical and experimental 

beam dynamics investigations for 

the cw-heavy ion linac HELIAC (HElmholtz 

LInear ACcelerator)”. HELIAC is intended 

to deliver intense continuouswave ion beams 

for cutting-edge research ranging from 

superheavy elements to materials science 

for decades to come. 

Professor Paolo Giubellino, Scientific 

Managing Director of FAIR (Facility for 

Antiproton and Ion Research in Europe) 

and GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion 

Research, as well as Daniel Sälzer, Managing 

Director of Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH, presented 

the award in a dedicated colloquium. 

Within the scope of his thesis work, 

Simon Lauber made vital and forward-looking 

contributions, which are of immense 

importance for the realization of the entire 

HELIAC project. In order to provide for 

proper phase-space matching, the complete 

six-dimensional phase space needs to be 

explicitly known. Recently, sufficient experimental 

data from a novel bunch-shape 

measurement device have been collected to 

reconstruct the longitudinal beam characteristics 

with an algorithm newly developed 

by Lauber. To measure the transverse phase 

space to be adapted to the acceptance of 

the superconducting part, Lauber designed, 

built, and commissioned a complex beam 

collimation system. This collimation system 

enabled pinpoint measurements of the HE- 

LIAC acceptance. 

Together with the method for reconstructing 

the longitudinal phase space, this is 

a crucial tool for tuning and optimizing the 

entire HELIAC. On the basis of a complex 

simulation code developed by Dr. Lauber, 

essential beam dynamics studies were performed 

for the construction of a normal 

conducting interdigital H-type drift tube 

structure for the acceleration of heavy ions 

in cw mode. The alternating phase focusing 

(APF) structure used for this purpose allows 

an accelerator setup without any additional 

focusing lenses, and thus the design 

of a very compact and efficient accelerator 

structure. 

In congratulating the award winner for 

his dedication to science, Pfeiffer Vacuum 

CEO Daniel Sälzer underlined that: “Pfeiffer 

Vacuum is firmly committed to promoting 

cutting-edge research. Vacuum technology 

made by Pfeiffer Vacuum has become 

indispensable for scientific research and 

offers the precision and reliability required 

for conducting complex experiments. Dr. 

Lauber deserves the highest accolade from 

us all for the dedication he has shown to research 

and science.” 

The annual FAIR-GSI PhD Award is 

presented to honor an excellent PhD thesis 

that was completed during the previous 

year. Eligible for nominations are dissertati- 

Übergabe des FAIR-GSI PhD Award G. Otto, GSI/FAIR 

ons that were supported by GSI in the context 

of GSI‘s strategic partnerships with the 

universities of Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Giessen, 

Heidelberg, Jena, and Mainz, or through 

the research and development program. In 

the framework of the Helmholtz Graduate 

School for Hadron and Ion Research (HGS- 

HIRe), more than 300 PhD students currently 

perform research for their PhD theses 

on topics closely related to GSI and FAIR. 

GSI has a long-standing partnership with 

the award sponsor, Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH. 

Pfeiffer Vacuum is a leading global provider 

of vacuum solutions. In addition to turbopumps, 

the product portfolio includes backing 

pumps, leak detectors, measuring and 

analysis devices, vacuum components, and 

vacuum chambers. Solutions from Pfeiffer 

Vacuum have been successfully used in 

GSI’s facilities for decades. 




page 14/33

The new Redipor® Beta Bag ensures the safe transfer of ready-to-use gamma-irradiated prepared media into sterile workspaces. 

New multiple-use sterile media transfer bags reduce time and risk during product 

transfer - optimising productivity in pharmaceutical production 

Cherwell launches Redipor® Beta Bags to 

support continuous manufacturing of sterile 

medicinal products 

Cherwell, cleanroom microbiology solutions expert, has launched 

the Redipor® Beta Bag to ensure the safe transfer of ready-to-use 

gamma-irradiated prepared media into sterile manufacturing environments. 

This new multiple-use product transfer bag can reduce 

risk, cost and time in environmental monitoring (EM) processes during 

continuous manufacturing of sterile medicinal products. 

Offered as a tailored solution, customers can specify the media, 

formulation and plate type contained within Redipor Beta Bags, depending 

on their sterile workflow needs. The new transfer bags are 

fully validated and compatible with 190mm Getinge Alpha Ports 

used in isolators and RABS, enabling contamination-free transfer of 

the Redipor plated media to maintain rapid production and significantly 

reduce risk. 

As the pharmacopoeia compliant media is gamma-irradiated 

within Redipor Beta Bags, this eliminates the time-consuming decontamination 

stage required during the standard transfer process 

of plated media into a sterile workspace for EM. Also streamlining 

processes, the bags can be attached to a Getinge Alpha Port up to 

four times without compromising integrity. Sleeves of plates can be 

stored in the bag and introduced as required, enabling continuous 

EM, freeing up isolator workspace, and minimising waste of plates 

and use of single-use plastic packaging. 

“We developed our new Redipor Beta Bag to simplify our customers’ 

sterile workflows during EM programmes for their isolators, 

whilst optimising safety and efficiency,” said Andy Whittard, Managing 

Director, Cherwell. “To achieve this, we focused on three key 

factors during our design process: the contamination-free transfer 

of Redipor prepared sterile media; time and cost savings for our customers’ 

processes; and ease-of-use.” 

Andy added, “Annex 1 is driving further risk reduction within 

the pharmaceutical sector. Product innovations, such as our Redipor 

Beta Bag range, will be needed to keep pace with these changing 

needs and give our customers a competitive advantage. This new 

product also supports sustainability initiatives as it reduces need for 

single-use plastic, use of harmful VHP, and unused plate wastage.” 

The Company has created a short video to demonstrate how the 

Redipor Beta Bag truly simplifies customers’ workflows, giving processes 

greater adaptability, while ensuring maximum safety of products 

manufactured, and ultimately patients. 

Cherwell provides a comprehensive range of Redipor prepared 

media options, with room temperature stability and long shelf-life, 

specifically designed for EM in controlled environments. The new 

Redipor Beta Bag, which is available with a GS1-compliant data matrix 

barcode, is a versatile addition to this well-established range, 

ensuring that the highest levels of production and patient safety is 

achieved. 

Cherwell Laboratories Ltd 

OX26 4XB BICESTER 

United Kingdom 


page 15/33

PFAS analysis: Reliably detecting 

eternity chemicals 

– Planned ban on PFAS requires wide range of analysis methods 

– New devices, reference materials & co. for product control 

– analytica conference: PFAS in the focus of science 

Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl 

substances (PFAS) are colloquially known 

as “eternity chemicals” due to their persistence 

in the environment. PFAS do not 

occur naturally, but they can be found in 

all sorts of things from food packaging and 

outdoor textiles to seals and hoses. This 

group of substances, which comprises over 

10,000 compounds and is generally considered 

harmful to health, could soon be 

banned throughout the EU. The European 

Chemicals Agency is currently preparing a 

comprehensive regulation. When it comes 

into force, a number of products will have to 

be tested for PFAS before being put on the 

market. It is therefore hardly surprising that 

the further development of PFAS analysis is 

in full swing and is one of the biggest talking 

points at analytica 2024. 

New instruments for PFAS analysis 

At analytica, all major manufacturers of 

devices for PFAS analysis will be present, 

including Agilent, Analytik Jena, Bruker, 

Gerstel, PerkinElmer, Shimadzu, Thermo 

Fisher and Waters. Conventional PFAS 

detection is based on the coupling of liquid 

chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry 

(MS). For highly volatile, small 

PFAS, however, gas chromatography with 

MS detection is more suitable. Alternatively, 

nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) 

spectroscopy and fluorine-specific detection, 

for example via Inductively Coupled 

Plasma (ICP)-MS, can be used. In view of 

the diversity of the substance group, which 

includes small gaseous substances as well 

as fluoropolymers, and the numerous products 

whose PFAS content must be monitored, 

various analysis techniques are required. 

analytica will provide information 

on the entire range of methods. Visitors can 

also look forward to new devices that help 

screen for thousands of unknown PFAS 

and reduce both the detection limit and the 

required sample quantity. 

Certified reference materials and analytical 

standards guarantee the reliability of 

PFAS analysis. The Joint Research Center 

of the European Commission and suppliers 

such as Campro Scientific, CPAchem, Labmix 

24, LGC Standards and Romil will be 

providing information on this at analytica. 

PFAS are difficult analytes because they 

adhere strongly to the walls of sample containers 

and other surfaces, making them 

difficult to detect. Isotope-labelled standards 

can be used to detect such effects and 

determine their recovery. 

The challenge of high blank values 

The biggest problem with PFAS analysis is 

the high blank values, as solvents and other 

consumables often contain traces of PFAS 

due to the production process. In addition, 

laboratory plastic articles and components 

of analyzers are often made of the fluoroplastic 

polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 

which also leads to PFAS contamination 

and thus to high blank values. Some device 

manufacturers offer “PFAS-free kits” for 

LC/MS to replace tubes and other components 

which contain PFAS. Delay columns 

are also available for LC so that contaminants 

from the analysis system have a different 

retention time than the actual analytes. 

The analytica conference is dedicated 

to the PFAS issue as well, for example on 

April 9 at 11 a.m. in the session “Novel threats 

to food safety”. On April 10 at 2 p.m. in 

the session “Tracking anthropogenic emissions”, 

there will be an update from Brussels 

on the status of the planned regulation and 

the challenges of PFAS analysis. The Bunsen-Kirchhoff 

Award session on April 11 will 

focus on the detection of PFAS as a sum parameter. 

The analytica conference will take 

place at the ICM – International Congress 

Center Munich, near the exhibition halls, 

and is free of charge for all analytica visitors. 

At analytica, the topic will also be addressed 

in the Forum Laboratory & Analysis. 

Here, exhibitors will present specific 

analysis methods for PFAS chemicals, for 

example in the presentation “Advanced 

techniques for PFAS analysis with LC/MS” 

by Agilent. 

The combination of international trade 

fair and scientific conference offers contract 

laboratories, production plants and 

quality controllers from a wide range of industries 

the ideal opportunity to prepare for 

an EU-wide ban on the entire PFAS substance 

group. 

Messe München GmbH 

D 81823 München 


page 16/33

Das zentrale Event der Reinraum- und Prozessbranche 

Buchen Sie jetzt mit dem Code rronline2024 Ihr kostenloses 

Besucher-Ticket oder sichern Sie sich mit dem PREMIUM-Ticket 

50 % Rabatt* auf den Zugang zu allen Videos der Fach- und 

Schulungsvorträge der LOUNGES 2024 in Karlsruhe! 

*bei Buchung und Zahlungseingang bis 15. April 2024 

www.cleanroom-processes.de 

Die Plattform der Reinraum- und Prozesstechnikbranche 

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com 

NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 03-2024 

page 17/33

Die Aussteller der LOUNGES 2024 in Karlsruhe 


page 18/33

Stand 28.02.2024 


page 19/33

Cleanzone 2024 is very high in demand 

amongst the cleanroom industry 

The international trade fair Cleanzone is taking up speed; anticipation for the special event for the cleanroom industry is 

growing. Numerous companies have already announced their participation in the event taking place on 25 and 26 September 

2024 in Frankfurt am Main. 

An ever-increasing number of industries are using cleanroom technology. 

The market is growing steadily and with it the importance 

of Cleanzone trade fair and conference. Even today, around seven 

months before the start of the show, numerous well-known companies 

have already registered. „Around 30 per cent more space than in 

the same period last year has already been booked,“ says a delighted 

Anja Diete, Show Director of Cleanzone. „The number of registrations 

is up as well. We will see a number of new faces and many exhibitors 

who keep returning since the first edition in 2012. That makes 

us very happy.“ 

The positive response shows that there is a strong demand for 

an interdisciplinary and international dialogue platform. The special 

event is aimed at the entire spectrum of all industries producing and 

working in cleanrooms and offers a comprehensive overview of the 

market. 

New faces and well-known contacts 

Many national and international top players from the cleanroom industry 

are taking part this year, around 30 per cent of whom are new 

exhibitors. 

Newcomers such as Octanorm Bauelemente, Icotek, AM Instruments 

and Getinge will be presenting their cleanroom expertise, 

as will long-standing participants including Daldrop + Dr. Ing. Huber, 

Kemmlit Bauelemente, Cleanroom.de, Ortner Reinraumtechnik, 

Dastex Reinraumzubehör, CWS Cleanrooms, Bardusch GmbH and 

Decontam. 

The complete exhibitor search will be available on the website 

from the end of June 2024. 

An essential event for all participants 

Statements of this year‘s exhibitors reflect the importance of crosstechnology 

dialogue and networking. „We have been exhibiting regularly 

at Cleanzone from the very beginning,“ says Christian Hage, 

Managing Director of cleanroom manufacturer Daldrop + Dr. Ing. 

„The fact that the entire cleanroom industry is represented at the 

trade fair is the most important factor for us.“ 

Jörg Mesenich, Sales Director at CWS Cleanrooms, is already 

looking forward to the trade fair in September: „Cleanzone is important 

for us because it offers an international audience and professional 

dialogue at the highest level. As the entire value chain can 

be experienced there, it creates the perfect setting for us as a fullservice 

provider.“ 

Cleanzone is also a good platform for packaging expert KWP 

GmbH. „At a time when the demands for cleanroom technologies 

and hygienic production processes are constantly increasing, we 

see Cleanzone as an ideal opportunity to present our innovations, 

products and services and enter into a constructive dialogue with 

experts,“ remarks Alena Meza, Junior Account Manager at KWP. 

Cleanzone Conference as a knowledge transfer platform 

Trade fair visitors can look forward to an ambitious event programme. 

The Cleanzone Conference will once again inspire with topclass 

lectures. The Cleanzone Award supports companies in their 

endeavours to launch innovative products on the market. The award 

is being presented at Cleanzone since 2012. 

Opportunity for high-quality leads 

In 2022, a total of 1,500 participants from 38 countries visited the trade 

fair. In addition to Germany, the most important visitor countries 

included the Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland, Ireland, France, the 

UK, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden. The degree of internationality 

reached around 30 per cent. Most of the visitors came 

from the pharmaceutical industry, microelectronics and biotechnology. 

54 per cent were high-ranking corporate decision-makers, 46 

per cent had the intention to make specific investments. A similar 

visitor structure is expected for 2024, offering the opportunity to generate 

high-quality leads. 

Cleanzone 2024 has already received a high number of registrations. 

(Source: Messe Frankfurt) 

cleanzone 

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH 

Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1 

D 60327 Frankfurt am Main 

Telefon: +49 69 75756290 

Telefax: +49 69 757596290 

eMail: anja.diete@messefrankfurt.com 

Internet: https://cleanzone.messefrankfurt.com 


page 20/33

PaintExpo 2024 Hosts Numerous World and German Premieres 

PaintExpo 2024: Innovative Power 

in the Coating Technology Industry 

A large number of world, German and trade fair premieres will inspire visitors to PaintExpo from 9 to 12 April 2024 in Karlsruhe. 

Professionals from all areas of the coating technology industry including contract coating companies and in-house 

coating services can look forward to numerous forward-looking innovations. PaintExpo thus emphasises once again that it 

is the global showcase for industry trends and the most significant platform in the coating technology sector. 

The products and services presented at PaintExpo 2024 cover the 

full range of industrial coating. As the world’s leading trade fair for 

industrial coating technology, PaintExpo unites coating solutions 

for all industrial sectors, applications and materials under one roof 

and covers everything from wet coating and powder coating to coil 

coating. Products and services on show at the trade fair range from 

surface treatment products, paints and paint systems to final quality 

assurance. 

„Visitors travelling to PaintExpo in April can look forward to a 

wealth of cutting-edge innovations. The exhibitors will be demonstrating 

their innovative strength by unveiling many products for the 

first time anywhere in Germany or the world,“ reports Project Director 

Mariella Riedel. „Over the four days of the trade fair, visitors can 

also experience pragmatic solutions for increasing quality, resourceefficient 

production and digitalisation of their manufacturing processes 

live.“ 

Exciting World Premieres in the Spotlight 

Walther Trowal will be showcasing for the first time the new Rotamat 

R 100 designed for coating elastomer sealing components with 

bonded and decorative coatings. The latest addition to the Rotamat 

series can coat three times as many parts per batch as the next-largest 

system, the exhibitor reports. According to the company, one of 

the reasons why it developed the new machine is because several 

contract coaters were looking for ways to process greater numbers of 

large, flat seals in a single batch. 

OptiSense is presenting its latest innovation for the first time. 

The PaintChecker Line and PaintChecker Angle laser sensors have 

been redesigned to eliminate the need for an additional housing 

bracket, thereby saving time during installation and simplifying assembly. 

According to OptiSense, its new generation of sensors can 

withstand even the harshest environments thanks to the robust 

(Copyright: Leipziger Messe GmbH / Tom Schulze) 

industrial casing. The light source for the sensors is a diode laser, 

which brings with it the advantages of semiconductor technology 

such as a long service life, exceptional efficiency and full resistance 

to vibration. 

Fast, Precise Automated Sprayers and 

Efficient System Technologies 

Visitors to the trade fair can look forward to many more product 

launches and highlights. At the Krautzberger stand, they can find out 

all about the new DUO A 22, for example. This automated spray gun 

can be switched on and off quickly and precisely, producing a perfect 

spray pattern with low overspray and high material efficiency. As 

Krautzberger points out, these benefits are the result of a new preliminary 

and post-air control system together with innovative details, 

low weight and an advanced air nozzle system. 

On the other hand, Heimer will be presenting its system technology 

that offers improved efficiency and less usage of resources. 

According to the manufacturer of paint application systems and industrial 

ventilation technology, the company has improved its combustion 

chambers to achieve firing efficiency levels of more than 93 

per cent. Its air circulation technology in paint booths utilises rotary 

heat exchangers and attains heat recovery rates of more than 70 per 

cent. As Heimer points out, these results represent a significant increase 

in efficiency. 

New Coatings Save Energy and Reduce Process Costs 

Numerous new developments by paint manufacturers will be in the 

spotlight at PaintExpo 2024. In the machine tool, plant engineering, 

drive and conveyor technology sectors, for instance, demands on industrial 

coatings have risen sharply in terms of resistance and optics. 

At the same time, these types of coatings remain subject to economic 

considerations as customers look for the labour-saving benefits 

of one-coat paints and short drying times. To meet these needs, Geholit+Wiemer 

has launched its new WIEREGEN-D133S-Struktur, a 

one-coat 2K PUR texture paint that is highly resistant to chemicals 

and scratches and has a uniform structure, ensuring that it looks extremely 

good while delivering reliable protection. The paint adheres 

to various types of surfaces and is applied in one step, saving energy 

and process costs, Geholit+Wiemer explains. 

At the FreiLacke stand, visitors can find out more about an improved 

paint formulation for agricultural machinery. By redesigning 

an ultra-high-solids system for agricultural machinery, the paint 

manufacturer has achieved significant reductions in emissions. The 

company has also optimised the paint structure, making it ideally 

suited for industrial products and construction equipment of all 

kinds. Both components – primer and topcoat – contain solvents 


page 21/33

and are based on a polyurethane/isocyanate-crosslinking polyacrylate 

resin, which serves as a binder. According to the company, the 

solvent-based primer offers considerable corrosion protection and 

adheres well to various surfaces, such as steel – including sandblasted 

steel or steel treated with iron phosphate – and stainless steel. 

International Exhibitors Are Showcasing Numerous Innovations 

PaintExpo has much to offer at an international level and the proportion 

of international exhibitors is currently at more than 40 per 

cent. These include the Polish company Ecoline who is attending 

the trade fair to provide information about a new robot-controlled 

powder coating system that uses a range of patented solutions and 

modern technologies including a modular robotic powder-coating 

booth. According to the exhibitor, the booth guarantees rapid powder 

removal thanks to its sandwich-like, layered wall structure. The 

absorption system consists of a connecting channel and a highly efficient 

cyclone. 

The Swiss exhibitor coatmaster will be presenting the next generation 

of the coatmaster Flex, a mobile solution for non-contact 

coating-thickness measurements. The new feature of this instrument 

is its accelerated measuring speed. It can complete more than 

ten measurements in less than 20 seconds. According to the company, 

this could also optimise the measuring range and accuracy of 

the readings in both the upper and lower layer thickness range. But 

that is not all: Users of the coatmaster Flex can also benefit from the 

fact that the improvements were made entirely in the cloud, thus eliminating 

the need for manual intervention on the instrument itself. 

Ticket Shop Open, Online Exhibitor 

and Product Directory Offers New Features 

Visitors can now buy tickets to the trade fair from the online ticket 

shop on the PaintExpo website. The exhibitor and product directory, 

where visitors can search for company and product information before, 

during and after PaintExpo, is also online on the website. 

Furthermore, visitors to the trade fair can look forward to some 

new additions. This year‘s PaintExpo will include special interest 

topics. With a focus on sustainability, careers and live experiences, 

this new category gives exhibiting companies the opportunity to select 

their relevant special-interest products and services and then 

present them accordingly in the exhibitor and product directory in 

the run-up to the trade fair. This enables visitors to use the digital 

supplement to specifically search these topics when choosing what 

to explore at PaintExpo in Karlsruhe. 

Leipziger Messe GmbH 

D 04356 Leipzig 

Business location China 

PCS for a growing market 

Schreiner Group has been present in China for 15 years now, for more than eight years with an own production site. The 

world‘s largest market for the automotive industry plays a decisive role for Schreiner ProTech‘s Shanghai/Jinshan business 

unit and the supply of customers from the automotive industry. 

Many of Schreiner Group‘s customers are well-known global players 

who are also active in China. Being present locally as a strategic 

partner for these customers, to produce and to support the customer 

in the best possible way was a central concern from the outset: „The 

Chinese market is a stronghold when it comes to the electrification 

of vehicles. And high-quality Pressure Compensation Seals are a 

Plenty of space and lots of potential: Schreiner Group‘s production 

site is located in Shanghai‘s Jinshan district. 

small but indispensable building block in this production chain. For 

this reason, it is extremely important that we are also represented 

locally with our products and expertise,“ explains Adrian Marggraf, 

Product Manager for Pressure Compensation Seals at Schreiner 

ProTech. 

The building in the Jinshan district, to which the company moved 

around a year ago, offers plenty of space for Schreiner Group‘s 

business units and the opportunity to grow. The topic of technical 

cleanliness is also increasingly coming into focus in production in 

the Far East. 

With the newly founded Processcenter Pressure Compensation 

Seals (PC PCS) at Schreiner Group‘s headquarter in Oberschleissheim, 

Germany, the team in Jinshan has a perfect template. „Currently,“ 

says Marggraf, „there are already personnel locks and cleanliness 

chambers in Shanghai. We are in direct contact and further 

measures are being implemented step by step to further increase the 

already high quality of our PCS.“ 

Increasing the high-quality production of pressure compensation 

elements, strengthening its market presence and responding 

to the growing market potential - these are the goals with which 

Schreiner ProTech is building on its location in China. 

Schreiner ProTech 

D 85764 Oberschleissheim 


page 22/33

ARBURG at Chinaplas 2024 

Chinaplas 2024: Focus on 

mobility and automation 

– arburgSOLUTIONworld: Consultation on digitalisation, sustainability and service 

– Broad spectrum presented: Turnkey systems and innovations for automotive, medical and LSR 

– Local business partner Arburg: Flexlift robotic system specially designed for Asia 

At Chinaplas, which takes place from 23 to 26 April 2024, Arburg will present itself as a comprehensive technology and 

system partner for the efficient production of plastic parts. At stand D 42 in hall 4.1, the focus will be on applications for the 

automotive and medical industries. Three Allrounder exhibits will demonstrate the fully automatic overmoulding of inserts, 

the processing of liquid silicone (LSR) and the production of sophisticated medical components. In addition to injection 

moulding technology, Arburg will showcase additive manufacturing and automation and offer trade visitors comprehensive 

and individual advice in the interactive arburgSOLUTIONworld exhibition area. 

„At Chinaplas 2024, we will be exhibiting in the same hall as the 

Asian injection molding machine manufacturers for the first time, 

bringing us even closer to our local customers.The mobility sector 

in particular, and especially electric vehicles in the mid and upper 

price segments, are successful in the Chinese market. This is why 

we have focused our exhibits on this area,“ emphasises Zhao Tong, 

Managing Director of the Arburg organisations in China. „At arburg- 

SOLUTIONworld, we are pooling our consulting expertise at the 

trade fair stand. China has built the world‘s largest 5G network and 

digital transformation is currently a hot topic for our customers. Our 

experts will be on hand to answer questions and present our digital 

products as well as automation solutions and services.“ 

arburgSOLUTIONworld 

The unique interactive exhibition area „arburgSOLUTIONworld“ 

is not only an eye-catcher, but also offers trade visitors real added 

value. Arburg experts will be on hand at five stations around a fourmetre-high 

LED column to provide customised consultations - for 

example on the use of the arburgXworld customer portal and the 

Arburg host computer system ALS. Other key topics include increasing 

efficiency through automation, advice on injection moulds, the 

arburgGREENworld sustainability programme and all aspects of service 

and training. 

Injection moulding highlights and automation 

At the Arburg Technology Factory Pinghu, machines are built to customer 

specifications, automated if necessary and tested intensively. 

This also applies to the Chinaplas exhibits, where automation components 

and moulds also come from Asian suppliers. This includes 

an Allrounder 1600 T rotary table machine, which overmoulds metal 

inserts with glass fibre-reinforced PA6 in a 4-cavity mould from 

Concraft to produce connecting parts for the mobility sector. The 

demanding handling tasks in this turnkey system are performed by a 

Kuka six-axis robot. 

The Allrounder 470 H with innovative hybrid machine technology 

is another highlight. It is particularly good at saving energy and 

conserving resources, and is efficient in production, user-friendly 

and reliable. The new machine from the Hidrive series was presented 

for the first time in the anniversary year 2023 and has been 

available worldwide together with the sizes 520 and 570 since spring 

2024. The exhibit manufactures adapters from polycarbonate for 

medical technology and is automated with a Flexlift. This linear robotic 

system from Arburg is designed as an entry-level solution for 

the automated production of moulded parts and is available exclusively 

for the Asian market. 

The third injection moulding exhibit, an electric Allrounder 470 

E Golden Electric, produces precise LSR components for the automotive 

industry. The machine is equipped with an 8-cavity mould 

and is also automated with a Flexlift linear robotic system. 

Industrial additive manufacturing 

Chinaplas is the most important trade fair in Asia for Arburg. 

From 23 to 26 April 2024, Arburg will present itself at stand D 42 

in hall 4.1 as a comprehensive technology and system partner 

for the efficient production of plastic parts. (Photo: Arburg) 

At Chinaplas 2024, Arburg will be demonstrating the benefits and 

added value that can be achieved through industrial additive manufacturing 

with a Freeformer. Using Arburg Plastic Freeforming 

(APF), functional parts, operating equipment and robotic grippers 

can be 3D printed based on original plastic granulates, even from 

very soft materials and in hard/soft combinations. 

ARBURG GmbH + Co KG 

D 72290 Loßburg 


page 23/33

“Questions? Get the Answers 

at Fakuma 2024!” 

Exhibitors and expert visitors will meet at the 29th Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing from the 15th 

through the 19th of October, 2024. Roughly eight months before the trade fair opens, it looks like the exhibition halls in 

Friedrichshafen will be jam-packed once again this year: approximately 1000 exhibitors from 35 countries have already 

registered – discussions and preparations are running at full bore. 

Twelve exhibition halls and several foyer 

areas were almost entirely booked out in 

October 2023 with 1636 exhibitors from 40 

countries – 10% more than at the previous 

Fakuma in 2021. “It looks like Fakuma 2024 

will also be close to fully booked out again,” 

says Annemarie Schur, Fakuma project manager 

at trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. 

“We’re extremely busy and our discussions 

are currently in full swing! High levels of 

internationalism, satisfied exhibitors, enthusiastic 

expert visitors, forward-looking 

topics – we’ll surely experience a plastics 

celebration once again this year,” confirms 

the project manager. 

“Fakuma is one of the world’s most important 

trade fairs on our agenda,” emphasises 

Michael Wittmann, president of Wittmann 

Technology in Vienna. “Fakuma has 

managed to retain its relaxed atmosphere, 

even though it’s becoming more and more 

important at the international level. Typical 

Fakuma visitors are highly qualified, thus 

making it possible to engage in especially 

intensive, top-quality discussions.” Wittmann 

stresses the strong thematic focus on 

the requirements of the trade fair visitors. 

Market-ready innovations are showcased at 

Fakuma, which yield immediate benefits for 

business operations. 

Fakuma is also a must-attend event for 

Dr. Friedrich Kastner, managing director of 

Collin Lab & Pilot Solutions in Maitenbeth, 

Germany: “Fakuma is one of the most important 

trade fairs for us in Europe, which 

is why we were on hand again in 2023 with 

three companies from the NGA Group. The 

clear-cut focus on the plastics industry is 

highly convincing and is also reflected by 

the large number of visitors at our booth, as 

well as the outstanding exhibitor mix.” 

Europe’s Most Important Trade Fair this 

Year 

At the beginning of February 2024, the Fakuma 

Exhibitor Advisory Board pushed the 

symbolic start button for the industry highlight 

at a committee meeting. “Fakuma is the 

The regular work meeting of the Fakuma Advisory Board took place on 06.02.2024. 

From left to right: Andreas Wittur, P. E. Schall; Bernd Schäfer, Deifel; Bettina Schall, P. E. Schall; 

Dr. Christoph Schumacher, Arburg; Annemarie Schur, P. E. Schall; Rüdiger Dzuban, Oni-Wärmetrafo; 

Prof. Dr. Werner Koch, Koch-Technik; Susanne Zinckgraf, Wittmann (Image: Schall) 

most important trade fair for plastics processors 

in Europe this year,” says Dr. Christoph 

Schumacher, head of global marketing at Arburg. 

“Processors get straight answers at the 

event. They find out what they can do to improve 

operations, and how they can increase 

their efficiency and firm up their resilience, 

which is especially important in economically 

difficult times.” 

Fakuma is a genuine working trade fair 

– pragmatic and highly practical. The triedand-tested 

format is highly esteemed by all 

involved parties. Rüdiger Dzuban, head of 

marketing at ONI-Wärmetrafo, also emphasises 

the direct benefits for Fakuma’s expert 

visitors: “For us, as well as for our customers 

and target groups, Fakuma is one of the most 

important trade fairs in the German-speaking 

regions extending as far as Italy and 

Poland. Emphasis is always focussed on how 

we can solve potential problems together!” 

For Werner Koch as well, managing director 

of Werner Koch Maschinentechnik, there’s 

no question that mutual, pragmatic problem 

solving is of the essence: “Fakuma is a very 

important trade fair because we bring people 

together here and show them how they can 

do an even better job.” Efficiency – in terms 

of energy, processes and resources – is a very 

pressing issue this year. “By taking a holistic 

approach, we’re able to identify and leverage 

enormous potential,” continues Koch, emphasising 

the major benefits. “In addition to 

maintaining customer relations, we’re also 

able to establish new contacts at Fakuma 

and generate orders, from which we benefit 

as a company. And not least of all, we greatly 

appreciate Fakuma’s unique charm!” 

Materials, Processes, Energy: 

the Focus is on Efficiency! 

Efficiency will be a key topic at Fakuma 2024 

– on several levels and from a variety of perspectives. 

Increased efficiency in terms of 

materials and energy consumption is crucial, 

as are process efficiency and the efficient 

operation of production systems, because 

in light of the current shortages of qualified 

personnel, consistently high levels of quality 

can only be achieved reliably with easy-touse 

control systems and digital assistance. 

As a result of the new Energy Efficiency Act, 

German plastics processors will be challenged 

to a much greater extent to realise their 

full potential. Fakuma exhibitors will provide 

tools and solutions for the challenges of 

efficiency, the conservation of resources 

and sustainability. “There’s lots to be done – 

come to Fakuma and get the answers you’re 


page 24/33

looking for!”, exclaims Dr. Christoph Schumacher with reference to 

the plastics processor’s routine daily work. 

The overall focus of Fakuma is thus on digitalisation, automation, 

flexibility, energy efficiency and sustainability. The establishment of 

closed-loop material flows, product optimisation targeted at recycling 

and the processing of recyclates for high-end applications will 

also be at the top of the agenda in 2024. Innovations in the field of 

injection moulding technology are being eagerly awaited – systems 

with all-electric drives that make machines flexible and powerful, 

and raise them to a new level of efficiency. Traditionally, impressive 

injection moulding machines have always been fascinating eye-catchers 

and crowd-pullers. 

Recycling and Circular Economy are Becoming Increasingly 

Concrete 

Fakuma is advancing a significant development: holistic product 

conceptualisation and the promotion of recycling and degradability. 

Design for recycling – this goal is taking shape to an ever-greater 

extent. Future-proof solutions for packaging, recycling compounds 

and alternatives to metal are therefore just as much in focus at the 

trade fair as machines for grinding and crushing, cooling systems 

and energy-efficient mould temperature control technology, systems 

for process monitoring and data acquisition, as well as innovations 

from the field of industrial 3D printing. The increasing use 

of renewable instead of fossil-based raw materials will be a further 

topic for discussion as well. 

All plastics processors and users are cordially invited: the industry 

sector is looking forward to meeting again in Friedrichshafen 

with many further developments and future-oriented solutions at 

the 29th Fakuma from the 15th through the 19th of October, 2024. 

P. E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG 

D 72636 Frickenhausen 

ACHEMA Start-up Award: Ten start-ups 

that want to change the process industry 

Sustainability and digitalization are megatrends that are not only 

shaping the process industry as a whole, but also the list of finalists 

for this year‘s ACHEMA Start-up Award. For the fourth time, DE- 

CHEMA, High-Tech Gründerfonds and the Business Angels FrankfurtRheinMain 

were looking for entrepreneurial scientists and founders 

with an affinity for technology. The ten finalists have now been 

selected to present their companies and technologies in Frankfurt 

/ Germany during ACHEMA 2024 from June 10-14 in the Start-up 

Area in Hall 6.0 and in the pitch session on June 12 on the Green 

Innovation Stage. At the award ceremony following the session, the 

overall winner will be announced, who will also receive prize money 

of 15,000 euros. 

These are the finalists of the ACHEMA Start-up Award 2024: 

– Biosimo AG wants to drive the transformation of the chemical 

industry towards greater sustainability with basic chemicals made 

from renewable raw materials. 

– ChemInnovation has developed the AI model METIS. It enables 

the automated structural elucidation of unknown molecules 

based on mass spectra. 

– co2ol catalyst uses a robust catalyst to produce methanol from 

CO2 - even from sources that could previously only be used with 

additional purification stages. 

– eco:fibr has developed an extraction process with which pulp for 

the paper and cardboard industry can be obtained from pineapple 

plant residues. 

– Graph-Co offers the digitization and migration of technical flow 

charts for the process industry under the brand name Graph-ID. 

– Inline Process Solutions GmbH analyzes particle flows in plants 

inline with the help of image-optical AI-based sensor technology. 

– LABMaiTE GmbH fully automatically optimizes the culture 

media for fermentative bioprocesses and thus accelerates 

their development. 

– Nanolope offers versatile insulating materials based on a phase 

change material. 

– PHABIOC develops innovative tools, microplates and analyzers 

for small-scalescreening on a small scale and with a high 

throughput rate in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. 

– re.solution recycles textiles containing polyester using a chemical 

process with renewable energy and low water and chemical 

consumption. 

The significantly higher number of applications compared to previous 

years shows that start-ups are now an integral part of the process 

industry. Nevertheless, founders today still need staying power and a 

good network. The ACHEMA Start-up Award aims to contribute to 

this by literally putting start-ups in the spotlight. By participating in 

ACHEMA free of charge, they have the opportunity to present their 

technologies and products to the global community and to establish 

contacts with suppliers, customers and cooperation partners. 

The ACHEMA Founders‘ Award is sponsored by DECHEMA 

Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V., DE- 

CHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH, Business Angels FrankfurtRhein- 

Main e.V. and High-Tech Gründerfonds. The ACHEMA Start-up 

Award is also supported by the German Chemical Society (GDCh), 

the Association of German Engineers (VDI), the German Chemical 

Industry Association (VCI), the AiF InnovatorsNet, BCNP Consultants, 

the Business Angels Network Germany and the Forum Startup 

Chemie. 

DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH 

D 60486 Frankfurt am Main 


page 25/33

In March 2024, Anuga FoodTec will show how hygienic design and innovative 

technologies can contribute towards efficient cleaning and thus towards safer food. 

Anuga FoodTec 2024: 

A guarantee for safe food 

Process hygiene is one of the most important themes at Anuga FoodTec 2024. The linchpin of process hygiene is hygienic 

design, in other words the easy-to-clean design of parts and production systems. Food and beverage producers, who want 

to guarantee that their plant is the best from an „easy-to-clean“ point of view, will be able to find a multitude of solutions at 

the Cologne fair grounds - ranging from process instrumentation, to conveyor systems in washdown execution, through to 

fully-automatic CIP systems. The events and congresses scheduled to take place at the fair grounds in Cologne from 19 to 22 

March 2024 will also convey related know-how. 

The easy-to-clean design of parts and components is a key requirement 

in the hygiene-critical environment of food production. The 

theme in itself is nothing new. For almost 35 years the European 

machinery directive has demanded that a system is constructed in 

such a way that the materials that come into contact with food can 

be cleaned before every usage. This is primarily down to the machine 

builders and their technology partners, because whether it is a question 

of a pump, valve or flow meter: Changes to built-in components 

or the machinery itself are hardly possible at a later date and, if so, 

involve high costs. 

As such, hygienic design is at the top of the agenda for the companies 

exhibiting at Anuga FoodTec - but not only because it is a 

legal obligation. Namely, the cleanability has a major influence on 

the process safety. Even the slightest contaminations in the production 

and filling processes can lead to quality reductions or product 

recalls. The material itself is an important aspect of hygienic design. 

Process plants made of stainless steel dominate the scene in the 

food industry today. High-alloy steel with a roughness lower than 0.8 

micrometres is considered to be the ideal hygienic material, but does 

not guarantee easy cleanability on its own. Manufacturing an „old 

design“ from stainless steel doesn‘t help. 

Constructions without corners and edges 

A glance at the guidelines of the European Hygienic Equipment Design 

Group (EHEDG) makes it clear immediately: How clean a system 

really is after the cleaning process depends above all on the state 

of the surfaces that come into contact with products, the cleaning of 

which has to be carried out automatically. The most important design 

principles include the avoidance of horizontal surfaces, sharp 

edges and corners - because only if the cleaning process can be carried 

out residue-free, is it possible to rule out contaminations in food 

and cross-contaminations following a product change. In the case of 

closed processes like those typical for the beverage and milk industry, 

one should make sure that dead spaces, where microorganisms 

can accumulate, are avoided. The risk of contamination of the environment 

plays an important additional role in the case of the open 

processes of the meat and bakery industry. 

The materials that don‘t come into contact with products also 

have to be easy to clean and the surfaces should be smooth. For instance, 

a consistent seamless design and overhanging 30-degree 

angles with horizontal drip edges ensure that cleaning liquids drip 

off quickly and reliably. Beyond this a multitude of further constructive 

measures guarantee that the machines withstand high-pressure 

cleaning even at high temperatures and when using chemical cleaning 

agents. For instance for drives and control cabinets this means 

they have to comply with protection class IP69K. 

Automatic cleaning without dismantling 

The biggest challenge for the food manufacturers is coordinating 

the lines that produce in batch mode operation with the cleaning 


page 26/33

process. Anuga FoodTec is thus also focusing on innovative technologies 

for the automation of the cleaning as well for monitoring 

the level of cleanliness achieved. For example nozzle plates can be 

attached at strategic places on a conveyor system to ensure that every 

centimetre of the conveyor belt is disinfected to avoid microbial 

growth. Furthermore, the implementation of inline measuring devices 

allows the control of pre-programmed washdown processes 

and contributes towards the reduction of cleaning times, production 

losses and resources. The downtimes are also reduced - without exception 

advantages that also occur as a result of monitoring a CIP 

process (cleaning-in-place process) and that also lead to an optimisation 

of the heat, cleaning agent and water consumption, all of 

which are points that the key theme of Anuga FoodTec addresses. 

CIP enables a fast and efficient cleaning of systems without 

them having to be dismantled. Depending on the respective products 

manufactured, the cleaning is carried out by alternating between 

rinsing the system using water and acidic or alkaline solutions. 

CIP systems remove product-related deposits and contaminations 

and enable a complete and hygienic cleaning of pipes, pumps, valves, 

tanks or filling systems. And here at the latest the hygienic design 

plays a key role again: Since dead spaces cleaning agents get 

left behind in would impair every CIP process, regardless of however 

optimised it is. Visitors will find out at the fair grounds in Cologne, 

how they can sustainably optimise their CIP cleaning and upgrade 

their existing machines for the future by implementing the optimal 

technology. 

Looking ahead to tomorrow: Self-learning cleaning robots 

Due to its extensive offer along the entire process chain, Anuga 

FoodTec is the ideal information and procurement platform for all 

aspects to do with the production of food and beverages. Whereby 

the focus doesn‘t purely lie on the current requirements, because 

through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), it should be 

possible in future to carry out the cleaning process even more efficiently. 

Researchers are developing a mobile platform here for the 

cleaning of process systems and production halls. Equipped with a 

self-learning AI system and smart sensors, the autonomously operating 

robots can recognise the actual degree of contamination and 

choose the optimal cleaning procedure based on this data. 

Organised by Koelnmesse, Anuga FoodTec is placing the emphasis 

on the key theme Responsibility. The professional and industry 

sponsor is the DLG, the German Agricultural Society. 

Koelnmesse GmbH 

D 50532 Köln 

SIGMA Technical Talks 2024 

The SIGMA Technical Talks have proven themselves well over the last few years and have been further developed. The need 

for free and time-efficient learning remains. The next webinars about SIGMASOFT® will take place in March. 

SIGMA Engineering is once again offering 

new webinars in the SIGMA Technical Talks 

series at the beginning of March. These are 

each about 60 minutes long and show new 

insights into SIGMASOFT® with different 

focus and partners. 

Two German-language and one English-language 

webinar will be offered. The 

first German-language webinar „Mold simulations 

at their best“ is divided into two 

different presentations: On the one hand, 

H&B Electronic will talk about the design of 

mold thermic for conformal cooling and, on 

the other hand, the simulative consideration 

of mold life cycle will be addressed. 

The new SIGMASOFT® 6.1 version 

contains SIGMA Economics, a new tool 

which allows technical and commercial targets 

to be pursued simultaneously, making 

cost and quality targets equally achievable. 

The German-language webinar of the same 

name, „SIGMA Economics“, offers initial 

insights into the functionality and possibilities. 

The webinar „Avoid quality problems 

during MIM production!“ offers insights 

into Metal Injection Molding technology. 

ARBURG will give a presentation on the 

machine requirements and mold options for 

improved MIM part production and SIG- 

MA will discuss MIM process design and 

optimization. All webinars will take place 

live and will be based on questions from the 

participants. 

Participation is free of charge for all 

interested parties. In addition to technical 

enthusiasm, only registration is required at 

www.sigmasoft.de. 

SIGMA Engineering GmbH 

D 52072 Aachen 


page 27/33

PaintExpo: 

Exhibitors Pave the 

Way for Low-Emission 

and Low-Resource 

Coating Processes 

Copyright: Fraunhofer 

Sustainability and efficiency are central topics at the upcoming 

edition of PaintExpo from 9 to 12 April 2024 in 

Karlsruhe. To protect the environment and save resources, 

numerous suppliers of paints and coatings, research institutes 

and recycling companies as well as manufacturers of 

process chemicals for metal and plastic coatings are looking 

into meaningful ways of reducing pollutants and recycling 

waste materials. For exhibitors at PaintExpo, such considerations 

inevitably also include taking a look at optimising 

coating processes in terms of economic and technical efficiency. 

Visitors to this year‘s PaintExpo can expect to receive in-depth information 

on how to reduce pollutants, use fewer resources, intelligently 

recycle materials and much more at the exhibition stands of 

paint suppliers and research institutions as well as companies from 

the chemical and recycling industries. The Fraunhofer Institute for 

Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Geholit+Wiemer 

and Karl Bubenhofer, Kluthe, Nelco and Sherwin-Williams, for 

example, will be bringing new ideas for greater sustainability and efficiency 

in the coating process to the world‘s leading trade fair for 

industrial coating technology in Karlsruhe. 

Reducing CO2 Emissions and Increasing 

Digitisation and Automation 

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation 

IPA in Stuttgart, Germany, the Coating Systems and Painting 

Technology Unit is studying ideas for more efficient, sustainable 

use of resources and developing solutions specifically designed for 

use in the paint processing industry of the future. 

The current focus is on reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. 

To this end, the unit is researching practical applications for new 

forms of energy in coating processes as well as examining ways to 

improve material efficiency, develop alternative material concepts 

and optimise the use of resources in production processes. Innovative, 

sustainable solutions are being developed for new and existing 

coating processes, with the aim of working with paints and coatings 

companies to overcome current environmental and economic challenges. 

Fraunhofer IPA is also working on simulation projects for the 

speedy implementation of new automation concepts. These involve 

systematically optimising processes, establishing more sustainable 

production methods and improving economic efficiency. One approach 

here is to increase the degree of automation in companies 

that work with a wide variety of parts and geometries. The institute 

is therefore developing tools that use 3D models of components and 

products to create a coating programme within the simulation itself 

and, in the spirit of the motto #simulateinsteadoftrying (“#simulierenstattprobieren“), 

eliminate the need for the complex teach-in 

process for robots. 

Under the three main themes of digitalisation, sustainability and 

automation, Fraunhofer IPA will be presenting new processes, concepts 

and technologies at PaintExpo 2024, inspired by a bat, a crab 

and a drone. 

Saving Energy with Liquid and Powder Coatings 

As system providers of powder and liquid coatings, Geholit+Wiemer 

and Karl Bubenhofer traditionally present their latest innovations 

together at PaintExpo. 

In liquid coatings, the focus is currently on high-solids coating 

materials with a solids content of more than 70 per cent. These reduce 

both energy consumption and costs in production processes. 

The lower VOC content results in decreased material consumption. 

Coupled with faster drying times, high-solids coatings form the basis 

for an efficient coating process. In practice, many users have already 

switched to these kinds of systems, moving away from multi-layer 

to single-layer coating applications. In addition to cutting out entire 

work sequences, this transition also eliminates the drying times between 

individual layers, thus saving a considerable amount of time, 

energy and money. 

The choice of materials also plays an important role in improving 

the carbon footprint of powder coatings. Here, Karl Bubenhofer 

actively supports companies in transitioning over to the Polyflex 

PES-165-NT-GU system. Most importantly, this move leads to burnin 

times, thus reducing energy consumption. The quick-reacting 

polyester powder is suitable for outdoor use and has good degassing 

properties. When combined with the right primer, this powder is 

easy to use with no additional preparation. The bottom line is that 


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Copyright: KABE SwissGroup 

Copyright: Kluthe 

the product has been shown to reduce energy consumption and 

costs. KABE Farben has a large range of low-temperature products 

in many other areas and applications, where they greatly benefit the 

customer. 

Reducing Hazardous Emissions in Pretreatment and Paintshops 

At Kluthe, innovative new products and product advancements are 

based on sustainable raw materials, reduced chemical consumption 

and lower application temperatures. The aim here is to decrease customers’ 

energy needs and associated CO2 emissions as far as possible. 

Thin-film technology and low-temperature zinc phosphating 

systems from Kluthe, for example, do more than just save energy and 

cut CO2 emissions – they also conserve limited resources, reduce 

waste and lower costs. „Continuous optimisation allows us to reduce 

our consumption of scarce resources, become more energy efficient 

and lower our emissions of CO2 and other pollutants, both at our facilities 

and at those of our customers,“ says Stefan Lenzer, Head of 

the Pretreatment Global Business Unit at Kluthe. 

The company will also be presenting DECORRDAL at PaintExpo 

2024. This thin-film technology makes efficient use of resources 

and is the key to designing an environmentally conscious and sustainable 

pretreatment process. With products for the paintshop such 

as CYCLOSOL, a flushing medium characterised by its efficient circulation 

and its suitability for recycling, Kluthe is actively helping to 

reduce waste and make full use of resources. Sustainable CONTROX 

paint removers are VOC-free and can be used sparingly, which helps 

to significantly reduce harmful emissions. In addition, Kluthe also 

sells NIKUTEX, a water-based cleaning agent that is not only economical 

but also highly effective when it comes to minimising environmental 

impact. 

Customers can also make use of innovative sustainability tools 

that calculate the environmental impact of their processes and offer 

advice on how to reduce emissions, waste and costs. 

Sustainable Recycling for Powder Coating Waste 

As a specialised recycling company, Nelco from Belgium, annually 

recycles around 10,000 tonnes of the powder coating waste that remains 

in the filters and extraction systems of powder coating plants. 

„There‘s no other company like ours in Europe, because we give new 

life to waste powder, treating it so that it can be reused as moulded 

parts for the automotive or machine industry,“ explains CEO Arnd 

Nelde. After the second life of these materials, the moulded parts 

can be recycled yet again. 

As part of the upcoming PaintExpo, Nelco will present its sustainable, 

environmentally friendly process which has been operated 

successfully by the company for 22 years and is used by around 800 

partner companies for the environmentally safe disposal of used 

powder. In recent years, Nelco has been investing heavily in research 

and development, using modern presses for testing new formulations 

and blends that are expected to expand the scope of application. 

„We’re happy to take back all sorts of used powder, including fine 

dust, overspray, fresh powder, overdue product, overstocks and cyclone 

powder. These can include all common types of powders, such 

as epoxy powder, epoxy-polyester, polyester, acrylic and PUR and 

we can take them in their original packaging, as a blend or in bulk 

bags,“ says Nelde. At PaintExpo 2024, interested parties are welcome 

to visit him and his experts to learn about how to turn their waste 

powder into sustainable components in the future. 

Powder coatings from plastic bottles 

and trend powder coatings Vision 2030 

Sherwin-Williams is showcasing an outstanding innovation at PaintExpo 

2024 with its Powdura ECO line of powder coatings. The company 

takes plastic bottles (post-consumer rPET) and converts them 

into a durable, high-performance polyester resin. Every kilogramme 

of Powdura ECO coating contains the equivalent of 35 recycled plastic 

bottles and cuts CO2 emissions by one kilogramme. The properties 

of Powdura ECO are the same as those of conventional polyester 

powder coatings. Powdura ECO coatings are suitable for indoor and 

outdoor use. Furthermore, they provide increased flexibility and impact 

resistance as well as an outstanding balance of mechanical properties, 

excellent colour fastness and solvent resistance. Coatings 

created using this method can be adapted to any requirements and 

are suitable for certification by third parties such as LEED, GREEN- 

GUARD and BIFMA Level. 

The company will also be exhibiting its new Vision 2030 powder 

coating collection, which expresses the modern Syntha Pulvin style 

in four inspiring colour palettes. All 48 coatings meet the requirements 

of GSB Florida 3 and Qualicoat Class 2 quality associations. 

Inspired by nostalgia and the impact of technology on cities, nature 

and community, the colours evoke emotions, define global cultures 

and stir the imagination. 

Leipziger Messe GmbH 

D 04356 Leipzig 


page 29/33

ARBURG at the NPE 2024 

NPE 2024: First world premiere of a new 

Arburg machine in the USA 

– Important: US market and Golden Electric series of great strategic importance for Arburg 

– „More than a machine“: Innovations, concentrated expertise and comprehensive support 

– 13 exhibits and digitalisation: Comprehensive Arburg portfolio for efficient plastics processing 

Arburg will celebrate a double premiere at the NPE from 6 to 10 May 2024 in Orlando, Florida, USA: For the first time in the 

company‘s history, a world debut will be presented outside Germany with a new „golden“ electric machine: The Allrounder 

720 E Golden Electric will be the highlight at booth 3742 (West Hall). Moreover, arburgSOLUTIONworld provides the answers 

to customers‘ meta-topics. The company is not only an innovative machine manufacturer, but also offers its customers 

comprehensive advice and support, for example in the areas of automation, additive manufacturing, digitalisation and after-sales 

service. In Orlando, a total of 13 exhibits at the company‘s own stand and those of its partners will demonstrate 

the broad product range across a wide variety of processes and all industries - from 3D printing to injection moulding of 

packaging items in large volume batches. 

„The fact that we are presenting the world premiere of the new Golden 

Electric series at NPE 2024 reflects the great importance of the 

American market for Arburg, our leading position in the USA and the 

expansion of our international business, says Gerhard Böhm, Managing 

Director Sales and Aftersales from the company‘s German 

headquarters in Lossburg. The NPE is the most important plastics 

trade fair in America; we will be represented there with a strong team 

from the Arburg locations in the USA and the German company 

headquarters.“ Martin Baumann, President of Arburg Inc. in Rocky 

Hill, USA, is also certain: „Thanks to its standardised equipment and 

unbeatable price/performance ratio, the new Allrounder 720 E Golden 

Electric is highly interesting for the US market and many of our 

customers, especially because of increasing cost pressure. With our 

automation and turnkey expertise, digital products such as the Arburg 

host computer system and comprehensive support and advice 

at arburgSOLUTIONworld, we have an economical and efficient solution 

for everyone.“ 

World premiere: Slender in design and price 

The Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric with a clamping force of 2,800 

Martin Baumann, President of Arburg Inc., 

the US headquarters in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. (Photo: Arburg) 

kN stands out for its electrical precision and process stability and 

offers excellent part quality combined with low investment costs 

and prompt availability. Its design has been optimised so that it has 

a significantly smaller footprint compared to other machines in its 

class. This means that more machines can be accommodated in the 

same injection moulding production area, which in turn results in 

an increased output per square metre. The new machine is suitable 

for a wide range of plastic parts and cycle times of around 15 seconds 

or more. Typical areas of application include medical technology, 

mobility and technical injection moulding. The „golden“ electric 

all-rounder can be automated with all Arburg robotic systems – including 

six-axis robots. The exhibit at NPE 2024 uses a 24-cavity 

mould to produce razor covers. A Multilift V 20 linear robot system 

performs the handling tasks here. 

13 machine exhibits demonstrate a wide range of services 

The wide range of applications possible with Arburg machine technology 

will be demonstrated by 13 exhibits at the NPE, seven of 

which will be on the company‘s own stand. In addition to the new 

Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric, these are: 

– A new precise IML process designed specifically for medical 

technology can be seen on a production cell based around an 

electric Allrounder 520 A in cleanroom design using the example 

of labelled centrifuge tubes. 

– For the first time in the USA, an Allrounder Cube 1800 machine 

will be presented, which uses an integrated six-axis robot to 

produce two-component medical closures fully automatically. 

– As an energy-efficient, resource-saving alternative to thermo-forming, 

an Allrounder 720 A „Ultimate“ electric packaging 

machine produces IML round cups with a wall thickness of 0.37 

millimetres using injection compression moulding at an injection 

pressure of just 1,600 bar. 

– An equally interesting exhibit is a More 2000 two-component 

all-rounder equipped with an integrated six-axis robot, which 

produces a pair of glasses made of thermoplastic and optical LSR 

as an example. With this application, Arburg Inc. highlights its 

turnkey expertise in the USA. 


page 30/33

– An Allrounder 520 H „Premium“ featuring new hybrid machine 

technology processes 100 per cent ABS recyclate into components 

for a 1:18 scale Allrounder model. For this purpose, the 

machine is equipped with the recyclate package. 

– The give-away – a toolbox in the Arburg design – which is coveted 

by trade fair visitors worldwide, is produced on a turnkey system 

centred around a hybrid Allrounder 920 S. 

– Last but not least, a 750-3X high-temperature Freeformer will be 

demonstrating industrial additive manufacturing. The 3D printer 

is particularly suitable for processing certified original material 

into components for medical technology and aerospace. 

Advantages of digitalisation and expert presentation 

on OPC UA 

Digitalisation can help you hold your own in the market because it 

can significantly increase the energy and production efficiency of 

machines and systems. For example, Arburg offers the ALS host 

computer system and the „arburgXworld“ customer portal with extensive 

digital features. The Gestica control system also offers intelligent 

assistance functions that actively support the set-up and 

operation of machines and systems. 

At the trade fair, all Allrounders are networked with the Arburg ALS 

host computer system via OPC UA interfaces. With this central 

MES, the entire plastic parts production process can be digitally 

planned and controlled and all relevant information can be tracked. 

Digitalisation expert Jürgen Peters, Head of Software Development, 

will give a presentation on the advantages of integrating peripherals 

via OPC UA on Tuesday 7 May at the „Innovation Stage“ 

at NPE 2024. 

ARBURG GmbH + Co KG 

D 72290 Loßburg 

Appropriately optimized parts are standard when strict hygiene standards apply. 

But they are also worthwhile in less sensitive areas as well. And this starts right 

from the bottom – at the leveling feet. 

Cleaning-Optimized Leveling Feet 

Ganter sets the standard with the standard parts of the Hygienic Design 

line, and this goes well beyond the hygiene-optimized design of 

production systems in the food sector. It can also make sense – and 

save money – to use these parts in other areas. This is because cleaning 

in general is simplified by the surface quality of the stainless 

steel elements, their special design with inclined surfaces and seals, 

and the resulting lack of dead spaces. The need for aggressive cleaning 

media is eliminated, and valuable time and energy are saved. 

It all began with the stainless steel leveling feet GN 20 with turned 

foot plate and firmly vulcanized bottom surface and spindle 

seals. Designed with mounting holes, these leveling feet satisfy the 

requirements of EHEDG, the 3-A Sanitary Standard and the DGUV 

testing principles. 

The alternative model GN 19 is designed for lower loads, covers 

the same range of applications (except for floor mounting) and also 

complies with the 3-A Sanitary Standard and the DGUV testing 

principles. The foot plate is deep-drawn from stainless steel AISI 

316L sheet rather than machined, and it is lined on the bottom with 

blue silicone elastomer. As a result, this part also forms a tight seal 

against the floor. The deep-drawn sheet metal foot offers a cost advantage 

over the GN 20 leveling foot. 

New to the lineup are the two leveling feet GN 17 and GN 18. 

While they don’t meet Ganter’s strict Hygienic Design requirements, 

they still utilize FDA-compliant materials and satisfy the requirements 

of EU 1935-2004. 

These two parts are used in applications where wet cleaning is 

not required, such as for the packaging of dry goods. The materials 

used have been selected accordingly: The GN 17 features stainless 

steel AISI 304 for the plate, for the spindle adjustable by six degrees 

and for the height-adjusting hex nut. Instead of the blue silicone 

elastomer, the floor seal consists of plasticizer-free, vulcanized 

black NBR rubber. The GN 18 also features stainless steel in AISI 

316L, while both leveling feet offer optimized inclined angles, easyto-clean 

surfaces and an absence of concave geometry. With these 

two leveling feet, Ganter has extended its range of standard parts 

for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries that are 

situated near production areas. 

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 


page 31/33

Plasmax coating technology protects sensitive beverages and liquid foods 

against oxidation and loss of CO2, allowing them to keep for considerably 

longer – plus the bottles are fully recyclable. (Source: Frank Reinhold) 

The new rotary InnoPET BloFill ACF-R aseptic block combines 

the energy-efficient InnoPET Blomax Series V stretch blow 

molder with the rotary Innofill PET ACF-R filler for the 

very first time. (Source: KHS GmbH) 

Anuga FoodTec: KHS systems combine 

efficiency with safety 

– New rotary InnoPET BloFill ACF-R aseptic block 

– Glass-coated PET bottle interiors further developed 

– KHS’ range of digital services extended 

Sensitive beverages and flexible systems and solutions – 

these are the topics in focus at the KHS trade show booth 

for this year’s Anuga FoodTec. With its new InnoPET BloFill 

ACF-R aseptic block the Dortmund systems supplier wants 

to set new standards in safety and hygiene when it comes 

to bottle sterilization. Visitors can also find out all about 

the latest generation of InnoPET Plasmax barrier technology 

and the first module in the digital KHS ConnectApp 

service. 

“Economic success calls for maximum efficiency and availability in 

all filling and packaging processes. We provide innovative and resource-saving 

systems and solutions that fully satisfy all aspects of 

this demand,” says Tobias Wetzel, CSO of KHS. The most recent 

example of this is the new rotary InnoPET BloFill ACF-R aseptic 

block that combines the energy-efficient InnoPET Blomax Series V 

stretch blow molder with the rotary Innofill PET ACF-R filler for the 

very first time. 

Linear fillers can process up to 14,000 bottles per hour. In contrast, 

the rotary aseptic block has a capacity of up to 36,000 1.0-liter 

bottles per hour and in the future is even to be available with a top 

output of 48,000 500-milliliter bottles an hour. The new plant engineering 

achieves a sterility of log 6 inside the bottles – which is 

equivalent to a reduction in germs of 99.9999%. “Our linear aseptic 

fillers, also blocked, have long proved themselves in practice in the 

filling of sensitive beverages into PET bottles, where maximum safety 

is of the essence. The newly developed rotary aseptic filler in the 

higher capacity range is thus the next logical step. With this, we also 

want to set standards regarding the machine’s hygienic properties,” 

Wetzel promises. 

Effective protection for sensitive beverages 

Here, KHS consciously focuses on bottle sterilization that – unlike 

preform sterilization – can also be combined with the KHS 

FreshSafe PET coating system and thus offers additional barrier 

protection for sensitive beverages. On this variant all potential 

germs are removed from the containers directly prior to filling. 

This process gives bottlers more flexibility and greater availability 

during format changeovers than preform sterilization, as here 

changing the stretch blow molds disturbs the sterile state of the 

block. 

While on the subject of barrier protection ... KHS visitors to the 

exhibition can also look forward to discovering the latest generation 

of Plasmax coating technology. With this pioneering technique a 

wafer-thin layer of chemically pure glass is applied to the insides of 

PET bottles, with bottle recyclability nevertheless fully retained. This 

protects sensitive products such as fruit juice, wine, beer, soft drinks, 

ketchup, sauces and other liquid foods from oxidation and loss of 

CO2, meaning that they keep for considerably longer. 

KHS has continuously improved this procedure over the years 

and now brought it up to the next level. The result is better performance, 

quality and flexibility and a higher degree of efficiency. 

Consistent expansion of the digital service portfolio 

In addition, the turnkey supplier’s range of digital services is now to 

be supplemented by KHS ConnectApp that provides two major extra 

benefits: 

1. Data-based transparency regarding the key line performance 

indicators and help with decision-making processes. 

2. Support with system operation. 

The first KHS ConnectApp function is the Guide module that with 

its interactive work instructions and powerful notification management 

system helps to ensure trouble-free workflows during inspection 

and maintenance or when training up new employees, for instance. 

Moreover, all work steps can be documented with the app. 

“By expanding our digital service portfolio, and especially thanks 

to the introduction of KHS ConnectApp, we’re laying the foundations 

for further optimization and efficient organization of the entire 

system operation and management,” explains Wetzel. 

KHS GmbH 

D 44143 Dortmund 


page 32/33

The sustainable closure 

seals have a recyclate 

content of up to 90% 

New HiCube® Neo 

turbo pumping station 

closed 

open 

– Applications in industry and research & development 

– Intuitive control 

– Reliability paired with energy efficiency 

The sustainable closure seals from Schreiner MediPharm 

have a recyclate content of up to 90% and offer reliable tamper 

evidence. © Schreiner MediPharm 

The new closure seals extend Schreiner MediPharm’s portfolio of 

security solutions: On the one hand, they are perfectly adapted to 

the threat scenarios of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the respective 

secondary packaging. On the other hand, they are environmentally 

friendly and ecologically sound because they not only offer 

high levels of functionality and tamper protection but also point the 

way toward sustainability in the packaging industry. 

Ever since the EU Falsified Medicines Directive has come into 

effect, tamper-proof pharmaceutical packaging has been indispensable. 

Security seals for secondary packaging are a proven means of 

first-opening indication. In addition, the planned EU Packaging and 

Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires waste reductions, 

reusable packaging, and recycled materials. Schreiner MediPharm 

responds to those requirements with an innovative closure seal 

made of sustainable film material—with a recyclate content of up to 

90% that already meets the currently planned PPWR targets until 

2040. These targets propose a minimum content of post-consumer 

recycling material (PCR) in plastic film of 65% from 2040 on. 

Switching from conventional to sustainable upper materials 

made of recyclates leads to a reduction of CO2 emissions by around 

28% on film level. In the product carbon footprint (PCF) analysis, 

emission reductions of up to 35% can be achieved. The utilization of 

green electricity since 2013 and the implementation of modern heat 

pumps at the end of 2023 have been contributing to this PCF. 

With the sustainable closure seals for reliable tamper evidence, 

Schreiner MediPharm is sending a signal for an eco-conscious and 

innovative future in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. 

Schreiner MediPharm 

D 85764 Oberschleissheim 

New HiCube 300 Neo turbo pumping station from Pfeiffer Vacuum 

With pumping speeds ranging from 80 to 800 l/s, the HiCube Neo 

vacuum pumping station is ideal for demanding high vacuum and 

ultra-high vacuum applications. The HiCube Neo can be prepared 

for wide-ranging applications with an array of different backing 

pumps such as diaphragm, rotary vane, scroll and multi-stage Roots 

pumps. This makes the new turbo pumping station perfect for applications 

in industry and research & development. Typical uses range 

from analyzing gases and calibrating vacuum gauges to pumping 

down cryostats and use in vacuum furnaces. The versatile HiCube 

Neo adapts to requirements – from a compact desktop solution to a 

standalone unit. 

Thanks to its plug-and-play concept, the HiCube Neo is ready 

for use straight away. As Florian Henß, Product Manager at Pfeiffer 

Vacuum, explains: “The HiCube Neo represents a leap forward in 

every respect. Its strengths lie in its advanced functions and useroriented 

design. The intuitively operated 7-inch touch screen, remote 

control via a web server and detailed data recording are just some 

of the features that make it exceptionally user-friendly and efficient.” 

Its open design facilitates maintenance and allows easier access 

to the components. The backing pump’s energy-efficient standby 

mode also reduces energy use and cuts operating costs as a result. 



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 

Original texts and images 

The contributions mentioned by name are the responsibility of the particular author. Reprinting, also of extracts, are permitted only with the approval of 

the editor and with reference to the source. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and illustrations. The publisher 

is granted the exclusive, spatial, temporal and contentual limited right to freely use the article in unchanged or edited form for all purposes as often as 

desired or to transfer it to third parties for use. This right of use relates to print and electric media (Internet, databases, data carriers of all kinds). 


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