Newsletter_07-2024_EN

EN 07/24 

Receiving ISO 3 cleanroom 

certification for 

CTL Linear Units

TITLE 

Receiving ISO 3 

cleanroom certification 

for CTL Linear Units 

UNIMOTION, leader in the field of linear and drive technology, 

announces that its CTL linear units have been awarded 

ISO 3 and ISO 5 clean room certifications. This certification 

confirms that the CTL linear units meet the strict standards in 

cleanrooms up to ISO 3 class and are therefore ideally suited 

for applications that are operated in controlled cleanroom environments. 

July 2024 

Dear cleanroom professionals, 

While the European Football Championship 

is going on in the background, our team has 

collected many interesting articles and prepared 

them for you in an easy-to-read and clear format. 

On the following pages you can find out more 

about 

“This certification is a testament to the superior quality, reliability and 

linear positioning cleanliness of our CTL linear units. Our customers in 

industries with the highest environment cleanliness requirements can 

now utilize our technology with even greater confidence.” – Peter Grilc, 

CEO. 

The ISO 3 and ISO 5 classifications, which measure particle concentration 

in the environment, are critical for industries where the slightest 

contamination can disrupt the manufacturing process. 

Application in Cleanroom Environments 

With ISO 3 and ISO 5 certification, the CTL linear units are suitable for 

use in environments where the lowest particulate emissions are required. 

This is particularly important in industries such as semiconductor 

manufacturing, pharmaceuticals or medical technology, where even the 

smallest particles can cause considerable damage to products or even 

render them unusable. 

This certification ensures that the use of the linear units does not 

compromise the strict cleanliness standards required in critical manufacturing 

processes. It also extends their applicability in advanced technology 

sectors that require precise environmental control and high accuracy. 

With this certification, UNIMOTION underlines its commitment 

to product details and its ability to meet the demanding requirements 

of modern industry. The certification ensures that the CTL linear units 

meet the highest cleanliness standards required for sensitive and precise 

positioning in clean rooms. 

> Receiving ISO 3 cleanroom certification 

for CTL Linear Units 

> Quantum sensor improves process and 

quality control by analyzing particles 

in real time 

> Cleaning & Disinfection according to 

new Annex 1: An interview with Tim Sandle 

> Unique look behind the scenes 

of AT&S research 

> Cleanzone 2024: Networking 

and Knowledge Transfer 

> Enhancing sustainability through 

accurate biogas upgrading assessment 

> Superconductor technology: Contactless 

working in the laboratory of the future 

> ACHEMA 2024 sets the tone for a more 

sustainable and competitive process industry 

> . . . 

With kind regards 

Reinhold Schuster 

UNIMOTION GmbH / UNIMOTION 

D 65510 Idstein 

www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 07-2024 

page 2/28

Quantum sensor improves 

process and quality control 

by analyzing particles in real time 

The properties of raw materials and feedstock 

play a decisive role in analysis and production 

processes as well as in laboratory 

and process technology. Detailed information 

about the size, number, composition 

and distribution of particles contribute to 

process control and quality assurance. At 

Analytica in Munich, the Stuttgart-based 

high-tech start-up Q.ANT is showcasing a 

compact particle sensor for industrial applications 

that can be used to monitor these 

parameters in real time. The patented sensor, 

which is based on quantum technology, 

offers real added value for numerous sectors: 

from additive manufacturing, biotechnology, 

the ceramics industry, the materials 

and chemical industry to water treatment, 

medical technology and cosmetics. 

Accelerated shape detection without 

camera 

Instead of taking samples and analyzing 

them in the laboratory, which is still standard 

in many industries, users receive immediate 

feedback on the quality and composition 

of ingredients. The sensor detects 

and analyses particles in raw materials and 

feedstocks, regardless of the medium, which 

can be liquid, gaseous or powdery. Process 

monitoring, process optimization and quality 

control are thus possible in real time. In 

addition to the size, number and distribution 

of individual particles, the sensor developed 

by Q.ANT will also be able to classify particle 

shapes in real time in the future. This is 

made possible by the quantum technology 

used in conjunction with an AI that can be 

trained to differentiate between predefined 

shapes, such as elliptical or spherical particles 

and round particles, which can also 

be used to identify agglomerates. For this 

purpose, the AI must be trained for specific 

“use cases”. 

Numerous fields of application 

There are many industries and fields of application 

for the particle sensor, which can 

also be used in combination with other 

measurement methods and mechanisms. 

The quantum particle sensor detects and classifies the particles in liquids, gases or as 

powders according to size, number, composition and, in future, shape. 

For example, the quantum sensor can monitor 

algae cells in bioreactors and recognize 

dead cells as soon as they change their shape. 

The system control can then intervene to 

regulate the process without having to take 

samples from the reactor. Another example 

is water treatment: the AI recognizes 

contamination, for example by bacteria or 

other organisms that are difficult to detect, 

which allows conclusions to be drawn about 

the purification process. In additive manufacturing 

using 3D printing, as well as in the 

metal, ceramics and cement industries, the 

quantum sensor analyses different powder 

granulations, which can result in specific 

material properties. Other conceivable areas 

of application are the chemical and cosmetics 

industries, including pigment analysis 

for the development of colors and textures. 

Q.ANT offers partnerships for specific 

applications 

In order to develop specific applications, 

Q.ANT offers partnerships to interested 

companies. “We offer the industry early 

access to this new solution for particularly 

challenging problems without having to go 

through long development cycles,” says Vanessa 

Bader, Customer Project Engineer at 

Q.ANT. “Our partners have the opportunity 

to work with us to integrate the quantum 

sensor into their production processes and 

adapt it to their applications.” Q.ANT, which 

has patented the new technology, currently 

offers two particle sensors with different 

measuring ranges: from 2 to 50 micrometers 

and from 20 to 700 micrometers “With this 

range, we cover most applications in industrial 

production,” says Bader. Pilot projects 

indicate very high data quality. For example, 

the AI can distinguish particle agglomerates 

in metallic powders from individual particles 

that are just as large. 

The compact sensor is easy to handle and 

quick to integrate 

Another advantage: the compact quantum 

sensor fits on any laboratory bench and the 

system is quicker and easier to handle compared 

to the time-consuming conventional 

sampling process for analyzing particles. In 

addition to the laboratory device, feeding 

systems are being developed in the partner 

program to integrate the sensor inline into 

processes. A normal computer is all that is 

needed to transfer and visualize the measured 

data. The sensor is immediately ready 

for use via a website in the browser. “Nothing 

needs to be installed, you don’t need 

any extra computing power or complicated 

training for employees,” explains Bader. 

Q.ANT GmbH 

D 70565 Stuttgart 


page 3/28

Interview by Cristina Masciola, AM Instruments 

– Marketing & Communication Manager 

Cleaning & Disinfection according to new 

Annex 1: An interview with Tim Sandle 

“For disinfection to be effective, prior cleaning to remove surface 

contamination should be performed. Cleaning programmes should 

effectively remove disinfectant residues. More than one type of disinfecting 

agent should be employed to ensure that where they have 

different modes of action, their combined usage is effective against 

bacteria and fungi. Disinfection should include the periodic use of a 

sporicidal agent.” 

Once again, we spoke to Tim Sandle, microbiologist, author and 

science journalist, known as one of the leading experts in the field, 

to discuss in the most appropriate way what challenges the pharmaceutical 

industry is facing in adapting cleaning & disinfection to the 

Annex 1 requirements. 

Rotation of disinfectants 

The latest version of Annex 1 adds in paragraph 4.33: “more than 

one type of disinfecting agent should be employed to ensure that 

where they have different modes of action, their combined usage 

is effective against bacteria and fungi”. Thus, it seems that more 

products effective against bacteria and fungi should be used in 

addition to a sporicidal agent. Is the two-product rotation (one 

bactericide/fungicide and one sporicide) – already in use by many 

pharmaceutical companies – acceptable? 

When cleanroom disinfectants are selected many users opt to 

select two or more disinfectants. If a sporicide is a regularly used 

agent, then two disinfectants should be sufficient. 

Rotation is important for several reasons: 

– Most disinfectants do not have a complete spectrum of activity 

effective against all microorganisms (spectrum of activity is the 

ability of the disinfectant to kill different types of microorganisms 

and microorganisms which are in different physiological states). 

The disinfectants commonly used are often effective against 

vegetative cells but are not sporicidal. To maintain an effective 

contamination control, the elimination of bacterial endospores 

through a sporicidal disinfectant is recommended (these are sometimes 

referred to as high-level disinfectants). Here a sporicide 

would be used in rotation with a non-sporicidal disinfectant. 

– The disinfectants with the formulations which are effective 

against the greatest range of microorganisms are often expensive. 

With this, many manufacturers use a general broad-spectrum 

disinfectant daily or weekly with a sporicidal disinfectant used 

weekly or monthly (a decision often based on the results of microbiological 

environmental monitoring and the characterization 

of the isolated microorganisms). 

– Some disinfectants, such as sporicides, are corrosive. While the 

risk to surfaces can be reduced through rinsing, rotation is sometimes 

undertaken in order to reduce the risk of damage to cleanroom 

equipment and working benches. 

– Rotating two disinfectants can also reduce the possibility of resistant 

strains of microorganisms developing. Whilst the phenomenon 

of microbial resistance is an issue of major concern for antibiotics 

there are few data to support development of resistance to 

disinfectant. Nonetheless, it remains a regulatory expectation. 

Thus, the reasons for rotation are approached from either a desire to 

widen the mode of action or to address anticipated regulatory concerns. 

Effective cleaning & disinfection 

Cleaning and disinfection affect floors, walls, ceilings, but also 

machinery and equipment, and often hard-to-reach surfaces. 

Which cleaning and disinfection methods are most effective in 

this respect? 

These depends on the circumstances, however good application 

techniques are important, for example with floor cleaning and disinfection: 

– Either roll all of the floor surface with a tacky roller to remove any 

loose debris and fibers, moving any equipment to one half of the 

room nearest exit door, or wipe the floor using a neutral detergent 

solution and mop and bucket. 

– Use a use disinfectant impregnated mop wipes and mops (alter- 


page 4/28

natively a mop with a ready prepared disinfectant solution could 

be used). 

– Using overlapping mop strokes, wipe down half the floor area, 

working methodically around the area starting at furthest reach 

point and working towards yourself in a straight line. Replace the 

mop wipe if the wipe becomes visibly contaminated or dry. 

– NOTE: Particular attention should be paid to corners and edges. 

– Leave the disinfectant solution on the surface for the manufacturer’s 

recommended contact time to allow the disinfectant to be 

effective. 

– Remove the mop head and discard to waste. 

– Fit a second mop head with ethanol impregnated mop wipe (alternatively 

a mop with a ready prepared alcohol solution could be 

used). 

– After the allotted time, using the fresh mop head wipe down 

using overlapping mop strokes to remove any residue, working 

methodically around the area starting at furthest reach point and 

working towards yourself in a straight line. Replace the mop wipe 

if the wipe becomes visibly contaminated or dry. 

Use of fumigation 

Where disinfection is difficult, is it advisable to use fumigation? 

Yes, and this is always advisable following events that can lead to 

high rates of contamination, such as maintenance works or a facility 

shutdown. Fumigation-based approaches are advantageous for 

decontaminating the inside of buildings because they are easily dispersed, 

penetrate into difficult to access areas, decontaminate the 

interior volume of the space (not only surfaces) and are less labour 

intensive than many spray based approaches. Optimal agents are hydrogen 

peroxide and chlorine dioxide. 

Attention needs to be paid to the concentration and dwell time, 

and with controlling temperature and humidity, as well as the mechanism 

of dispersing the fumigant. Each of these factors contributes 

to the overall efficacy. 

“The movement of material or equipment from lower grade or 

unclassified area to higher-grade clean areas should be subject to 

cleaning and disinfection commensurate with the risk and in line 

with the CCS.” 

The Contamination Control Strategy refers to risk-commensurate 

cleaning and disinfection. 

Validation 

The validation of detergent and disinfectant products, as well as 

the validation of cleaning is a very important step: what are the 

mandatory activities? 

Validation studies are broken down into three sections: suspension 

tests (phase 1 and 2) to evaluate the reduction of a known organism 

population inoculated directly into a sample of the liquid disinfectant, 

surface tests (phase 2) that assess a disinfectant’s ability to reduce 

the number of challenge organisms on an inoculated surface, 

and field trials (phase 3) a final assessment of the environmental 

monitoring data to validate the approach. 

Suspension methods evaluate the reduction= of a known organism 

population inoculated directly into a sample of the liquid disinfectant. 

Following inoculation and the observation of a predetermined 

contact time, samples of the inoculated substance are removed, 

neutralized and evaluated for survivors as compared to an untreated 

control suspension. Since the simulation of organism films on the 

specific environmental surface types are not accounted for in this 

method, it is recommended that suspension-based tests be used 

only for initial disinfectant screening purposes. 

Surface testing involves aliquoting onto a surface coupon a mix 

of the challenge organism and, where required, an interfering substance 

(such a protein, to simulate dirty conditions). The surface 

coupon will be fashioned from a representative surface in the cleanroom 

(here several different materials will require testing in order to 

show how the disinfectant performs). To this an amount of the test 

disinfectant is added. The solutions are left for the required contact 

time. Once the contact time has elapsed, the coupon is transferred 

to a neutralizer solution. Then, as with the suspension test once sufficient 

time has been given for neutralization, microbial survivors are 

assessed by plating out or filtering the disinfectant neutralizer solution 

using a microbial culture method. 

A possible array of surfaces to consider (this will be 

facility dependent) are: 

– Stainless steel 

– Glass 

– Aluminum 

– Epoxy 

– Enamel 

– Acrylic 

– Mipolam 

– Vinyl 

– Hardwood 

– Plastic 

– Plexiglas 

– Chromium 

Once the testing has been performed, a report should be generated 

that must conclude the disinfectant efficacy test outcome in relation 

to the acceptance criteria. If a disinfectant passes the test, deeming 

it suitable for use, cleanroom procedures must reflect the practices 

adopted during the qualification, such as disinfectant concentration, 

contact time and method of application to surfaces. The disinfectant’s 

final adoption must then be based on a follow-up assessment 

or field trial, which includes an evaluation of microbial counts and 

species recovered. 

Use of sterile concentrates 

“Disinfectants and detergents used in grade A and grade B areas 

should be sterile prior to use. Disinfectants used in grade C and D 

may also be required to be sterile where determined in the CCS. 

Where the disinfectants and detergents are diluted / prepared by 

the sterile product manufacturer, this should be done in a manner to 

prevent contamination and they should be monitored for microbial 

contamination. Dilutions should be kept in previously cleaned containers 

(and sterilized where applicable) and should only be stored 

for the defined period. If the disinfectants and detergents are supplied 

“ready-made” then results from certificates of analysis or conformance 

can be accepted subject to successful completion of the 

appropriate vendor qualification.” 

In-house prep: in the latest Annex 1 version there is more focus 

on both in-house preparation of detergents and disinfectants and on 

the use of WFI water. 

What do you think about the use of sterile concentrates 

in cleaning and disinfection procedures? 

The use of a concentrate that is made up or the use of ready-to-use 

solutions, is a choice of each user. Both methods are effective. 


page 5/28

In particular, many companies, switching to under-isolator 

production, are considering the use of concentrated products for 

Grade C/D outdoor environments. Would you recommend their 

use? If so, with which procedure? 

Yes, there are no concerns, especially within lower grades of cleanrooms. 

The important point is to ensure the dilution is correct and 

that the correct grade of water is used. 

Training of personnel 

Personnel training: with the latest Annex 1, and the increasingly 

stringent rules on cleaning and disinfection, personnel training is 

a key point. Are there also changes in training methods with the 

new Annex 1? 

The Annex could go further with training. Appropriate training for all 

personnel dealing with disinfectants is vital. This training should include 

all relevant staff including contract personnel working within 

the facility. Documentation of this training is essential. All personnel 

should understand the importance of cGMP. For a new employee, 

this training could be part of their initial GMP induction. A pre-determined 

program of training should be in place and documented as 

well as a system to measure the effectiveness of the training. Personnel 

should all be trained in good cleaning techniques using the appropriate 

equipment. All staff should be provided with appropriate 

clothing in order to perform this operation, e.g., cleanroom clothing 

in manufacturing areas with adequate PPE. Procedures should also 

be in place if spillage occurs with any of these agents. 

Training programs could include: 

– The importance of disinfection in relation to GMP, its necessity 

in preventing microbial proliferation, cross contamination and 

the importance and significance of good disinfection routines. 

– The importance of the correct handling of disinfectants, whether 

it is during the disinfectant’s preparation, testing or use. 

– Basic microbiology and how contamination is transferred in the 

workplace. 

– An understanding of the properties of disinfectants and their 

correct application. 

A refresher program should also be in place, ensuring that once personnel 

are trained, their knowledge is kept up to date. Many companies 

now incorporate this into regular GMP refresher training, 

recommended to be undertaken on a periodic basis. Adequate documentation 

of these updates in an employee training record is essential. 

Cleaning & Disinfection in Grade C & D areas 

Finally, the CCS in the new Annex 1 extends to all areas at risk of 

contamination. 

Also in paragraph 4.35 it is stated that “disinfectants used in grade 

C and D may also be required to be sterile where determined in the 

CCS”. This implies increased attention also for non-sterile areas 

and for producers of cosmetics, ointments and biological intermediates 

with low bacterial load etc. For the latter, the challenge will 

certainly be significant. What are the essential activities to adapt? 

Some good practices for the adoption and use of disinfectants, in 

accordance with GMP, are: 

– Written procedures should be in place. 

– Responsibilities for cleaning should be assigned. Often this is interpreted 

as the need to have independent cleaning staff separate 

from those involved in product manufacture. 

– Staff must be trained in cleaning techniques and have a training 

record. 

– Details of cleaning frequencies, methods, equipment, and 

materials must be recorded in written procedures. This may 

relate to an approved supplier specification. 

– The cleaning of equipment and materials must take place 

at regular intervals. 

– Inspection of equipment for cleanliness before use should 

be part of routine operations. 

– A cleaning log should be kept. The purpose is to keep a record of 

the areas cleaned, agents used, and the identity of the operator. 

– The microorganisms isolated (the microbiota) from environmental 

monitoring programs should be examined for resistant strains. 

Some isolates from these reviews should be incorporated into 

disinfectant efficacy studies. 

– The monitoring for microbial contamination in disinfectant and 

detergent solutions should be periodically undertaken. 

– The storing of disinfectant and detergent solutions should be for 

defined (and short) periods. 

– Room use should be recorded after each operation. 

– There should be a technical agreement with the company who 

supplies the disinfectant. Ideally the disinfectants purchased 

should be lot tracked. 

– SOPs containing references to disinfectants, cleaning agents, 

materials and equipment used and calibration of equipment 

are accessible. Here the cleaning and disinfection methods are 

clearly defined. 

– The SOP should include cleaning method details e.g., wiping 

front to back or top to bottom with overlapping strokes. 

– Cleaning method, e.g., double bucket, rinsing wipe action, contact 

time and cleaning of cleaning materials must also be included in 

the 

– Documentation of rotation, rationale, and frequency, 

needs to be set out. 

– Cleaning logs also need to be in place and available. 

In compliance with GMP, cleaning and disinfection procedures 

should be included in any audit program as it maintains assurance 

that contamination control procedures are adequate and in control. 

Conclusions 

The Contamination Control Strategy underlying the new Annex 1 

finds its backbone in Quality Risk Management: assessing risks on a 

scientific basis and offering a commensurate response to them is the 

real key to adapting to the new requirements. 

Dr. Tim Sandle is a pharmaceutical microbiologist, science writer and 

journalist. He is a chartered biologist and holds a first class honours 

degree in Applied Biology; a Masters degree in education; and has a 

doctorate from Keele University. 

AM INSTRUMENTS 

Via Isonzo, 1/C 

Phone: +39 02 8728421 

email: info@aminstruments.com 

IT20812 Limbiate (MB) 

Internet: https://global.aminstruments.com/ 


page 6/28

Unique look behind the 

scenes of AT&S research 

The technology leader AT&S already holds almost 800 patents and 

was giving an insight into its R&D departments in Leoben at the 

“Long Night of Research” on May 24, 2024. But some things remain 

top secret: the new research center and Europe’s first substrate plant 

recently installed a high-tech machine that is unique in the world. It 

allows the exposure of substrate structures that are 14 times thinner 

than a human hair. 

“No photography” and “Restricted Area” – as if these signs weren’t 

enough, the high-tech machine is also concealed behind a 

plastic screen. What stands here in the protective yellow light of the 

clean room is the pride and joy of the R&D team at the new substrate 

research center “HTB3” in Leoben. 

From the outside, the cube-shaped machine is inconspicuous. 

And yet: there is no other machine like it in the world and it would 

cost several million euros to buy – but AT&S has been provided with 

it by the manufacturer as a prototype for six months for testing purposes. 

This provides the production company with practical data 

to make the device ready for series production, and the AT&S engineers 

have a special tool to carry out invaluable R&D analyses in 

parallel with production. 

The inner workings are spectacular: the machine is an exposure 

tool for lithography, a so-called Direct Imager, which can expose extremely 

fine structures in substrate production. In microtechnology, 

the micrometer is the measure of all things: 1 micrometer (1 μm) is a 

thousandth of a millimeter. The conductor tracks that can be produced 

using this exposure device are only 5 μm wide (0.005 mm). By 

comparison, a human hair is around 70 μm thick (0.07 mm) – and 

therefore 14 times wider. 

The team led by Leoben R&D expert Timo Schwarz has been 

testing the Direct Imager since May and has carried out countless 

analyses. The new R&D tool enables a high resolution in combination 

with greater depth of field, generally more configuration options, 

unlimited design variations and a faster, more flexible and resource-saving 

test phase compared to other technologies. “For the first 

time in Europe, we are researching the further development of our 

IC substrate technology under near-production conditions, creating 

added value for us and our partners,” Schwarz is proud of the development 

in Leoben. 

What are substrates? 

In simple terms, substrates are reduction couplings from printed 

circuit boards to the chip. They connect the tiny inputs and outputs 

of powerful microchips (such as in graphics cards) with the much 

larger structures of the printed circuit board. Today, substrates are 

an important basis for all forms of data processing. AT&S already 

holds almost 800 patents for the manufacture of IC substrates and 

high-tech printed circuit boards. More than a fifth of the company’s 

turnover is the result of the innovative strength of AT&S research. 

“The fact that we not only support top customers with AT&S, but are 

even development partners for many of them, shows the trust and 

appreciation that we enjoy with our technological excellence,” says 

AT&S Head of Research Hannes Voraberger. “Especially in Europe, a 

focus on research and development of highly complex microelectronics 

is essential to avoid becoming economically and technologically 

dependent.” 

AT&S CTO Peter Griehsnig also emphasizes the aspects of 

sustainability: “AT&S’s R&D activities contribute to sustainable development 

in two ways: Firstly, innovative tools in research work 

save valuable amounts of time, costs and materials, and secondly, the 

products created with them ensure more efficient data transmission 

and smart, green energy efficiency for our end customers.” 

AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik 

Aktiengesellschaft 

A 8700 Leoben 


page 7/28

The Cleanzone Conference addresses current industry trends. (Source: Messe Frankfurt) 

Cleanzone 2024: 

Networking and Knowledge Transfer 

Cleanzone 2024 will bring the global cleanroom industry together 

in Frankfurt am Main on 25 and 26 September. The 

key topics of technical innovation, energy efficiency and 

lifelong learning will be the focus of the event and will give 

new momentum to the market. Leading suppliers from all 

over the world and from all areas of cleanroom technology 

have already registered. The Cleanzone Conference offers 

an attractive and highly informative conference programme 

on both days of the trade fair, thus contributing to the transfer 

of knowledge between suppliers, users and experts. 

The cleanroom community is looking forward to Cleanzone, the international 

trade fair for cleanroom and cleanliness technology, hygiene 

and contamination control, on 25 and 26 September in Frankfurt. 

The trade fair is expecting exhibitors from around 15 countries 

to present their innovations to an international trade audience; about 

one third of the exhibitors are new. In addition to the established 

suppliers, numerous start-ups will also be present this time, for 

example from the fields of particle measurement, digitalisation and 

qualification. The exhibitor search for Cleanzone 2024 will be available 

on the Website from 3 July 2024. 

Cleanzone Conference: The innovation forum 

for cleanroom technology 

In addition to the highlights from the exhibiting companies, the 

specialist supporting programme will set the tone. This year‘s Cleanzone 

Conference will once again present visions for the future and 

pick up on current industry trends. Energy efficiency, new cleanroom 

concepts and digitalisation - these topics are currently driving 

developments in cleanroom technology. Cleanroom environments 

are required wherever there is a risk of contamination from particles. 

The regulatory environment, such as the new Annex 1, demands 

significantly more automation. The requirements for product and 

personal protection are high. The Cleanzone Conference addresses 

all of these topics. 

The content of the first day of the conference has been organised by 

Messe Frankfurt together with the Vogel Communication Group. In 

his keynote speech, Gernot Dittel from Dittel Engineering will highlight 

what the cleanroom industry can learn from space research. 

Hans Eder from ZETA GmbH will demonstrate the cost-cutting potential 

offered by energy-efficient solutions for HVAC and utilities. 

And Holger Saal from Kyoobee Tech shares his knowledge of the 

future technology ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products). 

The second day of the conference programme will be organised 

this year by the ICCCS International Confederation of Contamination 

Control Societies. One of the speakers is Conor Murray, 

Chairman ICCCS on „The Future of Contamination Control“ 

and „Global Challenges in Cleanrooms for Energy Management“. 

Matts Ramstorp will speak on „Garments in future Class B cleanrooms“ 

and Hasim Solmaz, expert and Secretary General of 

the ICCCS, on „New GMP Annex 1 + Contamination Control 

Strategy“. 


page 8/28

industry forward and at the same time contribute to the sustainability 

and profitability of companies. Cleanzone is the place where 

technical and innovative solutions are on display. 

Energy efficiency and sustainability in cleanrooms 

The international cross-sectional trade fair Cleanzone forms 

the bridge between the most diverse industries. 

(Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH) 

Innovation as a success factor: the Cleanzone Award 

Innovations, for example in digitalisation and in the field of artificial 

intelligence, are driving the cleanroom industry forward and at 

the same time contribute to the sustainability and profitability of 

companies. With the Cleanzone Award, which is presented in collaboration 

with the publishing house Wiley and its publication „Rein- 

RaumTechnik“, Cleanzone supports companies in their endeavours 

to introduce innovations to the market. Products, ideas and innovations 

that help to make clean production processes more efficient 

and sustainable can be submitted. A high-calibre jury will nominate 

up to five outstanding concepts, which will be presented at Cleanzone. 

The winner will be chosen by the public during the trade fair. 

The award will be presented on 26 September 2024 at Cleanzone in 

Frankfurt am Main. The winner will receive a cheque for 3,000.00 

Euros from Cleanzone media partner „ReinRaumTechnik“. 

The top themes reflect what is driving the industry 

Cleanzone 2024 reflects the topics that significantly influence the 

business of exhibiting companies and trade fair visitors. At its core 

are the top themes of technology and innovation, energy efficiency 

and sustainability, as well as training, lifelong learning and qualifications. 

They characterise the offerings at the stands and the expert 

conference programme. 

The top themes in detail: 

Technology and innovations for a wide range of applications 

This top theme deals with the importance of technology and innovations 

in the cleanroom. In almost every industry, products are 

being manufactured under clean conditions; technical details are 

therefore crucial. The scope of this topic ranges from automotive 

production to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The production 

of medical cannabis, for example, requires aseptic production processes 

and a cleanroom environment. Cleanroom technology is also 

used in the dismantling of nuclear power plants or in the production 

of semiconductors, batteries and components for electromobility. 

Here, it is essential to meet special quality requirements and specific 

standards and to ensure efficient production. Innovations, for example 

in digitalization and in the field of artificial intelligence, drive the 

How do you save energy in the cleanroom? This is a major issue in 

the industry. New energy, energy optimization, CO2 footprint, new 

regulations and certifications are the buzz words here. The taxonomy 

regulation as part of the EU‘s Green Deal confronts cleanroom 

specialists with new challenges. Ecological and sustainable qualities 

must now be made measurable; this results in new fields of action 

and objectives. But this also creates opportunities, as sustainability 

contributions foster a positive reputation. Solutions for energy 

saving include flexible project planning, new production methods 

such as the „breathing factory“ and product innovations, for example 

in the field of clean room dehumidification. Cleanzone provides the 

ideal platform for a professional exchange on this topic. 

Education, lifelong learning and professional qualification 

An important element enabling cleanroom companies to grow and 

achieve their sustainability goals is qualified personnel. In particular, 

the special know-how required for planning and operating cleanrooms 

cannot be acquired through a single training course. Rather, 

specialized knowledge is built up through experience, continuous 

training and lifelong learning. The industry is also affected by a general 

shortage of personnel. One of the ways to retain and attract 

skilled personnel is to enhance the image of cleanroom companies. 

Cleanzone not only fulfills the task of sharing and exchanging expertise 

and know-how, but also serves as a platform where staff can be 

recruited. 

Cleanzone - interdisciplinary and international 

The international cross-section fair Cleanzone connects the most 

diverse industries. It offers a comprehensive market overview of the 

latest solutions for production and research. Exhibiting companies 

and visitors from all relevant application areas such as the pharmaceutical 

industry, biotechnology, chemical industry, healthcare, food 

technology, surface and plastics technology, microelectronics, optics 

and laser technology, aerospace technology and the automotive 

industry come to network in Frankfurt. 

A review of the last event shows the importance of Cleanzone: 

54 per cent of visitors were high-ranking corporate decision-makers, 

46 per cent had the intention of making definite investments. In addition 

to Germany, the most important visitor countries included 

the Netherlands, Türkiye, Switzerland, Ireland, France, the United 

Kingdom, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden. A survey 

of exhibitors and visitors during Cleanzone 2022 showed that 91 per 

cent of all visitors and 92 per cent of exhibitors were very satisfied. 

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 9/28

Intelligent energy management for the future 

Fraunhofer IPMS supports the 300 mm 

process development of smart power 

technologies for the semiconductor 

manufacturer Infineon at the Dresden site 

In a joint development project spanning around one year, important progress 

was made in the production of “Smart power technologies”. Fraunhofer IPMS 

provided significant support to the semiconductor manufacturer Infineon by 

supplying selected process modules within the entire CMOS process value chain 

on 300 mm wafers. 

The collaboration played a key role in the 

process development for the factory expansion 

at Infineon Dresden. Over 2000 

wafers were successfully processed as part 

of this collaboration. The wafers were exchanged 

several times between Fraunhofer 

IPMS and Infineon Dresden to ensure optimal 

use of resources and optimum integration 

into the production lines. 

„The results of this joint project are extremely 

promising and mark a significant step 

forward for the production of smart power 

technologies at Infineon Dresden,“ commented 

project manager Andreas Thamm 

from Infineon. „The close collaboration and 

the provision of process modules by Fraunhofer 

IPMS have enabled us to move ahead 

faster than planned with the process transfer 

to 300mm equipment needed to expand 

our manufacturing capabilities.“ 

300 mm cleanroom at the Fraunhofer IPMS. © Fraunhofer IPMS 

Aerial view of Infineon Dresden. © Infineon Technologies AG 

The successful implementation of this project 

underlines the technological expertise 

and effective collaboration between Fraunhofer 

IPMS and its cooperation partners. 

The fact that several joint projects have 

already been completed with semiconductor 

expert Infineon proved to be valuable: 

„We have been working together for years,“ 

confirms IPMS project manager Dr. Malte 

Czernohorsky „In this project, Fraunhofer 

experts worked closely with colleagues 

from Infineon. The teams are now well 

attuned to each other. Our cooperation 

was always focused on achieving results, 

and our colleagues at Infineon were very 

accommodating towards our ideas, which 

commends Czernohorsky. „Based on the 

positive experiences from previous years, 

we are already thinking about follow-up 

projects.“ 

This milestone and the expansion of 


page 10/28

„Smart power technologies“ in applications for 

end consumers. © Infineon Technologies AG 

capacities in the Smart Power Fab area illustrate 

Infineon‘s ongoing efforts to further 

strengthen its position as a leading 

supplier of high-performance circuits, 

particularly at the Dresden site. With the 

construction of the new Smart Power Fab, 

Infineon is making one of the largest single 

investments in its history. The aim of the 

semiconductor manufacturer is to increase 

the speed at which it expands its semiconductor 

production capacities and to further 

strengthen Europe as a chip manufacturing 

location. This is an important contribution 

to meeting the growing global demand for 

semiconductors - for example for applications 

to generate renewable energy, for use 

in data centers and for electromobility. 

Infineon‘s work is being funded by the 

European Union, the German Federal Ministry 

for Economic Affairs and Climate 

Protection and the Free State of Saxony as 

part of an Important Projects of Common 

European Interest (IPCEI) in the fields 

of microelectronics and communication 

technologies. The funding supports the 

development of future-oriented, innovative 

microelectronics and communication 

technologies up to market maturity. The 

aim is to complete the European value 

chain, contribute to European technological 

sovereignty and promote climate protection 

through energy-efficient technologies 

and processes. 

Fraunhofer-Institut für Photonische 

Mikrosysteme IPMS 

D 01109 Dresden 

Suedpack Kamakshi receives BRCGS 

recommended ‚A’ Grade Certification 

for product safety and quality culture 

Suedpack Kamakshi, the Indian arm of the renowned 

German packaging leader Suedpack, has received the coveted 

BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compli-ance Global 

Standards) recommended ‚A‘ Grade certification in flexible 

packag-ing for food and agri industry. This certification, 

which is the highest global standard for packaging materials, 

solidifies Suedpack Kamakshi‘s position as a frontrunner 

in quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, all while 

leveraging the immense expertise of its German counterpart. 

The BRCGS is a leading brand and consumer protection organization, 

renowned for its stringent Global Standards for Packaging 

Materials. The ‚A Grade‘ certifica-tion is reserved for companies 

demonstrating exceptional performance across all areas, including 

quality management systems, facility standards, product safety, and 

operational criteria. 

The ‚A‘ Grade certification underscores Suedpack Kamakshi‘s 

unwavering com-mitment to excellence. The certification is a testament 

to the company‘s rigorous manufacturing processes, meticulous 

risk management strategies, and a deeply ingrained culture of 

quality that permeates every level of the organization. Brand Reputation 

Compliance Global Standard and BRCGS is a GFSI standard 

(Global Food Safety Initiatives). 

„We are incredibly proud to receive the BRCGS recommended 

‚A Grade‘ certifica-tion,“ said Latha Ekambaram, CEO at Suedpack 

Kamakshi Pvt Ltd. „This confirms our high standard of quality, which 

we owe to our team‘s dedication and the knowledge shared by our 

German partners at Suedpack. 

At Suedpack Kamakshi, quality and product safety are paramount. 

Every step, from the initial design and development stages 

to final distribution, is meticulously executed to ensure compliance 

with the highest standards and approved proce-dures. 

„Our commitment to quality is absolute,“ added Latha. „We will 

continue to lever-age the expertise of Suedpack and invest in our 

people, processes, and infrastruc-ture to solidify our position as a 

trusted partner for customers in the Indian Market. 

With the BRCGS ‚A Grade‘ certification, Suedpack Kamakshi 

strengthens its posi-tion as a leader in the Indian packaging sector. 

By harnessing the strengths of an international manufacturer and 

its own unwavering commitment to quality, Sued-pack Kamakshi 

delivers safe, high-quality products that meet the most demanding 

requirements of customers across diverse food segments. 

SÜDPACK VERPACKUNGEN SE & Co. KG 

D 88416 Ochsenhausen 


page 11/28

Enhancing sustainability through 

accurate biogas upgrading assessment 

In an era where sustainable and renewable energy sources 

are imperative, biogas stands out as a promising solution. 

However, maximizing its potential necessitates efficient 

utilization, achieved through biogas upgrade systems. These 

systems play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and 

utility of biogas, propelling it beyond a mere source of energy. 

One notable example in this field is Pentair, a recognized leader 

known for engineering advanced biogas upgrade systems. Pentair‘s 

expertise lies in designing and implementing cutting-edge solutions 

that elevate biogas to a standard comparable to natural gas. Through 

their precise engineering and innovative technologies, Pentair empowers 

biogas to seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructure, unlocking 

a spectrum of sustainable applications. With a track record 

of over half a decade, Pentair has been instrumental in deploying 

sustainable solutions, including CO2 recovery plants and biogas upgrading 

systems. 

Biogas upgrading systems, such as the ones engineered by Pentair, 

play a pivotal role in maximizing the potential of biogas as a 

sustainable and clean energy source. These systems enhance the 

energy content of biogas by concentrating methane and reducing 

impurities, enabling it to match the quality of natural gas. This upgraded 

biogas, often termed biomethane or renewable natural gas, can 

be seamlessly integrated into existing natural gas grids, providing 

a direct, clean, and renewable energy supply. It serves 

as an environmentally friendly fuel, significantly lowering 

carbon dioxide emissions when utilized for electricity generation, 

heating, or transportation. Moreover, the ability to 

store and transport upgraded biogas efficiently enhances its 

role as a reliable and sustainable energy storage solution. 

By transforming organic waste into valuable energy and 

supporting a circular economy, these systems contribute 

to waste reduction and efficient utilization of biomass resources. 

“In our pursuit of sustainable progress, we believe in 

remaining vigilant and thorough, implementing careful controls 

to minimize revenue losses for our customers while ensuring 

that our biogas upgrading plants minimize methane 

slip during purification, thus making a positive contribution 

to the energy transition and sustainability goals”, explains 

Machiel van Essen, NPD Project Manager - Technology at 

Pentair. 

Pentair operates a facility called Pentair Haffmans in 

Venlo, The Netherlands, where they engineer and manufacture 

analysis equipment for breweries, CO2 recovery 

installations, and biogas upgrading systems. Sustainable 

Fuel Plant (SFP), an innovative facility dedicated to the production 

and advancement of sustainable energy solutions, 

approached Pentair to evaluate the biogas upgrading system 

that had been installed by Pentair at the SFP site, located in 

Westdorpe, The Netherlands. This collaboration extended 

further through Pentair‘s partnership with Vaisala, a leading 


page 12/28

provider of measurement instruments, who played a crucial role in 

the successful assessment of the biogas upgrading system. 

The Challenge 

The assessment of the biogas upgrading system at Sustainable Fuel 

Plant (SFP) brought forth a specific set of challenges that demanded 

a meticulous approach. Firstly, achieving precise analysis of both the 

biogas feed flow and the process permeate flow (offgas) was deemed 

critical due to the complex composition of gases involved. Any 

inaccuracies in the process had the potential to cause elevated CH4 

levels in the permeate flow, which could significantly impact the revenue 

of biogas upgrading sites. 

Operating under challenging wet conditions was an additional 

hurdle, requiring analyzers that could function effectively despite 

the high relative humidity in both the biogas feed and permeate 

flows. Moreover, compliance with ATEX zones, an imperative safety 

requirement in biogas facilities, had to be ensured. Conducting 

in-situ analysis was also vital, minimizing the need for new analysis 

lines and providing a more accurate representation of real-time conditions. 

Lastly, the analysis was intended to be temporary, necessitating 

easily implementable and removable analyzers that could adapt 

to evolving requirements during the assessment process. 

The Solution 

Cutout: The Vaisala MGP262 installed 

To surmount the array of challenges posed by the biogas upgrading 

assessment, Pentair joined forces with Vaisala, a distinguished industry 

leader renowned for their expertise in measurement instruments 

and solutions. Vaisala, with their extensive experience and 

innovation in the field, proposed a strategic solution for the evaluation. 

They recommended the utilization of their cutting-edge Vaisala 

MGP261 and MGP262 multigas probes, which proved to be instrumental 

in addressing the specific requirements of this assessment. 

The MGP261 and MGP262 multigas probes offered a remarkable 

capability to provide real-time process values, precisely within 

the defined ranges of CH4 and CO2, exhibiting an exceptional level 

of accuracy. A significant advantage was their adaptability to challenging 

wet conditions, ensuring reliable performance even in highhumidity 

environments - a crucial factor given the nature of biogas 

processing. Moreover, these probes were designed to comply with 

ATEX zones, meeting the stringent safety regulations of biogas facilities. 

Furthermore, the implementation of these probes was streamlined 

by their threaded process connections, allowing for straightforward 

integration into the existing system. This feature considerably eased 

the process of installation, thereby enhancing the efficiency and 

speed of the assessment, aligning with the project‘s temporary nature. 

By synergizing the data obtained from the biogas feed, retentate, 

and permeate streams, a comprehensive analysis of the entire process 

was conducted. This holistic approach allowed for a thorough 

assessment, enabling a deep understanding of the dynamics and efficiency 

of the biogas upgrading system. The analysis revealed that 

Pentair‘s process design conformed rigorously to the specified design 

criteria. This validation provided a strong assurance to SFP that 

the biogas upgrading system was functioning precisely as intended, 

in alignment with the set objectives and performance expectations. 

The successful implementation of the MGP261 and MGP262 

multigas probes proved to be a pivotal step in evaluating the biogas 

upgrading system at the Sustainable Fuel Plant (SFP). The probes 

functioned seamlessly, delivering accurate and precise measurements 

throughout the assessment period. Accurate measurement 

and optimization of methane and CO2 levels are fundamental to 

enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the biogas upgrading 

process. The precision achieved in these measurements ensures 

that the upgraded biogas meets the desired quality standards, aligning 

with sustainability objectives. 

“We are committed to sustainable progress, and we always strive 

to prevent revenue losses for our customers by applying rigorous 

controls. Our biogas upgrading plants also reduce methane emissions 

which we measure with Vaisala MGP261 and MGP262 multigas 

instruments to optimize the purification process. This way, we contribute 

positively to the energy transition and sustainability goals” 

explains Machiel van Essen, NPD Project Manager - Technology at 

Pentair. 

In essence, the collaboration with Vaisala and the utilization of 

their state-of-the-art multigas probes proved to be a pivotal step in 

successfully navigating the intricate challenges posed by the assessment, 

ultimately ensuring a thorough and accurate evaluation of the 

biogas upgrading system at the Sustainable Fuel Plant (SFP). 

Summary 

In summary, the collaboration between Pentair and Vaisala, leveraging 

the MGP261 and MGP262 multigas probes, demonstrated the 

effectiveness of these instruments in verifying the performance of 

the biogas upgrading system at the Sustainable Fuel Plant site. The 

ease of installation and reliable performance make these probes a 

valuable extension of Pentair‘s process analysis kit. Moreover, this 

successful configuration, made possible through collaboration with 

Vaisala, has the potential to be offered to Pentair customers in the 

future, enabling the tracking of both process and material performance, 

aligning with Pentair‘s commitment to sustainable and responsible 

solutions in the field of gases. 

Vaisala GmbH 

Rheinwerkallee 2 

D 53227 Bonn 

Telefon: +49 228 249710 

Telefax: +49 228 2497111 

eMail: vertrieb@vaisala.com 

Internet: http://www.vaisala.de 


page 13/28

Opening of the joint ASML-imec High NA EUV Lithography Lab marks a milestone in 

preparing High NA EUV lithography for accelerated adoption in mass manufacturing 

ASML and imec open joint High NA EUV 

Lithography Lab offering an early 

development platform to the leading-edge 

semiconductor ecosystem 

The TWINSCAN EXE:5000 High NA EUV scanner in 

the High NA Lab demonstrating the first-ever 10 nm 

dense lines obtained in a single exposure. 

Imec, a world-leading research and innovation 

hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, 

and ASML Holding N.V. (ASML), a 

leading lithography supplier to the semiconductor 

industry, today announced the opening 

of the High NA EUV Lithography Lab 

in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, a lab jointly 

run by ASML and imec. After a build and integration 

period of years, the Lab is ready to 

provide leading-edge logic and memory chip 

makers, as well as advanced materials and 

equipment suppliers access to the first prototype 

High NA EUV scanner (TWINSCAN 

EXE:5000) and surrounding processing and 

metrology tools. 

The opening of the joint ASML-imec High NA EUV Lab represents 

a milestone in preparing High NA EUV for high-volume manufacturing 

– anticipated to happen in the 2025–2026 timeframe. By 

giving leading-edge logic and memory chip manufacturers access to 

the High NA EUV prototype scanner and surrounding tools (which 

include a coat and development track, metrology tools, wafer and 

mask handling systems), imec and ASML support them in de-risking 

the technology and develop private High NA EUV use cases before 

the scanners will be operational in their production fabs. Access will 

also be provided to the broader ecosystem of material and equipment 

suppliers and to imec’s High NA 

patterning program. 

Readying the 0.55 NA EUV scanner 

and infrastructure followed intense preparations 

that started in 2018. In this time 

span, ASML and ZEISS were able to develop 

High NA EUV scanner specific solutions 

related to the source, optics, lens 

anamorphicity, stitching, reduced depth 

of focus, edge placement errors and overlay 

accuracy. Meanwhile, imec, in tight 

collaboration with its extended supplier 

network, prepared the patterning ecosystem, 

including the development of 

advanced resist and underlayer materials, 

photomasks, metrology and inspection techniques, (anamorphic) 

imaging strategies, optical proximity correction (OPC), and integrated 

patterning and etch techniques. The preparatory work recently 

resulted in first exposures, showing for the first time ever 10 

nm dense lines (20 nm pitch) printed in Veldhoven on metal oxide 

resists (MORs) using the 0.55 NA EUV prototype scanner. 

Imec’s president and CEO Luc Van den hove: “High NA EUV 

is the next milestone in optical lithography, promising the patterning 

of metal lines/spaces with 20 nm pitch in one single exposure 

and enabling next generations of DRAM chips. This will improve 

yield and reduce cycle time and even CO2 emissions compared to 

existing multi-patterning 0.33 NA EUV schemes. It will therefore 

be a key enabler to push Moore’s Law well into the ångström era. 

We are now thrilled to explore these capabilities in real life, using 

the prototype High NA EUV scanner. For imec and its partners, the 

High NA EUV Lithography Lab will act as a virtual extension of our 

300 mm cleanroom in Leuven, enabling us to further improve the 

patterning ecosystem and push the resolution of the High NA EUV 

towards its ultimate limits.” 

ASML’s President and CEO Christophe Fouquet: “The 

ASML-imec High NA EUV Lithography Lab provides an opportunity 

for our EUV customers, partners and suppliers to access 

the High NA EUV system for process development while waiting 

for their own system to be available at their factories.. This type 

of very early engagement with the ecosystem is unique and could 

significantly accelerate the learning curve on the technology and 

smoothen the introduction in manufacturing. We are committed 

to work with and support our customers in this journey with High 

NA EUV.” 

IMEC Belgium 

BL 3001 Leuven 


page 14/28

National study requires new peel apart packs to assess relationship between 

microbiological quality of operating theatre air and infection rate 

Cherwell develops bespoke new 

product to support air quality 

audit in UCA operating theatres 

Cherwell, cleanroom microbiology solutions 

expert, has developed a new peel apart pack 

settle plate product to support a UK national 

study investigating the relationship between 

microbiological quality of operating 

theatre air and infection rate. Supported 

by NHS England, the UK Health Security 

Agency and British Orthopaedic Association, 

the JOINTCASE audit aims to check the 

air quality of ultra clean air (UCA) operating 

theatres while actually in use for surgery. 

Despite the well-documented relationship 

between microbiological air quality and 

deep infection rates, it is not routine to monitor 

operating theatres when in use. This is 

because slit samplers are traditionally used 

to test air quality by volumetric counting, but 

these are labour-intensive, requiring trained 

individuals and not practical for routine audits. 

The study management group noted 

settle plate counting to be a simpler methodology 

and its relationship with volumetric 

counting well established. 

Conducted jointly by local orthopaedic 

and microbiology/infectious disease departments 

in elective orthopaedic units nationwide, 

the audit now uses a settle plate 

based technique. For this, packs of 10 microbiology 

plates, which can be simply peeled 

apart aseptically for easy sterile dispensing 

onto surgical instrument trolleys and next 

to the wound, were specially developed by 

Cherwell. To further minimise contamination 

risk, during transfer for incubation after 

exposure, the plates can be secured with 

sterile elastic bands which are also supplied 

within the packs. 

The new peel apart packs were required 

as settle plates are generally packed double 

or triple wrapped and sterilised for laboratory 

or cleanroom use, which is not sufficient 

during surgery in an operating theatre. 

Study lead and orthopaedic surgeon, Mr. 

Andrew Thomas, The Royal Orthopaedic 

Hospital, Birmingham, explained, “Regular 

plate packs must be opened in a completely 

New peel apart settle plate pack developed by Cherwell to support UK national study on 

relationship between microbiological air quality of operating theatres and infection rates. 

aseptic way using sterile scissors, and that 

is an additional task for the scrub person. It 

distracts them and there is a risk of de-sterilising 

the outside of the settle plates.” 

“The logical answer was to have a peel 

apart pack, which can be dispensed onto the 

sterile instrument trolley, just like any other 

piece of equipment that is dispensed to the 

scrub nurse by the circulating staff, but this 

wasn’t available on the market,” continued 

Andrew. 

Cherwell’s Bespoke Product team supported 

Andrew and the JOINTCASE audit 

through the company’s New Product Request 

Process. Andrew said, “We approached 

Cherwell who took a keen interest in 

our problem and worked hard to deliver the 

solution. Other well-known multinational 

companies working in the area were simply 

not interested in a relatively small problem. 

Cherwell’s team, recognised that making 

the peel apart packs would be a great contribution, 

and actually not terribly difficult 

to deliver.” 

The Joint Orthopaedics and Infectious diseases 

National Theatre Clean Air Services 

Evaluation (JOINTCASE) is an ongoing 

national, multicentre, prospective audit. 

All elective orthopaedic units in the UK 

are encouraged to participate in this study. 

This includes major elective centres, tertiary 

units, and district general hospitals. Initially, 

the audit will focus on UCA theatres used 

for joint replacement surgery in the UK. 

In addition to its standard range of Redipor® 

media products, instrument accessories 

and packaging, Cherwell also offers a 

fully bespoke service for any aspect of environmental 

monitoring programs. Cherwell’s 

new peel apart packs of Redipor® tryptone 

soy agar (TSA) settle plates, developed initially 

as a bespoke product for the JOINTCA- 

SE study, are now available for purchase as 

packs of 10. 

Cherwell Laboratories Ltd 

OX26 4XB BICESTER 

Vereinigtes Königreich 


page 15/28

Festo SupraMotion 2024: SupraMotion 2024: Opening, 

closing, filling and weighing in the cleanroom. 

Festo SupraMotion 2024: Entering Clean Room: The contactless 

levitation module of SupraMotion moves the freeze-dry 

container into a symbolized clean room. 

Automated filling and weighing of freeze-dry containers in the cleanroom 

with SupraMotion from Festo 

Superconductor technology: 

Contactless working in the 

laboratory of the future 

Superconductor technology enables the contactless movement 

and handling of objects – ideal for high-tech industries 

such as laboratory automation or biotechnology. At 

the Hannover Messe, Festo presents a concept for the fully 

automated filling and weighing of freeze-dry containers 

in cleanrooms. Thanks to SupraMotion levitation modules 

and products from the Festo automation portfolio for laboratory 

applications, the highest standards of cleaning and 

cleanliness can be met. 

„Keeping processes in the laboratory free of contamination is not 

easy,“ says Michael Schöttner, Head of SupraMotion Projects at Festo. 

„The equipment used, for example test tubes or measuring devices 

such as scales, are particularly problematic. Taken from the dirty 

outside, they are prone to carry contaminations to the clean inside. 

We can largely rule this out with our SupraMotion modules, as they 

allow to transport and weigh without contact.“ In the exhibit, special 

disposable freeze-dry containers are filled automatically and the added 

mass is checked using a contactless scale. Products from Festo‘s 

LifeTech portfolio are used in combination with a levitation module 

from the „SupraMotion“ range. Altogether, this results in a reliable 

overall solution that makes cleaning simple and effective to meets 

the highest cleanliness requirements. 

The magnetic forces between the superconductor and the carrier 

on which the containers are transported allow levitation heights 

of 10 millimeters and more. Permeating though many materials, the 

levitation leaves plenty of space for separating walls enclosing sterile 

working environments. Movement of the carrier is possible from the 

exterior, as is weight control using a standard laboratory scale. This 

keeps most of the technology outside the cleanroom; contamination 

of all kinds is reduced to an absolute minimum. „With our concept, 

we show how to combine our innovative superconductor technology 

with our automation solutions for the life science sector and thus 

manage some of the most demanding challenges in laboratory automation,“ 

says Michael Schöttner. 

Opening, closing, filling and weighing in the cleanroom 

The contactless levitation module of SupraMotion moves the 

freeze-dry container into a symbolized clean room. A universally applicable, 

compact EHMD rotary gripper module, which was specially 

developed for laboratory automation, opens the screw cap of the 

container regardless of its thread pitch. It is then transported to the 

next station, where two VTOE dosing heads fill the container with 

liquid. These dosing heads work very precisely with a typical varia- 


page 16/28

tion coefficient of < 1% in the range of 10 to 1000 μl. The contactless 

scales integrated into the transport system allow the filling volume to 

be checked precisely at all times during the process. 

„With the SupraMotion modules and our products for laboratory 

automation, we are able to design innovative complete solutions 

for customers in the life science sector – precise, reliable and largely 

contamination-free thanks to contactless handling. Only Festo offers 

these solutions!“ says Marcus Kroll, Head of LifeTech Business 

Development at Festo. Upon request, interested potential users will 

receive a customized application according to their needs. 

About superconductor-based magnetic levitation 

Superconductors are materials with unique magnetic features. The 

superconductor used in SupraMotion applications can anchor the 

magnetic field of a permanent magnet to its bulk, creating a strong 

but invisible coupling keeping the magnet and superconductor at a 

fixed distance from each other – even through walls, in liquids or in a 

vacuum. Levitation gaps of 10 mm and more are possible. As long as 

it remains below its transition temperature, the magnetic memory of 

the superconductor stores the fingerprint of the magnet and thus its 

position, even if the two are separated. 

The technology is characterized by a low energy requirement 

independent of the levitation height and payload – the power requirement 

with the current coolers is between 15 and 80 watts, depending 

on the application. The levitation effect is maintained for 

up to 15 minutes in case of a power failure, does not require separate 

control technology and does not heat up surfaces or levitation 

modules. 

Festo SE & Co. KG 

D 73734 Esslingen 

BOY Machines celebrated a successful 

fiftieth anniversary at the NPE in Orlando 

The German machine manufacturer BOY can look back on a successful 

and well-attended plastics trade fair, the NPE in Orlando. 

With a total of six exhibits the specialist for injection moulding 

machines, based in Neustadt-Fernthal, Germany, impressed a large 

number of trade fair visitors with interesting applications at the 

booth of its American sister company BOY Machines, Inc. 

BOY Machines, Exton PA (BMI) has been a solid factor in the 

North American plastics industry since 1974. 

A representative selection of the BOY machine range was demonstrated 

to the trade visitors at the exhibition booth right at the 

main entrance to Hall West: from the new BOY XS E and the compact 

BOY 35 E VV injection moulding machine with integrated automation 

cell to the BOY 125 E with an efficient servo drive and 1250 

kN clamping force. The performance and strengths of the various 

machines, the good automation options as well as the machine efficiency 

were perfectly presented on the very functional, bright and 

openly designed exhibition booth. 

Mrs. Helga Schiffer, Chairwoman of BMI‘s Board of Directors, 

was particularly impressed by the success of the NPE trade fair appearance. 

‘We have participated in all NPE trade fairs from the very 

beginning,’ commented Helga Schiffer, ‘but this time the number of 

visitors clearly exceeded anything we have seen before and the discussions 

were of a high quality. The need for personal contacts and 

information after the long period of six years since the last NPE was 

clearly noticeable.’ 

A good example of the efficiency of the BOY injection moulding 

machines was the introduction of a production cell developed on 

the basis of the LR 5, which demonstrated the versatility of the BOY 

LR 5. In collaboration with a BOY 35 E VV insert moulding machine, 

an additional input terminal, the LR 5 handling device and another 

assembly automation, metal inserts were over-moulded into T-shaped 

handles, removed by the LR 5 and delivered to an assembly automation 

system. 

Here, four bits individually selected by the visitor were inserted 

into the plastic handle. The assembled set was then placed on a 

conveyor belt by the LR 5 and the visitor received a self-configured 

tool set. 

The compact BOY 35 E VV with sliding table attracted special 

interest by the visitors. BOY exhibited this machine for the first time 

in the USA. 

A particular ‘NPE eye-catcher’ was the BOY 60 E hybrid equipped 

with electromechanical injection and plasticising as well as an 

electromechanical ejector. Our injection moulding machine is completed 

with our proven servo-hydraulic two-platen clamping unit. It 

has turned out that this is often a much better option than the current 

purely electromechanical machines. The clamping unit of the 

BOY 60 E is cleaner in particular and therefore more suitable for 

clean room applications, it has lower energy consumption and the 

smallest footprint in its industry. 

Dr. Boy GmbH & Co. KG 

D 53577 Neustadt-Fernthal 


page 17/28

Improved die-to-wafer assembly flow opens doors to logic/memory-on-logic stacking, 

and to optically interconnected systems-on-wafer 

Imec demonstrates die-to-wafer 

hybrid bonding with a Cu 

interconnect pad pitch of 2µm 

This week, at the 2024 IEEE Electronic Components and Technology 

Conference (ECTC), imec, a world-leading research and innovation 

hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, presents a 

Cu-to-Cu and SiCN-to-SiCN die-to-wafer bonding process resulting 

in a Cu bond pad pitch of only 2µm at

Acquisition will advance Merck’s integrated offering for viral vector manufacturing. 

Merck Signs Definitive Agreement 

to Acquire Life Science Company 

Mirus Bio for US$ 600 million 

– Acquisition will advance Merck’s integrated offering for viral vector manufacturing 

– Complements existing portfolio for development and production of novel modalities such as cell and gene therapies 

– Novel modalities are a key growth area for Merck’s Life Science business sector 

Merck, a leading science and technology company, has signed a 

definitive agreement to acquire life science company Mirus Bio for 

US$ 600 million (around € 550 million). Based in Madison, Wisconsin, 

USA, Mirus Bio is a specialist in the development and commercialization 

of transfection reagents. Transfection reagents, such as 

Mirus Bio‘s TransIT-VirusGEN®, are used to help introduce genetic 

material into cells. These reagents play a key role in the production 

of viral vectors for cell and gene therapies. 

“This strategic acquisition is a further building block for accelerating 

growth in the break-through technologies of the future. As 

a leader in the production of viral vectors, our goal is to make the 

significant potential of cell and gene therapy available for patients 

worldwide,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and 

CEO of Merck. “As a leading science and technology company, we 

are well-positioned to support our Life Science customers across 

the biopharmaceutical industry to bring new curative treatments to 

market.” 

“Novel modalities, such as viral vector-based cell and gene therapies, 

hold immense promise to improve the lives of patients. Combining 

Mirus Bio‘s leading technology with Merck‘s bioprocessing 

expertise and portfolio allows us to provide solutions for almost every 

step of viral vector development and manufacturing,” said Matthias 

Heinzel, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO 

Life Science. “With our integrated offering along the viral vector value 

chain, we are now well-positioned to support our customers in 

this fast-growing market to positively impact the lives and health of 

patients worldwide.” 

“We have been driving innovation in nucleic acid delivery for 

two decades,” said Dale Gordon, CEO of Mirus Bio. “Merck’s broad 

portfolio, scale, and global reach, combined with our leading transfection 

reagents, will help take our business to even greater heights 

and allow us to serve more customers, and ultimately patients, 

worldwide.” 

The transaction with Gamma Biosciences, a life sciences platform 

established by global investment firm KKR, for the acquisition 

of Mirus Bio is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024 and is 

subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions. 

Merck’s Life Science business sector provides the tools, highgrade 

chemicals and consumables that accelerate scientific breakthroughs 

across the entire pharmaceutical industry. This includes 

one of the broadest product portfolios for bioproduction processes. 

The acquisition of Mirus Bio is an important step towards Merck‘s 

ambition to offer solutions for every step of viral vector manufacturing 

to advance cell and gene therapies from preclinical through 

commercial production. The company’s expertise covers a variety of 

viral vector types, including adeno-associated virus, lentivirus, and 

adenovirus. Additionally, Merck offers both contract testing services 

and a wide range of comprehensive contract development and manufacturing 

services for viral vector manufacturing with more than 

three decades of experience supporting cell and gene therapies on 

the path to commercialization. 

Novel Modalities like cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug 

conjugates or mRNA hold immense promise to improve the lives of 

patients. The global market for process products for these modalities 

is expected to grow by around 20% per year over the mid-term. For 

example, the overall number of cell and gene therapies in development 

has doubled since 2019, and more advance to commercial 

stage. Viral Vectors play a key role in the production of these lifechanging 

therapies. To support this growth, Merck opened its second 

Carlsbad, California-based viral vector contract development 

manufacturing facility in 2021. The € 100 million investment more 

than doubled the company’s capacity to support large-scale commercial 

and industrial manufacturing for viral gene therapy. Merck 

also invests in R&D to enable its customers to bring new curative 

treatments to market. In 2024, the company laid the cornerstone 

for a new Life Science research center at its global headquarters in 

Darmstadt. The more than € 300 million investment will bring together 

research on key technologies, including viral vectors and novel 

modalities like mRNA. 

Merck KGaA 

D 64293 Darmstadt 


page 19/28

On-chip flow cytometer using integrated photonics paves the way 

for high-throughput cell analysis 

Scalable on-chip detection of 

human white blood cells 

Imec, a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics 

and digital technologies, and Sarcura GmbH, an Austrian 

early-stage technology start-up, present their proof-of-concept 

on-chip flow cytometer using integrated photonics. Published on 

20th May 2024 in Scientific Reports, part of the Nature Publishing 

Group, this innovation offers a unique platform for the detection 

and discrimination of human leukocytes and marks a significant 

stride towards cost-effective, scalable, and highly parallelized cell 

analysis. 

Accurate identification of human cells is a 

key operation in modern medicine, pivotal 

for understanding disease mechanisms and 

advancing targeted and personalized treatments. 

With the advent of cell manufacturing, 

living cells can now be engineered to 

function as treatments, notably in groundbreaking 

therapies like CAR-T immune cell 

therapy for cancer. The ability to identify 

these therapeutic cells in complex cell products 

at high throughput is crucial, and often 

time sensitive. 

The method of choice today is flow cytometry, 

which enables characterization of 

cell populations based on the physical and 

chemical characteristics of individual cells 

as they flow past a laser. However, the current 

implementation include bulky instrumentation, 

complex and manual workflows 

(posing contamination risks), and high 

operational costs. These challenges hinder 

widespread availability and adoption of cell 

therapies in decentralized settings. 

To address these limitations, imec 

harnesses its expertise in CMOS 

technology, photonics, and fluidics to 

automate, miniaturize and parallelize flow 

cytometry. In a study published in Scientific 

Reports imec, together with Sarcura, unveils 

an on-chip flow cytometer using integrated 

photonics. Fabricated on imec’s 200mm 

CMOS pilot line, the opto-fluidic chip features 

a pioneering material stack facilitating 

both cell illumination and capturing of scattered 

light through waveguide optics, and 

precise cell delivery to the detection points 

using microfluidic channels. 

“Silicon photonics, as successfully demonstrated 

in this novel photonic chip, is 

the revolutionary and essential building 

block that merges single-cell detection capabilities 

with massive parallelization on 

a dramatically miniaturized footprint. This 

breakthrough opens new possibilities for 

addressing previously unsolved challenges 

in applications such as cell therapy manu- 

Figure 2: (Left) Schematic cross-section of the chip layer stack, indicating light coupling 

into the chip, cell illumination, and collection and detection of cell scattering signals. 

(Right) Experimental scatter plot of a full peripheral blood mononuclear sample 

measured with the on-chip flow cytometer. 

Figure 1: Picture of the on-chip flow cytometer. 

facturing,“ states Daniela Buchmayr, CEO 

and Co-founder of Sarcura. 

Niels Verellen, Scientific Director at 

imec, remarked, “We have demonstrated, 

for the first time, that a monolithically integrated 

biophotonic chip can be used to collect 

optical scattering signals that allow the 

discrimination of lymphocytes and monocytes 

from a patient’s blood sample, rivaling 

the performance of commercial cytometers. 

The main advantage lies in the potential for 

dense parallelization of multiple flow channels 

to boost the system throughput.” In a 

next phase, the compact, alignment-free 

design should enable billions of cells to be 

identified within a limited amount of time. 

Crucially, the chip architecture seamlessly 

integrates with imec’s previously 

developed bubble jet cell sorting module, 

compatible with wafer-scale fabrication. 

Furthermore, the photonic components and 

layout can be tailored to suit specific applications. 

This proof-of-concept therefore 

marks a substantial leap towards cost-effective, 

scalable, and highly parallelized cell 

sorting platforms. 

IMEC Belgium 

BL 3001 Leuven 


page 20/28

Viola Schäfer, Pfeiffer Vacuum Market Manager R&D (right) welcomes Professor Aulenbacher (left) and Dr. Keckert (center) 

to the Pfeiffer Vacuum booth at the DPG conference. 

Pfeiffer Vacuum Supports Young 

Scientist Award for Accelerator Physics 

Conferred by the German Physical Society 

– New materials for superconducting high-frequency systems 

– Vacuum indispensable for basic scientific research 

– DPG Working Group on Accelerator Physics confers award in cooperation with renowned institutions and corporations 

Dr. Sebastian Keckert is awarded this year’s Young Scientist Award 

for Accelerator Physics by the German Physical Society (DPG). The 

prize is endowed with 5,000 euros and honors his outstanding research 

results in the field of new materials for superconducting 

high-frequency systems. Pfeiffer Vacuum is a sponsor of this award 

which is conferred annually by the DPG Working Group on Accelerator 

Physics in cooperation with renowned institutions and corporations. 

The institutions German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), 

GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research and Helmholtz Centre 

Berlin for Materials and Energy (HZB) as well as the companies 

Pfeiffer Vacuum and RI Research Instruments jointly honor young 

scientists. The goal is to recognize the work of young researchers in 

the field of accelerator physics at an early stage of their research at a 

university or scientific institution. 

Keckert has achieved a decisive further development involving 

the principle of the quadrupole resonator for testing superconducting 

materials. The improvements he has made are now used by 

several laboratories worldwide. They provide the foundation for 

precise and comprehensive characterization of the high-frequency 

properties of new superconducting material systems. Among his 

successes is the first precise characterization of a multilayer superconductor 

with the potential to outperform the conventionally used 

material niobium in its attainable field strength as well as its power 

loss. Mobilizing these potentials is of considerable importance for 

designing future accelerator systems, particularly when sustainability 

aspects are considered. 

“The next big step for superconducting particle accelerators is 

cavities which use superconducting thin-film layers”, explains Keckert. 

“This would allow cavities to be operated at 4 Kelvin instead of 

2 Kelvin. Significant savings in the energy used for cooling purposes 

could be achieved as a result. In addition, the use of simpler cooling 

systems opens up entirely new applications for superconducting 

particle accelerators.” 

Andreas Schopphoff, Head of Market Segment R&D at Pfeiffer 

Vacuum, outlines the importance of vacuum technology for cutting-edge 

research: “We are pleased that our products are used in 

accelerator systems to obtain new research results and to make these 

systems more sustainable. Advanced vacuum solutions not only 

enable precise experiments, but also an efficient use of resources 

and a reduction in the energy consumption of these systems. Superconducting 

cavities can accelerate particles to high energies very 

efficiently.” 

The DPG Working Group on Accelerator Physics (AKBP) is an 

association of experts from the field of accelerator physics in Germany. 

It works to advance and develop accelerator physics and organizes 

regular events as well as conferences to promote an exchange 

between scientists, industry and politics. 

Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH 

D 35614 Asslar 


page 21/28

“Flowtracers” animate the filling details of the screening star in SIGMASOFT® 

SIGMASOFT® at DKT 2024 

New features for elastomer simulation 

At DKT 2024, SIGMA Engineering introduces the new version 

of SIGMASOFT® Virtual Molding. The spotlight is on 

new features specifically for elastomers, such as a new generic 

elastomer database: SIGMA Rubber Designer. 

At DKT 2024 in Nuremberg (July 1-4), SIGMA Engineering GmbH 

will showcase the advancements of SIGMASOFT® at booth 9-215. 

With the new version 6.1.1, new features for elastomer processing become 

available. 

The measurement of elastomers is time-consuming and costintensive, 

which is why the material data of the compounds based 

on measurements is only available for the simulation in a few cases. 

This is where the SIGMA Rubber Designer comes in: This generic 

database allows approximation of the own elastomer compound 

without measurement, for use in simulation, thereby obtaining realistic 

results swiftly and efficiently. 

In the continuous development of SIGMASOFT® Virtual 

Molding, research is always at the forefront. The pursuit of improvements 

and the development or adaptation of new models continuously 

expands the software‘s capabilities, especially in elastomer 

processing, where these extended approaches are required. At the 

conference, Timo Gebauer, CTO of SIGMA, will present the contribution 

„Viscoelastic constitutive modeling for flow simulation in injection 

and compression molding based on log-conformation methods.“ 

Although the first rheological models for viscoelastic constitutive 

modeling were published over 70 years ago, their application 

in industrial process simulation is still limited. Approaches with 

state-of-the-art numerical methods based on the log-conformation 

approach have been developed and implemented in SIGMASOFT® 

to address further challenges in material characterization and model 

selection or adaptation. 

Together with industry partners, SIGMA will present practical 

examples of ongoing processes developed with SIGMASOFT®. At 

the ENGEL stand, the production of a screening star made of NBR 

and the large-scale production of slit valves made of LSR will be presented. 

At the SIGMASOFT® booth, explanatory simulation results 

will be available. 

„Our focus is not on our software itself, but on what can be achieved 

with it,“ says Thomas Klein, CEO of SIGMA. „We guide our customers, 

train dozens of simulation experts every year, and are available 

every day to provide engineering assistance. Especially in the 

elastomer world, this is of central importance, and we are proud to 

have been a sought-after partner in this industry network for many 

years.“ 

SIGMA Engineering GmbH 

D 52072 Aachen 


page 22/28

Exhibition Grounds (Copyright: DECHEMA/Markus Püttmann) 

ACHEMA 2024 sets the tone for a more sustainable 

and competitive process industry 

At ACHEMA 2024, the world‘s leading trade show for the 

process industries, 2,842 exhibitors from 56 nations showed 

106,001 participants from 141 countries the latest equipment 

and innovative processes for the chemical, pharmaceutical 

and food processing industries at the Frankfurt exhibition 

grounds from 10 to 14 June 2024. 

Whether it was laboratory or pharmaceutical technology, plant engineering 

or classic process technology, the stands in the halls were 

very busy and at times there was no getting trough in the aisles. „The 

exhibitors we spoke to and we ourselves are extremely satisfied, in 

some cases there was so much going on at the stands that the stand 

staff couldn‘t keep up. Many of the discussions were directly related 

to projects or investments“, confirms Jürgen Nowicki, Chairman of 

the ACHEMA Committee and CEO of Linde Engineering. 

Dr Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH, is 

also very satisfied: „This ACHEMA gives the industry an impulse 

that will remain trend-setting for the coming years.” ACHEMA 2024 

recorded significant growth in the number of exhibitors: 2,842 exhibitors 

from 56 countries presented their products and innovations 

on around 100,000 square metres of net exhibition space. With a 63 

per cent share of international exhibitors, this year‘s leading trade 

show for the global process industries was the most international of 

all time. In addition, 106,001 participants from 141 nations came to 

this year‘s ACHEMA. Every second participant (48.9 per cent) came 

from abroad. 

The six innovation themes of ACHEMA 2024 – Process, Pharma, 

Green, Lab, Digital and Hydrogen – also met with great interest. They 

focus on key challenges that are affecting the process industry today 

and in the coming years and present concrete business cases for solving 

them, particularly at the Innovation Stages. The innovation themes 

have a more overarching character and were organised together 

with partners from industry, SMEs, associations and institutions. 

Overall, the high-calibre and broad ACHEMA congress programme 

with over 900 lectures, discussion panels and workshops 

was once again very well received. „With more than 30,000 listeners 

in the congress, the attendance figures are higher than ever before,“ 

says Dr Andreas Förster, Executive Director of DECHEMA e.V. 

In the congress programme, the hydrogen topics as well as lectures 

on electrification and flexibilization met with particularly great interest. 

In addition, the lectures on pharma and life sciences as well as 

on digitalization (e.g. AI, MTP, APL) were among the best attended. 

Björn Mathes adds: „The exhibition and congress once again showcased 

the technological future of our industry and set an outstanding 

accent for a more sustainable and competitive process industry.“ 

The next ACHEMA will take place in 

Frankfurt from 14 to 18 June 2027. 

DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH 

D 60486 Frankfurt am Main 


page 23/28

The final pitches at MEDICA Start-up COMPETITION have been 

among the most popular program highlights for years and are always 

well attended (© Constanze Tillmann/ Messe Düsseldorf). 

The MEDICA START-UP PARK is the meeting place 

for networking for and with the creative start-up scene 

(© Constanze Tillmann/ Messe Düsseldorf). 

Keynote speeches, tech talks, panel talks and pitch sessions 

on all the leading digitalisation trends 

MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM for the 

healthcare innovations of the future 

By always offering innovations and updating existing programme 

formats, the internationally leading medical trade 

fair MEDICA in Düsseldorf has been successful for over half 

a century and always gives its professional visitors from all 

over the world a good overview of all the relevant trends and 

innovations in the healthcare sector. The best example of 

this is the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM, the successor 

event to the MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FO- 

RUM, which is being held right at the centre of the MEDICA 

world of experience “Digital Health” this year. 

“This is where we discuss the most important topics for the future, 

from the Internet of Things to robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented 

reality and digital twins as well as mobile health and medical 

wearables, 3D printing and solutions for the hospital of the future”, 

explains Christian Grosser, Director of MEDICA at Messe Düsseldorf. 

Because digital innovations are not limited to optimised connections 

between all healthcare players, the forum will focus on the 

digital transformation of the healthcare industry in its entirety. After 

all, start-up presentations recently already clearly reflected this wider 

scope of content. The popular pitch competitions will remain a 

fundamental part of the programme”, Grosser further explains. 

Renowned experts will give inspiring talks at the MEDICA IN- 

NOVATION FORUM (dates for MEDICA 2024: 11–14 November) to 

initiate professional discussion among the over 8,000 forum participants 

expected to attend. One of them is Prof. Stephen Gilbert of the 

Dresden University of Technology. He recently called for LLM-based 

generative chat tools such as ChatGPT and MedPaLM to be approved 

as medical devices. Robotics expert Lorenzo Masia, Heidelberg, 

and André Brauers, Global Head of Immersive and Digital Education 

Solutions at Siemens Healthineers, will also contribute subjects for 

discussion. 

Dr Sonja Sulzmaier, a Managing Partner at Navispace, is one of 

the organisers of the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM. She is also 

the Chairwoman for Start-Ups and Enterprise Formation of the German 

Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) 

and knows what’s important: “The degree of innovation is the decisive 

factor for us when selecting the programme and speakers.” The 

degree of innovation is also an important criterion when evaluating 

submissions for the 13th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION and 

the 16th HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP. 

The 13th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION 2024 has kicked off 

The 13th MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION features a range of 

categories such as “AI in medicine”, “robotics”, “health apps”, “lab 

diagnostics” and “other”. The top 12 medical start-ups of 2024 will 

present their solutions at the pitch final (on 12 November) at the ME- 

DICA INNOVATION FORUM. 

The first award for 2023 was awarded to “MeMed BV”, the first 

diagnostic test to be approved by the FDA and receive a CE label 

which can use serum or venous blood to differentiate between bacterial 

and viral infections in just 15 minutes. “Our product helps 


page 24/28

The MEDICA START-UP COMPETITION trophies are always 

hotly contested (© Constanze Tillmann). 

clinics all over the world to make better decisions about antibiotic 

treatments”, says Yossi Horesh, Director of the US-Israeli company. 

MeMed has already established a strong position in the USA, Israel 

and Italy. Now, the young company is also expanding to Asia, the 

Middle East and other parts of Europe. Looking back at their success 

during the start-up competition at MEDICA 2023, Horesh adds: 

“Our participation in the competition kicked off a lot of productive 

discussions. For instance, we analysed the economic advantages of 

our system, particularly its capacity for reducing the use of antibiotics. 

We also engaged with the critical issue of treating patients with 

sepsis and predicting possible deterioration in a patient’s condition. 

Our next product, MeMed Universal Severity, will address these issues. 

It is designed to help clinicians better assess the risk if an infection 

is suspected.” 

“We were in very good company as one of the finalists” 

With the first ultrasound robot to bear a CE label, the Danish company 

Ropca took third place at last year’s MEDICA START-UP COM- 

PETITION. Ropca has automated the process of ultrasound imaging 

and image analysis: The “ARTHUR” platform, a robot arm, and the 

artificial intelligence product “DIANA” help to overcome the growing 

challenge posed by increasing numbers of patients afftected 

by rheumatoid arthritis, hospital treatment costs and the shortage 

of specialists. 

Johannes Schäeferhoff, CEO of Ropca, reports that the company 

had good experiences with MEDICA even before applying to the 

competition. In 2022, the company (founded in 2019) won the KUKA 

award for medical innovation and attracted particular attention from 

the trade fair audience. After the big on-stage pitch final as part of 

MEDICA 2023, Schäeferhoff can now report a recent successful 

round of investor funding and its outcome: “We are all about internationalisation 

now.” The system is primarily intended for large medical 

centres such as university hospitals and has the potential to reduce 

waiting times for rheumatology appointments. In Germany, the 

company plans to test screening with Ropca in several cities, and the 

list of appropriate indications could also be expanded. “We will be 

approved for osteoarthritis in the near future”, Schäeferhoff is sure. 

Solutions for the „Internet of Medical Things“ 

The HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD CUP shines a spotlight 

on the next generation of smart health devices, medical wearables, 

digital biomarkers, electroceuticals, smart plasters and more. First 

place at the MEDICA pitch 2023 went to DiaMonTech with a blood 

glucose measurement system that does away with needles completely. 

“As of today, there is no other device that performs this measurement 

with an equal level of precision”, says Thorsten Lubinski, 

CEO of the Berlin start-up. Instead of a needle, a beam of light is 

directed onto the skin. This light heats the glucose molecules in the 

skin almost exclusively. The increase in heat is so minimal that it 

cannot be felt, but it is certainly measurable. Based on this heat development, 

the device calculates the blood glucose value. 

After their win at the HEALTHCARE INNOVATION WORLD 

CUP 2023, Lubinski expressed how pleased he was: “This has exceeded 

our expectations.” There have been several meetings with investors. 

After their win in Düsseldorf, the company saw further success, 

concluding a round of funding amounting to millions of euros. The 

funds raised will be used to further refine the prototype of the D-Pocket 

handheld device, to conduct important clinical trials and accelerate 

market entry in the US and EU. The product is not yet available 

for purchase, unlike the Seismofit system. 

Ventrject, the second-place winner at the HEALTHCARE IN- 

NOVATION WORLD CUP 2023, is already offering the latter on 

markets in Denmark, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland. The system 

records cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured as VO2-max. 

“And it does this more accurately than any fitness tracker can and 

is in the gold standard range”, says Mikkel Kristiansen, CEO of the 

Danish company. The actual gold standard, according to Kristiansen, 

are 15-minute tests, either cycling on an ergometer or running 

on a treadmill. By contrast, a test with Seismofit takes less than three 

minutes and involves no physical activity. It measures the vibrations 

caused by heartbeats and transferred to the ribcage. A cloud-based 

algorithm analyses the signal. According to Kristiansen, participating 

in the start-up competition at MEDICA 2023 was well worth it: 

“We want this test to be purchasable for a large majority of people 

and our plan was to present the device on stage to customers and 

possible partners from all over the world. After winning second place, 

we really did strike up conversations with many potential resellers 

from all over the world. That exceeded our expectations.” Next, 

Kristiansen wants to tap into new markets with his company. 

Applications for (free) participation in this year’s MEDICA 

START-UP COMPETITION and HEALTHCARE INNOVATION 

WORLD CUP are now open. For more information on the terms 

and conditions of participation and the link to register, as well as upto-date 

information on the MEDICA INNOVATION FORUM, see 

https://www.medica-tradefair.com/mif2. 

Innovative start-ups and scale-ups at the professional trade fair 

At MEDICA, the stage isn’t the only place you can find start-ups and 

scale-ups presenting exciting digital innovations. Every year, several 

hundreds of recently founded companies participate, making ME- 

DICA the world’s leading event for health start-ups. For example, 

we recommend the MEDICA START-UP PARK again this year as a 

central venue for networking with the digitally based start-up scene. 

The special exhibition’s shared floor space will feature more than 50 

participants providing information on their creative ideas and practical 

solutions for modern healthcare. 

More than 6,000 exhibitors from around 70 countries are expected 

to attend MEDICA 2024 and COMPAMED, the supplier trade 

fair held in parallel. Last year, both events recorded 83,000 visiting 

professionals from more than 160 countries. 

Deutsche Messe AG 

D 30521 Hannover 


page 25/28

Even higher precision, lower friction and more dynamic response: The new precision 

double tube linear actuators from Ganter are available in a wide range of variants to 

open up new areas of application or enable seamless upgrading of existing linear actua 

Seamless Upgrade for More Precision 

and Dynamic Response 

Behind the new precision double tube linear 

actuators lies a system of numerous versions 

with different guides, stroke lengths, spindle 

types, slide sizes and materials. The slide is 

moved by a trapezoidal, fine thread or recirculating 

ball spindle, with left- or right-hand 

thread, and is guided either by a plain bearing 

or by a roller bearing with linear bushings. 

This means that all newly developed 

versions significantly reduce the maintenance 

requirements while enabling kinematics 

with high repeatability, including in 

applications where low shifting forces are 

required even under a load. 

The end pieces and the two round 

guides are secured with a refined internal 

spreader mechanism to ensure precise spacing 

and parallel alignment. Together with 

the two- or four-bearing slide, this yields 

minimal play, making the linear actuators 

suitable for applications demanding 

high precision. If necessary, the spindle 

can also be secured against unintended 

movement with an integrated clamping mechanism. 

All linear actuators can be ordered 

in the material combinations aluminumsteel 

or aluminum-stainless steel, with one 

or two single or double sliders. 

The spindle journal can be present 

either on one or both sides, while the journal 

length depends on the specific fittings 

– handwheels, position indicators or a combination 

of these. Adapters for angular gears 

and transfer units are also available separately 

as standard accessories. 

Because the new precision double tube 

linear actuators represent an evolutionary 

advance over the established types, they 

can easily serve as replacements for the other 

models still in the Ganter product range. 

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 

TROLLEY SLIM with TABLET DOCKING HINGE 

and power connection 

The TROLLEY SLIM, an innovative mobile workstation, 

redefines mobility in cleanrooms. With its unique TABLET 

DOCKING HINGE and the power connection at the base, it 

sets new standards in flexibility and efficiency. 

Designed for environments with high hygiene requirements, 

the TROLLEY SLIM offers a space-saving solution 

for cleanrooms. The stainless steel construction allows for 

secure storage and charging of the tablet via the magnetic 

CLEANROOM CONNECTOR. The tablet can be charged 

in the TROLLEY via a cleanroom-compatible power connection 

on the base. Thanks to our Plug & Play system, the 

TROLLEY SLIM can be installed quickly without any structural 

changes, making it ready for immediate use. 

Systec & Solutions GmbH 

Wilhelm-Schickard-Str. 9 

D 76131 Karlsruhe 

Telefon: +49 721 663510 

eMail: talk@systec-solutions.com 

Internet: http://www.systec-solutions.com 


page 26/28

GEMÜ butterfly valves in the GEMÜ R480 Victoria series and the GEMÜ B20 ball valve have been 

awarded gas approval by DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water). 

Reliable quarter turn 

valves for gas applications 

The GEMÜ R480 Victoria and GEMÜ B20 are suitable for use with 

different gases, such as natural gas and biogas (the main component 

of which is methane), propane and liquid gases containing butane. 

They are approved for gas production, treatment and injection. This 

includes use for combustible gases in gas families two and three in 

gas burners and gas appliances. It also includes the use of hydrogen. 

The DVGW regulatory code is used to confirm the ability of these 

valves to work reliably and precisely in different gas environments. 

The butterfly valves are available in nominal sizes DN 25 to DN 

600 and can be ordered with the „G“ (the marking for gas) special 

function with immediate effect. The GEMÜ B20 ball valve in nominal 

sizes DN 8 to DN 65, which also has the „G“ special function, is 

suitable for use with combustible gases. A yellow hand lever is available 

as an option for better visual identification. A type examination 

was carried out for both quarter turn valves in accordance with DIN 

EN 13774. 

The GEMÜ R480 Victoria butterfly valve is certified and listed 

under registration number DG-313CQ0540, and the GEMÜ B20 ball 

valve under registration number 22-00143-AB01-130. 

GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG 

D 74653 Ingelfingen 

GEMÜ B20 

+ GEMÜ R480 Victoria 

CONNECT BOX for TABLET with 

Surface Pro 8 and RFID/NFC reader 

User identification is now even easier and 

faster on the TABLET with the new CON- 

NECT BOX for Surface Pro 8 with integrated 

RFID/NFC reader. 

The CONNECT BOX is mounted underneath 

the TABLET on the Magnetic Service 

USB port on the left side, seamlessly integrated 

and ergonomically designed. It is integ- 

rated into a cleanroom-compatible housing 

with IP65, which meets the highest hygiene 

standards and ensures reliable performance 

even in demanding environments. 

All configurations that are already possible 

with the CONNECT BOX on the HMI, 

such as HID mode, Nymi compatibility and 

smartcard option (CCID), are also available 

with the CONNECT BOX for TABLET. 

The CONNECT BOX for TABLET minimizes 

the risk of input mistakes and saves 

valuable time. The innovative add-on optimizes 

your work processes and offers you 

maximum flexibility. 

Systec & Solutions GmbH 

Wilhelm-Schickard-Str. 9 

D 76131 Karlsruhe 

Telefon: +49 721 663510 

eMail: talk@systec-solutions.com 

Internet: http://www.systec-solutions.com 


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The new DRYPOINT RA III 

BEKO TECHNOLOGIES is now launching 

the third generation of its proven DRYPO- 

INT RA compressed air refrigeration dryers. 

The new systems are available in five 

different sizes for capacities from 20 m³/h 

to 3000 m³/h and as air-cooled or water-cooled 

model specifications. 

Users benefit from greater process reliability 

and energy efficiency. The modern design 

with the significantly more compact dimensions 

compared to the second generation 

of devices with the same performance 

stands for reliable compressed air drying. 

Beko Technologies integrates the electronically 

level-controlled Bekomat condensate 

drain into the DRYPOINT RA III refrigeration 

dryers as standard. The condensate drain 

is monitored via the central control unit of 

the refrigeration dryers. The excellent accessibility 

of all components reduces the 

time and effort required for servicing. 

Environmentally friendly refrigerant 

The new DRYPOINT RA III refrigeration 

dryers use the environmentally friendly refrigerant 

R513A with low GWP and ASHRAE 

A1 classification for non-flammability and 

zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). The 

reduction in the amount of refrigerant by 

an average of 33 % compared to the second 

generation of appliances protects the environment. 

Intelligent control 

BEKO TECHNOLOGIES has equipped the 

third generation of DRYPOINT RA refrigeration 

dryers with advanced control units. 

The smaller models for volume flows of up 

to 960 m³/h have an easy-to-operate LED 

controller with a large display. The more 

powerful models for volume flows of up to 

3000 m³/h have a touchscreen controller. 

Important information on temperature and 

pressure as well as other operating parameters 

are displayed live. All refrigeration 

dryers are equipped with a Modbus RTU 

and are therefore IIoT-capable. Operators 

benefit from immediately visible alarm messages 

with time and date stamps as well as 

downloadable reports. 

Heat exchanger design saves energy 

A special feature is the new horizontal design 

of the integrated heat exchangers, 

which differs greatly from those in conventional 

refrigeration dryers. This minimizes 

pressure loss and saves energy. The model 

versions for volume flows from 370 m³/h 

increase their cooling efficiency thanks to 

an optimized microchannel condenser. This 

enables the use of a smaller refrigerant compressor 

and thus additional energy and cost 

savings. 

The new DRYPOINT RA III refrigeration 

dryers also feature a patented hot gas 

bypass valve with external pressure equalization. 

The technology ensures a precise 

and stable pressure dew point of 3°C. This 

prevents freezing and gives users maximum 

process reliability. 

BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH 

D 41468 Neuss 

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 

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

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