Without cleanroom technology, reliable space exploration would be inconceivable. For satellites to function properly, they must be free of even the tiniest particles of dust, because once a satellite is in space, it cannot be cleaned or repaired. Space probes, such as those sent to Mars to search for life, cannot have any traces of micro-organisms, to ensure that they do not generate false results.
These demanding requirements can only be satisfied when production takes place in cleanrooms. One of the top themes at the next Cleanzone, the international trade fair and congress for cleanroom technology (17–18 October 2017 in Frankfurt am Main), is the importance of cleanroom technology for space exploration.
Under the motto “From cleanrooms to outer space”, Cleanzone will be taking part in “Living in Space”, a special showcase at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens (9 –12 May 2017 in Frankfurt). Techtextil is presenting this special showcase in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Ruth Lorenz, Vice President Technology & Production at Messe Frankfurt, explains: “We are very pleased that Cleanzone is able to take part in Techtextil’s “Living in Space” special showcase, as it allows us to demonstrate the importance of cleanroom production for space exploration.
She added: "With more than 28,000 international trade visitors from a wide range of high-tech industries, including the medical technology, aerospace, chemical and electrical industries, Techtextil offers an outstanding platform for strengthening the importance of Cleanzone, and therefore of cleanroom technology, both in Germany and internationally.
"With an event that addresses such a wide range of sectors as Cleanzone does, we are able to benefit from tremendous synergies with other international trade fairs here in Frankfurt.”
In addition to the importance of cleanroom technology for space exploration, two other top themes for Cleanzone 2017 have already been set: “Digitisation in cleanroom production” and “GMP – a challenge for the life sciences”.
Digitisation includes the use of robot technology, automation and digital monitoring. Anyone involved in production in the life sciences must orient their manufacturing process according to GMP guidelines. Cleanzone offers best practice examples and presents solutions for new requirements.
Registration for Cleanzone 2017 kicked off in January, and there has already been a great deal of interest from the industry.
Cleanzone’s interdisciplinary approach makes it useful for all industries where production is carried out under cleanroom conditions, and focuses equally on the life sciences and micro-technology.
The event draws decision-makers from around the world to Frankfurt. More than one third of the trade visitors come to the fair from outside Germany.
The products and services on offer cover the entire cleanroom production value chain, extending from the design, planning and constructing of a cleanroom to its validation/qualification, operation and monitoring.
Cleanzone 2016 drew 86 exhibitors from 12 countries and 759 visitors from 35 countries1. In October 2017, Cleanzone will be taking place in Hall 1.2.
1. Figures verified by Messe Frankfurt