238 igus chainflex Cables Receive IPA Certification for Dry Cleanroom Use
igus becomes the first supplier to achieve IPA Class 4 and 5 certification for halogen-free chainflex TPE cables, ensuring reliable dry cleanroom performance for battery production.
First Supplier to Qualify Halogen-Free TPE Cables for Classes 4 and 5 in Battery Production
COLOGNE, February 2026 – As the global demand for lithium-ion battery manufacturing surges, igus has set a new industry benchmark by becoming the first supplier to qualify its halogen-free chainflex TPE cables for IPA dry cleanroom Classes 4 and 5.
This certification, awarded by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), ensures that highly automated systems can operate in ultra-low humidity environments without the risk of premature component failure or particle contamination.
Solving the Challenge of "Brittle" Components in Dry Environments
Manufacturing battery cells requires a dry cleanroom where relative humidity is typically below 1%. While these conditions protect sensitive electrolytes from chemical reactions, they are notoriously harsh on standard plastics, which often become brittle and shed particles under friction.
Long-Term Reliability and Particle Control
To address this, igus extensively tested 238 chainflex cables in its 5,500-square-metre laboratory before final certification at Fraunhofer IPA. The results confirmed:
High-End TPE Outer Jacket: Specifically developed to maintain flexibility and low-abrasion properties in dry air.
Halogen-Free Composition: Ensures maximum safety and material durability.
Service Life Guarantee: igus provides a four-year guarantee on these cables, offering predictable maintenance cycles for battery producers.
A Comprehensive Portfolio for Automation
The newly certified range is vast, covering all essential automation needs:
Control and Bus Cables
Motor and Servo Cables
Robot and Measuring System Cables
Streamlining Procurement for Sensitive Industries
Unlike specialized custom orders, these certified TPE cables are standard catalogue parts. igus has eliminated traditional procurement barriers by offering:
No minimum order quantity: Available starting from just one metre.
Cost Efficiency: No cutting charges, packaging costs, or minimum quantity surcharges.
Full Ecosystem Support: Beyond cables, igus offers certified energy chains (Series E6, e-skin soft, e-skin flat, and E14) also rated for Cleanroom Class 4.
FAQ.
What is a dry cleanroom?
A dry cleanroom is a controlled environment with extremely low humidity (often <1% relative humidity or -40°C dew point) and high particle-free air standards. It is essential for producing moisture-sensitive products like lithium-ion batteries.
Why is halogen-free TPE important for cables?
Halogen-free TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is more resistant to the "drying out" effect of low-humidity rooms. It produces significantly fewer particles compared to standard PVC or other halogenated plastics, which can contaminate battery cells.
What does the IPA Class 4 and 5 certification mean?
It indicates the level of particle emission permitted. Class 4 is a higher (cleaner) standard than Class 5. Achieving these ratings in a dry room environment proves the material's resistance to abrasion and wear under extreme conditions.
How long is the service life of these cables?
Based on igus’s long-term testing and the Fraunhofer certification, these cables are guaranteed for a service life of up to four years or calculated based on the specific application's travel and speed.
