VISHAY Intertechnology expands cleanroom production in Selb

Herstellung von hochstabilen Widerständen in der neuen Reinraumanlage von Vishay in Selb. / Production of high stability resistors in the new Vishay cleanroom facility in Selb.

Arbeitsplätze im Produktionsbereich der ISO-Reinraumklasse 7. / Work stations in the production area of the ISO cleanroom class 7.

Aussenansicht des Reinraumsystems CleanCell 4.0®. / Exterior view of the CleanCell 4.0® cleanroom system.

The international group Vishay, one of the world's largest manufacturers of electronic components, is expanding its headquarters in Selb and investing in state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities.

With 22,000 employees worldwide, Vishay is one of the largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductor elements and passive electronic components. The headquarters for Europe is located in Upper Franconia town of Selb. With the investment in almost 500 square meters of new cleanroom facilities for the production of high stability resistors, the global player was able to strengthen the German production site.

Highly sensitive components

There is a steady increase in the international demand for electronic components. The continued miniaturization and complexity of electronics allows for new developments and sales markets. Vishay Intertechnology provides high-end components for electronic products and is a technological leader in this market segment. The quality and long-term stability of the components is of decisive importance for the operation of the end products. Production and assembly of the high stability resistors requires a virtually particle-free environment. Since the highly sensitive components are impaired in their operation by the smallest of impurities, the production process takes place under controlled cleanroom conditions. 

In order to be able to implement the increasing order volume flexibly and with usual high standard, the production capacity for passive resistances in Selb was expanded by a 500m² cleanroom facility of the ISO class 7.

The management of the Selb site explains the investment: "The Selb production site is a vital pillar of Vishay. With over 800 employees, we are the largest employer in the region. We invest a lot in our training and technical equipment. It is only thanks to innovation and technological advances that we can stay ahead. It is of the utmost importance to our customers to be able to obtain electrical components which perform their function perfectly without exception. Only a virtually particle-free production under clean conditions can guarantee perfect functioning of our products".

Individual planning with cleanroom experts

The SCHILLING ENGINEERING Company from Baden-Württemberg, which specializes in cleanroom technology, was commissioned with the realization of the technically demanding facility. The new cleanroom was planned in close coordination and customised to the production conditions and space requirements.

The CleanCell 4.0® cleanroom system with a total area of 500 m² ensures a constant cleanroom air quality of the cleanroom class ISO 7. In the cleanroom, machines and workstations are accommodated for the production of the smallest electronic resistors. Three rooms divide different work areas. The areas are connected to each other by means of mutually interlocked electric sliding doors or swing doors. A 30-square-meter staff lock provides enough space for the changing rooms of the staff. The changing room is actively flushed with pure air and ensures a change of the zone and safe processes in a confined space. Material pass-troughs ensure the safe input and output of the sensitive components.

After a few weeks of production the results of the production in Selb are quite positive: "The engineers at Schilling Engineering installed a customised cleanroom for us. We were always in close contact and were able to implement our wishes well. We attach great importance to quality and have also adhered to this principle in the installed cleanroom technology. The cleanroom facility is already in operation and meets our high standards. So far, we are very satisfied; our production has once again increased its quality and reliability."

Modular, energy-efficient system

The CleanCell 4.0® cleanroom system is equipped with ULPA-class U15 high-performance filters. Directed air flows remove the smallest airborne particles from the work environment. An innovative air recirculating and air return system within the cleanroom walls ensures a precise cleanroom flushing and provides high energy efficiency, since the already filtered and cooled air is again fed into the circulation of the air exchange. The cleanroom-adapted LED lighting also helps to reduce operating costs.

The CR Control® control system, which is accessible via a central touchscreen, ensures safe control and monitoring of the cleanroom. All important functions of the cleanroom, including the air conditioning technology, are monitored and recorded and can be individually controlled and regulated. In addition, remote maintenance is possible via the system.

The cleanroom system is modular and is connected with a silicone-free sealing clip system. This guarantees an extremely high tightness of the cleanrooms, a low particle emission and offers the advantage of flexible expansion possibilities.

The cleanrooms were qualified and delivered ready for operation and could be put into operation without start-up difficulties.

The Vishay Group is consolidating its importance in the electronics industry by investing in the state-of-the-art and flexible cleanroom systems and confirms the positive development of the German high-tech site in Selb.