Space-saving storage in cleanrooms

One of the greatest challenges in the development and construction of storage systems for cleanrooms is the optimal utilisation of space. The space in the cleanroom is enormously expensive due to the increased requirements. So, in addition to the fulfilment of cleanroom classes, the cleanroom owner also needs storage solutions that are as space-saving as possible. Moreover, the systems must be able to be combined and seamlessly integrated into existing environments.

Schiller has taken up this challenge and, in addition to transport systems and transfer stations, offers various space-saving storage systems (stockers) for decentralised warehousing. Manual I/O ports and the connection option to OHT or conveyor systems enable flexible use in the production environment.

With Schiller's storage systems, the customer can choose between different designs depending on their needs, which grow with the requirements and can be operated in cleanrooms up to ISO class 3.

LINEAR STOCKER

The Schiller Linear Stocker is a scalable and reliable decentralised storage system in a cleanroom. The cleanroom-optimised design with a passive gripper, inductive energy transfer to the x-axis, and optional extraction of axes enable storage of products in cleanroom environments.

The Linear Stocker can be used for decentralised storage, as well as for sequencing or commissioning production batches. It may be flexibly arranged for transport and storage of individual, customer-specific products, e.g. product carriers, 200/300mm cassettes and much more.

MAX STOCKER

The Schiller Max Stocker opens fully new dimensions in particle-reduced warehouse storage in the cleanroom. The double-sided, double-depth storage of FOUP/FOSB or OC containers enables stockers featuring capacities in excess of 1,200 storage spaces to be implemented.

Along the X-axis of the stocker, two rack control devices may be operated simultaneously and accessed via displacement movements redundantly at docking stations, rotary gates, sorters, shuttles, or OHT connections.

RADIAL STOCKER

With a footprint of 1800 mm x 1800 mm, the Schiller Radial Stocker is a particularly space-saving storage system. The small footprint is achieved with the compact arrangement of the robot axes for a very high packing density. Manual stocking and removal by the operator, as well as automated transfer and retrieval by OHT or conveyor systems are possible.

More advantages: easy maintenance due to extendable mounting plate and handler, the built-in lighting as well as the preparation for the installation of a smoke extraction system and for an enclosure (frame connection to the cleanroom ceiling). In addition, a camera on the gripper provides real-time images and records the last 3 days.

Space-saving and scalable

By combining several stockers or scaling the Linear Stocker, any number of storage spaces can be achieved. As an example, a Schiller Max Stocker with a length of 47m is being realised in a current project. After the fourth expansion stage, the customer from the semiconductor industry will have 8000 storage locations at his disposal. A special feature: each storage location is equipped with a double-deep "purging bay", on which the FOUP cassettes are stored and purged with nitrogen. The Purging Bay was previously developed and constructed by Schiller.