Clean4Yield Project Delivers World-First In-Vacuum Film Cleaning System

Teknek has introduced the world’s first contact cleaning system for thin films that can be used in high vacuum. The Nanocleen vacuum system is ideal for use in roll-to-roll production of printed electronics, and offers excellent removal of nano-scale particles that could otherwise affect product yields. Teknek has already installed 16 systems at customer sites. Nanocleen was developed as part of Clean4Yield, an EU-funded project coordinated by Holst Centre.

Nanocleen can be used in high vacuum conditions because it is the first ever silicone-free contact cleaning system, and so does not outgas. It delivers industry-leading cleaning performance, particularly for smaller nanoparticles, and this performance is not affected by exposure to high vacuum conditions. To make this possible, Teknek had to develop a new silicone-free adhesive and elastomer. That development was carried out under the Clean4Yield project.

“Being part of Clean4Yield was essential to the development of the Nanocleen vacuum system. The other project partners provided invaluable insight on market requirements for cleaning foils in vacuum. Moreover, the EU funding allowed us access to Holst Centre’s excellent facilities for testing the performance and behavior of the new materials in vacuum conditions. Having Holst Centre validate our materials and the EU’s name attached to the project has given us a lot of credibility among potential customers,” said Sheila Hamilton, technical director at Teknek.

“Nanocleen is the first new product to hit the market from the Clean4Yield project. Pre-cleaning foils is essential in the roll-to-roll production of any printed electronics application. And the success Nanocleen is having in the market already shows just how important effective foil cleaning is. This is a great example of how EU-funded projects can bring partners together to benefit industry in Europe,” says Clean4Yield project manager Juliane Gabel of Holst Centre.

The Clean4Yield project was launched in May 2012 to develop technologies for inspecting, cleaning and repairing moving foils, and so ensure cost-effective production of printed electronics. Funded through the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) under Grant Agreement No. 281027, Clean4Yield brings together commercial and research partners from Europe and Israel and covers the entire value chain.