Part cleaning guidelines aim for new levels of process control

Free to download (click here), emphasis is placed on quality control based on the interdependency of component cleanliness and process parameters. Process control to date has been based on empirical experience, in most cases, with a central focus on cleanliness inspection at the end of the process as a rule. So, currently, intervention in the process does not take place until quality problems become apparent, thus resulting in rework, image loss and high costs. In addition, this approach leads to costly, resource-intensive, overcautious operation involving premature bath changes and overdosing of cleaning agents. The FiT expert committee for parts cleaning has identified the essential process and quality-relevant aspects required from a chemical and process standpoint, and also from the perspectives of system technology, measuring, testing and control, as well as knowledge transfer and qualification. The fundamental principles set out in the guidelines target assuring stable component cleanliness in an economic and resource-conserving fashion. At the same time, they provide a foundation for collaboration between suppliers from the industry sector and system operators. The guidelines also offer the possibility for an exchange of experience and the development of new solutions, the statement says.