Assembly cleanliness

Tools, accessories and services for assembly cleanliness

Assembly cleanliness (or technical cleanliness in assembly) is defined as the degree of cleanliness that must be maintained during the assembly process of components or assemblies in order to ensure the quality and functionality of the products. It is particularly important to avoid the ingress of particles onto cleanliness-critical surfaces. Assembly cleanliness therefore includes conscientious particle monitoring on the one hand and detailed evaluation of the tools used for this purpose, such as particle traps, stamps and rockers, on the other. By analyzing the pads, the sources of particle ingress can be identified and appropriate countermeasures introduced. 

Standards for assembly cleanliness

The standards for assembly cleanliness are defined in various standards, including VDA 19.2. This standard defines cleanliness specifications for components and assemblies as well as requirements for minimizing particle ingress during assembly processes. The guideline offers practical assistance for avoiding contamination by particles with a size of 50 to 1,000 µm. Among other things, it provides for the monitoring of airborne particles that can lead to the contamination of critical surfaces. In addition, VDA 19.2 divides the spatial environment into different cleanliness areas and standardizes how assembly environments must be designed and organized according to their classification in order to provide the required assembly cleanliness.

In addition to the German VDA 19.2, there are other European standards such as ISO 16232, which defines test procedures and requirements for checking technical cleanliness and assembly cleanliness. These standards serve companies in the automotive industry, among others, as guidelines for safe and clean production environments, assembly processes and products. By complying with the standards and providing evidence of this, companies improve the reliability, performance and durability of their products and at the same time increase customer satisfaction and customer confidence. 

Ensuring assembly cleanliness

Assembly cleanliness begins with the definition of cleanliness specifications: It is determined which particles must not be present during the assembly of the respective component or product. Based on this, measures are taken to avoid or minimize the entry of these particles during the assembly process.

As it is often neither technically nor economically possible to completely prevent the formation or spread of unwanted particles, the main aim is to prevent them from reaching critical functional surfaces that could impair the performance or quality of the product.

Different cleanliness areas with different standards help to meet different requirements. In addition to the processes and assembly equipment, various environmental influences, personnel, logistics and packaging must be taken into account to ensure appropriate assembly cleanliness. These are considered critical influencing factors according to VDA 19.2 (Technical cleanliness in assembly). 

Particle monitoring as the key to assembly cleanliness

Companies in cleanliness-critical industries use particle monitoring to evaluate and improve assembly cleanliness and demonstrate compliance with cleanliness requirements. CleanControlling GmbH develops, manufactures and distributes highly efficient particle monitoring accessories, including particle traps, particle trap stands, mounting brackets for particle traps, particle stamps and particle rockers. In addition to media for particle collection, we carry out various analysis procedures and microscopic evaluations in our accredited test laboratory.

Since its foundation in 2006, CleanControlling has been an international leader in the field of assembly cleanliness. We are certified experts in laboratory analysis, can also advise you on site and support you with a specialized product range and numerous services (e.g. training) in achieving and verifying technical cleanliness to the highest standards. 

Do you have any questions about technical cleanliness in assembly, particle monitoring or laboratory analysis? Would you like detailed information on our products and services? Or do you not have your own laboratory and would therefore like to make CleanControlling GmbH your experienced laboratory partner who will analyze, evaluate and archive your sampled particle pads for you with expert knowledge and excellent laboratory equipment? We will be happy to assist you personally and directly.