Component cleaning – a foundation of surface technology

The accompanying industrial exhibition allows companies to engage directly with conference participants about new products and solutions. (Image source: FiT e.V.)

The Component Cleaning Forum integrated into the ZVO Surface Days offers a wealth of knowledge and Erfahrungsberichte to economically achieve coating-capable surfaces. (Image source: FiT e.V.)

In all industries, surface and electroplating technology make an important contribution to innovations and further developments. With the annual ZVO Surface Days, which will be held in Leipzig from September 19 to 21, 2018, the Central Association of Surface Technology e. V. offers the most significant information and communication platform in the German-speaking world. The integrated Component Cleaning Forum provides information on September 20 about innovative solutions and imparts practical knowledge for this quality-determining manufacturing step in surface technology.

Participants can expect a six-part program with over 90 lectures for the first time at this year's ZVO Surface Days. The focus includes topics such as electromobility, energy storage and conversion, REACH and its consequences for electroplating and surface technology, as well as component cleaning.

Component Cleaning Forum – Cleanliness is a Prerequisite

Regardless of what coating is used and for what purpose, a need-based clean surface is a fundamental requirement for its quality and durability. The one-day Component Cleaning Forum organized by the Professional Association of Industrial Part Cleaning (FiT) e. V. provides comprehensive knowledge on how to achieve the necessary cleanliness for subsequent processes in a stable and economical manner. The agenda includes a presentation on biological methods for sustainable surface cleaning. It explains the main differences between biological and conventional part cleaning, as well as real-world applications. Galvanically coated screws, where requirements for technical cleanliness must be guaranteed, pose special challenges for cleaning. On the one hand, it is necessary to remove even the tiniest particles from the surface; on the other hand, the corrosion protection applied by coating must not be compromised. Solutions that enable this and prevent particle formation in subsequent processes (packaging/transport) are presented. Monitoring quality-determining parameters in cleaning media and the filmic cleanliness of parts are essential factors for stable and economical cleaning processes. An overview of suitable measurement and analysis methods for controlling both baths and filmic cleanliness is also included in the agenda. A technically and economically consistent practical concept of a digital quality protocol for component cleaning, implemented as a demonstrator, is also presented. It features comprehensive data collection and Industry 4.0-compatible storage, a modular structure, and the targeted involvement of the plant operator. The contact angle measurement is a proven method for characterizing surface properties such as wettability. To enable the application of this method to very small components, such as lithographic structures and electronic circuit boards, new dosing modules are introduced that allow a droplet size of only 100 µm. Additionally, a method for detecting organic carbon (e.g., residual lubricants) on small metal samples without elaborate sample preparation is presented. This allows for quick and effective control of cleaning performance, for example, in degreasing baths. Today's cleanliness requirements for coatings also impose high demands on the quality of rinsing baths, combined with high economic efficiency. These requirements can be met with used rinse water and modern vacuum distillation systems.

The ZVO Surface Days are aimed at users, manufacturing staff, researchers, developers, designers, buyers, QM, and sales staff from all sectors of industry. An accompanying industrial exhibition complements the program. Renowned companies from electroplating, surface, and cleaning technology will showcase new developments and further innovations here.