Cooperation Fraunhofer IPA – VDE Korea

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The robot currently being examined by engineers at Fraunhofer IPA in their research cleanroom has traveled far: just a few days ago, it arrived by air freight from Korea. It is the first industrial robot "Made in Korea" whose cleanroom suitability is being tested in Stuttgart. In this emerging high-tech country, the certification seal "Fraunhofer TESTED DEVICE®" is in demand. In cooperation with VDE Korea, Fraunhofer IPA has been offering cleanliness suitability testing for ten years. In January, the collaboration with VDE was formalized through a cooperation agreement for the next five years.

"Korea as an emerging high-tech nation is a very important partner for us," emphasizes Frank Bürger, who heads the "Cleanroom-Compatible Equipment and Components" group at IPA. Together with his team, the engineer with a doctorate investigates whether the six-axis robot is suitable for use in cleanrooms, where, for example, microchips or pharmaceutical active ingredients are produced.

Maximum cleanliness is required there: Contaminants such as dust particles, microorganisms, or aggressive chemicals on machine surfaces or in the air can negatively affect production quality. All components of the systems must therefore meet the highest cleanliness standards.

At the Stuttgart Fraunhofer Institute, researchers can perform over 60 different tests. For example, they examine how many particles are released into the air through wear or the use of lubricants, or how they settle on surfaces. All tests are conducted according to ISO series 14644 standards or other regulations (VDI, SEMI, VDMA, etc.). The cleanroom suitability is confirmed at the end by the certification "Fraunhofer TESTED DEVICE®".

For years, Fraunhofer IPA has been examining components and parts from the Far East on behalf of VDE Korea: "The demand from Korea is high because leading electronics manufacturers like Samsung and LG produce microchips, displays, and optical components in cleanrooms and require certification of their devices and systems from suppliers," says Bürger.

The tests in Stuttgart provide internationally recognized results and assessments. If desired, the researchers also support customers in optimizing their cleanliness suitability. They utilize material data banks, scientific-mathematical methods, simulation techniques, and the long-standing expertise of employees at Fraunhofer IPA in the field of cleanliness engineering production.

"The cooperation with VDE Korea, which is connected with many Korean high-tech companies, has proven very successful in the past. With the new cooperation agreement, we aim to further strengthen and expand the collaboration," emphasizes Udo Gommel, head of the "Pure and Micro Production" department at Fraunhofer IPA. The result is a clear win-win situation: "We have the testing technology, VDE Korea markets the tests, and maintains contact with the customers." Over the next five years, the partners plan to acquire orders worth over one million euros.