Innovations that solve challenges in industrial part cleaning for the future

At the fourth award ceremony of the FiT2clean Award, the following could celebrate the recognition with the Innovation Prize: (from left to right): Dr. Michael Flämmich (Chairman of the Board of FIT), Sebastian Hill (SAFECHEM Europe GmbH), Peter Borst (BO-INNO), Dr. Martin Fahr and Ulf Nägele (Nägele Mechanik GmbH), Juliane Schulze (Board Member of FiT). (Image source: Fachverband industrielle Teilereinigung e.V.)

With a smart data tracker for real-time recording and storage of relevant process parameters, BO-INNO GmbH, represented by Peter Borst, Managing Director, secured the FiT2clean Award 2025. (Photo: FiT2clean Award 2025 ceremony)

Innovations in cleaning technology contribute across all industries to making production more stable, cost-efficient, and resource-saving. This is demonstrated by the clever developments of companies that applied this year for the €10,000 FiT2clean Award of the Professional Association for Industrial Part Cleaning (FiT). Of the three finalists, who presented their innovations on the third day of the fair during this year's parts2clean, BO-INNO GmbH secured first place with a smart data tracker. Following were the solutions from Nägele Mechanik GmbH and SAFECHEM Europe GmbH.

Proven stable process quality, increased productivity through automation and digitalization, decreasing resource consumption, and lower operating costs – industrial part cleaning faces numerous challenges. To solve them, innovative developments in industrial cleaning technology are needed. "Since 2022, the Professional Association for Industrial Part Cleaning (FiT) has been awarding the FiT2clean Award, endowed with €10,000 and a one-year free membership, which is awarded annually," reports Dr. Michael Flämmich, Chairman of FiT. "The innovations submitted this year by companies and institutions help to address these challenges." For the jury, composed of eight members from science, research, industry, and media, it was therefore not easy to select the three finalists for the coveted FiT2clean Award 2025. These companies presented their solutions on the third day (October 9) of this year's parts2clean.

Smarter Data Tracker Documents Relevant Process Parameters in Real Time

With a smart data tracker that enables objective, repeatable, and location-based recording and storage of key process parameters, BO-INNO GmbH secured this year's FiT2clean Award. The compact, robust, and heat-resistant device runs alongside the components through the cleaning process. It continuously measures and stores parameters such as temperature, time, movement profile, and ultrasound intensity. After cleaning, the recorded data are transferred to a PC, allowing further cleaning cycles to be recorded and directly compared with stored data using the software. Deviations in temperature, movement, and ultrasound intensity are automatically displayed. Irregularities, wear, or defects in the cleaning system can thus be detected early and eliminated.

Fully Automated Particulate Cleanliness Control

Second place was awarded to Nägele Mechanik GmbH for a new testing system that performs checks for particulate residual contamination automatically according to VDA 19.1. The steps of particle extraction, filtration, and microscopy are integrated into the system. After manually inserting the component and selecting the test program, extraction/cleaning takes place in a sealed chamber via spray nozzles or ultrasound, with the medium continuously suctioned and filtered. The particles collected are measured on the wet filter. By combining brightfield and darkfield microscopy, not only sufficiently dark and metallic particles but practically all low-contrast particles and fibers are detected and measured. This solution enables more than 100 cleanliness tests per day with minimal personnel. Compared to traditional, time-consuming laboratory tests, testing costs are reduced by up to 90%, sometimes even by 99%.

Automatic, Digitally Networked Monitoring of Solvent Quality

The third place went to SAFECHEM Europe GmbH for developing an automated, digitally networked testing device for monitoring solvent quality. Using integrated sensor technology, the system automatically measures all essential parameters, including acid number, alkalinity, and acid absorption capacity, for various solvents such as modified alcohols and perchloroethylene. A special feature is the two-stage analysis, which considers additional safety-relevant aspects such as signs of foaming or unusual coloring during an optical preliminary check. The system detects and reports critical deviations in real time, and ensures comprehensive and automatic documentation of all measurement results. The continuous data collection also enables trend analysis and supports predictive process maintenance.

Ready for the FiT2clean Award 2026

"These and all other new and further developments demonstrate the innovative strength of providers of industrial cleaning technology," explains Michael Flämmich. "For the FiT2clean Award 2026, we again expect exciting and pioneering innovations that help companies optimize their processes and strengthen their competitiveness in the markets." The FiT innovation award will be presented next year at the 34th Conference on "Industrial Part Cleaning," which will take place on June 25 and 26, 2026, at the Neckar Forum in Esslingen.