More safety when using consumables in pure production

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In recent years, cleanroom systems in pure manufacturing areas have been optimized to such an extent that they hardly cause any contamination anymore. However, most pure production areas still have internal sources of contamination. These can include process equipment and automation systems, but are often also consumables such as cleanroom clothing, wipes, mops, pens, and cleanroom paper. The Fraunhofer IPA is increasingly dealing with questions related to the selection of suitable purity-compatible consumables. Due to their variety and often spatial proximity to contamination-critical processes or products, these materials are classified as particularly critical. Their contribution to contamination has often been underestimated so far. Recent studies demonstrate the immense impact of consumables on the pure production environment, but there are currently no general guidelines or standardized testing and evaluation procedures. This gap is to be addressed as quickly as possible and at the highest scientific-technical level with the help of a strong industry consortium.

In a survey, it was initially determined what requirements users have for pure consumables. From this, the topics of the industry consortium are derived, whose goal is to develop and evaluate standardized testing procedures. These procedures should clearly determine whether consumables are suitable for pure and hygienic applications. This makes the products comparable and provides users with confidence in selecting consumables that meet their needs.

Results of the survey

Over 2,500 contacts in relevant companies were contacted and asked to participate in the survey. Additionally, the survey was published in trade journals and online portals. The survey consisted of a manageable number of questions and can be considered representative with a response rate of 8 percent. The following summarizes selected results of the survey.

Which industry sectors participated in the survey?

Consumables are used in various industries within clean production areas. The conducted survey shows a fairly even distribution across different industry sectors. Three main areas were identified: Electronics (24.8%), Automotive (16.8%), and Life Sciences (23.4%). (see Fig. 1)

Which purity criteria are relevant?

The technological environment determines the requirements for consumables in clean production areas, and different purity criteria are applied depending on the industry. The most important criterion is particulate contamination, followed by cleanability, chemical resistance, and electrostatics. Ionical and molecular contaminations are also less frequently mentioned. A higher need for molecular contamination control can be expected in the future. (see Fig. 2)

Which typical consumables are used?

A variety of consumables are used in clean production areas. Gloves and wipes are among the most common, followed by overshoes, hairnets, and coveralls. Hoods, paper, face masks, mops, and pens are also used. (see Fig. 3)

What standardized, reproducible testing procedures and classification systems are necessary for assessing consumables?

This question was clearly answered by the survey participants: over 92 percent see a need for standardized, reproducible testing procedures and classification systems for assessing consumables. (see Fig. 4)

Establishment of the industry consortium: "Cleanroom Suitable Consumables"

The task of the industry consortium is to develop and evaluate standardized testing procedures that clearly define which consumables are suitable for pure and hygienic applications. With a kick-off event, the interested parties of the industry consortium aim to jointly specify the objectives of the consortium with the Fraunhofer IPA. At the international level, there is currently no comprehensive set of regulations supporting the investigation, classification, and assessment of consumables regarding their suitability for use in clean or hygienic environments. The consortium aims to develop significant, guiding approaches related to VDI 2083 Sheet 9.2 "Purity-Compatible Consumables." As announced at the Cleanroom Lounge in June 2014, due to the variety of consumables and the purity criteria resulting from the clean manufacturing environment, substantial additions are necessary.

Registration for the kick-off event

All survey participants and other interested companies are cordially invited to the industry consortium's kick-off event on November 20, 2014, at the Fraunhofer Society Institute Center in Stuttgart.