Purity down to the submicrometer range

ISO Class 6 cleanroom at Toolcraft (Copyright: KILIAN REIL FOTOGRAFIE)

Broad range of technical precision cleaning processes (Copyright: KILIAN REIL FOTOGRAFIE)

Technical precision cleaning down to the submicrometer range (Copyright: KILIAN REIL FOTOGRAFIE)

Where even the smallest particles and residues can affect the function of a component, technical cleanliness becomes a decisive prerequisite for reliable processes. Particularly in sensitive industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace or satellite technology, contamination in the micro- and submicrometer range can impair the functionality of sensitive components. toolcraft AG, a manufacturer of high-end precision components based in Georgensgmünd in Middle Franconia, is therefore expanding its process expertise to include a broad range of technical fine-cleaning processes.

From requirements to new technology

The development of technical fine cleaning began several years ago in response to specific customer requirements, which made it clear that demands on the technical cleanliness of components are constantly increasing. This gave rise to the idea of expanding the company’s own manufacturing capabilities to include a controlled cleaning and packaging process.

“Technical fine cleaning is increasingly becoming an integral part of the manufacturing and quality chain—particularly wherever the smallest residues can impair subsequent functionality,” explains Markus Miehling (Head of Quality Assurance and Technical Cleaning at toolcraft AG).

The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on the company premises in Georgensgmünd in September 2024. The new building covers approximately 3,000 m², including around 550 m² of ISO Class 6 cleanroom space. The systems installed there are designed for components measuring up to 1,500 × 1,700 × 1,500 millimeters and weighing up to 1,200 kilograms. This means that even large-format and heavy components can be cleaned under controlled cleanroom conditions. With the newly constructed building, Toolcraft is adding a process step to its manufacturing operations that is particularly relevant for components with stringent technical cleanliness requirements.

Cleaning under controlled conditions

Technical fine cleaning gently, selectively and residue-free removes microscopic particles, films and residues from sensitive surfaces. To achieve this, Toolcraft combines wet-chemical and physical processes that are precisely and individually adapted to the materials, geometry and cleanliness requirements. The range of services includes vacuum dry cleaning followed by residual gas analysis (RGA), wet cleaning in an ultrasonic bath, as well as processes for cooling-channel and high-pressure cleaning.

During the cleanroom process, relevant environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure and particle concentration are closely monitored. This ensures consistent and reproducible cleanliness conditions for downstream processes, such as assembly and packaging.

Highest cleanliness requirements for sensitive applications

Applications for technical fine cleaning include the semiconductor industry, optical payloads, sensors and cameras, infrared and UV instruments, as well as components for space telescopes. According to toolcraft AG, all cleaning processes and testing procedures are validated and traceable, and also meet the requirements of ASTM E595, a standardized test method developed by NASA for measuring the outgassing behavior of materials under vacuum conditions. As a member of the Fachverband industrielle Teilereinigung (FiT), the company also consistently follows the latest developments and standards in industrial cleaning technology.

Integration into existing manufacturing operations

“We always develop our technologies with tomorrow’s requirements in mind. Technical fine cleaning combines highly precise cleaning with controlled process conditions and opens up new possibilities for the most demanding applications. This represents another important building block in our technological development and creates the conditions for us to continue addressing complex manufacturing tasks across our process chains in the future,” says Christoph Hauck, Chief Technology and Sales Officer at toolcraft AG.

The new building in Georgensgmünd creates the spatial and technical conditions required to expand the range of services offered by the high-end precision parts manufacturer from Middle Franconia. It adds another process-critical capability that sustainably and future-oriented strengthens Toolcraft’s vertical integration.