Particle-free environments with stringent cleanliness protocols are typically required for the manufacture and assembly of advanced optics and electronics components. Even minimal contamination can adversely affect product quality and performance.
Particle monitoring techniques are widely used to track particle size and concentration in manufacturing environments, including cleanrooms, assembly lines, and packaging areas. The need to continually reduce particle size and quantity in cleanroom environments is well established. Accurately measuring these contaminants is the first step in developing a fundamental particle control plan.
Beyond reducing particle contamination in controlled environments, there is a growing need for advanced tools that can quickly identify and categorize contamination sources. By determining the type of particles present in the environment, manufacturers can quickly identify and address the source of contamination. Understanding the nature of the contamination is a critical step for manufacturers in implementing targeted solutions as part of a comprehensive particle control plan.
This article explores an innovative imaging-based approach to particle monitoring, identification, and control, helping manufacturers quickly pinpoint contamination sources and improve cleanroom processes.
Discover how this strategy drives continuous improvement in particle control and sets the stage for future advancements.
Meeting IEST and ISO Cleanliness Standards with FlowCam
The article features a case study utilizing FlowCam, a flow imaging microscope, for evaluating an aqueous wash fluid intended for electronic components, assessing cleanliness to Level 300 and Level 500 as per the IEST-STD-CC1246E standard.
FlowCam functions as a particle-monitoring device, directly quantifying particle size and count through image analysis of individual particles. This capability enables assessment of numerous particle attributes, including diameter, aspect ratio, color, intensity, and comprehensive fiber characterization, including fiber length (maximum Feret length) and stretched fiber length (geodesic length).
FlowCam's software supports adaptable, automated size-bin filtering that aligns with cleanliness standards like IEST-STD-CC1246 or ISO 16232. The data and particle images in this study show how FlowCam can quickly identify the size, shape, and classification of particle contaminants in a manufacturing setting.
Download the full app note to learn more!
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc.