Particle analyses in an accredited testing laboratory
Increase your product quality by optimising production processes with the help of technical cleanliness. Gläser CleanTec is your competent partner for this.
With state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, our highly trained laboratory team analyses your components for particulate and chemical-film contamination in our in-house laboratory, accredited to ISO 17025, with a Class 7 clean room in accordance with ISO 14644. Whether large or small, we can meet your individual requirements and carry out particle extractions on the smallest components in the mg range up to large parts with a total weight of up to 350 kg.
Our Services
Q&A
Cleanliness Analyses / Residual Contamination Analyses
Analysis Methods
Particle Analysis Using SEM/EDX
Determination of the material of metallic and mineral particles
Metallic and mineral particles are identified not only for their size but also for their elemental composition. By knowing the composition, the hardness and conductivity of the particles can be assessed, and their damage potential can be determined. Additionally, it is possible to draw conclusions about the particle’s origin and thus target the source of contamination.
Examples of hard (abrasive) particles:
- Sand, Corundum, Silicates, Oxides and Mineral ceramics
- Material classes and compositions of metallic and mineral particles
- Correlative material analysis of individual particles that have exceeded the threshold
- Material analysis of all particles on the filter membrane from 5 µm possible
- Determination of the damage potential of particles: hardness, conductivity, and magnetism
Advantage: Determining the damage potential and information on the origin of the particles
Particle Analysis Using FTIR Analysis
Determination of the material of organic particles (plastic, wood, cardboard, etc.)
- Organic particles can be identified using infrared spectroscopy (IR)
- The measured IR spectrum is matched with a database of typical materials to determine the particle material
- The measured spectrum can be compared with reference materials, allowing conclusions about the origin of organic contaminants (e.g., plastics, packaging contaminants, textile fibers)
- IR analysis involves preparing the particle on the ATR crystal of the FTIR microscope
- The result includes the particle image, the IR spectrum with reference spectrum, and the definition of the organic material
Advantage: Determining the damage potential and information on the origin of the particles
Chemical-Film Contamination Analysis
Determination of organic, ionic, and chemical contaminants on components
In addition to particles and fibers, filmic contaminants such as residues from coolants and lubricants are sources of organic contamination on your component, which can quickly lead to disruptions in further manufacturing processes. Various analysis methods provide detailed information about the type of organic contamination and allow you to target its source effectively.
Examples include:
- Coatings
- Paint residues
- Preservatives and adhesives
- Greases (e.g., coolants and lubricants, fingerprints)
- Organic particles and fibers
1 These analyses are not within the scope of our accreditation.
2 These analyses are carried out in an external partner laboratory.
Liquid/Oil Analyses
Determination of particulate impurities in liquids or oils
according to ISO 4406/ISO 4407 or customer specifications.
Determination of the purity class by means of filtration of the sample liquid. The particles are retained by a membrane and then analysed under a microscope. Automatic particle counting in accordance with ISO 4406/ISO 4407 or customer specifications.
During microscopy, the metallic and non-metallic particles, including fibres, are particles, including fibres, are recorded and images of the largest particles are added to the report.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Checking the wash water of cleaning machines for particulate contamination.
- Analysing oils to determine the cleanliness classes.
- Monitoring of a wide range of process aids (liquids)
Particle Monitoring
The Particle Trap for Periodic Observation
Do you want to find out if there is a source of contamination in your immediate production environment? Or do you already know that your production is affected by contamination but can’t identify the source? Simply lay out one of our GLÄSER particle traps for a certain period of time to find out exactly this. Particle traps are used to assess and identify environmental contamination.
This contamination can result from internal transport routes, open entrances and windows, or particle deposition due to abrasion. Contaminants settle on the adhesive pad of the particle trap and can then be subjected to microscopic examination. Send the particle trap to our laboratory, and we will count and measure the particles.
The Particle Stamp for a Snapshot
In contrast to the particle trap, the particle stamp is used to assess and determine surface contamination. With the stamp, you can easily stamp the desired area and obtain a snapshot of your contamination at a specific location. Accurate results are obtained through microscopic analysis of the stamp in our laboratory.
With these concrete results, you can then take targeted measures to address the contamination. Your production process is now cleaner!
The information sheet with further details on the use of the particle trap and stamp can be conveniently found under Downloads.
Our virtual laboratory
Visiting hours: 24/7
Visit us in our virtual laboratory – whenever you want. Explore our testing machines, developed in-house. Discover what modern laboratory equipment looks like today. Gläser CleanTec is a world leader in Technical Cleanliness in the fields of: mechanical engineering, laboratory analytics, training, consulting, service, and trade.
