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Technical cleanliness in screw assembly: avoidance of particle contamination

| Automation | Blog articles

Technical cleanliness plays a decisive role in modern production. Invisible particles can cause considerable damage - from malfunctions to the failure of sensitive components. In screw assembly in particular, contamination is caused by abrasion, residues or electrostatic build-up. Industries such as the automotive industry, medical technology and electronics production therefore rely on the highest standards of cleanliness. But how can particles be avoided in production? What measures are crucial? In this article, you will find out where contamination occurs, what solutions are available and how our CleanFeed concept enables low-particle screwdriving processes.

 

 

 

What is technical cleanliness?

Technical cleanliness describes a standard for the control and reduction of particles in production processes, particularly in sensitive areas such as automotive and medical technology. It includes measures to prevent and remove contamination in order to ensure the functionality and service life of components. The term "technically clean" is used when there are no contaminants on a component that could impair its further processing or function. Industrial standards such as VDA 19 and ISO 16232 define test methods and limit values for particulate cleanliness in production.

 

Why technical cleanliness is crucial

In high-precision manufacturing processes such as the automotive industry or medical technology, even a single particle of dirt can lead to short circuits, material failure or malfunctions. Screw assembly is a critical source of errors: abrasion from feed systems, particles on fasteners or environmental influences can cause microscopically small but serious contamination.

 

Challenges: Where do particles arise?

The sources of dirt in screwdriving assembly are varied and often underestimated. Typical causes are:

  • Mechanical abrasion: Vibratory bowl feeders generate particles due to friction between the screws and on the conveyor walls.

  • Dust and residues: Storage and transportation of fasteners without suitable protective packaging lead to build-up.

  • Tool wear: Rotating screwdriving tools release microscopically small metal or plastic particles.

  • Electrostatic charge: Plastic parts attract dust, which is transferred during the screwdriving process.

Industries with high cleanliness requirements such as e-mobility and medical technology must control these factors at an early stage in order to avoid rejects and rework.

 

Solutions for particle minimization

Effective measures to ensure technical cleanliness:

  • Alternative feeding systems: Step or lifting rail conveyors reduce abrasion.

  • Protective packaging: Special trays or vacuum packaging prevent particle adhesion.

  • Optimized screwdriving tools: Low-particle screwdriving spindles with integrated extraction reduce material abrasion.

  • Ionization systems: Prevent electrostatic particle adhesion.

 

DEPRAG CleanFeed: Particle-free feeding for maximum process reliability

Thanks to specially developed components, our CleanFeed concept for technical cleanliness significantly prevents the formation of particles in feed systems. The result: consistent cleanliness in the screwdriving process that meets the highest requirements:

  • Screws are transported gently to avoid abrasion.

  • Clean room standards are supported, ideal for medical technology and electronics production.

  • Simple integration into existing production lines is made possible.

 

 

 

Conclusion: Maximum quality through clean processes

Technical cleanliness is not a nice-to-have. It is crucial for minimizing functional failures and product liability risks. Companies should take targeted measures to reduce rejects. With CleanFeed, we offer a proven solution for low-particle screwdriving processes - contact us!

 

 

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