

Most of these particles originate from surface treatment processes, such as grinding, tumbling or honing. The hardest residual contaminants are minerals like corundum, silicon carbide and sand. The supplier has to comply with these limits and is responsible for regular test measurements. In practice, the customer will define the threshold values for component contamination, sometimes referred to as the CCC or component cleanliness code. To describe the state of technical cleanliness, residual contamination and the number, size and composition of the particles are determined. Technical cleanliness is defined by the number of residual contaminants on the surface of a component. Whereas filmic impurities impede subsequent coating processes or liquid gasket adhesion. Some of these particles are especially hard, inorganic particles that cause severe damage and drastically shorten a product’s lifetime. Residual particles are introduced into engines or gearboxes during assembly.

Particle contamination can be generated during manufacture or may be introduced via vendor parts, packaging and logistics. Typically these are searched for after the component has undergone a cleaning process to ensure the desired standard gets attained during manufacture. Particle contamination refers to solid particles and filmic contaminants that remain on a component’s surface. What does technical cleanliness mean? Basics of Technical Cleanliness of Component Inspection Particle Contamination
