Ensuring Maximum Technical Cleanliness for Your Electronic Assemblies

Tracking particulate contaminants on electronic assemblies through damage analysis and risk assessment.

analytical servicesFailure Analysis and Risk Assessment: Ensuring Maximum Technical Cleanliness

Particulate contamination can lead to various malfunctions in assemblies and systems, such as short circuits, electrical isolation at contacts, and reduced solderability. To ensure that your assemblies function flawlessly and meet the highest cleanliness standards, precise limits are essential in supplier specifications. To efficiently and practically specify these limits, we recommend a thorough risk assessment of the particles and their potential impacts. If a malfunction has already occurred, we are also available to provide extensive damage analysis.

possible malfunctions

Particulate contamination on electronic assemblies can cause various damages and compromise component safety. Below are a few examples of possible malfunctions:

Short Circuits
When particles accumulate between two electrical traces or components, short circuits can occur. This can result in malfunctions or even failure of the assembly.

Insulation Failure
Contaminants can compromise the insulating properties of the materials on the circuit boards. This can lead to leakage currents or insulation failure, affecting the electrical integrity of the assembly.

Oxidation and Corrosion
Particles containing corrosive substances can cause oxidation and corrosion of the traces and components. This can impair electrical conductivity and lead to poor signal quality or functional failures.

Mechanical Stresses
Larger particles or foreign objects can subject the circuit boards to mechanical stresses. This can cause cracks, fractures, or delamination, compromising the structural integrity and damaging the assembly.

Risk AnalysisDetermining the Risk of Failures Caused by Particles

Preventing failures before they occur.

Our comprehensive analysis methods are based on the standards of the VDA 19 guideline, ZVEI guide, and IEC TR 61191 standard. We identify potential malfunctions early on and provide a detailed risk assessment of particle loads.

Through joint audits, high-quality analysis equipment, and interpretation of results, we help you understand, evaluate, and prevent risks and malfunctions. Our tailored solutions support you throughout the entire manufacturing process to meet your specific requirements for technical cleanliness.

Technical cleanliness of electronic assemblies


Analysis Methods

  • Wetting Current Analysis
    Determining the breakdown voltage and conductivity properties of particles

  • Impedance Spectroscopy
    Determining the hygroscopy of particles and
    estimating the impedance properties

  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Determining the particle composition

  • Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM/EDX)
    Determining the degree of oxidation and the particle composition


Technical cleanliness Particle contamination | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

Damage Analysis Identifying and Remedying Failure Causes Due to Particles

We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the damage caused by particulate contamination according to the VDA19 and ISO 16232 standards. By extracting and analyzing the type and size distribution of particles, we provide you with detailed solutions to address the problem and improve component safety.

Our goal is to provide precise recommendations based on the analysis results, minimizing the failure risk of your electronic assemblies.


Particle Measurement / Technical Cleanliness

  • Qualitative and quantitative measurement of particles by type and size distribution

  • Comparison with requirements according to the ZVEI guideline for component cleanliness

  • Evaluation of influence on the cause of damage

  • Basis for risk assessment of particles with SIR (Surface Insulation Resistance)

  • ISO 16232

technical cleanliness - focus on particle contamination

Our Expertise

  • Years of experience in risk assessment of particles and damage analysis caused by particulate contamination

  • More than 100 Tier-1 suppliers rely on our expertise

  • Involvement in the ZVEI component cleanliness research group and collaboration on the “Technical Cleanliness in Electrical Engineering” guideline

  • Collaboration on international standardisation


Your Benefit

  • Analytics and system discussions - tailored to your needs

  • Close communication from first contact to solution recommendations

  • Action recommendations in the context of the system

Request a non-binding quote

Purity determination electronic assemblies surface purity | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

technology coaching Risk Assessment of Particles on Electronic Assemblies

Our technology coaching includes the assessment of assembly safety regarding short circuits and potential impacts on insulation coordination caused by conductive particles.

With customized solutions, we help ensure the safety of your assembly. Through targeted analysis and professional consulting, we assist you in minimizing the effects of conductive particles on short circuits and insulation issues, preventing potential damages.

Request technology coaching


Training on Request Technical Cleanliness

Our intensive training on technical cleanliness on electronic assemblies provides an overview of potential risks, practical examples, intensive learning in a small group, and the opportunity to exchange with an experienced instructor.

Daily Program

Request your Training

Cleaning electronic assemblies Consulting | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

Further InsightsThis Might also Interest You:

Ultrasonic cleaning Flux residues Components

Assembly Cleaning with Ultrasonic Systems

What to consider when it comes to ultrasonic cleaning in electronics

Read more

Dendrite Growth - Electrochemical Migration | © ZESTRON

Electronic Assemblies: Risk Factor Electrochemical Migration

An Overview of Basics and Mechanisms of Electrochemical Migration

Read more

Assemblies Moisture Risk analysis | © ZESTRON

The Underestimated Danger: How Moisture Affects Electronic Assemblies

Moisture can cause significant issues, so a good understanding of the risks and appropriate protective measures is crucial.

Read more

Analytical method Analysis method Ion chromatography | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

Flux Residues and Their Effects on Electronic Assemblies

Understanding the importance of flux residues and taking effective countermeasures.

Read more

Ionic contamination IC ROSE test | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

Ionic Contamination on the Surface of Assemblie

Accurate measurement of ionic contaminants is crucial to ensure the reliability of your assemblies.

Read more

Electronics cleaning PCB Inline | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

The Importance of Meticulous Assembly Cleaning for Successful Manufacturing

Efficiency, reliability, and quality start with clean assemblies: From heel cracks to lift-offs.

Read more

Cleaning of power electronics

Why Cleaning Power Electronics Pays Off in the Long Run

Enhance the performance and lifespan of your systems by taking the crucial step of cleaning your power modules.

Read more

Electronics cleaning PCB stencil cleaning Cleaning machine | © @The Sour Cherry Fotografie - Michaela Curtis

Perfect Electronics Production Begins With a Clean Stencil

Prevent misprints in the production of electronic assemblies with thorough cleaning of stencils and screens.

Read more