Fraunhofer IPA intends to clarify the term “cleanroom suitability”
The demand for products and materials suitable for cleanroom applications is increasing dramatically. However, the meaning of the term “cleanroom-suitable materials” is not always very clear. In contrast with operating utilities, up till now there have been no clear definitions regarding the cleanroom suitability of materials, nor have any testing methods been specified. The cleanroom experts at the Fraunhofer IPA now intend to remedy this deficit. A first step in the right direction has been taken by forming the industrial alliance “Cleanroom-suitable materials RTW”. The aim of the industrial alliance “RTW” is to place both the assessment of the cleanroom suitability of materials and also the selection of materials for clean applications on firm foundations. Alliance partners obtain a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art and are actively involved in shaping future requirements and procedures. The end-result will provide participants with practical tools which can be used to correctly select appropriate materials and to test their cleanroom suitability using standardized procedures.
The aim of Phase 1 of the industrial research group was to specify the cleanroom suitability of materials and to develop and establish appropriate algorithms. This was successfully completed in February. A standardized method for testing the cleanroom suitability of material pairings now exists as well as an assessment algorithm and also a material test bench for obtaining reproducible test results. A collection of data is now going to be compiled which will be accessible to all partners of the alliance.
Phase 2 will commence with a kick-off meeting at the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart, Germany on the 12th of May 2005. The meeting will inform interested companies both about the current state of research as far as the »cleanroom suitability of materials« is concerned and also about the contents of Phase 2 of the industrial alliance. The kick-off meeting is free of charge. The alliance is still accepting industrial participants as new members for Phase 2.
