Two requirements are of particular relevance when developing cleanroom-suitable components and equipment: reduced development times and the successful implementation of market-orientated development aims. For over 20 years the Fraunhofer IPA has been dealing successfully with these requirements. Right in the early stages of product development, customers discuss new developments with scientists and engineers at the Fraunhofer IPA. In this way they are able to avoid cost-intensive adaptations in construction in a downstream development step which would otherwise be required in order to fulfil the demands of modern-day cleanroom environments.

Our customers benefit both from the comprehensive know-how possessed by IPA test engineers and also from the Fraunhofer’s state-of-the art metrology. By starting with the determination of suitability for use in cleanroom conditions, later development potentials can be ascertained. As a result, defined development aims can be achieved both quickly and in a targeted way. Of course all results of tests carried out at the Fraunhofer IPA are kept strictly confidential.

Tests performed at the Fraunhofer IPA are especially characterized by the following:

• Statistical verification of all measurement data through specially-designed software tools
• Metrological recording of representative particle emission sources.
• Testing of all equipment and components used in the cleanroom as well as all possible material pairings.
• Determination of the cleanroom suitability of operating utilities and material pairings in accordance with all internationally and nationally defined cleanroom classes.