Why it matters
Particulate contamination can lead to increased wear, malfunctions or failures. Requirements are increasing, especially in automotive, e-mobility, mechanical engineering and medical technology.
Basics and selection
Technical cleanliness
Assessing and securing technical cleanliness according to VDA 19.1, ISO 16232 and OEM and customer factory standards. Find out which test fits your component.
Particles that do not belong in the part.
Technical cleanliness describes the control and assessment of particulate contamination on parts, assemblies and technical systems. Even the smallest particles can impair the function, reliability and service life of sensitive components.
Particularly affected
- Electric motors
- Battery systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Valves and actuators
- Gearboxes and drive components
- Electronic assemblies
In practice
Systematic cleanliness testing helps detect potential risks early and derive suitable measures for process optimisation.
Which standard applies to what?
The specification for your component is usually on the drawing, the purchase order or your customer’s factory standard.
Inspection of technical cleanliness of functionally relevant automotive components. Accredited to the 2015-03 edition (E.1 to E.4, F.1 to F.3); a 3rd edition has been available since 2026.
VDA 19.1 residual contamination analysisCleanliness of components and systems of road vehicles, 2018 edition. Does not define limit values. Accredited excluding the methods of clauses 9.3 and 9.4.
ISO 16232 cleanliness analysisIn addition to VDA 19.1 and ISO 16232, TecClean regularly carries out residual contamination and cleanliness analyses according to OEM, factory and customer test specifications. Many of these manufacturer-specific requirements are methodically based on the principles of technical cleanliness according to VDA 19.1 or ISO 16232 and are implemented according to the applicable test specification.
More on factory standardsCovers environment, logistics, personnel and assembly equipment. For context; components are tested according to VDA 19.1 or ISO 16232.
From component to test report.
Extraction removes the particles from the component. They are then collected on an analysis filter and evaluated.
Extraction media
- suitable solvents
- deionised water
Extraction methods
- Spraying
- Rinsing
- Shaking
- Ultrasound
- Air extraction
- Stamping
Analysis
- Filtration
- Gravimetry
- Microscopy with the light microscope
- Particle classification: metallic shiny, non-metallic shiny, fibres
Customer-specific methods or methods developed by TecClean are also possible. They are not automatically part of the scope of accreditation. If required, further analyses such as SEM/EDX or FTIR can be coordinated through an accredited partner laboratory.
Testing to factory standards and test specifications.
In addition to VDA 19.1 and ISO 16232, TecClean regularly carries out residual contamination and cleanliness analyses according to OEM, factory and customer test specifications. Many of these manufacturer-specific requirements are methodically based on the principles of technical cleanliness according to VDA 19.1 or ISO 16232 and are implemented according to the applicable test specification.
Send us the factory standard, drawing or test specification that applies to your order. TecClean checks feasibility and the necessary test scope and agrees the next steps directly with you.
- Factory standards and test specifications of vehicle, engine, drivetrain, machinery and component manufacturers
- Customer test specifications and drawing requirements
- Whether a method is within the scope of accreditation is clarified before we confirm the order
- Confidential content of standards is never published
From testing need to the right service.
Component with limit value or standard reference
Residual contamination analysis according to the stated specification.
VDA 19.1International customer specification
Cleanliness analysis according to ISO 16232.
ISO 16232New part or new method
Decay measurement to define the extraction parameters.
Decay measurementTime-critical and parcel-sized
Express after technical consultation.
Express serviceOwn extraction, evaluation only
Send a filter, membrane, stamp or tape-lift.
Filter evaluationMonitoring a cleaning system
Have bath samples and process media analysed.
Bath samplesFour steps to your test report
How we support you.
- 01
Send your requirement
Share the component, drawing, limit value, standard or customer requirement.
- 02
Clarify feasibility and scope
Together with you, TecClean determines which test scope is required and technically feasible.
- 03
Ship the parts
Send the sample or test lots to TecClean, securely packed.
- 04
Testing and report
TecClean carries out the agreed analysis and provides the test report.
For suitable parcel-sized samples: optional express processing within 1 to 2 working days. The day of delivery is not counted.
FAQ
Questions about technical cleanliness
What is technical cleanliness?
Technical cleanliness describes the control and assessment of particulate contamination on parts, assemblies and technical systems.
What is a residual contamination analysis?
In a residual contamination analysis, the particles are removed from the component with a suitable extraction method, collected on an analysis filter and evaluated gravimetrically and microscopically. The result is documented in the test report.
Which extraction methods are there?
For example spraying, rinsing, shaking, ultrasound, air extraction and stamping, using suitable solvents or deionised water. The annex to the accreditation certificate states which methods are accredited.
Does TecClean test to factory standards?
In addition to VDA 19.1 and ISO 16232, TecClean regularly carries out residual contamination and cleanliness analyses according to OEM, factory and customer test specifications. Many of these manufacturer-specific requirements are methodically based on the principles of technical cleanliness according to VDA 19.1 or ISO 16232 and are implemented according to the applicable test specification.
Questions about technical cleanliness?
We support you in assessing parts, processes and cleanliness specifications and in implementing customer and OEM requirements.