With the FiT2clean Award, which has been presented annually since 2022, FiT aims to promote and advance innovations in industrial cleaning technology. This year, nine companies and institutions entered the competition. The three finalists acp systems AG, Kist + Escherich GmbH and PartikelART Solution GmbH presented their developments at the 32nd "Industrial Component Cleaning" conference on September 11 to the conference participants, who were able to help select the winner.
AI-based app for measuring and classifying particles
The winner of the award is PartikelART Solution GmbH with an AI-based, easy-to-use app that can be used to measure and classify particles from 200 µm Feret max quickly, easily and reliably directly in the line. The particles are classified into metallic, non-metallic and fibers using AI-based image processing. As with a microscopic analysis, the measurement results can be output as a report and sent by email or saved. Compared to laboratory analyses, checking technical cleanliness with the app is much more cost-effective and the results are available immediately.
CO2 snow as an extraction medium for particle analysis
Second place went to acp systems AG with a completely new extraction device for particle extraction. This is based on CO2 snow jet cleaning, in which recycled carbon dioxide is used as the medium. Particles can thus be removed down to the sub-micrometer range. This makes the new extraction solution particularly suitable for components with a specified particle size of less than 50 µm and for electronic components that cannot be tested by rinsing or that previously had to be scrapped after testing. Using the device results in cost savings, and critical raw materials, energy and electronic waste can also be saved.
Dry, contactless cleaning of PCB magazines
Kist + Escherich GmbH took third place with a new cleaning solution for PCB magazines, which are used in the electronics industry to transport printed circuit boards (PCBs, PCBAs). During their use, particles accumulate in the magazine slots that can be carried over into downstream processes or the products. In the new system, the PCB magazines are cleaned on all sides, dry and without contact. Dust and particles are loosened by means of ionized compressed air through rotating nozzles, captured by an extraction flow and fed to an embedded filter unit. The integrated electrostatic discharge is optimized for ESD applications. The system can be used both offline and inline and can be programmed for different magazine sizes. The automated, dry cleaning of the magazines significantly reduces the risk of particle-related defects or failures in electronic components.
Next FiT2clean Award is already waiting
The FiT Innovation Award will be presented next year at parts2clean, which will be held at the Stuttgart trade fair grounds from October 7 to 9, 2025.