3D X-ray analysis of foreign particles in medical glass ampoules

A particular challenge is the correct analysis of microparticles inside medical glass ampoules. When the vials are opened, glass breakage often occurs, which can get into the analysis and falsify the result. To solve the problem, our team has developed a new process to non-destructively detect foreign particles in glass ampoules.

Sand in the Gearbox – Abrasive Minerals Invisible in Contaminant Particles?

It is often surprising for our customers when we find hard mineral particles on their components during technical cleanliness analysis. Customers ask: "How can that be? We didn't find anything in our own cleanliness tests." The contamination of hard minerals is so important, because these particles have an abrasive effect and thus massively damage mechanical systems such as gears and motors.

Filmic Contamination Leads to Gearbox Failure

The determination of the technical cleanliness according to VDA-19.1 or ISO-16232 is now an integral part of quality control and error analysis - because the cleanliness of components is decisive for the quality and error-free function of the product. In addition to particles, filmic contamination poses a problem, as the following example from quality assurance in the manufacture of electric drive systems shows.

Identification of Tire Abrasion Microparticles Using SEM-EDX

In order to answer the question of the whereabouts of microplastic particles from tire abrasion, new analysis methods are urgently needed to reliably identify and count these particles. We conducted a pilot study to test the possibilities of automated SEM-EDX analysis in quantifying tire abrasion in environmental samples.

Analysis of Foreign Particles in Pharmaceutical Powders

A central requirement in the production of pharmaceutical products is the avoidance of visible foreign particles. Our testing laboratory has developed innovative yet simple methods to reliably quantify foreign particles in pharmaceutical powders.

Tiny Particles – Catastrophic Effect

A German automobile manufacturer recently learned what problems the smallest residual dirt particles can cause: It had to recall numerous vehicles due to engine malfunctions. The reason was manufacturing residues consisting of hard particles, which lead to major engine damage - in the worst case, to burning cars. Hard residual dirt particles usually come from the fine processing of surfaces by glass blasting, vibratory grinding, honing […]

Wearout Analysis of Bearing Shells

Bearing shells have the function of rolling and supporting rolling elements. In four-stroke engines, for example, the connecting rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft rotates in a bearing. This is lubricated with oil, which reduces friction and thus wear. However, the lubricant contains various residual contaminant particles that can become lodged in the bearing shell.