Fraunhofer-Business Area Cleaning
As part of our interview series in each newsletter, we once again introduce you to a member of the Business Area Cleaning of Fraunhofer. This time, Albrecht Brandenburg from Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM answered our questions. Read more about his career and his personal views on the goals, potential and aspirations of the Business Area Cleaning of Fraunhofer.
1. How did you join Cleaning Business Area of Fraunhofer?
At Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques, we have been working for many years in the field of optical testing of surfaces, when we decided to develop systems for testing cleanliness of parts in production. This field developed quite good, economically as well as technologically. Hence, it was beneficial to come into the contact with colleagues working in the field industrial cleaning technologies.
2. What goal have you set yourself for your work at Cleaning Business Area of Fraunhofer?
Bringing know-how on optical measurement and testing technology into the business field and thus complementing Fraunhofer’s offer in this area. I also learn a lot from my colleagues about cleaning procedures and parts cleaning processes.
3. What would you like to pass on to the customers of Cleaning Business Area of Fraunhofer?
That the fast and precise check of component cleanliness is an important part of the process chain and that this step not only increases the quality and reliability of the components, but also saves costs and is therefore sustainable.
4. What does the Fraunhofer IPM offer in cleaning technology?
Fraunhofer IPM offers technologies for fast optical inspection of surfaces in the laboratory or in the production line. We developed a whole range of measuring and testing methods, such as various imaging and image processing methods, imaging fluorescence and particle detection on the component. Some of these technologies, such as imaging fluorescence measurement technology with laser scanners, are unique in the world.
5. What makes you a competent partner in cleaning technology?
Almost four decades of intensive research and development work in the fields of optics and measurement technology. During this time, I was able to get to know a lot of questions from customers and, together with a team of physicists and engineers, I worked out solutions that were implemented in industry. This knowledge and experience made use of to develop methods for cleanliness testing.
6. What do you wish for the industry?
More visibility of industrial cleaning process as well as cleanliness detection. These technologies are of great importance for many products. Greater awareness of these issues could help reduce rejects and avoid subsequent changes in production processes
7. What is urgently needed so that the next big step can be taken in the field of cleaning technology?
Cleaning technology lives from continuous improvements in technologies, which have to be well validated and certified. This progress needs to be driven forward in order to get better in terms of quality, safety and sustainability.