In the manufacturing of modern vehicles, the technical cleanliness of components and subassemblies is an important functional feature of quality.

VDA Volume 19.1 “Inspection of Technical Cleanliness – Particulate contamination of functionally-relevant automotive components” addresses in detail the methods and procedures which are implemented to characterize the cleanliness state of products in the quality chain of the automotive industry. VDA Volume 19 was first introduced by the VDA QMC in 2005 and was available in a completely revised and extended form as VDA 19.1 from 2015 onwards. The second completely revised, extended and current version was published in 2026.

Participants attending the 2-day training course are given the opportunity to arrange and document cleanliness analyses on their own in accordance with VDA 19.1 (2026). They also gain insights into laboratory practices as well as the equipment and methods implemented there. Furthermore background information is given on the technical necessity of cleanliness inspections and on cleanliness-suitable conduct.

Theoretical principles

• Background information and history on technical cleanliness in the automotive industry
• Extraction methods for detaching particles from components (liquid based or dry)
• Analysis methods for assessing particulate contamination
• Qualification of the cleanliness inspection via declining tests, blank value tests and particle recovery test
• Documentation, cleanliness specification and examples of inspections
• Guidance for creating cleanliness specifications and for testing strategies

Insight into laboratory practices

Following the theoretical part, there will be thematically organized case studies to practice and reinforce what has been learned, as well as practical exercises in the cleanliness laboratory:

• Selection of the extraction method according to the component concerned, followed by the execution of the procedure with start parameters
• Filtration and separation methods
• Analysis methods as well as the procedure for a standard analysis
• Qualification and documentation of cleanliness analysis

People that conduct cleanliness inspections either in the automotive and supplier industry or in their role as a service provider. The imparted knowledge and associated practical abilities are also important tools for other people who are confronted with the quality feature of technical cleanliness in their sphere of work, e.g. quality control, technical procurement and sales. Due to similar cleanliness issues, the training is also suitable for people working in the aerospace, hydraulics and precision engineering industries.

None

After passing the assessment (Single-choice test), you will receive a digital Certificate from VDA QMC and Fraunhofer IPA “Inspector for Technical Cleanliness”