Dry Particle Release Evaluation of Multi-Purpose Wipes

Summary

This study examines the dry particle release characteristics of ten multi-purpose wipes from the Wipestar product line. While particle release testing traditionally focuses on cleanroom applications, this study explores its significance across various industrial applications, including precision manufacturing, automotive assembly, and aerospace maintenance. The evaluation, conducted according to IEST-RP-CC003.4:2011 standard test methods, revealed three distinct performance levels among the tested wipes, with particle release values (≥0.5μm) ranging from 1.67×10^5 to 4.45×10^5 counts/m2/cfm.

1. Introduction

In industrial environments, the control of particles during cleaning and maintenance operations is crucial for product quality, equipment longevity, and process reliability. Multi-purpose wipes are widely used across various industrial sectors, from precision manufacturing to general maintenance. Understanding their particle release characteristics is essential not only for cleanroom applications but also for industrial processes where particle contamination can affect product quality, surface finishing, or equipment performance.

2. Materials and Test Methods

2.1 Product Range

Ten variants of Wipestar multi-purpose wipes were evaluated:

• Series 1100 (W1101, W1102, W1103): Engineered for precision applications

• Series 1300 (W1301, W1302, W1303, W1304): Designed for general industrial use

• Series 1500 (W1501, W1502, W1503): Developed for heavy-duty applications

2.2 Test Methodology

The evaluation followed IEST-RP-CC003.4:2011 standard test methods, measuring particles ≥0.5μm and reporting results in counts/m2/cfm. This standardized approach ensures reliable data for industrial quality control and process validation.

3. Results

Table 1. Dry Particle Release Results for Wipestar Multi-Purpose Wipes

4. Industrial Applications and Discussion

4.1 Precision Manufacturing Applications

Series 1100, with the lowest particle release (1.67×10^5 counts/m2/cfm), is particularly suitable for:

• Optical component cleaning

• Electronic assembly

• Precision machinery maintenance

• High-tolerance parts processing

4.2 General Industrial Applications

Series 1300, showing moderate particle release (3.81×10^5 counts/m2/cfm), is appropriate for:

• Automotive assembly lines

• Equipment maintenance

• Surface preparation

• General manufacturing processes

4.3 Heavy-Duty Applications

Series 1500, with higher particle release values (4.45×10^5 counts/m2/cfm), is designed for:

• Heavy machinery maintenance

• Oil and grease removal

• Industrial cleaning tasks

• Robust manufacturing environments

5. Application-Specific Considerations

5.1 Surface Preparation

• Series 1100: Critical surface preparation before coating or bonding

• Series 1300: Standard surface cleaning before painting or assembly

• Series 1500: Heavy-duty surface cleaning and degreasing

5.2 Maintenance Operations

• Series 1100: Precision equipment and sensitive instruments

• Series 1300: Regular equipment maintenance and general cleaning

• Series 1500: Heavy machinery and industrial equipment

5.3 Manufacturing Processes

• Series 1100: High-precision assembly and quality-critical applications

• Series 1300: General manufacturing and assembly operations

• Series 1500: Heavy manufacturing and robust processing environments

6. Conclusions

This test demonstrates that particle release characteristics can serve as a key indicator for selecting appropriate wipes for specific industrial applications. These findings provide valuable guidance for industrial users in selecting appropriate wipes based on their specific application requirements, helping optimize both cleaning effectiveness and process efficiency.

Learn more about Cellulose/Polyester Multi-purpose Wipes

Tags：Multi-purpose Wipes