testing capabilities
Cleanliness Test
A Cleanliness Test is a quality inspection method used to determine the level of contaminants—such as oils, grease, machining residues, metal shavings, or foreign particles—present on a manufactured component. For engineered fasteners and precision-machined parts, even trace contamination can affect performance, assembly, or long-term reliability, making cleanliness verification a critical part of the quality process.
How the Test is Performed
Sample Preparation – The fastener or machined component is handled under controlled conditions to prevent outside contamination.
Extraction of Contaminants – Solvents, ultrasonic agitation, or pressurized fluids are used to dislodge surface and embedded particles from the part.
Collection & Filtration – Dislodged contaminants are collected and passed through a fine filter.
Analysis – The particles and residues are measured by weight, size, or count using gravimetric, microscopic, or spectrographic methods.
Evaluation Against Standards – Results are compared to customer or industry-defined cleanliness requirements.
Why It is Performed
Cleanliness Testing is performed to ensure that fasteners and machined components meet strict contamination-free requirements that protect assembly quality, performance, and durability.
Prevents assembly issues such as galling, seizing, or torque misapplication
Reduces risk of corrosion or premature wear caused by foreign particles
Ensures compatibility with lubricants, coatings, and protective finishes
Meets customer requirements for industries where contamination can cause system failure, such as aerospace, oil & gas, and defense
Application to Engineered Fasteners
Engineered fasteners often operate in demanding environments where any contamination can compromise safety and performance. Cleanliness Testing ensures that:
Threads are free of foreign matter, ensuring accurate torque and preload during installation
Critical surfaces are contaminant-free to support coatings, platings, and corrosion protection systems
Fasteners meet customer cleanliness specifications, which are especially stringent in aerospace, nuclear, and defense applications
Product integrity and reliability are maintained from manufacturing through installation
Standards & Compliance
TSP Manufacturing performs Cleanliness Testing in accordance with industry standards such as ISO 16232, VDA 19, and customer-specific cleanliness requirements. Testing equipment is maintained and calibrated, and results are fully documented for traceability. This adherence to recognized cleanliness standards reinforces TSP’s commitment to delivering engineered fasteners and machined components that meet the highest levels of quality, safety, and reliability.
OUR PRODUCTS
Explore our products
Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries.
Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries.
Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications.