Can laboratory instrument die castings and molds support applications in oil-free, dust-free, and other special clean environments?
Publish Time: 2026-01-28
In high-end scientific research, biomedicine, semiconductor testing, and precision analysis, laboratory instruments often need to operate stably for extended periods in oil-free, dust-free, and low-particulate-release clean environments. These environments place extremely high demands on material purity, surface density, chemical stability, and manufacturing processes. Traditional machined parts or ordinary castings often suffer from burrs, pores, oil residue, or corrosion. Laboratory instrument die castings and molds, with their advanced die casting technology and material control systems, are gradually becoming the ideal choice for cleanroom-grade equipment structural components.1. High-Density Structure: Eliminating Particulate and Contaminant Release at the SourceThe die casting process rapidly injects molten metal into a precision mold under high pressure, cooling and solidifying it in a very short time to form a dense, fine-grained metal structure. Compared to sand casting or machined parts, die castings have extremely low internal porosity, with surface roughness reaching below Ra 1.6μm, and virtually no microcracks or porosity defects. This high density effectively prevents particle shedding during use due to vibration, temperature changes, or chemical corrosion, fundamentally avoiding contamination of the cleanroom environment. The "zero-chip" performance of die-cast parts is particularly crucial in key components such as vacuum chamber supports, optical platform bases, and sample transfer mechanisms.2. Oil-Free Manufacturing and Post-Processing: Meeting Oil-Free Cleanliness RequirementsClean laboratories strictly prohibit the residue of lubricating oil, mold release agents, and other organic substances to avoid interfering with sensitive experiments or contaminating samples. Laboratory instrument die castings and molds undergo strict control of contamination sources throughout the entire production process: oil-free hydraulic die-casting equipment is used, along with environmentally friendly water-based mold release agents or dry mold release technology; subsequent deburring, cleaning, and passivation processes are all completed in a closed cleanroom, using ultrapure water or residue-free solvents for multi-stage cleaning. Some high-end products also undergo ultrasonic deep cleaning + vacuum drying to ensure the surface is free of grease and ions, fully complying with the ISO 14644 cleanroom material access standard.3. Surface Functional Treatment: Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Ease of CleaningTo withstand acidic and alkaline reagents, disinfectants, or high-humidity environments, die-cast parts often undergo functional surface treatments. For example, anodizing can generate a dense oxide film on the aluminum alloy surface, significantly improving corrosion resistance and insulation, and the film itself contains no volatiles; micro-arc oxidation can form a thicker, harder ceramic layer, suitable for high-wear-resistance applications; in addition, hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings or antibacterial coatings can be applied, making the surface less prone to liquid or microorganism adhesion, facilitating quick wiping and cleaning, and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. These treatments have all undergone biocompatibility and low-emission verification to ensure that no new sources of contamination are introduced.4. Precision Dimensions and Integrated Design: Reduced Assembly Contamination PointsThe die-casting process can form complex geometric structures in one step, integrating features such as multiple holes, inserts, and reinforcing ribs, significantly reducing subsequent secondary processing such as welding and screwing. This not only improves structural rigidity but also significantly reduces the risk of dirt and grime accumulating in assembly gaps. Meanwhile, die-cast parts achieve a dimensional accuracy of ±0.05mm. Combined with strict tolerance control, this ensures that no additional grinding or fitting is required in cleanroom equipment, avoiding the generation of metal dust on-site. This "near-net-shape forming" capability perfectly aligns with the design philosophy of cleanroom instruments: "fewer parts, fewer interfaces, and easier maintenance."Laboratory instrument die castings and molds are far from being synonymous with traditional "rough castings." Rather, they are high-tech products integrating materials science, precision manufacturing, and cleanroom engineering. Through high-density structures, oil-free processes, functionalized surfaces, and integrated design, they are fully capable of meeting the application requirements of oil-free, dust-free, and other special clean environments. As the requirements for reliability and purity in scientific research and medical equipment continue to increase, die-casting technology will continue to evolve, providing safer, cleaner, and smarter structural support for the next generation of high-end laboratory instruments.
