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Tasks and Workflows

Creating Workflows Using the Workflow Creator Wizard

The Workflow Creator Wizard is a tool that helps you to select the correct job template for your application and measurement tasks. The Wizards guides you to the following steps:

  1. Selection of the image source and the type of analysis.
  2. Selection of the following:
    • Enhanced type classification, a machine learning based approach for particle type classification.
    • Correlative LM/EM analysis
    • Particle height measurement

Once finished, the generated job template can be configured as usual in the different tasks and tools.

  1. In Job Mode, under Material Analysis, select Technical Cleanliness.
  2. On the top in the center area, click
    .
  3. The Workflow Creator opens.
  4. To create a workflow for a retrospective analysis VDA 19.2: Activate Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2, click Continue and continue with step 8.
  5. To create any other workflow: Under Image Source, select whether to create a workflow with an image to be acquired (Acquired Image) or an archived image (Loaded Image).
  6. Under Type of Analysis, select whether to create an oil cleanliness or component cleanliness analysis.
  7. Click Continue.
  8. The next step opens:
  9. Select which application needs to be addressed. Note: You can select one or a combination of options to generate a TCA job template matching best possible to your application and measurement tasks.
    For an for analysis of dark metallic particles, select Enhanced type classification using a machine learning approach with a pre-trained object classification model.
    For a subsequent SEM/EDS based material classification of selected particles, select Correlative LM/EM analysis. Note: This requires a ZEISS SEM with EDS detection. See also Concept of S&F with TCA.
    For the analysis of gap sizes where information on the third dimension beside particle length and particle width is important, select Particle Height Measurement.
  10. Select the desires settings, and click Continue.
  11. The following dialog opens:
  12. Enter a name for the workflow. Additionally, add a description and select a category and subcategory for the workflow.
  13. Click Save Template.
  1. The workflow is created and can now be adapted.

Workflow Creator Settings

This overview helps you to create the desired job template correctly in the Workflow Creator.

Component Cleanliness Testing

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. Use this job template if you acquire images of filter membrane samples.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

No

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

No

Particle Height Measurement:

No

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition (Components). As an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition (Components).

Component Cleanliness Testing (Loaded Images)

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. Use this job template if you work with images loaded from your file system or archive.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Loaded Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

No

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Not activated

Particle Height Measurement:

Not activated

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image (Components). As an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image (Component).

Component Cleanliness Testing with ML Object Classification

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. For enhanced particle type differentiation the ML (machine learning) based Object Classification is used in combination with the selected standard. Use this job template if you acquire images of filter membrane samples.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Yes

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

No

Particle Height Measurement:

No

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with AI based Object Classification (Components). As an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with AI based Object Classification (Components).

Component Cleanliness Testing with ML Object Classification (Loaded Image)

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. For enhanced particle type differentiation the ML (machine learning) based Object Classification is used in combination with the selected standard. Use this job template if you work with images loaded from your file system.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Loaded Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Yes

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Not activated

Particle Height Measurement:

Not activated

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image with AI based Object Classification (Components). As an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image with AI based Object Classification (Components).

Component Cleanliness Testing with S&F

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber, extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. You acquire an image with the LM that you continue to analyze on an EM with EDS. Use this job template for correlative component cleanliness testing at the LM.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

No

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Yes

Particle Height Measurement:

No

For more information, see Overview: Image Acquisition Workflow TCA with S&F at the LM for Correlative Analysis and Overview: Correlative Workflow with TCA, S&F and ML based Object Classification at the LM.

Component Cleanliness Testing with S&F and ML Object Classification

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber, extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. You acquire an image with the LM that you continue to analyze on an EM with EDS. For enhanced particle type differentiation the ML (machine learning) based Object Classification is used in combination with the selected standard.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Yes

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Yes

Particle Height Measurement:

No

For more information, see Overview: Correlative Workflow with TCA, S&F and ML based Object Classification at the LM.

Component Cleanliness Testing with HM

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber, extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. You acquire an image with the LM. You perform the analysis in combination with height measurement results.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

No

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

No

Particle Height Measurement:

Yes

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Components), as an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Components)

Component Cleanliness Testing with S&F and HM

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber, extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. You acquire an image with the LM that you continue to analyze on an EM with EDS. You perform the analysis in combination with height measurement results.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

No

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Yes

Particle Height Measurement:

Yes

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and HM (Components), as an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and HM (Components).

Component Cleanliness Testing with ML Object Classification and HM

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber, extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. You acquire an image with the LM. For enhanced particle type differentiation the ML (machine learning) based Object Classification is used in combination with the selected standard. You perform the analysis in combination with height measurement results.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Yes

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

No

Particle Height Measurement:

Yes

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with ML Object Classification and HM (Components) and as an Operator Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and ML Object Classification and HM (Component).

Component Cleanliness Testing with S&F and ML Object Classification and HM

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and the particle types metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber, extracted from components and medical devices by filtration. You acquire an image with the LM that you continue to analyze on an EM with EDS. For enhanced particle type differentiation the ML (machine learning) based Object Classification is used in combination with the selected standard. You perform the analysis in combination with height measurement results.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Component Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Yes

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Yes

Particle Height Measurement:

Yes

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and ML Object Classification and HM (Components) and Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and ML Object Classification and HM (Components).

Component Cleanliness Testing (VDA 19.2 Joint Result)

This job template calculates the Illig Value for environmental cleanliness. This workflow uses data from already generated job results.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Select

Image Source:

Not activated

Type of Analysis:

Not activated

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow for Illig Method, as an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow for Illig Method.

Oil Cleanliness Testing

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and of particle originating from oils and lubricants. Use this job template if you acquire images of filter membrane samples.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Oil Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Not available for oil cleanliness

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

No

Particle Height Measurement:

No

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition (Oil). As an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition (Oil).

Oil Cleanliness Testing (Loaded Images)

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution and particle types originating from oils and lubricants. Use this job template if you work with images loaded from your file system or archive.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Loaded Image

Type of Analysis:

Oil Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Not available for oil cleanliness

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Not activated

Particle Height Measurement:

Not activated

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image (Oil). As an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image (Oil).

Oil Cleanliness Testing with S&F

With this job template you analyze the particle size distribution. You acquire an image with the LM that you continue to analyze on an EM with EDS. Use this template for correlative oil cleanliness testing with an LM.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Oil Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Not available for oil cleanliness

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Yes

Particle Height Measurement:

No

For more information, see Overview: Image Acquisition Workflow TCA with S&F at the LM for Correlative Analysis.

Oil Cleanliness Testing with HM

With this job template you analyze the distribution of particle size in combination with height measurement results. Use this template for oil cleanliness testing with an height measurement.

Workflow Creator

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Oil Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Not available for oil cleanliness

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

No

Particle Height Measurement:

Yes

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Oil), as an Operator, seeOperator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Oil)

Oil Cleanliness Testing with S&F and HM

With this job template you analyze the distribution of particle size in combination with height measurement results. You acquire an image with the LM that you continue to analyze on an EM with EDS. Use this template for correlative oil cleanliness testing with an LM.

Action

Retrospective Analysis VDA 19.2

Do not select.

Image Source:

Acquired Image

Type of Analysis:

Oil Cleanliness

Enhanced Type Classification:

Not available for oil cleanliness

Correlative LM/EM Analysis:

Yes

Particle Height Measurement:

Yes

As a Supervisor, see Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and HM (Oil), as an Operator, see Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and HM (Oil).

Supervisor Workflow

The TCA module offers different degrees of automation. It depends on the experience of the operator and the type of specimen, to which degree the workflow should be automated. In the role of the Supervisor, you create the workflows for the Operators based on pre-defined job templates in Manage Templates. In general, the Supervisor modifies the degree of automation using following two options: Firstly, the Supervisor can set a task to Run Silent, i.e. the selected working step is performed but not visible to the Operator. The results of silent steps are saved in the archive. Secondly, the Supervisor can define which part of the tool shall be visible to the Operator.

General Workflow of the Supervisor

Step

Supervisor task

1

Optional: Activate GxP for the cleanliness analysis.

For more information, see TCA with GxP.

2

Optional: Modify existing standards to company needs.

In case no differentiation on metallic-shiny and non-shiny particles is desired, the oil cleanliness standard templates is a good choice.

For more information, see Supported Standards and Standard Template Editor.

3

Select the corresponding job template (component or oil cleanliness).

In case no differentiation on metallic-shiny and non-shiny particles is desired, the oil cleanliness job template is a good choice.

For more information, see Concept TCA.

4

Select standards relevant for the application (component or oil cleanliness). For more information, see Supported Standards.

Optional: Select an existing input form.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only single standard analysis is possible, only one standard must be selecte

5

Configure default image acquisition settings. Best practice for image acquisition, see below.

Configure specimen acquisition settings.

For more information, see

6

Adjust standard specific parameter (normalization reference, particle load).

For more information, see

7

Configure default EDF acquisition settings.

For more information, see

Acquiring Images - Best Practice

Technical Cleanliness Analysis is a standard based application, this means that the minimum technical requirements, hardware and software settings shall be fulfilled. In order to receive results which are mainly operator independent, the initial hardware and software settings shall be pre-defined by the supervisor in the following way.

For Technical Cleanliness Analysis with Axiocam 705 pol two Polarizer are mandatory. The Axiocam 705 is one Polarizer and the second polarizer must be placed in the microscope light path as well. Both directions of polarization must be 90° to each other.

To set up the system, the following is performed:

  • The desired job template and the standards to be analyzed are selected, see Standard Template Editor.
  • The Tiles (measurement area) workbench is selected, see Tiles (measurement area) Workbench.
  • The live image is well focused and shows a mean image brightness.
  • In the Extended Camera tool, the B/W color mode of the camera is selected. In dual camera mode, the color mode RGB is selected, see Extended Camera Tool.
  • To make sure that the single tiles are oriented correct to each other, the camera-stage alignment is performed.

On the Tiles (measurement area) workbench, perform the following steps:

  1. Applying the Shading Correction
  2. Defining an Image Acquisition Profile
  3. Defining the Tiles Region Setting
  4. Defining the Focus Correction Setting
  5. Optional: Using TCA Standard-Specific Calculation workbench

Applying the Shading Correction

  1. You have set up the system. For more information, see Acquiring Images - Best Practice.
  2. The Extended Camera tool is selected, see Extended Camera Tool.
  1. To perform the Shading Correction, in the Extended Camera tool, in the section Model Specific, select Raw Image in the Polarization Channel Live, open the section Post Processing and perform the shading correction, for example on a plain filter membrane. To do so, slightly defocus the membrane until the surface texture disappears.
  2. Click Define.
  3. Inspect the results of Shading Correction by switching between the channels using Display Channels.
  4. The selected channel shows a comparable image brightness of the membrane filter for all selected polarization channels. Note that a shading effect has an impact on the image analysis results due to an inhomogeneous brightness distribution. The shading correction shall be applied to generate a homogeneous illuminated image as base for a successful automated image analysis.
  1. You have applied and verified the Shading Correction.
  2. In the next step, you define an image acquisition profile.

Defining an Image Acquisition Profile

  1. You have applied the shading correction, see Applying the Shading Correction.
  2. The Light Path Editing tool is selected, see Light Path Editing Tool.
  1. In the Light Path Editing tool, define the initial camera settings for Axiocam 705 pol.

  2. To do so, perform the following:
    - Select a suitable luminosity value.
    - Click the Measure button.
    - Activate the Auto Luminosity checkbox.
    Note that the measure button is only active when Auto Luminosity is not activated. For more information, see POL Camera Technology and Applying Polarization Channel.
  1. You have defined an Image Acquisition Profile.
  2. You have configured initial image acquisition settings for your microscope hardware and camera. Settings recommended for ISO 16232 and VDA 19.1. For more information, see VDA 19 Part 1; Inspection of Component Cleanliness and ISO 16232 Road Vehicle. Cleanliness of Components and Systems.
  3. In the next step, you define the tiles region setting.

Defining the Tiles Region Setting

  1. You have defined an image acquisition profile, see Defining an Image Acquisition Profile.
  2. You have selected the Tiles Setup (measurement area) tool, see Tiles Setup (measurement area) Tool.
  1. For each of your specimens define an individual tiles region. The basis for the tiles region definition is the Diameter setting which is used for calculation of the corresponding tiles region area. Adjust the diameter to your effective filter area. This is the smallest possible area for component cleanliness analysis according to common standards. For oil cleanliness, often a smaller diameter which is extrapolated to the effective filter area is used.
  1. You have configured N tiles regions for N specimen.
  2. In the next step, you define the focus correction setting.

Defining the Focus Correction Setting

  1. You have defined the tiles region setting, see Defining the Tiles Region Setting.
  2. The Focus Correction tool is selected, see Focus Correction Tool.
  1. Depending on the waviness of your specimen, more than five focus points are recommended. To define your focus points, use the Onion Skin Model in the section Support Focus Point Distribution.
  1. You have defined a focus surface for your specimen.

Optional: Using TCA Standard-Specific Calculation workbench

  1. In the TCA Standard-Specific Calculation workbench, select the filter membrane in use.
  2. Select one or more normalization parameter and configure your initial settings.
  3. Decide whether fibers shall be part of the class All results. Default setting is without. For more information, see Common Characteristics.

Operator Workflow

Component cleanliness testing is used in industrial practice as part of the following process steps or in functional areas.

  • Initial sampling and evaluation
  • Outgoing and incoming inspection
  • Quality control of monitoring cleanliness related manufacturing processes (e.g. cleaning or surface treatment)

In general, the cleanliness testing consists of the steps described below:

  • Provision of the test object (= component or assembly)
  • Extraction of the residual dirt particles from one or more pre-cleaned test lots
  • Filtration of the extraction fluid
  • Detection and analysis of residual dirt particles on the filter sample
  • Particle inspection and if necessary, particle revision
  • Documentation of results

For component cleanliness the filtration of the entire extraction liquid must be carried out with the aim as possible to extract all residual dirt particles from a defined pre-cleaned component area, which is considered critical to function. This also implies that the entire filter area (= effective filter area) must be recorded and analyzed; the analysis of partial areas and extrapolation of these to the effective filter area is not allowed for component cleanliness testing. It is also important to note that a repetition of the cleanliness test as described on the same test object is not possible. The analysis workflow for oil cleanliness testing is comparable to the described workflow for component cleanliness. The test fluid for oil cleanliness are so-called “fresh” oils/lubricants originating from the production process or “used” oils/lubricants which are tapped from hydraulic systems, gear boxes, shafts, etc.

The main differences in the workflow are the following:

  • Oils and lubricants are directly filtrated (no upstream washing process).
  • In oil cleanliness, the analysis of a smaller filter area and the extrapolation of the results to the effective filter area are allowed.

General Workflow of the Operator

Step

Operator task

1

Place the specimen on the scanning stage of the microscope. Use a stage insert with a specimen holder. Only one scan of the filter membrane area is required for component and oil cleanliness using the 705 pol camera.

2

Select a job template for TCA and execute the job.

3

Fill in data in the input form.

4

Optional: Adjust acquisition pre-settings.

6

Inspect the results using the interactive Size Distribution view.

7

Optional: Modify results using the interactive views, i.e. changing the particle type or excluding artifacts in the Size Distribution view. In the Edit view, you conduct more sophisticated particle revisions like merging, cutting, editing and removing.

8

Perform the final inspection of the results in the Report view.

9

Optional: Re-open and/or export job results via Browse Job Results.

Supervisor Tasks - Workflow Configuration for TCA

The Supervisor configures workflows for the operator that are adapted to specific requirements.

System Validation with the Particle Test Standard

To check the calibration-setup of your microscope system for a component cleanliness analysis, you can use a test slide (round glass slide) with a defined number of different objects. For this, ZEN core offers the following two test standards:

  • Particle Test Standard (CC) (2010) Slide D45
  • Particle Test Standard (CC with OC) (2010) Slide D45

The two standards are available in Manage Templates. You can acquire images of the test slide and use the standards together with the image analysis to determine if your microscope is configured as needed for the component analysis. To get a good and quick impression of the system status, we recommend to only image one group of objects on the slide.

The following example shows an acquisition of the test slide with two polarization channels and the segmentation result with the detected objects inside the drawn measurement frame:

Test slide with Pol 0 channel

Test slide with Pol 90 channel

Segmentation result with detected objects inside the measurement frame

For accessing the information of your analysis, the table(s), report document(s) and particle documents are saved in Browse Results, and can be opened from there.

The following table shows an example result for Metallic Shiny Particles found on the test slide. The particle counting results are based on a measurement area with a diameter of 14.5 mm.

Best Practice for Particle Test Slide and Standard

Apply the best practice recommendation for the preparation each time you perform a measurement using the particle test standard. The configuration of the job template and the dataset generation are only required once in the beginning to receive a meaningful statistic data set for limit value determination. These are later used for routine measurements of the particle test slide. Point three describes how to measure and to interpret your results.

  1. Apply this best practice recommendation each time you perform a measurement using the particle test standard, see Preparation before Using the Particle Test Standard.
  2. Perform the following configuration steps once in the beginning to receive a meaningful statistic data set for limit value determination, see
  3. For information on how to interpret your results, see Routinely Measuring and Interpreting Results.

Preparation before Using the Particle Test Standard

Before you run the Particle Test Standard to check the calibration, carry out the following preparations.

  1. Moisten the slide carefully with a soaked, soft and lint-free cloth (water/detergent solution). Clean the slide afterwards in fresh water. Gently dry the slide with a second dry, soft and lint-free cloth.
  2. We recommend to insert a plain white CN-Derivate filter membrane on the holder underneath the particle test standard. Place the slide with the particles shimmering yellowish on top of the plain filter membrane in the slide holder and turn the top lid carefully until it is fixed.
  3. Mount the filter holder in the stage insert and set a focus on the sample with the large cross in the center.
  1. You have prepared the calibration check using the test slide. If your Job Template is configured, continue with the check, see Routinely Measuring and Interpreting Results.

Configuring the Component Cleanliness Job Template

Configure the job template so that you can run the test standard on a regular basis.

  1. In the Light Path Editing tool, define an appropriate acquisition setting.
  2. Use the 10x objective magnification for the measurement.
  3. Adjust the exposure time best suited for acquisition of the POL-90 image and bright image POL-0, and use the determined exposure time for further measurement.
  4. Apply the shading correction on a particle free area, e.g. close to the cross in the center.
  5. Define a Tile Region with a diameter of 14.5 mm with the cross in the center.
  6. In the Frame Setup tool, set the parameter for the mode to Inside only.
  7. Use the SW-Autofocus for the measurement. A good starting parameter is to focus on each 25th tile.

Generating Dataset

  1. Run the configured job template ten times and archive the results.
  2. Inspect the particle results in the Size Distribution view.
  3. The particles on the slide are found in the absolute counts of the metallic shiny particles, see also the image of the particle gallery below.
  4. Artifacts like fibers or contaminant particles from the environment are detected in the type classes non-shiny particles or fibers.
  5. Calculate the mean value for each particle size class and determine the limit values accordingly. Consider the absolute count of the metallic shiny particles for the limit value determination. See an example for measurement results and the mean value calculation in the table.
  6. Create a new component cleanliness standard template with the determined limit values per particle size class.
  7. This defines your acceptance criterion for the allowed particle number per size class.
  8. Add this standard template to your job template and save it.

Routinely Measuring and Interpreting Results

  1. Use the prepared and pre-configured component cleanliness job template for routine measurement. For this purpose, run the job template once in a certain time period which best suits your needs, e.g. daily, weekly. Inspect the results size in the distribution view.
  2. The particles on the particle test standard are found in the class of absolute counts of the metallic-shiny particles. Artifacts like fibers or contaminant particles from the environment are detected in the type class non-shiny particles and fibers.
  3. The histogram chart and class table document with an ok/n.o.k display the measurement results. The scatter plot shows a regular pattern, see the second image below.
Particle gallery of a test slide analysis
Particle gallery of a test slide analysis
Scatter plot of a test slide analysis (D 14.5 mm)
Scatter plot of a test slide analysis (D 14.5 mm)

Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch

Depending on the selection in the Workflow Creator TCA job templates with or without switches are available. A switch allows you to change the functional range of a TCA image acquisition workflow by selection of a certain branch.

Default

Available Branches

Acquire Tiles Images
  • Size Distribution Live
  • For microscopes without a motorized focus drive.
  • Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List
  • For fully motorized microscopes and to include the Position List with EDF workbench to the job template.
  • Size Distribution Live with Height Measurement
  • For fully motorized microscopes and to include the Height Measurement workbench to the job template.
  • Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List
    with Height Measurement
  • For fully motorized microscopes and to include the Position List with EDF and the Height Measurement workbench to the job template.
  1. To select the Switch workbench, click
    .
  2. In the Select Branch tool, select the corresponding Size Distribution view.
    If you acquire tiles images, select one of the following views:
    — Size Distribution Live
    — Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List
  3. The workflow tasks change according to your selection.
  1. If you acquire images, you can check the specimen by the enabled live view.

Switching the Visibility of "Run silent" Tasks in TCA

Run silent tasks are not shown to the operator, but executed when the workflow is conducted and all results are saved in the archive. The reason is that these tasks have default parameter settings and you do not need to configure them. In the role of a Supervisor, you can switch the visibility of the tasks in Run mode.

  1. In the Task List of an TCT Workflow, right-click on a deactivated icon representing a Run silent task.
  2. Open the Context Menu and select or deselect Run silent.
  1. When the task is deactivated, in Run mode, the task is not visible in the TCA module workflow.

Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image with AI based Object Classification (Components)

Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of the available standards for the TCA module to be used for the analysis with ML-based object classification. Preselected is: VDA 19.1 Extended Analysis - Free Analysis with ML Object Classification. Only standards with the addition "Component Cleanliness with Object Classification" may be used for object classification.

  1. Load the available standards to the job template.
  2. Select the standards that are relevant for the operator's analysis, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Group

Group for input forms loop and Load Files workbench.

The Define Outputs tool does not display any entries. Therefore, editing is not possible.

Loop

Loop for Input Forms.

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Configure the number of loops the tasks in the next loop will perform.
  2. Sets the working steps for the operator, see Loop Task.

Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, input forms are provided.

  1. In the Create Form Image tool, configure the size of the input form image in the report.
  2. Select from the set of pre-defined input form templates an appropriate input form. For component cleanliness one input form per extraction method is provided and furthermore one general form with minimum content.
  3. Add the customer data to the corresponding file. The Operator selects the customer data.

The customers are managed with an Excel file. This file is stored per default here: C\ProgramData\Carl Zeiss\ZENcore\Customer.Contacts.xlsx

The form is displayed in the report, see Form Selection Tool and Create Form Image Tool.

Load File

In the Load Multiple Images tool, loads multiple images from disk.

  1. Load one or more image files to the gallery.
  2. In the next step, the image will be loaded to the Image view.
  3. The number of loaded images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps.
  4. Each iteration finishes with the report step before the next iteration starts.

Loop

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Select the number or range of loop iterations. The default value is Batch processing, i.e. the number of iterations is determined by the setting in the first loop.

We recommend not to change the default values.

The operator will not see these settings, see Loop Settings Tool.

Image Processing

Changes the image format to 8 bit.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Convert Pixel Format Tool.

Image Channel Mapping

Determines the channel allocation for image analysis.

Default: Run silent

No parameters are accessible.

See Image Channel Mapping Tool.

TCA Analysis Task Group (Component)

Provides the image analysis setting for component cleanliness.

The Technical Cleanliness Analysis setting is applied by default to determine the particle types, i.e. metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber.

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

The operator will not see these settings.

See Load Setting Tool

Frame Setup

Sets up and adds a measurement frame to the image. Only the area inside the frame is used for the analysis. The area of the measurement frame is retrieved from the Tiles (measurement area) tool.

Default: Run silent

Activated: Uses Tile Region Geometry, i.e. the measurement frame is retrieved automatically from the configured tiles regions, see

Particle Segmentation (Components)

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

  1. Adjust the Relative Threshold if required. The Relative Threshold refers to the Relative Image Brightness (Luminosity).

Methods defined by the standards for component cleanliness:

  • Standard Analysis
    The threshold setting shall not be modified.
  • Extended Analysis - Free Analysis
    The threshold setting can be adjusted if required.

See Concept of Relative Image Brightness and Relative Threshold.

The operator uses these values for the image segmentation, see Particle Segmentation Tool (Components).

Region Filter

Applies a filter to Image Analysis results.

Default: Run silent. Feret Maximum is activated and set to a minimum of 5 µm for component cleanliness and to 1 µm for oil cleanliness.

Note: Only relevant for oil job templates: the default region filter setting in all oil job templates is by default 1 µm for the minimum particle size and required for SAE AS 4059. This setting increases the analysis time. For oil standards with a size classification starting from 5 µm the region filter setting might be adapted accordingly.

In the Image Gallery, all particles are displayed from 5 µm length onwards for component cleanliness testing and 1 µm length onwards for oil cleanliness testing.

Measurement Data

Shows measurement results for the detected particles after segmentation and image analysis.

Default: Run silent

The Measurement Data tool displays the particle results. The calculation is performed with default values in the background, see Measurement Data Tool.

The operator will not see these settings.

Intellesis Object Classification

After the image has been analyzed, you use a trained model for ML-based object classification; here, you classify particles. The results of the Intellesis Object Classification are integrated into the standard calculation, such that there are no further adjustments needed.
Depending on your specimen, retraining of the object classification model might be necessary to adapt the particle type differentiation to your needs. The training of object classification models requires licensing of the AI Toolkit.

See:

Default: Run silent.

The object classification model for POL-135 POL-90 images is preselected. If you use different POL channel combinations, select the corresponding object classification model accordingly.

See

Standard Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

Default: Run silent

  1. Select the type of membrane filter in use.
  2. This determines the allowed range for the occupancy rate as defined by the standard.
  3. Adjust settings for the Normalization Parameter.
  4. Select whether the particle size class All shall display the results including fibers or not.
  5. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report.
  6. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the position list with EDF.
  7. Optionally, you can add the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool to the workbench. The operator can adjust the Measurement Frame Area of the Frame Setup tool.
  1. These settings are conducted automatically in the operator workflow.

See

  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool
  • Normalization Parameter (Components) Tool
  • Type Classification for Class "All" Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Particle Gallery (Report) Tool
  • Equivalent Particle Area (Components) Tool

Size Distribution

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

To follow the workflow steps description, see Last Workflow Steps Independent of Active Branch.

Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with ML Object Classification and HM (Components)

This workflow description explains how the Supervisor configures the Component Cleanliness Testing workflow for the Operator who acquires images and uses Intellesis object classification models for the particle type differentiation. Particle height measurement is performed.

Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of the available standards for the TCA module to be used for the analysis with ML-based object classification. Preselected is: VDA 19.1 Extended Analysis - Free Analysis with ML Object Classification. Only standards with the addition "Component Cleanliness with Object Classification" may be used for object classification.

  1. Load the available standards to the job template.
  2. Select the standards that are relevant for the operator's analysis, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Group

Group for Input Form loop, Tiles Measurement Area and Split Image workbenches.

The Define Outputs tool does not display any entries. Therefore, editing is not possible.

Loop

Loop for Input Forms.

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Configure the number of loops the tasks in the next loop will perform.
  2. Sets the working steps for the operator, see Loop Task.

Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, input forms are provided.

  1. In the Create Form Image tool, configure the size of the input form image in the report.
  2. Select from the set of pre-defined input form templates an appropriate input form. For component cleanliness one input form per extraction method is provided and furthermore one general form with minimum content.
  3. Add the customer data to the corresponding file. The Operator selects the customer data.

The customers are managed with an Excel file. This file is stored per default here: C\ProgramData\Carl Zeiss\ZENcore\Customer.Contacts.xlsx

The form is displayed in the report, see Form Selection Tool and Create Form Image Tool.

Tiles (measurement area)

Configures the settings of the specimen acquisition.

  1. Configure the image acquisition and save it as individual setting in the Camera tool.
  2. Perform a shading correction.
  3. Adjust tile regions to the specimen area to be analyzed, and save it as individual setting in the Camera tool.
  4. Verify the focus points

See

The operator uses this settings for the specimen acquisition.

Split Image

Splits n tile region images into n individual overview images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

Loop

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Select the number or range of loop iterations. The default value is Batch processing, i.e. the number of iterations is determined by the setting in the first loop.

We recommend not to change the default values.

The operator will not see these settings, see Loop Settings Tool.

Image Processing

Changes the image format to 8 bit.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Convert Pixel Format Tool.

Image Channel Mapping

Determines the channel allocation for image analysis.

Default: Run silent

No parameters are accessible.

See Image Channel Mapping Tool.

TCA Analysis Task Group (Component)

Provides the image analysis setting for component cleanliness.

The Technical Cleanliness Analysis setting is applied by default to determine the particle types, i.e. metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber.

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

The operator will not see these settings.

See Load Setting Tool

Frame Setup

Sets up and adds a measurement frame to the image. Only the area inside the frame is used for the analysis. The area of the measurement frame is retrieved from the Tiles (measurement area) tool.

Default: Run silent

Activated: Uses Tile Region Geometry, i.e. the measurement frame is retrieved automatically from the configured tiles regions, see

Particle Segmentation (Components)

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

  1. Adjust the Relative Threshold if required. The Relative Threshold refers to the Relative Image Brightness (Luminosity).

Methods defined by the standards for component cleanliness:

  • Standard Analysis
    The threshold setting shall not be modified.
  • Extended Analysis - Free Analysis
    The threshold setting can be adjusted if required.

See Concept of Relative Image Brightness and Relative Threshold.

The operator uses these values for the image segmentation, see Particle Segmentation Tool (Components).

Region Filter

Applies a filter to Image Analysis results.

Default: Run silent. Feret Maximum is activated and set to a minimum of 5 µm for component cleanliness and to 1 µm for oil cleanliness.

Note: Only relevant for oil job templates: the default region filter setting in all oil job templates is by default 1 µm for the minimum particle size and required for SAE AS 4059. This setting increases the analysis time. For oil standards with a size classification starting from 5 µm the region filter setting might be adapted accordingly.

In the Image Gallery, all particles are displayed from 5 µm length onwards for component cleanliness testing and 1 µm length onwards for oil cleanliness testing.

Measurement Data

Shows measurement results for the detected particles after segmentation and image analysis.

Default: Run silent

The Measurement Data tool displays the particle results. The calculation is performed with default values in the background, see Measurement Data Tool.

The operator will not see these settings.

Intellesis Object Classification

After the image has been analyzed, you use a trained model for ML-based object classification; here, you classify particles. The results of the Intellesis Object Classification are integrated into the standard calculation, such that there are no further adjustments needed.
Depending on your specimen, retraining of the object classification model might be necessary to adapt the particle type differentiation to your needs. The training of object classification models requires licensing of the AI Toolkit.

See:

Default: Run silent.

The object classification model for POL-135 POL-90 images is preselected. If you use different POL channel combinations, select the corresponding object classification model accordingly.

See

Standard Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

Default: Run silent

  1. Select the type of membrane filter in use.
  2. This determines the allowed range for the occupancy rate as defined by the standard.
  3. Adjust settings for the Normalization Parameter.
  4. Select whether the particle size class All shall display the results including fibers or not.
  5. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report.
  6. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the position list with EDF.
  7. Optionally, you can add the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool to the workbench. The operator can adjust the Measurement Frame Area of the Frame Setup tool.
  1. These settings are conducted automatically in the operator workflow.

See

  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool
  • Normalization Parameter (Components) Tool
  • Type Classification for Class "All" Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Particle Gallery (Report) Tool
  • Equivalent Particle Area (Components) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Select the active branch according to the operator's needs, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.
    You have the following options:
    Size Distribution Live. See Size Distribution Live - Branch
    Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List. This is a prerequisite for the selection of the height measurement branch. See Size Distribution Live EDF/Position List - Branch

Size Distribution Live

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control. The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Size Distribution (Live)

These workflow steps are only visible for the active branch Size Distribution Live.

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List branch is selected.
  1. Select the branch according to the operator's needs.
    You have the following options:
    With Height Measurement
    Without Height Measurement

For information on the branch switches, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

With Height Measurement

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control.

The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Interactive Height Measurement

Only visible with active branch With Height Measurement.

Enables to perform interactive height measurements.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Position List with EDF

If zero particles are found, for example, in a blank test, this step is skipped.

An EDF image is created.

Acquires automatically an EDF image of the largest particle per type for the particle gallery in the report. The corresponding particle coordinates are saved by default in the Position List tool. The displayed number of particles per type cannot be modified in the EDF step. Note: The total number of particles per type is defined in the Standard Specific Settings workbench in the Particle Gallery (Report) (Components) tool.

Define the initial microscope and camera setting. Adjust the step size for the automated EDF acquisition.

See:

  • Light Path Editing Tool
  • EDF Setup (motorized focus) Tool
  • Extended Camera Tool
  • Position List Tool
  • Select Active Camera

Reset Device Parameters

Changes the microscope hardware and camera settings. Restores the initial microscope and camera settings as defined in the Tiles (measurement area) workbench.

No further action required.

Split EDF Image

Splits the image scene into n images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

Technical Cleanliness Results Output

Configures the layout of the gallery images in the report document and enables HYDAC Process Data Extraction.

With Shuttle & Find: enables the export of an EDS file with particle positions.

We recommend not to change the default parameter for the gallery image layout.

  1. Add the file path to where the HYDAC parameter XML file is stored.

See:

  • HYDAC Data Extraction Tool
  • With Shuttle & Find, see EDX File Export Tool

TCA Report

This component cleanliness specific workbench creates a TCA report for each specimen.

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is pre-selected.
  2. In the Display Settings tool, select a particle counting result, one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. The TCA report is configured for the operator. Note: The total number of particles per type is defined in the Standard Specific Settings workbench in the Particle Gallery (Report) (Components) tool.

See

  • Template Selection Tool
  • Chart Selection Tool
  • Gallery Setting Tool

Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and HM (Oil)

This workflow description explains how the Supervisor configures the Oil Cleanliness Testing workflow for the Operator who acquires images at the LM and the EM to perform correlative analysis and particle height measurement at the LM.

Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Load the available standards for the job template, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection workbench.
  2. Select the standards that are relevant for the operator's analysis, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Group

Group for Input Form loop, Tiles Measurement Area and Split Image workbenches.

The Define Outputs tool does not display any entries. Therefore, editing is not possible.

Loop

Loop for Input Forms.

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Configure the number of loops the tasks in the next loop will perform.
  2. Sets the working steps for the operator, see Loop Task.

Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, input forms are provided.

  1. In the Create Form Image tool, configure the size of the input form image in the report.
  2. Select from the set of pre-defined input form templates an appropriate input form. For component cleanliness one input form per extraction method is provided and furthermore one general form with minimum content.
  3. Add the customer data to the corresponding file. The Operator selects the customer data.

The customers are managed with an Excel file. This file is stored per default here: C\ProgramData\Carl Zeiss\ZENcore\Customer.Contacts.xlsx

The form is displayed in the report, see Form Selection Tool and Create Form Image Tool.

S&F Holder Calibration

Calibrates the correlative holder before starting the image acquisition on the LM and in Free Mode on the EM.

  1. Select the sample holder the Operator will use, see Calibration Settings Tool.

Tiles (measurement area)

Configures the settings of the specimen acquisition.

  1. Configure the image acquisition and save it as individual setting in the Camera tool.
  2. Perform a shading correction.
  3. Adjust tile regions to the specimen area to be analyzed, and save it as individual setting in the Camera tool.
  4. Verify the focus points

See

The operator uses this settings for the specimen acquisition.

Split Image

Splits n tile region images into n individual overview images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

Loop

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Select the number or range of loop iterations. The default value is Batch processing, i.e. the number of iterations is determined by the setting in the first loop.

We recommend not to change the default values.

The operator will not see these settings, see Loop Settings Tool.

Image Processing

Changes the image format to 8 bit.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Convert Pixel Format Tool.

Image Channel Mapping

Determines the channel allocation for image analysis.

Default: Run silent

No parameters are accessible.

See Image Channel Mapping Tool.

TCA Analysis Task Group (Oil)

Provides the image analysis setting for oil cleanliness.

The Technical Cleanliness Analysis setting is applied by default to determine the particle types.

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

The operator will not see these settings.

See Load Setting Tool.

Frame Setup

Sets up and adds a measurement frame to the image. Only the area inside the frame is used for the analysis. The area of the measurement frame is retrieved from the Tiles (measurement area) tool.

Default: Run silent

Activated: Uses Tile Region Geometry, i.e. the measurement frame is retrieved automatically from the configured tiles regions, see

Particle Segmentation (Oil)

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

  1. Adjust the Threshold if required.

The operator uses these values for the image segmentation, see Particle Segmentation (Oil) Tool.

Region Filter

Applies a filter to Image Analysis results.

Default: Run silent. Feret Maximum is activated and set to a minimum of 5 µm for component cleanliness and to 1 µm for oil cleanliness.

Note: Only relevant for oil job templates: the default region filter setting in all oil job templates is by default 1 µm for the minimum particle size and required for SAE AS 4059. This setting increases the analysis time. For oil standards with a size classification starting from 5 µm the region filter setting might be adapted accordingly.

In the Image Gallery, all particles are displayed from 5 µm length onwards for component cleanliness testing and 1 µm length onwards for oil cleanliness testing.

Measurement Data

Shows measurement results for the detected particles after segmentation and image analysis.

Default: Run silent

The Measurement Data tool displays the particle results. The calculation is performed with default values in the background, see Measurement Data Tool.

The operator will not see these settings.

Standard Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

Default: Run silent

  1. Select the type of membrane filter in use.
  2. This determines the allowed range for the occupancy rate.
  3. Adjust settings for the Normalization Parameter.
  4. Select whether the particle size class All shall display the results including fibers or not.
  5. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report.
  6. The positions of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  1. These settings are conducted automatically in the operator workflow, see
  • Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool
  • Normalization Parameter (Oil Cleanliness) Tool
  • Type Classification for Class "All" Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Particle Gallery (Report) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Select the active branch according to the operator's needs, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.
    You have the following options:
    Size Distribution Live. See Size Distribution Live - Branch
    Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List. This is a prerequisite for the selection of the height measurement branch. See Size Distribution Live EDF/Position List - Branch

Group

Group for Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List loop and workbenches.

No entries are displayed. Therefore, editing is not possible.

Size Distribution (Live)

These workflow steps are only visible for the active branch Size Distribution Live.

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List branch is selected.
  1. Select the branch according to the operator's needs.
    You have the following options:
    With Height Measurement
    Without Height Measurement

For information on the branch switches, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

With Height Measurement

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control.

The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Interactive Height Measurement

Only visible with active branch With Height Measurement.

Enables to perform interactive height measurements.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Position List with EDF

If zero particles are found, for example, in a blank test, this step is skipped.

An EDF image is created.

Acquires automatically an EDF image of the largest particle per type for the particle gallery in the report. The corresponding particle coordinates are saved by default in the Position List tool. The displayed number of particles per type cannot be modified in the EDF step. Note: The total number of particles per type is defined in the Standard Specific Settings workbench in the Particle Gallery (Report) (Components) tool.

Define the initial microscope and camera setting. Adjust the step size for the automated EDF acquisition.

See:

  • Light Path Editing Tool
  • EDF Setup (motorized focus) Tool
  • Extended Camera Tool
  • Position List Tool
  • Select Active Camera

Reset Device Parameters

Changes the microscope hardware and camera settings. Restores the initial microscope and camera settings as defined in the Tiles (measurement area) workbench.

No further action required.

Split EDF Image

Splits the image scene into n images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

Technical Cleanliness Results Output

Configures the layout of the gallery images in the report document and enables HYDAC Process Data Extraction.

With Shuttle & Find: enables the export of an EDS file with particle positions.

We recommend not to change the default parameter for the gallery image layout.

  1. Add the file path to where the HYDAC parameter XML file is stored.

See:

  • HYDAC Data Extraction Tool
  • With Shuttle & Find, see EDX File Export Tool

Reports

This oil cleanliness specific workbench creates a report document for each specimen.

All selected standards are considered automatically.

See:

Supervisor Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Components)

This workflow description explains how the Supervisor configures the Component Cleanliness Testing workflow for the Operator who acquires images and performs particle height measurement at the LM.

Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Load the available standards for the job template, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection workbench.
  2. Select the standards that are relevant for the operator's analysis, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Group

Group for Input Form loop, Tiles Measurement Area and Split Image workbenches.

The Define Outputs tool does not display any entries. Therefore, editing is not possible.

Loop

Loop for Input Forms.

Iteration of all working steps within the loop definition.

  1. Configure the number of loops the tasks in the next loop will perform.
  2. Sets the working steps for the operator, see Loop Task.

Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, input forms are provided.

  1. In the Create Form Image tool, configure the size of the input form image in the report.
  2. Select from the set of pre-defined input form templates an appropriate input form. For component cleanliness one input form per extraction method is provided and furthermore one general form with minimum content.
  3. Add the customer data to the corresponding file. The Operator selects the customer data.

The customers are managed with an Excel file. This file is stored per default here: C\ProgramData\Carl Zeiss\ZENcore\Customer.Contacts.xlsx

The form is displayed in the report, see Form Selection Tool and Create Form Image Tool.

Tiles (measurement area)

Configures the settings of the specimen acquisition.

  1. Configure the image acquisition and save it as individual setting in the Camera tool.
  2. Perform a shading correction.
  3. Adjust tile regions to the specimen area to be analyzed, and save it as individual setting in the Camera tool.
  4. Verify the focus points

See

The operator uses this settings for the specimen acquisition.

Split Image

Splits n tile region images into n individual overview images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

Image Processing

Changes the image format to 8 bit.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Convert Pixel Format Tool.

Image Channel Mapping

Determines the channel allocation for image analysis.

Default: Run silent

No parameters are accessible.

See Image Channel Mapping Tool.

TCA Analysis Task Group (Component)

Provides the image analysis setting for component cleanliness.

The Technical Cleanliness Analysis setting is applied by default to determine the particle types, i.e. metallic-shiny, non-shiny, and fiber.

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

The operator will not see these settings.

See Load Setting Tool

Frame Setup

Sets up and adds a measurement frame to the image. Only the area inside the frame is used for the analysis. The area of the measurement frame is retrieved from the Tiles (measurement area) tool.

Default: Run silent

Activated: Uses Tile Region Geometry, i.e. the measurement frame is retrieved automatically from the configured tiles regions, see

Particle Segmentation (Components)

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

  1. Adjust the Relative Threshold if required. The Relative Threshold refers to the Relative Image Brightness (Luminosity).

Methods defined by the standards for component cleanliness:

  • Standard Analysis
    The threshold setting shall not be modified.
  • Extended Analysis - Free Analysis
    The threshold setting can be adjusted if required.

See Concept of Relative Image Brightness and Relative Threshold.

The operator uses these values for the image segmentation, see Particle Segmentation Tool (Components).

Region Filter

Applies a filter to Image Analysis results.

Default: Run silent. Feret Maximum is activated and set to a minimum of 5 µm for component cleanliness and to 1 µm for oil cleanliness.

Note: Only relevant for oil job templates: the default region filter setting in all oil job templates is by default 1 µm for the minimum particle size and required for SAE AS 4059. This setting increases the analysis time. For oil standards with a size classification starting from 5 µm the region filter setting might be adapted accordingly.

In the Image Gallery, all particles are displayed from 5 µm length onwards for component cleanliness testing and 1 µm length onwards for oil cleanliness testing.

Measurement Data

Shows measurement results for the detected particles after segmentation and image analysis.

Default: Run silent

The Measurement Data tool displays the particle results. The calculation is performed with default values in the background, see Measurement Data Tool.

The operator will not see these settings.

Standard Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

Default: Run silent

  1. Select the type of membrane filter in use.
  2. This determines the allowed range for the occupancy rate as defined by the standard.
  3. Adjust settings for the Normalization Parameter.
  4. Select whether the particle size class All shall display the results including fibers or not.
  5. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report.
  6. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the position list with EDF.
  7. Optionally, you can add the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool to the workbench. The operator can adjust the Measurement Frame Area of the Frame Setup tool.
  1. These settings are conducted automatically in the operator workflow.

See

  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool
  • Normalization Parameter (Components) Tool
  • Type Classification for Class "All" Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Particle Gallery (Report) Tool
  • Equivalent Particle Area (Components) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Select the active branch Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch and Size Distribution Live EDF/Position List - Branch.

Size Distribution Live

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control. The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Size Distribution (Live)

These workflow steps are only visible for the active branch Size Distribution Live.

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List branch is selected.
  1. Select the branch according to the operator's needs.
    You have the following options:
    With Height Measurement
    Without Height Measurement

For information on the branch switches, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

With Height Measurement

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control.

The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Interactive Height Measurement

Only visible with active branch With Height Measurement.

Enables to perform interactive height measurements.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Position List with EDF

If zero particles are found, for example, in a blank test, this step is skipped.

An EDF image is created.

Acquires automatically an EDF image of the largest particle per type for the particle gallery in the report. The corresponding particle coordinates are saved by default in the Position List tool. The displayed number of particles per type cannot be modified in the EDF step. Note: The total number of particles per type is defined in the Standard Specific Settings workbench in the Particle Gallery (Report) (Components) tool.

Define the initial microscope and camera setting. Adjust the step size for the automated EDF acquisition.

See:

  • Light Path Editing Tool
  • EDF Setup (motorized focus) Tool
  • Extended Camera Tool
  • Position List Tool
  • Select Active Camera

Reset Device Parameters

Changes the microscope hardware and camera settings. Restores the initial microscope and camera settings as defined in the Tiles (measurement area) workbench.

No further action required.

Split EDF Image

Splits the image scene into n images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

Technical Cleanliness Results Output

Configures the layout of the gallery images in the report document and enables HYDAC Process Data Extraction.

With Shuttle & Find: enables the export of an EDS file with particle positions.

We recommend not to change the default parameter for the gallery image layout.

  1. Add the file path to where the HYDAC parameter XML file is stored.

See:

  • HYDAC Data Extraction Tool
  • With Shuttle & Find, see EDX File Export Tool

TCA Report

This component cleanliness specific workbench creates a TCA report for each specimen.

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is pre-selected.
  2. In the Display Settings tool, select a particle counting result, one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. The TCA report is configured for the operator. Note: The total number of particles per type is defined in the Standard Specific Settings workbench in the Particle Gallery (Report) (Components) tool.

See

  • Template Selection Tool
  • Chart Selection Tool
  • Gallery Setting Tool

Size Distribution - Branch

This workflow step is only visible for the active branch Size Distribution.

Size Distribution

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

To follow the workflow steps description, see Last Workflow Steps Independent of Active Branch.

Size Distribution Live - Branch

Size Distribution Live

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control. The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Size Distribution (Live)

These workflow steps are only visible for the active branch Size Distribution Live.

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

To follow the workflow steps description, see Last Workflow Steps Independent of Active Branch.

Size Distribution Live EDF/Position List - Branch

These workflow steps are only visible for the active branch Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List.

Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List

Displays a group of tasks for workflow steps demanding hardware control.

The corresponding task group is loaded.

No further action required.

See Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Size Distribution (Live)

These workflow steps are only visible for the active branch Size Distribution Live.

No further action required.

See:

  • Size Distribution View
  • Standard Result Selection Tool
  • Displayed Normalization Tool
  • Cleanliness Classification (Length) Tool
  • Specimen Overview Tool
  • Statistical Analysis Tool
  • Result Approval Tool
  • Occupancy Rate (Components) Tool or Occupancy Rate (Oil, Lubricants) Tool

Switch

Changes between the branches.

  1. Size Distribution Live & EDF/Position List branch is selected.
  1. Select the branch according to the operator's needs.
    You have the following options:
    With Height Measurement
    Without Height Measurement

For information on the branch switches, see Configuring the TCA Job Template by Switching the Active Branch.

Interactive Height Measurement

Only visible with active branch With Height Measurement.

Enables to perform interactive height measurements.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Position List with EDF

If zero particles are found, for example, in a blank test, this step is skipped.

An EDF image is created.

Acquires automatically an EDF image of the largest particle per type for the particle gallery in the report. The corresponding particle coordinates are saved by default in the Position List tool. The displayed number of particles per type cannot be modified in the EDF step. Note: The total number of particles per type is defined in the Standard Specific Settings workbench in the Particle Gallery (Report) (Components) tool.

Define the initial microscope and camera setting. Adjust the step size for the automated EDF acquisition.

See:

  • Light Path Editing Tool
  • EDF Setup (motorized focus) Tool
  • Extended Camera Tool
  • Position List Tool
  • Select Active Camera

Reset Device Parameters

Changes the microscope hardware and camera settings. Restores the initial microscope and camera settings as defined in the Tiles (measurement area) workbench.

No further action required.

Split EDF Image

Splits the image scene into n images.

Default: Run silent

We recommend not to change the default parameters.

See Split by Dimension Tool.

To follow the workflow steps description, see Last Workflow Steps Independent of Active Branch.

Operator Tasks - TCA-Workflow

The operator's TCA module workflow is individually configured by the supervisor to the requirements of the working environment.

For the Operator, a Component Cleanliness and an Oil Cleanliness testing TCA job template is available.

Operator Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image (Component)

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a default standard for TCA that shall be used for the analysis: VDA 19.1 Extended Analysis - Free Analysis. Other standards are available.

  1. Select the relevant standards, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Load File

Loads images from the file system.

  1. Load one or more image files to the gallery.
  1. The image will be loaded to the Image view. The number of loaded images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step before the next iteration starts.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition (Components)

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 8: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image (Oil)

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a default standard for TCA that shall be used for the analysis: ISO 4406. Other standards are available.

  1. Select the relevant standards, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Load File

Loads images from the file system.

  1. Load one or more image files to the gallery.
  1. The image will be loaded to the Image view. The number of loaded images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step before the next iteration starts.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Reports

Creates a report document for each specimen. The oil report template is pre-selected.

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results for particle classification, approval status (if defined) and particle load.
  2. See particle images of the largest particles per type.
  1. You can print the report.

See Reports.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with AI based Object Classification (Components)

This operator workflow, in difference to the basic component cleanliness workflow, uses a predefined Intellesis object classification model for the particle type differentiation. Depending on your specimen, retraining of the object classification model might be necessary to adapt the particle type differentiation to your needs.

The training of object classification models requires licensing of the AI Toolkit.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 8: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Loaded Image with AI based Object Classification (Components)

This operator workflow, in difference to the basic component cleanliness workflow, uses a predefined Intellesis object classification model for the particle type differentiation. Depending on your specimen, retraining of the object classification model might be necessary to adapt the particle type differentiation to your needs.

The training of object classification models requires licensing of the AI Toolkit.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a default standard for TCA that shall be used for the analysis: VDA 19.1 Extended Analysis - Free Analysis. Other standards are available.

  1. Select the relevant standards, see Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Load File

Loads images from the file system.

  1. Load one or more image files to the gallery.
  1. The image will be loaded to the Image view. The number of loaded images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step before the next iteration starts.

Step 4 Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6 Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 8: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and HM (Oil)

This job template describes the Oil Cleanliness Testing workflow steps the Operator executes to acquire image at the LM and EM and to perform particle height measurement at the LM.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: S&F Holder Calibration

Stores automatically the coordinates of the L-marker positions in the Particle Selection EDS file and is used later in Free Mode during the EM/EDS-analysis by the S&F Find (List) tool to retrieve the particle selection from the LM job run.

  1. In the Calibration Settings tool, from the Sample Holder list, select the sample holder you are using now and you will be using later on the EM. Holder for correlative TCA:
    MAT Particle 47 mm
    MAT Particle 50 mm
  2. On the live image, move the scanning stage to locate the L-markers and confirm the corresponding positions.

See Calibrating the S&F Holder.

Step 4: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 5: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 6: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 7: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 8 Interactive Height Measurement

Measures the height of the selected particles.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Step 9: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 10 (Oil): Reports

Creates a report document for each specimen. The oil report template is pre-selected.

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results for particle classification, approval status (if defined) and particle load.
  2. See particle images of the largest particles per type.
  1. You can print the report.

See Reports.

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Oil)

This job template describes the Oil Cleanliness Testing workflow steps the Operator executes to acquire image and to perform particle height measurement.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Interactive Height Mesurement

Measures the height of the selected particles.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Step 8: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 9: Reports

Creates a report document for each specimen. The oil report template is pre-selected.

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results for particle classification, approval status (if defined) and particle load.
  2. See particle images of the largest particles per type.
  1. You can print the report.

See Reports.

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and HM (Components)

This job template describes the Component Cleanliness Testing workflow steps the Operator executes to acquire image and to perform particle height measurement.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Interactive Height Measurement

Measures the height of the selected particles.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Step 8: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 9: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition with S&F and ML Object Classification and HM (Components)

This job template description explains the Component Cleanliness Testing workflow steps for the Operator who acquires images at the LM and the EM and uses Intellesis object classification models for the particle type differentiation. Particle height measurement is performed.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: S&F Holder Calibration

Stores automatically the coordinates of the L-marker positions in the Particle Selection EDS file and is used later in Free Mode during the EM/EDS-analysis by the S&F Find (List) tool to retrieve the particle selection from the LM job run.

  1. In the Calibration Settings tool, from the Sample Holder list, select the sample holder you are using now and you will be using later on the EM. Holder for correlative TCA:
    MAT Particle 47 mm
    MAT Particle 50 mm
  2. On the live image, move the scanning stage to locate the L-markers and confirm the corresponding positions.

See Calibrating the S&F Holder.

Step 4: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 5: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 6: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 7: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 8: Interactive Height Measurement

Measures the height of the selected particles.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Step 9: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 10: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Operator Overview: Workflow with Image Acquisition and ML Object Classification and HM (Component)

This job template describes the Component Cleanliness Testing workflow steps the Operator executes to acquire images. To differentiate the particle types, a predefined Intellesis object classification model is used. Particle height measurement is performed with this job template.

Depending on your specimen, retraining of the object classification model might be necessary to adapt the particle type differentiation to your needs.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 4: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 5: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 6: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 7: Interactive Height Measurement

Measures the height of the selected particles.

To perform the interactive particle height measurement conduct manual focusing as described:

  1. Manually define the z-position at the membrane filter beside the selected particle as lowest position.
  2. Manually define the z-position at the top of the particle as highest position.
  1. The absolute difference between both z-values is the determined particle height.

See Interactive Particle Height Measurement Tool.

Step 8: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 9: TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

After performing the workflow, you have the following options:

  • Save and Close
  • Save and Repeat
  • Close Without Saving
  • Repeat Without Saving

Correlative Workflows

Overview: Image Acquisition Workflow TCA with S&F at the LM for Correlative Analysis

Run a Correlative LM job template for Component or Oil Cleanliness Analysis.

Step 1: Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection

Provides a list of available standards for the TCA module that shall be used for the analysis.

  1. Select the relevant standards. See Technical Cleanliness Standard Selection Tool.

NOTICE! For particle height measurement and correlative analysis only one standard can be selected.

Step 2: Input Form

In the Form Selection tool, an input form is provided. The specimen form is part of a loop. This step is iterated with Continue until the last loop iteration is reached. The specimen number increases automatically by 1 with each iteration. Exit Loop activates the next step.

  1. To choose the corresponding customer, in the Customer/Supplier field, click in the table to add the selected customer data.
  2. The form is displayed in the report.

Step 3: S&F Holder Calibration

Stores automatically the coordinates of the L-marker positions in the Particle Selection EDS file and is used later in Free Mode during the EM/EDS-analysis by the S&F Find (List) tool to retrieve the particle selection from the LM job run.

  1. In the Calibration Settings tool, from the Sample Holder list, select the sample holder you are using now and you will be using later on the EM. Holder for correlative TCA:
    MAT Particle 47 mm
    MAT Particle 50 mm
  2. On the live image, move the scanning stage to locate the L-markers and confirm the corresponding positions.

See Calibrating the S&F Holder.

Step 4: Tiles (measurement area)

Provides pre-configured settings for the specimen acquisition.

  1. Select an image acquisition setting and adjust the position of the tile regions if required.
  2. Verify Support Points of the tile regions. To conduct automated focusing in the background, activate Focus Correction tool > Determine Z-Values with Software AF Before Acquisition. Continue with Start.
  1. The number of acquired overview images determine the number of workflow iterations of the following steps. Each iteration finishes with the report step.

Step 5: Particle Segmentation

Extracts objects from the background by applying the pre-defined relative threshold range.

Use the pre-defined settings for the image segmentation.

Step 6: TCA Standard-Specific Settings

Configures specific parameter for the standard based calculation.

  1. Select a membrane filter type you want to use for particle analysis. You have the following options:
    - Mesh Membrane Filter (component cleanliness)
    - Foamed Membrane Filter (component and oil cleanliness)
    - Others (oil cleanliness)
    Default: Foamed Membrane Filter.
  2. Add values to the desired normalization parameter, if required.
  3. Select how many of the largest particles per type you want to add to the report. The coordinates of all pre-selected particles will be added to the Position list with EDF.
  4. If the Equivalent Spherical Method (Components) tool is part of your workflow, check if you need to adapt the Reference Area.

See TCA Standard-Specific Calculation Workbench

Step 7: Size Distribution (Live)

Shows the absolute and normalized results of the particle size classification and approval status (if defined in standard template).

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results per particle type and overall statistics.
  2. Change, if required, the particle type and exclude artifacts. Use the filter functions and approval display for rapid particle inspection.
  3. Conduct particle revision using the Edit view and retrieve particles in live mode.

See Size Distribution View.

Step 8: Position List with EDF

Performs automated EDF image acquisition on selected particles.

In general no further action is required.

Step 9 (Component): TCA Report

The TCA report is displayed for each specimen. You can adapt the report. To do so, configure the following settings:

  1. In the Template Selection tool, the default report template is selected.
  2. In the Chart Selection tool, select a particle counting result (absolute or normalized), one or more chart types, and one or more particle types. Select System Properties to have the system properties displayed in the report.
  3. In the Gallery Setting tool, set the image count per row.
  4. Click Apply to save your settings.
  5. The adapted report is generated.

Step 9 (Oil): Reports

Creates a report document for each specimen. The oil report template is pre-selected.

  1. Inspect for the selected standards the results for particle classification, approval status (if defined) and particle load.
  2. See particle images of the largest particles per type.
  1. You can print the report.

See Reports.

Overview: Correlative Workflow with TCA, S&F and ML based Object Classification at the LM

Run a correlative LM job template for Component or Oil Cleanliness Analysis with Object Classification. The corresponding job templates automatically apply a pre-trained AI based object classification model so that no further adjustment is needed. The object classification step is per default run silent and not visible to the operator. Depending on your specimen, retraining of the object classification model might be necessary to adapt the particle type differentiation to your needs. The training of object classification models require licensing of the AI Toolkit.

Overview: Performing Correlative Workflow with TCA and S&F at the EM

It is mandatory to configure and calibrate the EM and EDS-detector in advance before starting the correlative EM workflow. The required procedures are described in detail in the SmartSEM and SmartPI manuals.

The following description is equally valid for Operators and Supervisors executing the correlative EM workflow for Component or Oil cleanliness.

  1. Carry the correlative filter holder from the LM to the EM.
  2. Open the free mode.
  3. In the SEM 2D Acquistion workbench, load the required tools and adjust the settings.
  4. Select Shuttle & Find workbench > S&F Holder Calibration.
  5. In the Calibration Settings tool, from the Sample Holder list, select the same sample holder you have selected for the LM calibration. Holder for correlative TCA:
    - MAT Particle 47 mm
    - MAT Particle 50 mm
  6. On the live image, move to the location of the L-markers and set the corresponding positions. For more information, see Calibrating the S&F Holder.
  7. Select SEM 2D Acquistion workbench > S&F Find (List) tool.
  8. From the drop down list, select the file location (archive or file path), and open the Particle List EDS file.
  9. From the position list, select a particle and to retrieve the particle, click Move to Selection.
  10. Use SmartPI for performing EDS analysis on the selected particle.

For information on the required set-up procedures, see the SmartPI manual.

Understanding the Illig Method

The Illig Workflow generates a joint result from previously performed job runs and consists of two phases:

  • Preparation phase:
    Generates results for the Illig workflow, see steps 1-4 below.
  • Illig calculation phase:
    Summarizes several job results for calculation of the Illig value, see step 5 below.
  1. Select Job Mode > job template with VDA 19.1 or ISO 16232 Method Extended Analysis.
    NOTICE! Don't modify the length size classes because the Illig calculation uses a predefined size classification.
  2. Load the input form Technical Cleanliness (Illig Value).
    NOTICE! The sample location and sedimentation time are automatically read-out and applied by executing the Illig job template Technical Cleanliness (VDA 19.2 Joint Result).
  3. Run the pre-configured Component Cleanliness job template to analyze your particle traps.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all particle traps are analyzed.
  5. Perform calculation of the Illig value by using the job template Technical Cleanliness (VDA 19.2 Joint Result).

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