Electronics & Semiconductors
Pure compressed air for electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production and cleanrooms
In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, compressed air comes into contact with circuit boards, substrates, housings and sensitive surfaces – either directly or indirectly. Oil, particles or excessive moisture then impair processes and test results. Furthermore, many lines operate in multi-shift mode. Pressure stability and availability are therefore just as important as the required purity class. We coordinate oil-free compressors and compressed air treatment to meet the requirements at the point of use.
Requirements for oil-free compressed air in electronics manufacturing
Oil-free compressors for component placement, handling and testing technology
Oil-free compression instead of subsequent oil separation
Where oil carry-over from the compression process must be avoided, we rely on technologies without lubricants in the compression chamber. The oil-free scroll compressors of the SCROLLI series deliver 100% oil-free compressed air in accordance with ISO 8573-1, Class 0 for oil. The quality of compressed air that reaches the consumer also depends on the downstream treatment and the condition of the distribution network. Both remain part of the design. If you require proof of the purity class for your application or audit, please contact us – we will provide the appropriate documentation.
The SCROLLI series (2.2 to 15 kW) operates with low vibration and does not require an intake control module. During operation, every revolution of the compressor is used to generate compressed air; idling hours are eliminated. The larger SCROLLI models consist of several scroll units. If a module fails or is being maintained, the multilevel control system automatically switches to the remaining modules. Whether the supply continues without restriction depends on whether their capacity covers the current air demand.
For larger volume flows, the water-injected screw compressors of the AQUARIUS series (15 to 75 kW) are suitable. These also compress without oil in the compression process. The injected water cools the compressor and circulates in an internal circuit; it is derived from the ambient air, so no fresh water supply is required. The low compressor temperatures reduce thermal stress.
Defining pressure dew point and purity classes according to ISO 8573-1
Oil-free compression alone does not determine the compressed air quality at the consumer. ISO 8573-1 describes the purity classes separately for particles, water and oil – a system can therefore achieve Class 0 for oil and still be inadequate for moisture or particles. The water vapour contained in the compressed air can condense if the air cools below its pressure dew point. Particles enter the system via the intake air or originate from the distribution network itself – for example, as abrasion, corrosion products or deposits from pipelines, hoses and couplings.
The decisive factors are therefore the required purity class at the point of application and the lowest temperature that the compressed air reaches on its way there. A value measured at the compressor outlet is not sufficient for assessment on its own.
Compressed air treatment: correctly combining dryers and filters
We design dryers and filters together with the compressor. For a low pressure dew point, adsorption dryers are suitable; for less critical areas, a refrigerant dryer with appropriate line filters may be sufficient. The most sensible combination depends on the purity class for each production area – cleanrooms, test stations and general pneumatics rarely have the same requirements.
Availability and energy costs in continuous operation
Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing often runs over several shifts, while air demand can fluctuate between setup times and full capacity. A suitable speed or master control system adapts the amount of air generated to the actual demand and can reduce idling phases. The respective SCC control system displays important operating parameters and maintenance instructions; with the appropriate additional software, suitable series can also be connected to a control room or mobile devices. For planning the installation site, our checklist for compressor room planning is a good starting point; we support ongoing operation with a suitable maintenance concept.
Where oil-free compressed air is used in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing
Areas of application in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing
Which oil-free compressors are suitable for electronics and semiconductors?
Our solutions for electronics and semiconductors
Frequently asked questions about oil-free compressed air in electronics manufacturing
ISO 8573-1 classifies compressed air separately according to particles, water content and oil content. Class 0 exists for each of these three categories; it is specified in writing by the user or the equipment manufacturer and must adhere to stricter limit values than Class 1. The specification always includes an indication of which impurity it refers to – for oil-free compressors, this is the total oil content. It is therefore important to consider the three code numbers together: an oil-free machine in itself says nothing about residual moisture or particle content at the consumer. We will be happy to clarify which combination your application requires and what evidence we provide for this – please contact us.
Filters for separating oil aerosols are wearing parts with a limited service life. If a change is missed, the oil content in the compressed air can increase without it being immediately noticeable. Oil-free compression avoids oil carry-over from the compressor by design. However, it does not cover other impurities: particles from the intake air and the pipe network as well as moisture must still be controlled through suitable filtration and drying.
The required pressure dew point depends on the requirement at the consumer and the lowest temperature that the compressed air reaches on its way there. A value measured at the compressor outlet is not sufficient for assessment on its own. It is sensible to define the requirements for each production area and to design the treatment accordingly.
Refrigerant dryers typically achieve pressure dew points in the range of a few degrees above zero and are suitable for areas without special dryness requirements. Adsorption dryers achieve significantly lower pressure dew points and are suitable where condensate must be reliably excluded – for example, when pipes are routed through unheated areas or for particularly sensitive processes. A combination is often sensible: basic drying for the entire network, additional drying for the critical area.
Yes, but simply replacing the compressor is often not enough. A network that was previously operated with oil-injected compressed air may contain oil residues in pipelines, hoses and fittings. Depending on the condition and purity requirements, separate pipe routing, professional cleaning or the replacement of affected sections may be necessary. Whether a separate circuit or the conversion of the entire network is more economical should be checked in advance.
Yes. We determine the requirements together, coordinate the compressor, dryer and filter with each other and support operation with a suitable maintenance concept. Our step-by-step guide to calculating compressed air requirements shows how the air demand can be recorded in a structured manner.
Your compressed air solution for electronics and semiconductors
With SCC air compressors, you choose a European manufacturer with a strong market presence, its own branches in Germany, France, Great Britain, Spain, and Italy – and a Europe-wide service network with over 460 dealers.
- Highest quality according to European standards: All products are manufactured according to EU standards and tested in Germany.
- Attractive price-performance ratio: Production takes place predominantly with experienced production partners in Asia. In this way, we combine high quality requirements with competitive prices.
- Fast availability: Large warehouses in Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and Spain ensure short delivery times.
- Competent service: Personal contacts are available on working days; premium dealers receive support daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
- Long-term security: Five-year warranty for all SCC compressors delivered from 01/01/2026 – in accordance with the valid warranty conditions.
This combination of quality, service, and availability makes SCC a reliable partner for industrial companies across Europe.
Pure and stable compressed air begins with the design. We analyse your requirements, recommend suitable oil-free compressors for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing and support you from planning through compressed air treatment to maintenance. For an initial assessment, information on air demand, purity class and pressure dew point at the consumer, shift model and known pressure drops in the network is helpful. If additional cleanroom requirements apply, you will find further information in our solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.