Characterization of Test Dust for Product Qualification

During an IP protection class test the test item that consists of mechanically moveable or electronic components has to be evaluated for its ingress protection against water or dust particles. Within the protection class IP 5X dusts may enter the equipment but must not interfere with the product function. However in the protection class IP 6X it has to be dust proof. Especially with regard to the durability the feeding properties and effects of the particles to the interior of the utility have to be examined more closely [1-4]. Within this paper some of the dusts that are currently used for testing were examined regarding their particle size distribution, average particle size, particle density, bulk and tap density, specific surface area and morphology. 2. Materials