Evenbound - Hunter, Author at Angstrom Technology

Understanding Cleanroom Costs by Type

by Evenbound - Hunter | Sep 29, 2021 | Cleanroom Terminology, Helpful Tips

If your facility needs a controlled space for one or more of its operations, you may be looking into purchasing a cleanroom. However, while doing your research, you may find yourself stuck on which type of cleanroom is the best investment for you: SoftWall, HardWall, or RigidWall?

Each of these cleanroom types has different characteristics and advantages, which naturally means that each of them are sold at different price points. In this article, we’ll explore the relative costs of these types of cleanrooms, as well as the value that each can bring to your facility.

SoftWall Cleanrooms – $

Generally, SoftWall cleanrooms are the most affordable cleanroom option. The low price point reflects their simple design and minimal use of materials.

However, just because SoftWall cleanrooms are the most affordable doesn’t mean that they lack quality. Their lightweight, powder-baked enamel framework and clear vinyl sheeting offers simple installation, maintenance, and customization to best fit the needs of your facility. Also capable of meeting cleanroom classification standards for ISO Class 4-8 and Federal 209E Class 10-100,000, SoftWall cleanrooms work great for many applications.

SoftWall cleanrooms are ideal for facilities that need to meet some classification and standards requirements, but don’t quite need to meet the highest standards or a tight temperature and humidity specification. As an affordable option that’s easy to assemble, maintain, and reconfigure, they can bring great value to large applications and custom cleanroom applications.

HardWall Cleanrooms – $$$

HardWall cleanrooms are usually the most expensive type of cleanroom, for good reason. Their higher price tags are accompanied by superior cleanroom performance, capable of meeting even the most stringent cleanliness standards.

HardWall cleanrooms are made from solid materials like stainless steel, vinyl, plastic laminate, aluminum, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic. These solid materials make them an extremely secure, treated, and durable solution for facilities that need an ultra-controlled environment.

With the ability to meet ISO Class 1-8 and Federal 209E Class 1-100,000 standards, HardWall cleanrooms are worth the investment if your facility’s applications require an extensive amount of control over factors like contamination, humidity, temperature, static, and pressure. No other type of cleanroom will provide that level of protection.

RigidWall Cleanrooms – $$$

RigidWall cleanrooms tend to fall in a similar price range as HardWall cleanrooms. They’re somewhat of a hybrid between the two types of cleanrooms previously mentioned. They have the same structural system as a SoftWall cleanroom, but instead of curtains, they use an extruded aluminum extrusion in conjunction with a 1/4 inch acrylic panel.

RigidWall cleanrooms can offer extreme versatility for a variety of applications. While they don’t offer quite as much stringency as a HardWall cleanroom, they do offer a good bit of control and provide a good show piece for potential customers. They offer contamination security to fit ISO Class 5-8 requirements and Federal 209E Class 100-100,000 requirements.

If your facility is looking for a cleanroom with good control, but also requires a certain level of aesthetics, a RigidWall cleanroom is a worthy investment for you. It’s a versatile solution with a structural system that can be adapted to fit the needs of your facility, and an environmental control factor that keeps your materials and operators safe — giving you some of the best of both worlds.

No matter what type of cleanroom you need, Angstrom Technology can help you design and install it to meet your classification and budget requirements. We’re experts in working with clients to find the solutions that best suit their facilities and applications. Reach out to our team to get started today.

How to Choose a Fan Filter Unit for your Cleanroom

by Evenbound - Hunter | Sep 21, 2021 | Air Circulation, Cleanroom Design, Cleanrooms, Filtration

In order to ensure your facility is meeting required cleanliness standards, fan filter units (FFU) are a critical component of your cleanroom design. Let’s explore more about fan filter units: how they work, what types there are, and how to choose the right one for your cleanroom.

What Is a Fan Filter Unit?

A fan filter unit is an independent filtration system mounted in a modular cleanroom ceiling grid that is used in conjunction with an air handling unit or HVAC system. It contains a fan, a pre-filter, and a filter (either HEPA or ULPA). In most cleanrooms, multiple fan filter units are installed in the cleanroom ceiling grid and are designed to provide a consistently treated workspace, minimizing dead zones.

Individual fan filter units can be added and subtracted according to the size and necessary ISO Class regulations. In general, the bigger your cleanroom, and the more stringent your ISO Class, the more fan filter units your cleanroom will likely need.

How Does a Fan Filter Unit Work?

Fan filter units work by continuously pushing clean, filtered air into your cleanroom. Air travels through a pre-filter, through the fan, and then through the HEPA or ULPA filter that treats and filters out airborne particles prior to entering your cleanroom.

When Do You Use a Fan Filter Unit for a Cleanroom?

Fan filter units provide a number of advantages over traditional air handling units. Here are a few reasons you may consider using fan filter units for your cleanroom:

Easy to install – Because they are mounted in the cleanroom ceiling grid, fan filter units are easy to install and are easily accessible from within the cleanroom.2
Easy to modify – As your facility grows and changes, your filtration system can too. Fan filter units can easily be added into the ceiling grid if you have to meet increased cleanliness requirements in the future.
Cost-effective – Fan filter units are generally less expensive than a completely new air system, both in terms of production cost and installation cost.

Types of Fan Filter Units: PSC vs. ECM

While all fan filter units function in generally the same way, there are two types of motors that commonly power a cleanroom FFU: permanent split capacitors (PSC) and electronically commutated motors (ECM). Each motor functions a little differently, providing distinct advantages depending on which option you choose. PSC motors operate at one consistent speed, while ECM motors have a variable speed drive and can adjust speed based on application requirements.

PSC vs. ECM: Which Fan Filter Unit is Right for Your Cleanroom?

Both of these are reliable options, guaranteed to provide the filtration your cleanroom needs. However, ECM units are often the best choice to help you meet your cleanroom goals and maximize treated space.

The Benefits of an ECM Fan Filter Unit

ECM fan filter units are known to be air-treating powerhouses for a range of applications — especially if those applications require varying filtration speeds. Its variable speed drive includes numerous benefits, including:

Smooth operation in inconsistent conditions
Great durability for big, long-haul projects
Energy-saving technology to help you reduce utility costs

Looking for a cleanroom that incorporates high performance filter fan units? Angstrom Technology can design a cleanroom to accommodate any equipment for your application. Contact us today to get started.

Are Modular Cleanrooms Environmentally Friendly?

by Evenbound - Hunter | Sep 13, 2021 | Cleanrooms, Modular Construction

Manufacturers and production facilities across the nation are on a continuous search for sustainable solutions. Of course, sustainable solutions help production facilities, labs, and fabrication plants do their part in protecting our environment and natural resources, but there’s even more to it than that.

Whether it be an increased focus on corporate social responsibility, a push towards sustainable business incentives, and/or an effort to get ahead of changing environmental restrictions, there’s a lot of value in going green.

The good news for any facility looking to build or install a modular cleanroom? Modular cleanrooms are environmentally friendly. Designed with sustainable technologies and materials, cleanrooms are helping everyone from automotive and aerospace manufacturers to pharmaceutical laboratories go just a little more green. Read on for more details.

3 “Green” Aspects of Modular Cleanroom Design

Modular cleanroom design has always been less wasteful than other construction methods, but over the years, modular cleanroom design has evolved to include more sustainable features. Cleanroom manufacturers and suppliers have taken initiatives to eliminate excess waste, conserve natural resources, and build for long lasting performance. Here, we’ll explore three green aspects of modular cleanroom design:

1. Recycled Air

Modern cleanroom technology uses fan filter units to continuously reuse and recirculate air. Originally, these fan filters were designed to ensure consistent air temperature, humidity, and cleanliness, but they were soon recognized for their sustainable features as well. Instead of the air being disposed of as waste, it’s now recycled, cutting down on environmental impact as less air has to be treated and conditioned to keep your cleanroom clean.

Another consideration: cleanroom air isn’t free. In fact, it can be rather expensive to treat. Therefore, recycling air through a fan filter unit can be a win-win in terms of sustainability and cost savings.

2. Recycled Materials

Modular cleanrooms are built with a lot of recycled materials, drastically reducing their environmental impact during the construction phase. Some frequently-used recycled materials include:

Aluminum framework – Aluminum is almost completely recyclable, and most aluminum used in modular construction today is already made from scrap metal. In modular cleanrooms, this environmentally-friendly material is used to construct cleanroom ceiling grids and other supporting foundations.
Gypsum board – Gypsum is a sustainable, durable material that can last up to 50 years, and it’s used to form the wall panels of many modular cleanrooms. Though it may not be right for every cleanroom, it’s an environmentally-friendly option should your ISO Class allow for it.

Apart from those materials, there are a few things modular cleanroom manufacturers may do to keep their services environmentally friendly as well. At Angstrom Technology, we use 100% recyclable packaging designed to protect all parts during transportation, and we ensure our systems are delivered ready for installation. This way, there is no dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or construction debris left at the facility.

3. Built for Long-Term Sustainability

Modular cleanrooms are designed for long-term use. They’re highly durable and require very little maintenance, reducing the need for any new replacement materials.

Beyond their durability, modular cleanrooms are also designed to grow with your facility. Modular cleanroom components can be broken down and reassembled easily, making reconfiguration, addition, and relocation of your cleanroom easy processes. As your facility grows and changes, you don’t need to construct an entirely new cleanroom. Save time, money, materials, and even the environment by opting for a modular option you can reconfigure for decades to come.

Why Choose Environmentally Friendly Modular Cleanrooms?

From natural resources to transportation to materials, modular cleanrooms are guaranteed to reduce waste. If you’re looking to build a more sustainable production facility, modular cleanroom components deliver a sustainable solution that will grow with your business and display exceptional performance over time.

If you’re interested in learning more about modular cleanroom design, check out our Cleanroom Design Guide or get in touch with one of the cleanroom design engineers at Angstrom Technology.

4 Questions to Ask Before Starting Automotive Cleanroom Construction

by Evenbound - Hunter | Sep 3, 2021 | Cleanrooms, Helpful Tips

There’s a lot of planning involved in automotive cleanroom construction. From layout design to operational components, you need to figure out what you need and how to implement it before you start building.

Many experienced cleanroom designers and engineers have streamlined this process. However, it’s important to be certain that you’ve got all the details in line so you can get production started without any hiccups. From the experts at Angstrom Technology, here’s a checklist of four questions to ask yourself before starting your automotive cleanroom construction project.

1. What Processes Will Be Housed Within My Cleanroom?

Within an automotive cleanroom, there are various applications that ensure automotive parts are produced, cleaned, and packaged safely. Some of these applications include.

Research and development
Component manufacturing
Assembly
Testing
Packaging

Each of these applications include different manufacturing processes, which also call for differences in humidity, temperature, pressure, and particle contamination. These differences can change the type, design, and level of cleanliness of the cleanroom you choose to construct.

Other process-related elements that could alter your cleanroom plan include: how many personnel access it, how often they access it, and what protective gear they wear when they access it.

2. What Are My Automotive Cleanroom’s ISO Class Requirements?

Automotive cleanrooms are controlled environments where air and surface particle contamination is limited. They’re grouped into various cleanliness classification groups created by the International Standards Organization (ISO). Based on the allowed size and number of particles, rate of air change, and percentage of ceiling coverage with fan filter units, cleanrooms are placed into an ISO Class.

ISO Classes are ranked 1-9, with Class 1 having the most stringent regulations and Class 9 having the most lenient regulations. Most automotive cleanrooms fall into ISO Classes 5-8, but this could vary depending on your application’s specific cleanliness and worker safety requirements. By determining which ISO Class you need, you can make a more informed choice of which type of cleanroom will give you the best results.

3. How Much Space Do I Need for My Automotive Cleanroom?

Your cleanroom will only work if it provides the allotment of space necessary for your application. While some cleanrooms are relatively small in size, automotive cleanrooms occasionally require larger equipment clearances. You’ll want to plan for that ahead of time.

It’s also valuable to keep in mind that cleanrooms are built for long-term use. This means that they’re able to grow and adapt based on your facility’s changing needs. You can add to them, reconfigure them, and relocate them as you need, as long as your changes comply with U.S. building and safety codes. With that in mind, it’s best to plan and design for the space you need now, and have peace of mind knowing you can always expand down the road.

4. What Type of Air Pressure Does My Cleanroom Need?

Cleanroom air pressure is divided into two categories: positive and negative air pressure. Basically, the type of air pressure determines what is being protected by installing a cleanroom.

Positive air pressure is achieved by pumping clean, filtered air into your cleanroom. This makes the air pressure inside your cleanroom greater than the pressure outside of it. It’s meant to protect whatever is inside the cleanroom from being contaminated by the surrounding environment.

Negative air pressure is achieved by filtering air out of the room. This makes the pressure inside your cleanroom lower than the pressure outside it. It’s meant to keep possible contamination from escaping the cleanroom.

Some automotive applications like electronic manufacturing require positive air pressure to ensure products are clean and safe for us. On the other hand, some automotive manufacturing applications, like applying special paints and part coatings, can be harmful to human health. In these situations, you may prefer negative air pressure to ensure those VOCs and harmful chemicals aren’t released into the rest of the facility.

Have more questions about designing and constructing a cleanroom for your automotive application? Give the experts at Angstrom Technology a call or contact us online! We’d be happy to walk through your specific requirements and help you get the best cleanroom installed in your space.

Medical Cleanroom Design Tips: Cleanroom Windows

by Evenbound - Hunter | Aug 26, 2020 | Helpful Tips, Medical Laboratory Cleanrooms

When it comes to medical cleanroom design, you are constrained by the cleanroom classification you must meet. That said, every medical cleanroom has its own unique application and processes that require an accommodating design. One common design feature of a medical cleanroom is cleanroom windows. Can your medical cleanroom have windows? And if so, what types of windows are available that provide the design you’re looking for, while meeting your specific classifications?

Here’s what you need to know about medical cleanroom windows, from why you might install them to the different types of cleanroom windows that can suit medical cleanliness requirements.

Why Install Windows in Your Medical Cleanroom?

Medical cleanrooms, especially those used for pharmaceutical and hospital applications, must meet some of the most stringent cleanroom classifications. It might feel that windows would only detract from the standards you’re trying to meet, but in reality, true cleanroom windows can provide the cleanliness and security you need, with a few additional benefits you may not have considered. Here are just a few reasons to install windows in your medical cleanroom:

- Morale. A little natural light can go a long way to boost team morale. Sitting in a windowless room all day can affect your staff’s mood, and studies have shown that workers who sit by a window are more productive than those who don’t have access to natural light.
- Lighting. Cleanroom windows can let in a significant amount of natural light. Not only does this make it easier for your team to complete their processes, but it also can help you save on electricity costs, and minimize the number of cleanroom-specific lighting fixtures you need to install.
- Supervision. For applications that must adhere to specific protocol, like pharmaceutical cleanrooms, windows provide the transparency your facility needs. Supervisors can easily monitor production from outside the cleanroom. This helps maintain your cleanroom classification, and minimizes the number of people within the space, without sacrificing the quality and procedure of your process.

Medical Cleanroom Window Styles

The benefits of cleanroom windows are clear — they can help increase productivity, reduce lighting costs, and ensure proper supervision without compromising your controlled environment. Any quality cleanroom window will feature a glaze or finish that works to make the window easy to clean, sealed, and contaminant free. Glazing options for cleanroom windows include:

Tempered glass
Tinted glass
Static dissipative
Lexan™
Laser glass
Acrylic
Double glazing
Film covered glass
Acrylic
UV

A quality cleanroom supplier can provide the cleanroom window with appropriate glazing for your application and cleanroom standard. While the type of window glaze is important for any medical cleanroom, the window style you choose is a bigger consideration to make.

If you’re considering installing windows in your medical cleanroom, here’s a look at a few of the styles most suited to your applications.

Flush or Double Flush Cleanroom Windows

Flush cleanroom windows are the best option for nearly any medical cleanroom application. As the name suggests, these windows are installed flush with your cleanroom wall, eliminating any frame or sill where dust, debris, or particle might collect.

Flush cleanroom windows are available as double flush windows, which means they’re installed directly into the wall, usually with two panes, each of which is flat with its side of the wall. Regular flush cleanroom windows can also be installed flat on the clean side of the cleanroom, with a ledge on the “dirty” side of the cleanroom.

Beveled Cleanroom Window

Beveled cleanroom windows are an affordable alternative to the double flush window. The window itself is flat to the wall but features a beveled sill that eliminates any corners that dust, particles, or micro-organisms could sit on. Since a beveled cleanroom window requires just one pane of glass, it’s more cost-effective than the double-flush window while achieving a similar look and functionality.

Floor-To-Ceiling Cleanroom Window Panels

The final window option available to medical cleanrooms is floor-to-ceiling cleanroom window panels. Depending on your classification, you can opt for a fully windowed cleanroom like Angstrom Technology’s RigidWall cleanrooms. Our RigidWall product offers crystal clear paneling throughout the cleanroom. This is ideal for pharmaceutical and medical applications where transparency and supervision are essential. It also offers a clean aesthetic that allows in plenty of light for your staff.

If you’re not sure about a completely transparent cleanroom, it’s also possible to integrate just a few window wall panels to let in light, without compromising the design or standard of your cleanroom. These clear panels can meet a variety of cleanrooms classifications. Since each panel is one complete piece of glass or fiberglass, they eliminate the potential for leaks around window seals.

Installing Cleanroom Windows for Your Medical Application

Cleanroom windows are an excellent addition to any medical or pharmaceutical cleanroom. They provide additional light and the transparency and supervision many medical processes require. If you’re working to integrate windows into your existing cleanroom, or if you’re designing a new cleanroom and are hoping to incorporate cleanroom windows, it’s always best to work with a cleanroom expert.

Cleanroom windows provide a range of benefits, but proper installation is key to ensuring you get the light you need while maintaining your cleanroom’s classification. Look for a cleanroom expert with experience in medical and pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and try to find a provider that will work to help you design and install the ideal cleanroom for your unique application.

Windows make for a more attractive cleanroom that’s easy for your investors to see and appreciate. If you’re looking to design, build, or reconfigure a cleanroom with windows, whether you’re in the pharmaceutical or medical industry, let us know. We design and install custom cleanrooms that are built to your exact specifications, from the HVAC system and classification down to the windows. Give Angstrom Technology a call at 888-768-6900 or contact us online for more information today.