HardWall Cleanroom Features

HardWall Cleanroom Features

by | Apr 21, 2022 | Hardwall Cleanrooms

If you’re trying to figure out which type of cleanroom is right for you, you have three choices: SoftWall, HardWall, and RigidWall. They’re all great choices, but there’s probably one that will work better for you than others — and we’re here to help you narrow that decision down. 

We’ve already talked about SoftWall cleanroom features (check that blog out if you haven’t yet!). Now, let’s move on to HardWall cleanroom features. We’ll discuss what they are, what special features and capabilities they provide, and what benefits they could bring to your cleanroom application. 

What Are HardWall Cleanrooms?

HardWall cleanrooms are built with prefabricated solid panels and provide the highest level of environmental control. Known for meeting stringent cleanliness requirements and maintaining peak performance for years, they’re durable, adaptable, solid-walled cleanrooms that can comply with any ISO standard or classification. 

Due to these characteristics, HardWall cleanrooms are great choices for industries and applications that require strict control over contamination, temperature, humidity, static, pressure, sound, fire protection, and more. At Angstrom Technology, we’ve worked on an extensive list of HardWall cleanroom projects in industries involving semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, cell and gene therapies, and more. 

HardWall Cleanroom Features

Depending on each specific application, every HardWall cleanroom is custom designed and constructed based on customer needs. However, they all have some of the same basic features, which are discussed in the following three sections. 

HardWall Cleanroom Materials

The most prominent material within HardWall cleanrooms is their panelized wall systems. We’ll describe those, as well as some other necessary materials, below:

  • Wall Panels – HardWall cleanroom wall panels fit within the framework and are prefabricated and non-progressive — meaning they’re designed for easy removal without disturbing adjacent panels and for minimizing contamination possibilities. They’re composed of a panel core (gypsum laminated to a polystyrene core or aluminum honeycomb), and finished with a stainless steel, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), uPVC, painted aluminum, or smooth vinyl finish.
  • Roof Deck – The roof deck is secured to the perimeter wall panels and spans over the HardWall cleanroom, creating a standalone, modular cleanroom structure. The deck supports the ceiling system and all its components, but can also be designed to meet load bearing requirements. It’s composed of a 20-22 gauge ribbed steel deck.
  • Ceiling System – HardWall cleanroom ceiling systems can be a robust T-grid ceiling system or a panelized walkable ceiling, both of which hold the cleanroom’s fan filter units (FFUs) and lights. 
  • Framework – The framework is the modular wall support system that provides a HardWall cleanroom’s structural integrity. The framing components are made of a durable, extruded aluminum and stainless steel, which has a powder-coated or clear-anodized finish. 
  • Entrances – HardWall cleanrooms are compatible with various types of entrances, such as swing doors, overhead roll up doors, automatic or manual sliding doors, and more. 

HardWall Cleanroom Sizes

HardWall cleanrooms are available in any size and configuration. While standard prefabricated panels are 4’ wide nominally and come in 8’, 9’, or 10’ heights, many cleanroom manufacturers allow you to choose the cleanroom size that fits your process the best.

HardWall Cleanroom Standards

Due to their high level of environmental control, HardWall cleanrooms can meet any ISO standard. They’re naturally suited for ISO Classes 5-8, but with additional equipment and technologies, they’re capable of meeting even stricter requirements. 

Benefits of HardWall Cleanrooms

Out of all three types of cleanrooms, HardWall cleanrooms are generally the most popular. Below are some of the most common reasons our customers at Angstrom Technology have chosen HardWall cleanrooms for their facilities: 

Great Environmental Control

With HardWall cleanrooms, environmental control doesn’t stop at preventing particle contamination. Instead, you’ll enjoy various other forms of strict control — from temperature and humidity, to static and pressure, to sound and fire protection. This high level of control enables your cleanroom to meet whatever ISO standard is required for your application. 

Easy Modification & Expansion Capabilities 

HardWall cleanrooms are constructed with a prefabricated, modular construction design, which allows for multiple configurations and the ability to modify and expand spaces quickly and easily. You’ll be able to reconfigure to meet changing cleanroom needs, expand as your company grows, and upgrade with new technologies as they become available. This makes a HardWall cleanroom a sound, long-lasting investment for your facility. 

Unmatched Durability

With reliable wall panel composition, robust ceiling systems, and dependable structural framework, HardWall cleanrooms are highly recognized for their outstanding durability and longevity. Their systems are made to have structural integrity and be self-supporting, so they will not sag. In addition, because of their specific non-porous finishes, the systems will not warp, rust, or corrode, so you’ll be able to enjoy long-lasting performance — even if your space is reconfigured multiple times to accommodate your facility’s needs. 

Simple Maintenance

HardWall cleanrooms are one of the easier types of cleanrooms to maintain. Their non-porous surfaces and specific finishes on modular components make routine cleaning and testing a breeze. That way, you can spend less time and energy worrying about maintaining the space, and more time and energy actually using it to drive production and profit. 

Interested in installing a HardWall cleanroom in your facility, or have questions about which type of cleanroom is right for your application? Contact Angstrom Technology. Our experts have experience designing, installing, and maintaining all types of cleanrooms, for various industries — and we’d be happy to get started on one for you!

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HardWall vs. RigidWall Aerospace Cleanrooms

HardWall vs. RigidWall Aerospace Cleanrooms

by | Sep 9, 2020 | Aerospace Cleanrooms, Hardwall Cleanrooms

When it comes to the high stakes of the aerospace industry, the type of cleanroom you choose matters. Your cleanroom structure defines the layout of your space and determines the level of control you can achieve over environmental factors like temperature, humidity, static, and pressure — and therefore whether you’re able to meet your cleanroom classification. It could also mean the difference for product safety, project flexibility, energy efficiency, and manageable operating costs. 

In short, your cleanroom structure is, well, everything. 

For aerospace cleanrooms, the level of control needed can be met with a HardWall or RigidWall cleanroom. While both may reach the cleanroom classification your application requires, there are differences between the two cleanroom types that could make one a better choice for you.

HardWall vs. Rigidwall Aerospace Cleanrooms

The decision between HardWall vs. RigidWall cleanrooms boils down to a few main aspects. The first and most critical aspect is how well the cleanroom can comply with the required classification. If you can’t comfortably meet this fundamental requirement, it could sacrifice your entire project. Secondly, you should also consider the adaptability of the cleanroom design to meet your industry’s needs, including specific requirements for your application, such as the equipment you’re using and other special features that are important to you. Finally, we have to compare how well the cleanroom holds up over time — not only considering its strength and durability but also how it can grow with you as your work evolves.

In aerospace cleanrooms, all of these aspects are important to a successful operation. Let’s take a closer look at HardWall vs. RigidWall aerospace cleanrooms to determine which is the best fit for your application. 

HardWall Cleanrooms

HardWall cleanrooms are made of prefabricated, modular panels. Depending on your application’s unique requirements and your cleanroom classification, your HardWall cleanroom design will include everything you need to get your project up and running.

HardWall Cleanroom Classifications

HardWall cleanrooms can comply with any cleanroom classification, even the most stringent possible standards of ISO Class 1. This cleanroom type can achieve extreme environmental control beyond particle count and air changes. In addition to management of temperature, static, and humidity, HardWall cleanrooms can be pressurized for extra contaminant protection. This cleanroom type will be able to meet the needs of any aerospace application.

HardWall Cleanroom Design

HardWall cleanrooms can be freestanding or incorporated into an existing building structure. Made using a coated aluminum frame with a prefabricated panel, HardWall modular cleanroom panels are constructed with high-quality materials to ensure control over contaminants while not introducing any contaminants themselves. They can be also installed around mounted equipment, use light from your building’s windows, and can even connect to an existing HVAC system. This feature of adaptability is especially useful in aerospace cleanrooms where oversize elements can limit design options. In addition, the modular cleanroom panels are fully modifiable to meet your application’s specific needs and requirements.

HardWall Cleanroom Durability

Heavy-duty HardWall cleanroom panels are built to last. Because they’re modular, HardWall cleanrooms can be rearranged, expanded, or condensed as your project needs change. Modifying, reconfiguring, or reusing your HardWall panels will not sacrifice their quality. They will continue to perform to your classification requirements with little maintenance required beyond your regular cleaning protocols.

RigidWall Cleanrooms

Unlike the utilitarian HardWall panels, RigidWalls are sleek and minimalist. Flat, clear panels allow easier monitoring of the cleanroom while also creating an attractive frame to show off your work to investors.

RigidWall Cleanroom Classifications

While RigidWall cleanrooms are able to meet the needs of many cleanrooms, they’re best suited for those with ISO Class 5-8 standards.

RigidWall Cleanroom Design

With your choice of acrylic, static-dissipative PVC, or polycarbonate wall panels, a RigidWall cleanroom will house your operations in a transparent, attractive style. RigidWall panels can be customized in size with heights up to 7-14 feet, and come pre-wired with outlets and switches to control lighting, fans, and equipment.

RigidWall Cleanroom Durability

RigidWall cleanrooms have a durability comparable to HardWall cleanrooms, and can offer slightly more flexibility and layout options. RigidWalls can be modified with some effort, or easily stored if you need to free space for something else. Panels are suspended from a strong ceiling grid which, when fully-secured, means the panels will maintain their shape and integrity over time. However, due to their minimalist design, they have fewer available features than HardWall panels.

If you’re still unsure whether a Hardwall vs. Rigidwall cleanroom is best for your aerospace application, talk to an expert. Taking a close look at your cleanroom classification and your facility’s requirements, an experienced cleanroom designer can help create the ideal space for your application, complete with everything you need to make your work a success.

Looking for a top-quality HardWall or RigidWall cleanroom for your aerospace application? Talk to a cleanroom design expert at Angstrom Technology.  Our RigidWall and HardWall modular cleanrooms are high-performance cleanrooms that give you full control over your environment. Angstrom Technology cleanroom design experts can work with you and your cleanroom requirements to design the best modular cleanroom for your work. 

5 Benefits of Hardwall Cleanrooms for the Aerospace Industry

5 Benefits of Hardwall Cleanrooms for the Aerospace Industry

by | Jun 4, 2020 | Aerospace Cleanrooms, Cleanrooms, Hardwall Cleanrooms

Aerospace cleanrooms often require high levels of control, regulated by high cleanroom classifications. To achieve stringent standards, while allowing flexibility for project changes and environmental adjustments, some of the best cleanrooms for the aerospace industry are HardWall cleanrooms. Let’s look at five benefits HardWall cleanrooms can offer your aerospace projects.

 

HardWall Cleanrooms Are Stable

When working within a cleanroom environment, having control over environmental variables can make or break a project. That’s why a stable cleanroom is so important for all cleanroom applications, but especially for those with higher cleanroom classifications. At best, instability can make your work unpredictable and unproductive; at worst, someone could get hurt. To avoid these scenarios, you need a cleanroom you can trust to keep your products and people safe; one that will allow you to control your environment and limit contamination by unwanted forces or particles as much as possible.

HardWall cleanrooms offer the most stability of any modular cleanroom. Particularly for higher classification and specialized aerospace cleanrooms, this cleanroom type offers more control across a wide range of requirements. The sturdy floor-to-ceiling panels create a fully sealed space for total power over environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and pressure. If your cleanroom needs the ability to control minute differences effectively and conveniently, a HardWall cleanroom is the best choice for your project.

 

HardWall Cleanrooms Are Customized

The best cleanroom for any project is one that is uniquely suited to your application, yet also versatile enough to adapt to your needs as your work develops. With HardWall cleanrooms, you can have both. HardWall modular cleanroom panels are fully customizable for your application, equipment specifications, and cleanroom classification. The panels are hardwearing for heavy use and can conform to your desired level of control as you need it. 

In the aerospace industry, the customization is particularly valuable. If your project requirements change from development to manufacturing to assembly, your cleanroom can be modified to meet new standards. If you need to change your layout to accommodate larger equipment or hardware, HardWall cleanrooms are easy to adapt, add to, reconfigure, or even relocate to a new space. All cleanrooms are an investment, but with a Hardwall cleanroom, you get the most out of your money.

 

HardWall Cleanrooms Are Convenient

If you need to set up a project quickly, or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of building a cleanroom from the floor up, you won’t find a better quality or more convenient option than a modular HardWall cleanroom. Each modular panel is built to your specifications offsite to later be assembled with ease at your desired location. Working with an expert cleanroom designer, you can choose the ideal layout for your cleanroom and decide on important design features ahead of time. Modular cleanroom panels arrive prewired for efficiency, with insulation already built-in, so you can get your new aerospace cleanroom up and running as soon as possible. 

Once installed, HardWall cleanrooms are easy to maintain and clean. The stationary wall design is more convenient to sanitize than a flexible one, so you can feel confident in your cleaning results. Made of non-particle shedding and non-off gassing materials, your HardWall cleanroom will protect your work with little effort required, for as long as you need it.

 

HardWall Cleanrooms Are Durable

In the aerospace industry, the products you develop and manufacture are designed to endure some of the most extreme conditions. Shouldn’t your cleanroom be just as durable? HardWall cleanrooms are constructed with heavy-duty frames that can either be attached to the floor or suspended from a reinforced ceiling grid. The modular panels won’t sag or bend over time and are guaranteed to be a long-lasting, secure, and chemically-resistant solution.

Designed to stand up in the toughest environments, HardWall cleanrooms are perfectly suited for aerospace applications. With this kind of durability, your work and investment will be safe and well-protected.

 

HardWall Cleanrooms Are Adaptable

A major benefit of modular HardWall cleanrooms is that they are incredibly adaptable. Modular panels can be arranged and installed almost anywhere. If you want your cleanroom located within an existing room or structure, a HardWall cleanroom can be easily installed, no new build required. HardWall cleanrooms can either be freestanding, suspended from a strong ceiling grid, or attached to an existing building structure.

HardWall cleanrooms can adapt to your space seamlessly, with either a separate HVAC system or integration with your building’s existing systems. Your cleanroom can also utilize light from existing windows and be designed around mounted equipment and utilities. If your project requirements change, the modular panels can be reconfigured, expanded, or condensed to meet new classification requirements or accommodate new equipment or hardware.

These modular cleanrooms are so versatile and reliable, they have us wondering: What can’t HardWall cleanrooms do? If you’re looking for a top-quality cleanroom that will give you full control over your space with the added convenience of prefabricated modular panels, this cleanroom type is the best choice for your aerospace project.

Time to install a HardWall cleanroom in your facility? Let us know! Our team can help design and install the cleanroom that’s perfect for your application. To get started on your project, give us a call or reach out to us online.

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