Constructing a cleanroom in any space is a major advantage of the modular cleanroom building process. Let’s look at where you can build a cleanroom in your current space and what that process looks like.

WHERE CAN YOU CONSTRUCT A CLEANROOM?

Retrofit cleanrooms can achieve any ISO cleanroom classification, and construction can happen in various spaces. However, the best type of cleanroom for each space may differ. Let’s take a look at three examples.

1.     CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION IN A LARGE INDUSTRIAL SPACE

If you’d like to construct a cleanroom in a large space such as a warehouse, you have a lot of freedom when it comes to the square footage and layout of your cleanroom. Although you have plenty of space, it’s important only to build the cleanroom as large as it needs to be. This will not only save you money on materials during cleanroom construction but will also cut down energy usage once the cleanroom is in operation.

In a large space, you can suspend modular cleanroom panels from a strong ceiling grid or build a freestanding cleanroom. Your cleanroom can also be constructed to include existing walls, utilize light from existing windows, and even connect to the utilities of the building — as long as they meet your cleanroom classification requirements. Any type of modular cleanroom is suitable for a large space, so you can choose between a HardWall, SoftWall, RigidWall, or Seamless cleanroom — whatever will be best for your application.

2.     CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION IN SMALL SPACES

Although large spaces offer plenty of room to spread out, don’t discount smaller spaces for cleanroom construction. A flexible modular cleanroom type — such as SoftWall cleanrooms — can be highly effective in a tighter space. SoftWall modular cleanroom panels can be arranged into more condensed layouts than their HardWall or RigidWall counterparts while still achieving ISO Classes 4-8.

Additionally, the modular design means SoftWall cleanrooms can be set up quickly, easily reconfigured or taken down and stored, and moved virtually anywhere you need a cleanroom.

3.     OFFICE SPACE TO CLEANROOM CONVERSION

Unused office space presents a great opportunity when looking for space to install a new cleanroom. A new cleanroom design can incorporate many elements of the existing structure. Depending on your cleanroom’s requirements, you may be able to use an existing ceiling grid, walls, and windows.

To convert office space into a cleanroom, you must upgrade each surface to create a flush, non-particle-shedding structure. HardWall cleanroom walls are ideal for office space conversions — offering a high level of control over environmental conditions within the space. The retrofit cleanroom design might also include antistatic flooring, a grid lighting system, and an airflow pattern that works with the customized space.

RETROFIT CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

The process of retrofit cleanroom construction in every space will look a bit different, as it’s highly customized to each application. It involves four main steps, of which the first two are the most critical. Those include site survey, design, construction, and installation.

1.     CLEANROOM SITE SURVEY

Cleanroom construction in an existing structure relies on the planning stages to ensure your space can support the cleanroom you need. Before any work begins, a cleanroom expert must assess the space to determine whether it will accommodate the necessary equipment, furniture, and personnel. They’ll also examine the quality of the room’s air to specify filtration needs and determine what systems can be adapted or replaced.

2.     CLEANROOM DESIGN

When designing your retrofit cleanroom layout, the cleanroom designer will need to factor in how the space influences the airflow pattern. A cleanroom design expert uses computational fluid dynamics to map out the airflow pattern for your application and layout. They’ll need to know where furniture and equipment will be installed to optimize the design.

3.     CLEANROOM CONSTRUCTION

With the design complete, it’s time to move on to cleanroom construction. With modular cleanrooms, the structure is built to meet the design specification and the cleanroom’s classification standards. They are pre-wired and pre-insulated so they can be quickly assembled and installed in the existing building once they arrive.

4.     CLEANROOM INSTALLATION

Finally, the cleanroom is ready for installation in your existing structure. The installation process will be straightforward after spending more time planning and designing the cleanroom to work in your space. Modular panels will be attached to existing walls, and new walls will be set up to be either freestanding or suspended. An installation team will install HEPA filters lighting systems in the ceiling, then connect the cleanroom HVAC system.

Cleanroom construction in an existing structure requires extra care and attention. Due to the cleanroom’s critical nature, we recommend having a team of experts install the cleanroom into your space to ensure a flawless end product. This way, you get a suitable cleanroom for your application and space.

SPEAK TO THE EXPERTS AT ANGSTROM TECHNOLOGY ABOUT YOUR RETROFIT CLEANROOM

Are you wondering if you can build a cleanroom in your space? Give Angstrom Technology a call! Our professional cleanroom designers can assess your site and design a cleanroom that will work perfectly in your space. To get started, give us a call or reach out to us online today.

Modular cleanrooms are popular in many industries because of their versatility, durability, and cost effectiveness. They can offer several advantages for the plastics industry to help companies streamline their operations and meet their classification requirements effortlessly. 

Let’s take a look at 5 specific advantages plastics industry cleanrooms can enjoy by going modular.

#1 Modular Cleanrooms are Convenient and Easy to Assemble

Modular cleanrooms are designed to streamline the cleanroom design and construction process. Fabricated off site to your exact specifications, modular panels come pre-wired and insulated, with all the special features you need to make your project a success. They can be assembled according to a detailed set of instructions and integrated with your cleanroom systems — providing you with a fully functional cleanroom with minimum disruption to your facility’s operations.

In the plastics industry, efficiency is key. With a short turnaround time on many projects, having a powerful, convenient cleanroom option that can be designed, built, and installed quickly can make all the difference. Modular cleanrooms provide all the environmental control and stability you need, without the lengthy and expensive process of traditional construction.

#2 Modular Cleanrooms Can be Reconfigured or Expanded

Another great advantage of going modular, is that this cleanroom type can easily be reconfigured, expanded, condensed, or even moved if your project needs change. Modular panels allow for the ultimate flexibility of cleanroom construction — without sacrificing quality. By adding or taking away panels, you can reshape your space to fit in your existing structure, around mounted equipment, and utilize your building’s systems.

Modular cleanrooms used for application in the plastics industry must be able to adapt to changing project demands or goals. A cleanroom that can be easily modified to meet new requirements or be reconfigured to accommodate new equipment, personnel, or products, not only makes it easier to get started on whatever’s next, but it can also save your company money. 

Instead of building new cleanrooms to conform to the classification standards, industry requirements, and cleanroom systems of each new project — one modular cleanroom can do it all.

#3 Modular Cleanrooms Can Meet Any Classification Standard

Modular cleanrooms can adapt to any cleanroom classification or industry standard for cleanliness and environmental control. There are three main types which can meet the needs of your classification and application:

• HardWall Cleanrooms: capable of reaching any ISO classification — even the most stringent Class 1
• SoftWall Cleanrooms: lightweight and flexible cleanroom construction ideal for ISO Classes 4-8
• RigidWall Cleanrooms: crystal-clear modular panels best suited for ISO Classes 5-8

In the plastics industry, cleanrooms must be able to control temperatures and environmental conditions to maintain large machinery that generates significant heat. Plastics cleanrooms must be able to ensure sterility during the manufacturing and packaging of plastics products. 

Especially for the development of plastics for critical uses, like medical devices, extreme care and cleanliness is essential for consumer safety. Modular cleanrooms are able to provide the sterile environment these applications need to be successful.

#4 Modular Cleanrooms are Built to Withstand Anything

Plastics industry cleanrooms have multiple processes in motion at all times, from traffic of personnel, carts, and cranes, to the operation of large equipment like plastic injection molding machines, which can range in size from 50 to 1,000 tons. 

Plastics cleanrooms require consistent cleaning to maintain quality standards and ensure the facility performs at optimal levels. A durable cleanroom is essential to handle day-to-day operations and proper sterilization.

Extremely durable modular panels are made with non outgassing and non particle shedding materials, and designed to withstand anything. They’re fire and impact resistant and can handle thorough, regular cleaning protocols without corroding or losing integrity. ESD-safe materials are also available for sensitive applications.

#5 Modular Cleanrooms are Customizable to Your Application

Modular cleanrooms are designed and built off site, but they can still be constructed with full range of customizations. Depending on what you need your cleanroom to do, your cleanroom will support your custom layout, airflow pattern, industry-specific equipment, and cleanroom trades like your HVAC, lighting, and filtration systems. 

You can even have your modular cleanroom designed to integrate with systems in your existing structure, so it will fit in any sized space, utilize light from existing windows, connect to your air handling system, and more.

Applications in the plastics industry can use modular cleanrooms to meet requirements set by the ISO and their industry, and set their project up for success by incorporating all the tools and features they’ll need in their modular cleanroom design.

Ready to get started on a modular cleanroom? Give Angstrom Technology a call! We design, build, and install modular cleanrooms to meet any classification requirements. Our prefabricated panels come with detailed instructions, ready to set up right away. Of course, if you’d rather skip the work, have our cleanroom experts install it for you!

Modular cleanrooms are the most convenient way to build a custom cleanroom for your facility. Panels are pre-fabricated according to your specific cleanroom design, and arrive with everything you need to get your cleanroom up and running as soon as possible. Modular cleanroom panels offer many benefits to the cleanroom building process, such as: 

• Designed with a cleanroom expert to meet your cleanroom classification
• Custom-built to your application and project requirements
• Pre-wired and pre-insulated panels are ready to use
• Can easily be reconfigured if your project needs change
• Easy to assemble for a quick turnaround time

When your prefabricated modular cleanroom panels arrive, they’ll come with detailed directions to guide you through the setup. If the process of ordering, shipping, and assembling a modular cleanroom seems daunting, let’s break down what you can expect throughout this process. 

What to Expect When Assembling a Modular Cleanroom

Modular cleanrooms are much more convenient than building a cleanroom on-site, but you may not know what to expect when it arrives. Let’s talk about what happens when you order your custom modular cleanroom and what’s needed when it comes time to assemble it onsite.

Ordering Your Modular Cleanroom

When you order your modular cleanroom, a cleanroom design expert will go over the details of  your specific project with you to make sure it contains everything you need to make your  new cleanroom a success. The designing process could take a few weeks, depending on the intricacies of your cleanroom design, the type of cleanroom you order, and your cleanroom classification and specific industry requirements.  Once design is complete, the panels will be fabricated to your exact specifications.

Once the panels are ready to ship, they will be packaged and transported with the utmost care. All modular cleanroom panels are made of the highest quality materials — strong enough to withstand the conditions of your work, yet flexible enough to be set up and reconfigured with ease if your project needs change.

Cleanroom design experts handle all the arrangements, so you won’t have to worry about controlling contamination risks in the shipping of your cleanroom panels. 

Professional Cleanroom Assembly Assistance

If you want to skip the DIY setup, you can have cleanroom professionals complete the installation for you. A cleanroom installation team can assemble your custom modular cleanroom with minimum disruption to your facility’s operations and with maximum efficiency to get your new cleanroom up and running as soon as possible. Quality cleanroom construction is very important to the initial and future functionality of a cleanroom.   A professional install team can make sure all the technical details are carried out according to your cleanroom design so that it complies with your classification requirements and industry standards.

How Long Does Modular Cleanroom Assembly Take?

The entire design-to-installation process will depend on the complexity of your unique cleanroom. Do you have special features, storage, furniture, lighting, or systems to include in the design? Does your cleanroom fall under a stringent cleanroom classification? More complex cleanrooms will require more time to make sure every detail is just right when the modular panels arrive on your site.

Once the cleanroom has arrived, the assembly time can also vary by cleanroom type. SoftWall cleanrooms are known for being easy to assemble, disassemble and reconfigure. SoftWall modular cleanroom assembly generally only takes a few hours. HardWall and RigidWall cleanroom assembly is more involved, but can still be completed in just a few days. 

Once your modular cleanroom is set up, it’s only a matter of keeping it in optimal condition. Routine maintenance will serve to keep all systems running at peak efficiency so your operations can continue to move along smoothly.

Whether you prefer to assemble your modular cleanroom yourself, or would like a team of professionals to install it for you, Angstrom Technology is here to design, build, and deliver the best cleanroom available. To learn more about the process and get started with your cleanroom installation, get in touch with us today.

The modular cleanroom building process is as multifaceted as your industry and as vital as your work, which is why finding with the right team to help you with cleanroom design, construction, and installation is crucial. They’re responsible for making sure your cleanroom is developed, built, and delivered to your exact specifications and ready to serve you as soon as possible. Let’s explore what’s involved in the modular cleanroom building process.

Building a Custom Modular Cleanroom

Building the perfect cleanroom requires behind-the-scenes planning based on your requirements and available space. The work begins with your cleanroom classification.

Cleanroom Classification

Your cleanroom designer thoroughly understands your cleanroom classification and how it applies to every part of your cleanroom build. They’ll work with you to learn about your industry-specific standards as well as any special features or modifications your team and project need to be successful.

Space Requirements

With your needs in mind, your cleanroom design team evaluates your current space to see where it needs upgrading and adjusting to be ready to receive your cleanroom. When choosing where to install your cleanroom, you have a few options. It can either be attached to the building’s structure, suspended from a strong ceiling grid, or freestanding within the space. 

Your cleanroom layout adjusts based on your available space, to fit around mounted equipment and even use light from existing windows. In some applications, your new modular cleanroom may be able to connect to the building’s existing HVAC system. However, some facilities may require a dedicated cleanroom HVAC for ultimate environmental control.

Cleanroom Types

When evaluating your available space, classification requirements, and project needs, your cleanroom design team can help you determine which cleanroom type will be the best fit for your application. If you have a small space and need a condensable modular cleanroom that will allow you to easily expand operations as you grow, a SoftWall cleanroom may be ideal for you. Or, if you have stringent classification requirements and need specialized equipment and considerations, a HardWall cleanroom may be better suited for your project.

Modular Cleanroom Design

When designing your ideal modular cleanroom, many different factors go into developing the ideal plan for your new cleanroom. Your cleanroom design includes the equipment you’ll be using as well as any cleanroom furniture, cabinetry and storage, personnel and paths for them to move in the space. Your layout is designed with this information in mind, as well as your cleanroom classification — which dictates the required ceiling coverage percentage and the number of FFUs required to meet it. 

Cleanroom design experts use computational fluid dynamics to develop a virtual model of your cleanroom. They use this to determine the best airflow pattern for your space to meet all requirements. Your airflow pattern should be able to clean all of the air within the space effectively with each air change in order to make the most efficient use of HEPA filters and extend their life. 

Your cleanroom design also intersects with other systems in your cleanroom including lighting, static control, pressurization, and more. Additional spaces for storage, gowning, and waste disposal can also be included as necessary. 

With all of this information in place, your modular cleanroom design is an all-inclusive system that will be easy to replicate once assembled at your site.

Modular Cleanroom Construction

Once the design phase is complete, the modular cleanroom panels are manufactured to exact specifications. The panels are pre-wired and pre-insulated for efficiency. Modular panels are designed to fit together quickly and easily like a three-dimensional puzzle. Once the panels are developed, they are packaged securely so they arrive clean and ready to use.

Even though they’re fully customized to build your unique cleanroom, the modular design means each panel stands alone. Modular cleanroom panels can be reconfigured, expanded, condensed, or stored so you can easily modify or upgrade your cleanroom for new projects or classification requirements.

Modular Cleanroom Installation

When your modular cleanroom panels arrive at your site, they’ll come with detailed instructions for how to assemble your custom-designed cleanroom. You can either assemble it yourself or have it professionally installed by the team that is already familiar with your classification standards, building space, and cleanroom design.

How Long Will the Cleanroom Building Process Take?

The entire modular cleanroom building process varies in length depending on your classification standards and level of customization. Some cleanroom types, like SoftWall cleanrooms, can be fully installed and ready to use in a few days, where HardWall cleanrooms with stringent requirements and many modifications could take up to a few weeks. In either case, the cleanroom design experts take the necessary time to make sure everything meets your classification standards. When the process is complete, you’ll have a top-quality, high-performance modular cleanroom that is fully equipped to take your operations to the next level.

Worried about designing all parts of your cleanroom up to standard? Let Angstrom Technology help! Our cleanroom design experts know how your cleanroom’s HVAC, filtration system, and airflow patterns can work together in a seamless and efficient way. We can build your cleanroom so it’s up and running as soon as possible and meeting all classification requirements. To get started on your cleanroom design, give us a call or reach out online today.