In this article, let’s take a closer look at SoftWall cleanrooms. 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 SoftWall Cleanrooms?

SoftWall cleanrooms are the most cost effective type of cleanroom. Known for their affordability and versatility, they’re minimalist, easy to install cleanrooms that can meet a variety of ISO standards. Because of these characteristics, they make great cleanroom options for industries and applications that have minimal space within their facility, are under a quick time frame to get the project completed, and don’t require strict environmental requirements such as: plastics manufacturing, automotive, and some medical cleanroom applications. 

SoftWall Cleanroom Features

Depending on the specific application, every SoftWall cleanroom is designed and built differently. However, they all have some of the same basic features, which are listed in the three sections below: 

SoftWall Cleanroom Materials

In the most basic sense, SoftWall cleanrooms consist of an extruded aluminum ceiling system, legs, and clear curtains around the perimeter. Additional specifications include:

• Ceiling System – A SoftWall cleanroom’s ceiling system consists of a detailed network full of extruded aluminum framework, fan filter units (FFUs), lights, and cleanroom ceiling tiles. 
• Framing – SoftWall cleanroom framing is made of a durable, extruded aluminum, which is finished with white powder baked enamel or clear anodized. 
• Curtains – SoftWall cleanroom curtains are made of 40, 60, or 80 mil acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate, anti-static PVC, or polysim. They’re typically clear curtains, but depending on your application you may require light wavelength control and UV absorption. Curtains are mechanically fastened to the structure in an extruded track around the perimeter of the room.
• Entrances – SoftWall cleanrooms are compatible with strip curtain entrances, which can either be stationary or on a sliding track. 

SoftWall Cleanroom Sizes

SoftWall cleanrooms are available in standard sizes that come in 2’ x 4’ increments. However, many cleanroom manufacturers will allow you to request a custom size if needed. 

SoftWall Cleanroom Standards

SoftWall cleanrooms are able to meet most ISO standards. However, they don’t provide as much environmental control as their HardWall and RigidWall counterparts. 

Benefits of SoftWall Cleanrooms

So, what exactly makes SoftWall cleanrooms such a popular choice? Here are some of the most common reasons why our customers at Angstrom Technology enjoy them: 

Unmatched Affordability

Due to their simple, minimal design, SoftWall cleanrooms are typically the most affordable type of cleanroom. However, it’s important to remember that if your application requires the high level of control that only HardWall or RigidWall cleanrooms can provide, you’re better off making that higher upfront investment than trying to pinch pennies and purchase an ineffective solution. 

Extreme Reconfigurability

Also due to their simple, versatile design, SoftWall cleanrooms are more portable. They’re easy to move and modify, and they’re even able to fit into tight spaces other cleanroom types won’t because of their small footprint. This extreme reconfigurability results in their ability to provide a long-lasting investment. 

Exceptional Versatility

Although SoftWall cleanrooms all have the same basic features, they can be built to meet your specifications. Whatever filtration systems, specialized equipment, or workspaces you need, they’re all able to be installed and accommodated in a SoftWall cleanroom. 

Quick & Easy Installation

With minimal required materials and a relatively simple design, SoftWall cleanrooms can typically be installed within just a few days. Of course, this timeline depends on your project’s size and scope — but, overall, they’re the quickest type of modular cleanroom to build and install. 

The combination of low-cost and high versatility makes SoftWall cleanrooms an appealing option for any growing business. Think a SoftWall cleanroom might be right for your application? Angstrom Technology can help! Our team has extensive experience designing, installing, and servicing all types of cleanrooms, and we’re ready to aid in the development of yours. To get started, give us a call or contact us online today.

Examples of applications that can use SoftWall cleanrooms and benefits they provide in plastics industry cleanrooms, having project versatility is priceless. Modular SoftWall cleanrooms give you the ability to adapt to changes to create better products more efficiently — to help you reach your business goals and grow your profits. Here are five advantages SoftWall cleanrooms can offer the plastics industry:

#1 SoftWall Cleanrooms are Reconfigurable

In the plastics industry, demand can change quickly whether it’s producing poly bags through extrusion molding or manufacturing medical devices with injection molding machines. Having a SoftWall cleanroom enables your operations to shift into a higher gear quickly and adapt to changes seamlessly. 

SoftWall vinyl curtains allow your cleanroom to be easily expanded, condensed, or reconfigured as your project needs evolve. If you need more equipment or personnel to increase production, you can easily grow the SoftWall cleanroom by adding more panels. Or, if you’re working with a small space, SoftWall cleanrooms are much more compact than other cleanroom types, and can be streamlined to work in virtually any size space.

#2 SoftWall Cleanrooms are Easy to Install

If you need to set up a controlled environment quickly, SoftWall cleanrooms offer the advantage of an easy installation. New SoftWall cleanrooms can be set up in just a few hours. Compared to other cleanroom types that can take days to weeks to be fully installed, SoftWall cleanrooms are ideal for applications that need to get off the ground quickly. 

Despite their quick lead time, SoftWall cleanrooms don’t sacrifice quality. SoftWall cleanrooms are designed to meet your exact specifications. Their modular design and straightforward assembly means they can be put together by your team following the included instructions, or set up efficiently by a professional team of cleanroom experts.

#3 SoftWall Cleanrooms are Easy to Maintain

The simple, minimalist construction of SoftWall cleanrooms not only looks good in any space, but is also easy to maintain — so it always looks new and clean. Each panel consists of a sturdy and attractive aluminum alloy frame with a fresh powder coat enamel.  The curtain can be made of your choice of material — antistatic PVC, conductive PVC, polyethylene, vinyl, and more. The smooth design makes the panels extremely easy to clean and maintain, as there’s nowhere for tricky particles to shed or adhere where they could threaten your project.

SoftWall cleanroom panels can be suspended from a ceiling grid or freestanding in your space. The panels’ lightweight construction means your cleanroom can be easily moved around just about anywhere and reconfigured as you see fit. 

#4 SoftWall Cleanrooms are Customized to Your Application

SoftWall Cleanrooms can meet cleanroom standards ISO 14644-1 Classes 4-8, which means they are capable of reaching some of the most stringent requirements and cleanroom classifications. SoftWall cleanrooms can be outfitted with the essential systems and special features you need to make your project a success. 

From a custom lighting plan to cleanroom furniture and storage systems, SoftWall cleanrooms are designed to work perfectly for your application and industry-specific requirements. They may even be able to be integrated with your existing HVAC system, as long as it’s powerful enough to support the demands of your project.

#5 SoftWall Cleanrooms Provide Ultimate Flexibility

The biggest advantage of SoftWall cleanrooms for the plastics industry is that they give your operations room to grow. Both your space and your budget are given breathing room when you choose SoftWall cleanrooms, as they can meet cleanroom standards easily, and be customized to fit your application, and are also an approachable investment. 

With a SoftWall cleanroom you can start small and expand your operations and budget over time. SoftWall cleanrooms can also be easily stored if you decide to design a new cleanroom down the road. Whether you’re starting out, or just prefer to have the increased flexibility SoftWall cleanrooms provide, this cleanroom type is ideal for plastics industry applications wanting to scale or streamline their operations. 

SoftWall cleanrooms have many advantages for the plastics industry, allowing your cleanroom to expand or condense as your project needs evolve, be reconfigured to meet new requirements and standards, be fully customized to meet your application’s needs and goals.

If you think a SoftWall modular cleanroom would be perfect for your application, get in touch with Angstrom Technology today. We have everything you need to set up a controlled cleanroom environment with SoftWalls. Give us a call or reach out online to get started.

You may already be familiar with traditional HardWall cleanrooms. They are what most of us think of when we imagine the typical industrial cleanroom setting. Have you considered the possibility of an alternative cleanroom style that maintains the quality and capabilities of a HardWall cleanroom with the additional benefits of an economic package? It might be time to start thinking about SoftWall cleanrooms.

What is a SoftWall Cleanroom?

SoftWall cleanrooms are made using a simple framework and clear panels that offer a more flexible alternative to heavy and industrial HardWall cleanrooms. Their lightweight construction makes them more cost-effective, easier to set up, reconfigure and customize, all while capable of meeting a large variety of class standards. 

5 Benefits of Softwall Cleanrooms

A SoftWall cleanroom is a better choice for some projects. A HardWall cleanroom will be more of an investment and its walls make it less flexible. The right fit matters, and while a Hardwall cleanroom is more complicated to install and takes up more real estate — a Softwall cleanroom is more streamlined and minimalistic, possibly making a better fit for the space and your business’s needs. Still not convinced? Here are 5 benefits to building your cleanroom with something a little softer:

Affordable

Softer walls are softer on the wallet — when compared to HardWall or RigidWall cleanrooms. Their minimalist design requires fewer materials and tools to build. Fewer workers are needed to get your cleanroom up and running, so you can get back to doing what you do best. 

Still very customizable, these cleanrooms can be built to your exact specifications so you aren’t compromising on quality. Despite their low cost, SoftWall cleanrooms can meet class specifications from 10 to 100,000. They are perfect for a business that is starting with a limited budget, but needs room to grow.

Easy to Assemble

This type of cleanroom can be installed much more quickly than others — think a few hours instead of a few days. Due to their simple and lightweight design, SoftWalls can be moved and arranged to your preferences with little effort. Additionally, many of the panels can be prefabricated, further reducing the time required to assemble. 

If you don’t feel comfortable building the cleanroom yourself, an experienced crew can set it up for you. SoftWall cleanrooms are ideal for projects that are developing, as they can be expanded and reconfigured with ease to meet your facility’s needs.

Durable

The SoftWall frame is made of sturdy aluminum alloy, finished with a powder-baked enamel. You can choose the curtain material that best suits your needs, whether it’s PVC, polyethylene or anti-static vinyl. Unlike some panels that will release contaminates with aging or damage, the frosted or clear sheets are easy to clean and maintain. 

SoftWalls might be for you if your facility is looking for something reliable and efficient, but isn’t hindered by stringent requirements of temperature and humidity control.

Customizable

SoftWall cleanrooms are the most versatile of all cleanroom types because they can be built to comply with whatever customizations your facility demands. They are capable of meeting most classification standards and are compatible with HEPA or ULPA filters as well as a variety of door types. 

Your SoftWall cleanroom can be configured in various ways, either suspended from the existing structure or freestanding. Its versatility is perfect for a business that needs a cleanroom that is multifunctional, or one that is highly specialized.

Space-saving

Limited space requires a compact and flexible cleanroom. The adaptability of the SoftWall design means it can fit almost anywhere. Don’t let a small space limit your facility’s goals. No matter the size of your facility, SoftWall cleanrooms are easy to accommodate. When you’re ready to grow or expand your processes, your cleanroom can grow with you.

There’s a reason SoftWall cleanrooms are such a popular choice. They work with any budget, are easy to configure and maintain, and can be designed to work in whatever space your facility has available. 

Think a softwall cleanroom might be right for your application? Get in touch with the team at Angstrom for more information about designing and installing the ideal softwall cleanroom for you.