A cleanroom is an essential controlled environment in modern industries and scientific research, widely used in high-precision fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and aerospace. This guide will provide a complete overview of cleanrooms, covering their definition, classification standards, key design elements, construction process, and future trends.

I. Definition  of Cleanrooms

A cleanroom is a controlled environment where airborne particles, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants are maintained within strict limits using air filtration systems, pressure control, and temperature & humidity regulation. Its core value lies in providing a "zero-interference" environment for high-precision production and experiments, such as:

Semiconductor chip manufacturing, where even nanometer-sized dust particles can affect circuit accuracy.

Sterile pharmaceutical production, where microbial contamination must be completely eliminated.

Precision optical instrument assembly, where static electricity and particle adhesion must be prevented.

According to ISO 14644-1 international standards, cleanrooms are classified into nine levels (ISO 1 to ISO 9) based on the number of airborne particles ≥0.1μm per cubic meter, with ISO 1 being the highest cleanliness level.

II. Key Elements of Cleanroom Design

1. Spatial Layout & Airflow Organization

Cleanrooms typically adopt either unidirectional (laminar) flow or non-unidirectional (turbulent) flow designs:

Laminar flow design: Air flows in parallel at a uniform speed, suitable for ISO 1-5 ultra-clean environments, such as lithography rooms.

Turbulent flow design: Uses HEPA/ULPA filters to circulate purified air, ideal for ISO 6-8 areas, such as pharmaceutical packaging zones.

2. Material Selection & Surface Treatment

Walls and floors must be made of antistatic, corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or epoxy resin. All joints should be hermetically sealed to prevent particle accumulation.

3. Pressure Differentials & Environmental Control

Pressure differentials: A minimum 5Pa gradient between adjacent zones prevents contamination spread.

Temperature & humidity: Maintained at 22±2°C and 45±5% RH for stability.

4. Intelligent Monitoring Systems

Real-time monitoring of particle concentration, pressure differentials, and energy consumption is integrated with automated control systems to optimize operations.

III. Full-Process Management of Cleanroom Construction

1. Needs Analysis & Design Planning

Define cleanliness level, workflow, and equipment load requirements.

Customize layout and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) solutions based on building structure.

2. Construction & Equipment Installation

Enclosure structure: Ensures airtight sealing.

HVAC duct system: Uses smooth stainless steel to minimize airflow resistance.

HEPA/ULPA filters: Must undergo leakage testing before installation.

3. Validation & Commissioning

According to ISO 14644 standards, three key tests must be conducted:

Airborne particle count test

Airflow velocity & uniformity test

Recovery time test (time required to return to standard conditions after contamination)

IV. Future Trends in Cleanroom Technology

With industrial advancements, cleanrooms are evolving towards intelligent and sustainable solutions, including:

Digital Twin Technology: Uses virtual modeling to predict operational issues and optimize energy efficiency.

Modular cleanroom Construction: Prefabricated components reduce construction time

Green & Energy-Efficient Solutions: Technologies such as solar power integration and heat recovery systems contribute to the development of zero-carbon cleanrooms.

V. Conclusion

As the foundation of high-end manufacturing, cleanroom design and construction must balance scientific rigor, cost efficiency, and scalability. Whether for nanometer-scale semiconductor fabs or biological safety labs for vaccine production, choosing an experienced partner is critical. As an industry leader, Wiskind Cleanroom is driving technological innovation with its modular design, full-lifecycle services, and intelligent solutions. By providing end-to-end cleanroom solutions—from design to delivery, Wiskind is helping global customers push the boundaries of precision manufacturing.