For a variety of products, processes, and procedures, a clean and sanitized space is required during the manufacturing process. This will ensure that whatever is being manufactured is protected from contamination and the process is safe, accurate, and produces a high-quality product. When conditions are not optimal, it can require work to be redone, costing time and money for the manufacturer.

The manufacturing of certain products, processes, or procedures requires the use of a cleanroom. Cleanrooms are designed and engineered to precisely control, monitor, and maintain the environment of the room. The primary use for cleanrooms is to limit contamination from dust, vapor, microbes, fibers, or other biological hazards. They can also be used to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow, filtration, and pressure.

There are several categories of cleanrooms depending on what is being done within the room and how clean the space needs to be in order to produce quality products. The ISO 14644 separates cleanrooms into nine different classes. ISO Class 1 cleanrooms hold air that is the cleanest and has the fewest number of particles in the air. ISO Class 9 cleanrooms are still very clean, but have the lowest standards.

There are various industries that require the use of cleanrooms and depending on what is being done, will determine what ISO Class is required for the room. When cleanrooms were first being used, it was typically in the high-tech semiconductor industries, university research, and life sciences laboratories. However, there are many more industries that utilize cleanrooms.

Supply Your Cleanroom With SOS Cleanroom

SOS (Specialty Optical Systems) Cleanroom has been supplying cleanroom products, starting with microscopes, optical systems, and technical lighting, since 1981. We quickly became known in the industry for providing hard to find cleanroom supplies and became an exclusive distributor for GE Lighting, Sylvania, Philips Lighting, and others. We hope to continue to be able to provide high-quality products to government agencies and educational institutions. Through the many relationships that we have built with clients and organizations, we strive to work together in order to benefit each other.

Industries That Utilize Cleanrooms

Electronic Part Production

Anyone who works with computers will know that certain factors can cause a lot of damage, including temperature, humidity, and static. In a cleanroom, these factors can directly affect the manufacture of a variety of different electronic parts. Cleanrooms in this industry use several different cleanroom products, such as anti-static coveralls and lab coats, anti-static wipes, ESD (electrostatic discharge) cleaning products, ESD floor and bench mats, and more. Electronic manufacturing cleanrooms typically require an ISO Class of 1 to 6.

Biotechnology

There are a variety of markets within the biotechnology industry, such as medical research to develop new drugs, agricultural research so that better foods can be developed, environmental research for an increased understanding of how to protect the Earth, or industrial research and testing for chemical production. These fields handle sensitive fluids, organic matter, and live cells that require a nearly contaminate-free space. Any contamination could lead to inaccurate test results. Biotechnology industries require sterile swabs, wipers, aprons, face masks, gloves, and more. Cleanrooms in the biotech field typically require an ISO Class of 5 to 8.

Life Sciences

Similar to the biotechnology field, life sciences include chemistry and medical biology on the cellular level, including plant, animal, or human cells. Life science industries store and manipulate cells within fluid and organic matter that are extremely sensitive to contamination. In the pharmaceutical industry, scientists and researchers may also handle chemicals and compounds. Cleanrooms in the life science industry require products including presaturated and dry wipes, mops, disinfectants, swabs, and sterile products. They typically require a cleanroom that is an ISO Class 5 to 8.

Food Manufacturing

A relatively new use for cleanrooms is the food manufacturing industry. The manufacture and production of food is a highly regulated process due to the fact that millions of people suffer from allergies and in order to prevent the contamination of processed foods, such as meat and cheese treatments. Cleanrooms require high hygiene standards to ensure that bacteria, fungi, or mold cannot develop and grow. To create an ideal environment, humidity, moisture-levels, temperature, air velocity, and air pressure need to be regulated. Cleanrooms in the food manufacturing industries require gloves, face masks, safety glasses, coveralls, shoe covers, and more. Because certain foods have varying levels of sensitivity, the ISO Class can range, but must meet ISO 6.

Automotive

When most people think about the automotive industry, they may think about a line of car parts, such as doors, hoods, or bumpers, being placed onto the frame of a car. However, today’s vehicles consist of a variety of sensitive circuitry and computer components that can be damaged by static, moisture, temperature, or air pressure. Similar to the production of electronic parts, cleanrooms in the automotive industry require cleanroom products such as anti-static coveralls and lab coats, wipes, and ESD cleaning products. Depending on the part that is being manufactured, automotive cleanrooms require an ISO Class of between 6 and 9.

Whatever industry you’re in, SOS Cleanroom has the cleanroom products and supplies you need to maintain a successful room. From custom swabs for hard to reach spaces to disinfectant solutions for cleaning surfaces to a variety of cleanroom apparel — SOS has what you need. Providing quality cleanroom products and exceptional customer service since 1981, you can count on us for professional and reliable service. Shop our collection and contact us today with any questions or for a custom order.