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What are the different types of clean rooms?
Created on 07.25
Clean rooms are specialized environments designed to control contamination by regulating airborne particles, temperature, humidity, and pressure. They are crucial in industries where even microscopic contaminants can compromise product quality, safety, or research integrity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of clean rooms based on classification standards, airflow systems, industry applications, and structural designs.
1. Clean Room Classifications by ISO Standards
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines clean room classes in ISO 14644-1, which specifies the maximum allowable particle count per cubic meter.
ISO Class | Max Particles (≥0.5µm per m³) | Typical Applications |
ISO 1 | ≤12 | Semiconductor fabrication, nanotechnology |
ISO 3 | ≤1,020 | Microelectronics, advanced optics |
ISO 5 | ≤3,520 | Pharmaceutical sterile filling, biotech |
ISO 7 | ≤352,000 | Medical device manufacturing, compounding pharmacies |
ISO 8 | ≤3,520,000 | Packaging, food processing, some lab work |
ISO 9 | ≤35,200,000 | Basic industrial processes (least stringent) |
Key Takeaway: The lower the ISO class number, the stricter the contamination control required.
2. Types of Clean Rooms Based on Airflow Design
A. Unidirectional (Laminar) Flow Clean Rooms
Air moves in a single, constant direction (either vertical or horizontal).
HEPA/ULPA filters ensure ultra-clean air.
Best for: Semiconductor manufacturing, sterile drug filling, and precision assembly.
B. Non-Unidirectional (Turbulent) Flow Clean Rooms
Air circulates in multiple directions but is still filtered.
Best for: Less critical applications like packaging or testing labs.
C. Mixed Flow Clean Rooms
Combines laminar flow workstations within a turbulent flow room.
Best for: Facilities needing both general cleanliness and ultra-clean zones.
3. Clean Rooms by Industry & Application
A. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Clean Rooms
Must follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Used for sterile drug production, vaccine development, and cell therapy.
B. Semiconductor & Electronics Clean Rooms
Require ISO 1-5 standards due to extreme sensitivity to dust.
Used in microchip fabrication, nanotechnology, and display manufacturing.
C. Aerospace & Defense Clean Rooms
Needed for satellite assembly, spacecraft components, and optical systems.
Often feature ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection.
D. Medical & Healthcare Clean Rooms
Used in operating rooms, compounding pharmacies, and medical device production.
Must comply with FDA and ISO 13485 standards.
E. Research & Laboratory Clean Rooms
Found in universities, nanotechnology labs, and material science research.
Often modular for flexibility.
4. Structural Types of Clean Rooms
A. Hardwall Clean Rooms
Permanent structures with solid walls (steel, aluminum, or acrylic panels).
Best for: Long-term, high-cleanliness applications.
B. Softwall Clean Rooms
Made of vinyl or PVC curtains with a rigid frame.
Best for: Temporary or budget-friendly setups.
C. Modular Clean Rooms
Prefabricated, easy to expand or reconfigure.
Best for: Growing businesses or changing production needs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Clean Room
The type of clean room you need depends on:✔ Industry requirements (pharma, electronics, etc.)✔ Cleanliness level (ISO class)✔ Airflow design (laminar vs. turbulent)✔ Structural needs (hardwall, softwall, modular)
Whether you’re manufacturing microchips, producing vaccines, or conducting advanced research, selecting the right clean room ensures quality, compliance, and efficiency.
Need help deciding? Consult a clean room specialist to tailor a solution for your needs!
Would you like a deeper dive into any specific type of clean room? Let me know in the comments!
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