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Modular Cleanroom Cost Breakdown: What Affects the Price?
Created on 01.27
When planning a cleanroom project, one of the first and most common questions is: How much does a modular cleanroom cost?Unlike traditional construction, modular cleanroom systems offer faster installation and predictable pricing—but the final cost can still vary significantly depending on several technical and project-related factors.
This article provides a clear cost breakdown of modular cleanrooms and explains the key elements that influence pricing, helping you plan budgets more accurately and avoid hidden costs.
1. Cleanroom Size and Floor Area
The most direct factor affecting modular cleanroom cost is overall size.
Larger cleanrooms require more wall panels, ceiling systems, FFUs, and lighting
Increased floor area means higher material, fabrication, and installation costs
Height requirements (standard vs high ceiling) also impact structural pricing
While modular systems reduce waste and construction time, cleanroom size remains a primary cost driver.
2. ISO Cleanliness Level (ISO 5 – ISO 8)
The required ISO cleanroom classification has a major impact on system complexity and price.
ISO 5 cleanrooms
Higher FFU density
More HEPA filters
Higher airflow rates and stricter control
ISO 7–8 cleanrooms
Lower airflow requirements
Fewer FFUs
Reduced energy and equipment cost
In general, the higher the cleanliness level, the higher the investment in filtration, airflow control, and monitoring systems.
3. Softwall vs Hardwall Modular Cleanrooms
The structural type of the modular cleanroom significantly affects pricing.
Softwall Modular Cleanrooms
PVC curtains with aluminum or stainless steel frames
Lower material and installation cost
Faster deployment
Best for temporary or flexible applications
Hardwall Modular Cleanrooms
Rigid wall panels (sandwich panels, glass, acrylic)
Better airtightness and pressure stability
Higher durability and compliance
Higher upfront cost, lower long-term risk
Choosing the right system depends on whether the cleanroom is temporary, semi-permanent, or intended for long-term regulated use.
4. FFU and Airflow System Configuration
Most modern modular cleanrooms use FFU (Fan Filter Unit) systems, which directly affect cost.
Key cost factors include:
Number of FFUs required
HEPA filter efficiency (H13 / H14)
Air change rate and airflow uniformity
Integration with HVAC or standalone FFU design
Higher airflow precision and redundancy increase system reliability—but also increase price.
5. Wall Panels, Ceilings, and Materials
Material selection plays an important role in cleanroom pricing:
Wall panel type (steel sandwich panel, glass, acrylic)
Ceiling system (FFU ceiling grid, walkable ceiling, lighting integration)
Surface finish requirements (anti-static, chemical resistance, easy-clean coatings)
Medical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory cleanrooms often require higher-grade materials, which raises system cost.
6. Electrical, Lighting, and Control Systems
Beyond structure and airflow, support systems also contribute to total cost:
Cleanroom LED lighting
Electrical outlets and equipment power points
Differential pressure monitoring
Temperature and humidity control
Access control or interlock doors
The more automation and monitoring required, the higher the system investment.
7. Installation Location and Site Conditions
Project location and site readiness can influence modular cleanroom cost:
Local labor and installation requirements
Accessibility of the installation site
Existing building conditions
Need for structural reinforcement or utilities upgrades
One advantage of modular cleanrooms is reduced on-site construction time, which helps control installation-related expenses.
8. Customization and Future Expandability
Customized designs increase initial cost but can reduce long-term expenses.
Customization may include:
Non-standard layouts
Special equipment integration
Expansion-ready modular design
Relocatable cleanroom structures
A well-designed modular cleanroom can be expanded or reconfigured later, improving long-term return on investment.
Modular Cleanroom Cost vs Traditional Cleanroom Construction
Compared to conventional cleanroom construction, modular cleanrooms typically offer:
Shorter project timelines
Lower labor costs
Predictable pricing
Reduced downtime
Easier upgrades and expansion
Although initial costs may appear similar in some cases, modular cleanroom systems usually deliver lower total lifecycle cost.
How to Get an Accurate Modular Cleanroom Price
To receive a precise modular cleanroom quotation, manufacturers typically require:
Cleanroom size and height
Target ISO class
Softwall or hardwall preference
Industry and application
Installation location
Working with an experienced modular cleanroom manufacturer ensures transparent pricing and avoids unexpected project overruns.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cost breakdown of modular cleanrooms helps decision-makers balance performance, compliance, and budget. By carefully selecting cleanliness levels, system configuration, and materials, companies can achieve reliable contamination control while maximizing cost efficiency.
A modular cleanroom is not just a product—it is an engineered system designed to support long-term operational success.
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