Cleanrooms are the most important and effective way of ensuring that your business can maintain its standards of quality. However, cleanroom providers are only as useful as their cleaning service features. This post will discuss how you can find the best cleanroom provider for your needs.
Use of Technology
Cleanroom technology is evolving, and so the services provided by a cleanroom provider must evolve as well. According to Markets and Markets, the cleanroom technologies market is expected to be worth 9.6 billion USD by 2026, registering a CAGR of 6.2%.
In recent years, there have been many improvements in cleanroom design and function. The following are some of the most recent developments:
- Increased efficiency and accuracy – Newer technologies, such as 3D mapping data gathering systems, are helping improve cleanroom quality. These systems offer more accurate measurements for both floor area and space utilization, which reduces excess waste space in your facility and allows you to maximize your available square footage.
Additionally, this new technology allows you to track important data, such as temperature fluctuations or humidity levels, to better control the cleanroom environment.
- Improved user experience – Cleanrooms can be complicated spaces filled with expensive equipment. However, newer models make it easier than ever before for users who need access while wearing protective gear.
One example is an advanced dust filtration system called HEPA-Fresh™ that provides high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration while using less power than traditional solutions.
According to Globe Newswire, the HEPA filter market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2021 to 2029. These filters remove almost 99.97% of dust, bacteria, airborne particles, and pollen.
Types of Cleanrooms Offered
The most common types of cleanrooms are modular, stick-built, and soft-wall cleanrooms. While selecting a vendor, choose one like American Cleanroom Systems, which has expertise in providing different types of cleanrooms.
Modular cleanrooms are prefabricated wall systems that can be installed faster and can be modified easily. This type of cleanroom is more cost-efficient. According to Fact.Mr, the global modular cleanroom solution market is worth USD 240.7 million in 2022 and is estimated to touch USD 799.7 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 12.7%.
Standard cleanrooms or stick-built are standard steel and drywall construction, and it is cheap to install. On the other hand, soft-wall cleanrooms are mounted on casters so that they can be easily moved.
Different cleanrooms have different applications. Make sure the cleanroom provider you choose offers the type of cleanrooms you need.
Accurate and Timely Reporting/Analytics
Reporting and analytics are essential to ensure that the cleanroom is utilized effectively. It’s important to understand what reporting is, why it’s important, how to get the right information, and how to use that information.
An effective cleanroom provider should be able to provide accurate and timely reporting that provides you with the necessary data points for your project or process. The following are examples of some of these reports:
- CFU/ft2/hr (colony-forming units per square foot per hour) – This metric measures the amount of bacteria colonies in a given area over time. If a high number is recorded over long periods, then there may be an issue with the cleanliness of your facility or equipment.
- AHI (area hygiene index) – This metric measures how much dirt has been collected on surfaces compared to how often they were cleaned during a specific period. If this value continues increasing over multiple months or years, then there may be an issue with how often employees clean their work areas before beginning work duties each day (or week).
Cleanroom Compatibility and Monitoring
Cleanroom compatibility and monitoring are two essential service features that you should look for when choosing a cleanroom provider.
Cleanroom compatibility refers to the ability to work in a clean room environment. Cleanrooms require special equipment that reduces the number of contaminants within them, such as dust, humidity, and airborne particles. Without proper cleaning methods or protection mechanisms, workers can’t enter these environments without endangering themselves or contaminating their products.
Cleanroom monitoring refers to the ability to monitor the cleanliness of said environment throughout its use cycle from initial use through maintenance periods between shifts.
Achieving this requires thorough documentation of both processes used during setup as well as measurements taken during the operation itself. This can be done by way of video cameras mounted on walls inside each space or through integrated sensors located on surfaces like doors and edges where dust tends to collect most often when present in high concentrations nearby at any given time.
Quality Control and Process Validation Testing
QC and validation testing are different from other tests in many ways. For example, it can be used to improve processes rather than simply measure the quality of a product. It’s also used to ensure that your manufacturing process is producing consistent results.
If you’re looking for a cleanroom provider who understands how QC and validation testing fits into their services, make sure they:
- Understand what they’re supposed to do with it.
- Is willing to work with you during the development process so that you can identify areas where improvements need to be made, and
- Can provide training on how QC and validation testing should be used.
A Cleanroom Provider Should Offer a Full Suite of Services
You should look for a cleanroom provider that offers a full suite of services. A good cleanroom provider will have the right equipment and technology, as well as the right people.
They should provide you with
- A fully integrated cleaning solution that includes all of your cleaning requirements, from washdown to air handling equipment maintenance (AHM).
- Expertise in designing and building fully-customizable cleanrooms to meet your specific needs.
Conclusion
When choosing a cleanroom provider, it’s important to consider their full suite of services and how they can help you achieve your goals. It’s not just about having cleanrooms or even finding the best ones. It’s about finding one that offers everything you need.
