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How Has Technology Helped Cleanrooms Become More Effective?
In the past, the controlled environments found in cleanrooms have often been linked to science, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. However, in recent years, as advances have been made in technology, cleanrooms have grown outside these industries. Today, cleanrooms are an essential part of developing products and technologies in several industries, including aerospace, military, educational and research facilities, optics, biology, and nanotechnology.
Regardless of the industry where cleanrooms are being used, the most essential aspect to any cleanroom is keeping it clean. Cleanroom classification is based on the number of particles present in the cleanroom. These particles could potentially influence the end results and whether there is any contamination. As a result, measures have to be implemented in order to reduce and control the number of particles contained within a cleanroom.
Particles are created from equipment, processes, and even people entering and leaving the cleanroom. Improvements in technology have given those in charge of cleanroom maintenance and cleaning different options for ensuring they are better able to control the number of particles within the cleanroom. These options include, but are not limited to, the following:
Cleanroom Apparel - Specific uniforms, gowns, and garments are worn in cleanrooms, and improvements in how apparel is cleaned and kept sterile makes it possible to reduce the particles brought into the cleanroom. After leaving the cleanroom, it has to either be discarded or returned to the uniform supply company for proper cleaning and sterilization.
Robots - Robotics have come a long way from those automated machines used in manufacturing facilities. Today, there are robots specifically designed to perform cleaning and maintenance services within cleanrooms. These robots have to be properly sealed to prevent particles from being released into the room. Much of the internal components are similar to other types of robots, with one exception: they require special lubricants on moving parts and vacuum-pressurization to help contain any particles generated internally within the robot.
New Cleanroom Monitoring and Classification Standards - Largely due to changes in technology, ISO has recently updated the standards for cleanrooms. These new standards are contained in ISO 14644, and they replace the previous ones contained in Part 1 and Part 2. Companies are encouraged to review the new standards, and ensure their contracts and regulations are updated and modified to match the current standards.
Examples of How Companies Are Using Cleanrooms
This section looks at how some industries - outside science, medical, and pharmaceutical industries - are using cleanrooms.
- University research facilities and labs are allowing students to use cleanrooms to help control experiments and reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination. Implementing cleanrooms has helped students achieve more accurate results, as well as develop new discoveries in science and technologies.
- The aerospace industry is using cleanrooms in state-of-the-art facilities to build and design aircraft, spacecraft, lasers, ground rovers, satellites, and more. Having a cleanroom ensures the products are built in a controlled environment, and that no contaminants are able to compromise the processes or product.
- Optical lens manufacturers are starting to use cleanrooms to build camera lenses. In the past, dust and other particles could get trapped in between the lens, resulting in poor quality results. By using cleanrooms, manufacturers can ensure dust and particles are not accidently introduced, and that they are kept out of the finished product.
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