ISO 8 Softwall Cleanrooms: Flexible Solutions for Controlled Environments

Many organizations use ISO 8 softwall cleanrooms to achieve their goal of creating and maintaining a controlled environment for processes requiring moderate contamination control. 

An ISO 8 softwall cleanroom is ideal for operations where flexibility, affordability, and moderate cleanliness are necessary. Our softwall cleanrooms strike a balance between functionality and cost, making them a popular choice within a wide range of industries. 

What is an ISO 8 Softwall Cleanroom? 

An ISO 8 cleanroom is a controlled environment that meets the requirements of ISO 14644-1 for cleanliness, allowing up to 3,520,000 particles per cubic meter (at 0.5 microns or larger). Softwall cleanrooms are characterized by their modular construction, with flexible vinyl or PVC curtains acting as the walls, making them a cost-effective and adaptable solution.

Key Features of an ISO 8 Softwall Cleanroom

Cleanliness Standards: ISO 8 is the second-lowest level of cleanroom classification, suitable for environments where moderate contamination control is required. The primary focus is to control airborne particles to levels specified in the ISO standard.

Construction: Our softwalls are made of flexible, 40 mil, clear vinyl. The ceiling includes a grid to support HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) or ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filters for airflow control. Our motorized HEPA fan filter units (FFU’s) are included with our cleanrooms, so we can guarantee your cleanroom will meet the level of cleanliness you require from ISO 8 (Class 100,000) to ISO 4 (Class 10). Our cleanrooms also come standard with LED light panels.

Airflow: Softwall cleanrooms use HEPA filters to achieve cleanliness by filtering particles from the air entering the cleanroom. These filters typically employ non-unidirectional (turbulent) airflow to maintain air quality, as strict laminar flow isn’t typically necessary for ISO 8.

Applications for ISO 8 Cleanrooms 

This classification of cleanroom is common in industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, food production, and cosmetics. An ISO 8 cleanroom is suitable for processes that require moderate control of particulate contamination, such as assembly, packaging, or inspection tasks, including: 

• Medical device packaging 
• Instrument cleaning, repair, and testing 
• Food and beverage production 
• Supplement and nutraceutical packaging 
• Particulate isolation for injection molding / 3D printing, 
• OEM assembly and production
• Automated machinery enclosures 
• Dry and/or cold storage rooms 

Softwall cleanrooms are flexible. Their modular design allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration. They can easily be expanded or relocated to a different location if the organization needs to ramp up (or scale back) production.  

Softwall cleanrooms are generally more affordable than permanent cleanroom structures.

They are also quick to install, making them an excellent choice for projects requiring rapid deployment.

This type of cleanroom does require regular cleaning and monitoring to maintain particle levels within ISO 8 standards. In terms of maintenance, the FFU’s pre-filters and filters need periodic replacement, and the rooms softwall curtains may need replacement if they become damaged.

Best Practices for Using an ISO 8 Softwall Cleanroom

• Proper Gowning Procedures: Workers should wear appropriate cleanroom attire, including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, and shoe covers.
• Entry and Exit Protocols: Incorporate airlocks or entryways that minimize contamination.
• Regular Monitoring: Conduct particle counts and cleanroom validation tests to ensure compliance with ISO 8 standards.
• Preventative Maintenance: Keep filters, curtains, and flooring in good condition to maintain efficiency.

Technical Air Products’ Softwall Options

Constructed with 6063-T6 aluminum frames and 40-mil vinyl walls, our softwall cleanrooms are adaptable and easy to assemble. Other companies require their softwall cleanrooms to be drilled and tapped. This can cause corrosion and compromise frame structure. We use a T-slot fastening system that requires no drilling or tapping. All our framing is meticulously made; you won’t find a weld or weld spatter.

Our ISO 8 softwall cleanrooms offer the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness required for so many of today’s manufacturing and research applications. If you are looking for a reliable softwall cleanroom for your operation, request a quote today or contact us for more information.