Tag Archives: Class 100 wipes

Choosing Wipes for Class 100 Cleanrooms

Posted on by

Selecting the right cleaning wipes for Class 100 (ISO 5) cleanrooms ensures particle-free surfaces, ESD protection, and efficient cleaning of sensitive equipment.

Key Features:

  1. Lint-Free and Non-Abrasive: Prevents scratches and fiber contamination on delicate surfaces.

  2. Antistatic Properties: Reduces electrostatic discharge (ESD) risk on sensitive electronics.

  3. High Absorbency: Quickly removes oils, dust, and residues with minimal wipes.

  4. Chemical Compatibility: Safe for use with IPA, deionized water, and approved cleaning agents.

Selection Guidelines:

  • Material Type: Choose polyester, microfiber, or blend wipes depending on application and absorbency needs.

  • Pre-Wetted vs. Dry: Pre-wetted wipes save prep time, while dry wipes allow flexible solvent use.

  • Size and Packaging: Select appropriate dimensions for surfaces and tools; sealed packaging ensures sterility.

  • Cleanroom Class Compatibility: Ensure wipes meet ISO Class 100 standards for particle control.

Applications:

  • Electronics Manufacturing: PCBs, sensors, and microchips.

  • Optical Devices: Lenses, microscopes, and cameras.

  • Laboratory Surfaces: Benches, instruments, and glassware.

  • Pharmaceutical Cleanrooms: Maintains sterile environments for sensitive processes.

Benefits:

  • Maintains Cleanroom Standards: Ensures ISO Class 100 particle-free conditions.

  • Protects Equipment: Antistatic and lint-free wipes prevent damage and contamination.

  • Improves Cleaning Efficiency: High absorbency and appropriate material reduce wipe usage and time.

  • Versatile Application: Suitable for electronics, optics, labs, and pharmaceutical environments.

Selection and Maintenance of Class 100 Wipes

Posted on by

Cleaning wipes in Class 100 cleanrooms are vital for maintaining ultra-low particle environments. Proper selection and maintenance ensure effective cleaning, contamination control, and protection of sensitive equipment.

Key Features:

  1. Sterile and Lint-Free: Wipes are free from fibers and particles, essential for maintaining Class 100 cleanliness standards.

  2. Antistatic Properties: Reduces electrostatic attraction, preventing dust and particle accumulation on surfaces and equipment.

  3. High Absorbency: Efficiently captures liquids, oils, and residues, minimizing wipe usage while ensuring thorough cleaning.

  4. Chemical Compatibility: Safe for use with IPA, deionized water, and other cleaning agents without degrading surfaces or wipes.

Selection Guidelines:

  • Assess Surface Sensitivity: Choose non-abrasive, lint-free wipes for delicate instruments and electronics.

  • Consider Wipe Size and Saturation: Select appropriate dimensions and pre-wetted or dry types based on cleaning tasks.

  • Verify Chemical Resistance: Ensure compatibility with cleaning solutions to prevent surface damage.

  • Check Packaging and Storage: Use sealed wipes to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.

Maintenance Practices:

  • Proper Storage: Keep wipes in original sealed packaging until use.

  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use dedicated wipes for different surfaces or areas.

  • Inspect Before Use: Ensure wipes are intact, free of fibers, and correctly saturated.

  • Dispose Correctly: Follow cleanroom protocols for used wipes to maintain cleanliness.

Applications:

  • Semiconductor Manufacturing: Cleans wafers, PCBs, and electronic components.

  • Laboratory Equipment: Maintains sterile benches, instruments, and optical devices.

  • Pharmaceutical Production: Ensures contaminant-free surfaces in production areas.

  • Routine Cleanroom Maintenance: Supports Class 100 standards for benches, tools, and equipment.

Benefits:

  • Maintains Cleanroom Standards: Ensures particle-free and ESD-safe surfaces.

  • Improves Cleaning Efficiency: High absorbency reduces wipe usage and cleaning time.

  • Protects Sensitive Equipment: Non-abrasive, lint-free design prevents damage.

Microfiber Cleanroom Wiper is a high-performance cleanroom wipe designed for precision cleaning with excellent abrasion resistance, chemical compatibility, and high absorbency. It features sealed edges and a microfiber surface, making it suitable for delicate, high-precision cleaning applications.

Tips for Using IPA Wipes in Class 100 Cleanrooms

Posted on by

IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) wipes are a key cleaning tool in Class 100 cleanrooms, where maintaining ultra-low particle levels and preventing contamination are critical. Proper use of these wipes ensures effective cleaning while protecting sensitive surfaces and equipment.

Key Features:

  1. High-Purity Isopropyl Alcohol: Typically 70% IPA with 30% deionized water, providing fast-evaporating, residue-free cleaning suitable for sensitive cleanroom surfaces.

  2. Lint-Free and Non-Abrasive: Designed to prevent fiber shedding and surface scratches, essential for delicate equipment like semiconductors, optics, and precision instruments.

  3. Rapid Evaporation: Ensures surfaces are dry quickly, minimizing downtime and preventing contamination from moisture.

  4. Chemical Compatibility: Safe to use on metals, plastics, glass, and coated surfaces without causing damage or leaving residues.

Usage Tips:

  1. Wipe in One Direction: Use linear motions rather than circular wiping to avoid redistributing particles on critical surfaces.

  2. Do Not Oversaturate: Excess IPA can leave streaks or drip into sensitive areas. Use pre-saturated wipes or lightly moisten dry wipes.

  3. Use Appropriate Wipe Size: Select wipes suitable for the surface area—smaller wipes for precision instruments, larger wipes for benches or workstations.

  4. Maintain Cleanroom Protocols: Always wear gloves, and ensure wipes are handled with minimal contact to avoid contamination from skin or ambient particles.

Applications:

  • Semiconductor Manufacturing: Cleaning wafers, PCBs, and equipment without introducing static or contaminants.

  • Optical Devices: Wiping lenses, microscopes, and mirrors to maintain clarity and precision.

  • Laboratories: Disinfecting and cleaning work surfaces and instruments in sterile environments.

  • Pharmaceutical Production: Ensuring production surfaces and equipment remain contaminant-free.

Benefits:

  • Effective Contaminant Removal: Quickly removes oils, dust, and residues from sensitive surfaces.

  • Maintains Cleanroom Standards: Supports Class 100 particle-free environment requirements.

  • Protects Sensitive Equipment: Non-abrasive, lint-free design ensures equipment safety during cleaning.

Wet wipes

How to choose the right dust-free cloth for a Class 100 cleanroom?

Posted on by

Selecting the right cleanroom wipes for Class 100 environments is crucial to maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and preventing contamination. Cleanroom wipes help ensure that the cleanroom remains free from particles, dust, and residues that could affect sensitive processes or products, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and precision laboratories.

Key Features:

  1. Low Particle Count: Wipes for Class 100 cleanrooms must have an extremely low particle count, usually ≤0.5 microns. This is essential to prevent contamination from even the smallest dust particles, which could compromise sensitive equipment or materials.

  2. Lint-Free Design: Lint-free wipes are crucial for preventing fiber shedding. Cleanroom wipes should not leave behind lint or fibers after use, as they can contaminate surfaces and interfere with critical operations.

  3. High Absorbency: Cleanroom wipes for Class 100 environments should be highly absorbent to effectively capture dust, oils, and solvents. High absorbency ensures a thorough cleaning process with minimal residue left behind.

  4. Chemical Resistance: The wipes should be compatible with cleaning solvents commonly used in cleanroom environments, such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and other non-corrosive solutions, without disintegrating or leaving harmful residues.

How to Choose the Right Wipe:

  1. Cleanroom Classification Compatibility: Ensure the wipe is designed for the cleanliness standards of a Class 100 environment. The material used, such as polyester or a blend of polyester and nylon, plays a key role in meeting these requirements.

  2. Material and Construction: Consider wipes made from non-abrasive materials like polyester, which are ideal for use in Class 100 cleanrooms. These materials provide effective cleaning without risking damage to sensitive surfaces.

  3. Size and Packaging: Select wipes that fit the cleaning needs of your cleanroom. For precise areas like electronics or laboratory tools, smaller wipes (e.g., 4×4 inches) may be more suitable. Also, consider bulk packaging for cost-efficiency in high-use environments.

  4. Pre-Wetted or Dry Wipes: Depending on your cleaning process, you may need pre-wetted wipes or dry wipes. Pre-wetted wipes with isopropyl alcohol are ideal for disinfecting and wiping surfaces, while dry wipes are suited for dusting or general cleaning tasks.

Applications:

  • Semiconductor Manufacturing: Essential for cleaning semiconductor wafers and circuit boards without introducing particles or residues.

  • Pharmaceutical Production: Used to maintain sterile environments by cleaning workstations, equipment, and surfaces in pharmaceutical labs.

  • Optical and Precision Equipment: Ideal for cleaning sensitive optical instruments like microscopes and lenses that require precision cleaning without the risk of contamination.

  • Laboratories: Used in scientific research environments where cleanliness is critical to ensure accurate and uncontaminated results.

Benefits:

  • Prevents Contamination: By effectively removing dust and residues, cleanroom wipes help maintain a particle-free environment, reducing the risk of contamination.

  • Improved Efficiency: High absorbency and lint-free design make the cleaning process faster and more effective, improving overall cleanroom productivity.

  • Protects Sensitive Equipment: These wipes ensure that delicate instruments and equipment are not damaged by abrasive materials or contaminants.