24 Dec ISO 5 vs ISO 8 Cleanrooms: Understanding the Differences
If you’re unfamiliar with cleanrooms, trying to understand the difference between ISO 5 vs ISO 8 can feel frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s actually easier to grasp than it might seem at first. In this article, we’ll break down the main differences between ISO 5 vs ISO 8 cleanrooms.
Comparing ISO 5 vs ISO 8 Cleanrooms
The main difference between ISO 5 cleanrooms and ISO 8 ones is that the former are significantly stricter in terms of particle limits. An ISO 5 space limits up to 3,520 particles per cubic meter for particles 0.5 micrometers or larger, whereas ISO 8 cleanrooms allow up to 3,520,000 particles per cubic meter. For some perspective, this is 1,000 times more particles for this range.
Furthermore, ISO 5 cleanrooms require between 240 and 600 air changes per hour to stay within particle thresholds, while ISO 8 cleanrooms typically need just 5 to 48 air changes per hour. This difference in particle limits and air change requirements, as a result, creates the differences in design, cost, and applications of the different types of cleanrooms.
| ISO 5 Cleanrooms | ISO 8 Cleanrooms | |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Counts | Up to 3,520 particles per cubic meter (at 0.5 micrometers) | Up to 3,520,000 particles per cubic meter (at 0.5 micrometers) |
| Air Changes per Hour | 240 to 600 | 5 to 48 |
| Relative Costs | Higher due to frequent air changes, strict particle limits, and unidirectional airflow requirements | Lower due to fewer air changes and more relaxed filtration needs |
| Applications | – Semiconductor manufacturing (photolithography) – Pharmaceuticals (filling rooms) – Aerospace – Medical devices |
– Packaging – Medical devices (low-risk stages) – Food processing |
Particle Counts in ISO 5 vs ISO 8 Cleanrooms
Particle counts are perhaps the most important factor in determining a cleanroom’s classification.
ISO 5 Cleanrooms
As we’ve stated already, ISO 5 cleanrooms allow only 3,520 particles per cubic meter for particles 0.5 micrometers or larger. These spaces also have to control for smaller particles, such as those 0.1 micrometers or larger, because these can affect the work done within these spaces.
ISO 8 Cleanrooms
ISO 8 cleanrooms, on the other hand, allow up to 3,520,000 particles per cubic meter for particles 0.5 micrometers or larger. Unlike ISO 5 cleanrooms, they do not control for smaller particles, as these do not typically affect the industries that use ISO 8 spaces.
Air Change Requirements
In cleanrooms, air change rates are an important factor in keeping the air clean. Air changes per hour (ACH) measures how frequently the air in a room is replaced, which has a direct impact on particle levels.
- ISO 5 cleanrooms require anywhere from 240 to 600 air changes per hour to maintain particle levels.
- ISO 8 cleanrooms, on the other hand, require far fewer air changes, typically between 5 to 48 per hour.
Relative Costs of ISO 5 vs ISO 8 Cleanrooms
All else being equal, the price of a cleanroom goes up the higher the ISO class. This is because extra features, higher air change rates, and other factors all lead to higher costs, both to construct the cleanroom but also to maintain it. Let’s take a look specifically at the differences between ISO 5 vs ISO 8 costs.
ISO 5 Cleanroom Costs
Because of the need for frequent air changes to maintain lower particle levels, construction and operational costs will be higher. Additionally, these rooms will likely need to make use of unidirectional/laminar air flow, which will push costs up even further.
ISO 8 Cleanroom Costs
ISO 8 cleanrooms, on the other hand, are less expensive to build and operate because of the lower number of air changes required, as well as more relaxed filtration needs. Also, in most cases, ISO 8 cleanrooms do not need to use unidirectional airflow, which makes them cheaper.
Applications of ISO 5 Cleanrooms
As far as applications go, ISO 5 cleanrooms are necessary in many industries, especially where the smallest particles can cause issues with products. In some of these fields, even a single particle can damage them:
- Semiconductor Manufacturing (Photolithography): Keeps wafer patterns free from contamination.
- Pharmaceuticals (Filling Rooms): Makes sure that medications remain uncontaminated during final packaging.
- Aerospace: Prevents particles from seeping into products during production; contamination in aerospace parts can lead to catastrophic failures.
- Medical Devices: Keeps medical equipment and devices safe for use.
Applications of ISO 8 Cleanrooms
ISO 8 cleanrooms, by contrast, are much less strict than the other classifications, but sometimes there is still a need to have some limitations on the number of particles. Some common applications include:
- Packaging: Reduce the risk of contaminating products.
- Medical Devices: Lower contamination for low-risk stages in manufacturing.
- Food Processing Cleanrooms: Reduce contamination during food processing to protect food quality.
ISO 5 vs ISO 8: The Bottom Line
The main difference between ISO 5 vs ISO 8 cleanrooms is their levels of cleanliness. ISO 5 cleanrooms are much stricter, and allow far fewer particles than ISO 8 spaces. This makes ISO 5 environments great for sensitive applications like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals; ISO 8 cleanrooms, on the other hand, are less strict but also more affordable, which makes them a great fit for applications like packaging or food processing.
Interested in adding cleanrooms to your location? Reach out to the experts at Allied Cleanrooms today for a quote on new controlled environments.