Cleanrooms have long been a vital part of medical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, military, life sciences, and aviation. Cleanrooms can be broadly categorised into custom and modular cleanrooms, and choosing between the two can be challenging if you’re not aware of the granular details.
Modular and custom cleanrooms refer to two different manufacturing methods. While neither solution is inherently better than the other, you should always evaluate the particular application needs of your business when committing to either option.
Modular cleanrooms are built from pre-engineered components, and custom cleanrooms are built specifically to your needs – this includes the construction materials, design, and facilities utilised. While modular cleanrooms are increasingly common, custom cleanrooms remain popular amongst businesses with custom requirements and higher safety standards.
So how do you know which is best for you? The answer will depend on your project requirements, timeline, budget, and other factors. Let’s look at some of the different areas in which modular and custom cleanrooms can vary and influence your decision:
Space
The first factor to consider is the space that the cleanroom will occupy. Modular cleanrooms come in fixed designs and sizes. Therefore, these cleanroom types can’t be resized to fit your required space and workflow. Although, modular cleanrooms can be easily disassembled and transported from one place to another. But this is one of the few benefits when it comes to space; you have limited alteration options.
Custom cleanrooms are designed and built considering the space they will be installed in. As such, its design and build are specific to your space needs. Unlike prefabricated modular cleanrooms, custom cleanrooms are constructed based on the requirements of the production line and the allocated space available. Hence, fitting into your production seamlessly and improving your efficiency immensely.
Purpose
The purpose for which the cleanroom will be used is another crucial factor to consider when deciding between a modular and custom design. Questions like: What will the cleanroom be used for the short and long term, the processes that will be performed, and the tools used are important to consider when deciding on the design and construction of your cleanroom.
Environmental factors like humidity, temperature, vibration, and pressure influence the design and materials used during cleanroom construction. If your business requires products that need to support high levels of contamination control, commissioning a custom cleanroom that adheres to all the safety guidelines would be most appropriate for you. However, if you plan on using a cleanroom to store certain materials, then a modular cleanroom may be more appropriate.
Time
Custom cleanrooms require more time relative to modular cleanrooms. Modular cleanrooms can be installed within days or weeks depending on how big or small your facility is, how many modules you need to install, and the supplier’s proximity to your location. These cleanrooms are shipped in modules and generally come with easy-to-understand DIY installation manuals. The supplier can also send their personnel to set it up for you if you require.
However, building a bespoke cleanroom requires more time. Custom cleanrooms involve a complete assessment of the necessary requirements and processes carried out in the cleanroom. This may include (but is not limited to) the materials it will process, the safety standards it should adhere to and accessing environmental factors that may affect its performance. This is followed by conceptualising the design and finalising the materials to build it then. Finally, then the commencement of construction and testing for compliance.
Budget
Budget is another consideration that may influence your final decision. Modular cleanrooms are usually cheaper than custom-built cleanrooms because they’re made from prefabricated panels and do not require a pre-design phase. This phase includes pre-design and pre-construction research and post-construction testing specific to your establishment.
Contrarily, customised cleanrooms require more working hours and materials, which can be rather costly in some instances. Additionally, engineers will need to carry out research and safety compliance tests, which can add to your final bill.
Both custom and modular cleanrooms are viable tools for several industries and applications. However, it’s important to understand your needs and requirements before choosing either one. When discussing your options with DRYSYS, you should be clear about your requirements, objectives and conditions so we can find you the best possible solution for your business.
As one of Australia’s leading bespoke engineering companies, DRYSYS specialises in designing, engineering, developing and constructing cleanrooms, among other industrial applications. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with one of our specialist engineers today.
