Technical Papers

Cleanroom Consumable & Vendor Selection: Recommended Practices

Written by Jan Eudy | May 11, 2023

In this first chapter of Valutek’s Cleanroom Product & Vendor Selection Technical Series, you’ll discover how to make informed, science-based decisions when selecting consumables and vendors for controlled environments. By the end, you’ll understand:

  • Why certain “cleanroom grades” of consumables are misleading
  • The importance of using data-driven criteria for product selection
  • How to leverage industry standards for optimal results

This article is Chapter 1 of Valutek's Technical Paper Series:
Cleanroom Product & Vendor Selection: Recommended Practices

Debunking Myths and Simplifying Product Selection

Cleanroom consumable selection is often clouded by marketing myths—like the idea that a “Class 10 garment” or “Class 100 wiper” exists. In reality, these labels stem from outdated standards and overgeneralizations.

No cleanroom consumable can truly be non-shedding; every material introduces some level of particles into the environment. Relying on claims that link product quality to broad air cleanliness classifications (such as ISO 14644-1, ISO 14644-2, or Federal Standard 209E) is a common pitfall.

“Do not be confused or misled by vendors that perpetuate the bad science of marketing an environmental air quality cleanliness standard … for consumables used in that environment.”
— Jan Eudy, Cleanroom & Contamination Control Consultant

How Should Controlled Environments Set Criteria?

For both reusable and single-use cleanroom materials, decisions should go beyond price and availability. Industry studies have shown that up to 70% of cleanroom contaminants are operator generated—making vendor quality essential to process integrity and product safety.

Key criteria for consumable and vendor selection should be rooted in recognized standards like IEST-RP-CC003, IEST-RP-CC004, IEST-RP-CC005, IEST-RP-CC018, and IEST-RP-CC020, as well as the ISO 14644 series. Procurement, quality, and production teams should collaborate to define requirements, and always request test data verified by manufacturers or independent labs.

Essential Considerations for Selecting Cleanroom Consumables

  • Avoid vendor claims based solely on air cleanliness standards for consumables.
  • Reference IEST Recommended Practices and ISO 14644 for evidence-based selection.
  • Collaborate across departments for well-rounded decision-making.
  • Use only consumables with performance data from reliable testing.
“Vendor selection for cleanroom consumables should be based on criteria found in IEST Recommended Practices and ISO 14644 series of international cleanroom standards.”
Ready to upgrade your cleanroom product selection process?

Continue learning with the rest of the Valutek Cleanroom Product & Vendor Selection series, or explore additional technical resources for optimizing your controlled environment.

 

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