What is class 100000 cleanroom?

In the world of precision manufacturing and scientific research, controlling environmental contamination is not just a preference—it’s an absolute necessity. A Class 100,000 cleanroom represents a critical level of controlled environment, bridging the gap between general manufacturing spaces and ultra-stringent cleanroom classes. This article provides a comprehensive, authoritative breakdown of its standards, operational principles, and industrial applications, serving as an essential resource for engineers and facility managers.

Particle Count: The Defining Metric

A Class 100,000 cleanroom is defined by its maximum allowable concentration of airborne particles. The classification number itself reveals the key metric: it signifies that no more than 100,000 particles (≥0.5 microns in size) are permitted per cubic foot of air. This is the foundational benchmark against which the room’s performance is continuously measured and validated.

While this particle count is significantly higher than that of more stringent classes (like Class 100 or ISO 5), it provides a substantial barrier against environmental contaminants compared to a typical office space, which may contain millions of particles per cubic foot. This controlled environment is sufficient to ensure product quality and process integrity in numerous industries where absolute sterility or ultra-fine particulate control is not the primary concern.