While we often talk about the importance of keeping contamination out of linear motion components such as linear guides and screws, when these systems are used in a cleanroom, the goal is just the opposite — to keep these components from introducing contamination into the environment.

What exactly is a cleanroom?

According to ISO 14644-1:2015, “Cleanroom and associated controlled environments provide for the control of contamination of air and, if appropriate, surfaces, to levels appropriate for accomplishing contamination-sensitive activities.”

Cleanrooms are most commonly associated with applications in the semiconductor, electronics, and medical device industries, although other industries — such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage — also use cleanroom environments in some applications.

The ISO 14644-1 standard rates the level of “cleanliness” of a cleanroom on a scale from 1 (best) to 9 (worst), based on the number of particles — broken down into six size ranges — that are present in a cubic meter of air.

Notice that the cleanroom standard referenced above is from the International Standards Organization (ISO). You may also see the U.S. Federal Standard 209E referenced in some instances, despite the fact that it was revoked in 2001. The FS 209E ratings can be cross-referenced to ISO ratings, but note that the class numbers don’t align. For example, a cleanroom rated as class 1 under FS 209E is rated as class 3 under ISO 14644-1.