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Cleanzone 2019 approaches. The trade show returns to Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on 19-20 November, and companies are already gearing up for the exhibition.

With the premise, "Cleanroom technology should focus on product requirements – not on the length, width and height of a facility," the event is set to offer visitors a chance to get the information they need. Costs can be kept within reason if the right preliminary measures are taken.

Project cost management

Joachim Ludwig, CEO of Colandis in Kahla, commented: “An automotive supplier submitted a request for an ISO Class 7 cleanroom that was hundreds of square metres in size. Initial cost estimates resulted in an offer amounting to some €450,000.

"After visiting this potential client, however, the sales representative determined that the production systems that were to be used in this cleanroom would be better suited to a mini-environment solution; in fact, all that was missing were the corresponding filter-fan modules for the combined intake, filtration and supply of air.

"As a result, instead of pouring funds into a new cleanroom, the automotive supplier invested in intelligently upgrading their production systems. The project volume: €35,000!" Ludwig concluded.

This example offers a valuable lesson: a change of perspective is well worthwhile. Deliberations should not start with the cleanroom itself (length x width x height plus various specifications in accordance with the ISO 14644 standard), but rather with the product and the desired level of quality.