How Do Substrates and Edge Treatments Influence Your Choice of Cleanroom Wipers?

In cleanroom environments, having a documented wiper specification process is essential for achieving high cleaning efficacy and preventing product cross-contamination. The selection of cleanroom wipers should be grounded in your internal cleanliness specifications, which are dictated by your standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the required cleanliness level for your applications. This need ranges from general facility cleaning to more critical tasks, such as product contact processes.

Two main factors determine the effectiveness of a cleanroom wiper: the substrate and the edge treatment. The substrate of a wiper impacts its absorbency, capacity, and cleanliness, as each material comes with its own particles and extractables. The method used to finish or seal the edges of the wiper also significantly affects its cleanliness level. Selecting the right wiper substrate is therefore critical, as performance characteristics such as durability, chemical resistance, and heat resistance can vary widely among different materials.

The requirements for a general facility cleaning wiper are quite different from those needed for critical product applications. The performance characteristics, absorbency levels, and cleanliness of each wiper substrate should align with the SOPs for each task. By following these guidelines, cleanroom operators can make informed decisions on which wiper to use for each specific process.

Edge treatments play a crucial role in the cleanliness level of the final wiper. Wipers made from the same substrate can have vastly different cleanliness levels based on the edge treatment applied after they are cut to size. Standard treatments include knife-cutting followed by additional sealing methods to reduce particle count. Among the different edge treatment options, laser seal, ultrasonic seal, and pressure heat seal are the most common. The pressure heat seal is considered the cleanest option, as it uses both heat and pressure to create a well-defined border, and the edge is then ultrasonically sealed to further reduce particle generation.

With extensive experience in cleanroom consumables, Wipestar offers tailored solutions to clean any surface in controlled environments. We can manufacture wipers in any size, for a variety of applications, with a range of edge treatments. If your facility requires pre-saturated wipers with a cleaning solution, we can also customize the chemical solution according to your specific application requirements and SOPs.

After selecting a wiper based on these characteristics, the next step is to verify quality. Requesting quality test data from the manufacturer is a vital step, but additional verification through independent testing is recommended. Wipestar's wipers undergo rigorous testing for absorbency, particle levels, and extractables, following IEST standards to ensure repeatable results. The Helmke drum test, for example, is used to release and measure the particle level of wipers, while chemical analysis is conducted to identify extractable contaminants.

If your facility lacks the equipment to conduct such tests, Wipestar offers independent testing services, including testing on products from other manufacturers. This comprehensive approach ensures that your chosen cleanroom wiper will meet the required performance and cleanliness standards, providing optimal cleaning in your controlled environment.

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