Cleanroom on the bench

A UK company has introduced a clean manufacturing environment that fits on top of a bench as a low-cost alternative for companies that do not want to invest in a full cleanroom facility.

The AirScreen Desk, developed by WorkPoint is provides selectable air quality - up to laboratory grade air - within industrial surroundings at low cost, according to the company. The unit takes the form of a self contained laminar upflow bench that can be plugged directly into the electricity supply after unpacking, with no additional set-up required.

The company is targeting the product at companies which need a clean environment for just for one stage of the manufacturing process, such as final assembly or packing. One potential use would be for semi-pharmaceutical operations such as assembling or testing medicine bottles or caps.

Airscreen Desk works by providing a uniform flow of filtered air at approximately 0.5m/sec through the surface of the desk to provide a clean work surface.

Filter configurations vary from single stage systems to 2 stages with a pre filter protecting a HEPA H13 grade filter with positive clamp down seals.Air quality can be achieved notionally up to Class 1,000, which is 99.95 per cent efficient at removing particles down 0.3 microns in size.

For more information on the AirScreen Desk, visit Workpoint's website or e-mail John Cook.