Nathaniel Terry, will be discussing cleanroom environment fabrics at CleanRooms West 2001 in San Jose, CA in October. CleanRooms.com recently caught up with Nathaniel to find out what attendees of his session can expect.

CleanRooms.com What are the main points you plan to address in your presentation at CleanRooms West 2001?

Nathaniel Terry I would like the attendee to gain a basic understanding of the principals of making and the specifications of woven cleanroom garment fabrics. This course is designed for those that have no previous textile training.

CR What would you like attendees of the presentation to walk away with?

NT The level of technology required in the textile industry to make cleanroom fabrics I would also like it to provide information that can help someone make definite distinctions in the types of fabrics available and the benefits they provide.

CR What have been the biggest changes and/or advances in the area of cleanroom garments over the past 20 years or so?

NT The level of particulate filtration and esd control has followed the trend of the microelectronic and pharmaceutical cleanroom. There have been advances in the laundering of cleanroom garments that have made substantial improvements in performance.

CR Talk a little about the future of cleanroom fabrics?what are the biggest changes coming down the pike? What will drive those changes?

NT These changes will be heavily influenced by the organizations that use cleanroom fabrics. It is very difficult to predict what changes in technology will require of cleanroom garments. The involvement of end users in committees such as the IEST “Garment System Considerations for Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments” is critical in determining what future changes need to be made.

CR What are some of the most common mistakes that can be made when choosing cleanroom fabrics?

NT One of the more common mistakes is end user specifications that have not changed with the level manufacturing technology. There are situations where the fitness for use of existing garments has not been thoroughly investigated. The importance the performance of cleanroom garment should not be underestimated.