Provider of Cleanroom FFU for SMT – Controlling Ultrafine Particles

1. What is an FFU? Why is FFU important in SMT cleanrooms?

What is an FFU (Fan Filter Unit)?
An FFU is an air filtration device combining a fan and a HEPA/ULPA filter, installed in the ceiling of a cleanroom. It draws air from above, filters out fine dust and ultrafine particles, and then pushes clean air uniformly downward into the working area beneath. In modern cleanrooms — especially in the SMT electronics sector — FFUs are indispensable for strictly controlling airborne particle contamination.

Why is FFU critical for SMT?
SMT involves the production and mounting of extremely small electronic components, such as chips, ICs, and capacitors, onto circuit boards (PCBs). This is a highly dust-sensitive environment — even a particle smaller than 0.3 microns can cause microcircuit defects and affect the precision of the production line.

Therefore, cleanroom requirements in SMT are very stringent, typically ISO Class 5 to 6, meaning only a few hundred to a few thousand ultrafine particles are allowed per cubic meter of air.

Cleanroom FFU for SMT provide effective solutions to:

• Filter and remove ultrafine dust locally and maintain continuous clean airflow and pressure.

• Minimize product defects, especially in chip mounting and SMD soldering stages.

• Enhance the operational efficiency of the SMT line by maintaining a stable and clean working environment.

Read more: Common errors when installing FFU and how to fix them

2. Required features of FFUs used in the SMT industry

To meet the strict requirements of cleanrooms in the electronic manufacturing (SMT) sector, FFUs must satisfy certain technical characteristics:

• Very high filtration efficiency
  Use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) or ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filters capable of removing 99.99% to 99.9995% of ultrafine particles in the 0.12–0.3 micron size range. This is crucial for upholding ISO Class 5 or 6 standards suitable for high-precision circuits.

• Low noise, smooth operation
  SMT factories operate continuously, so FFUs must run quietly to avoid disturbing staff. Many modern FFUs use vibration-resistant motors and centrifugal fans to limit noise levels, typically around 48–55 dB.

• Compatibility with cleanroom aluminum ceiling systems
  FFU units must fit the dimensional profiles of aluminum grid ceilings (e.g. 600×600 mm or 1200×600 mm). Flexible modular design, ease of dismantling and maintenance are important in space-constrained SMT facilities.

• Safety standards for electronics industry

  • ESD-safe (anti-static): Essential for protecting sensitive electronic components from damage due to electrostatic discharge.

  • International compliance: FFU products must meet certifications such as CE, RoHS, and ISO 14644-1 (cleanroom standard) to guarantee reliability and quality in electronic manufacturing environments.

Read more: Cleanroom FFU: How to calculate air flow according to room area

3. Criteria for selecting an FFU supplier for the electronics / SMT industry

Choosing the right FFU supplier significantly affects the operational efficiency of SMT production. Important criteria include:

A key caution: Do not choose a supplier solely based on low price — long-term durability, stable airflow, and ability to meet stringent cleanroom standards are more important than just cost.

Read more: Laminar Airflow Cleanroom Control in FFUs

4. VCR – A reputable FFU supplier for the SMT industry

When SMT factories need to ensure production environments meet ISO Class 5–6, VCR is a reliable cleanroom FFU supplier providing high-quality FFU solutions with full services:

• Fast delivery, large stock availability
  VCR maintains a ready inventory of FFU units to meet tight project timelines and volume demands, with a professional nationwide logistics system.

• Custom FFU design for each factory
  VCR accepts custom fabrications of FFUs to suit specific cleanroom ceiling systems and layouts. They assist with designing optimal clean airflow arrangements based on factory layout plans.

• Onsite technical consultation & support
  Free technical consulting from the start: calculate airflow, determine cleanliness classes, choose filter types. Their engineering team can visit sites to install and calibrate airflow for customers.

Read more: Supplier of FFU - Fan Filter Unit meeting GMP standards in Vietnam

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can FFU HEPA filters be reused?
No. HEPA filters are single-use and should not be washed because washing damages the filter media. Typically, they need replacement every 12–18 months, depending on contamination levels and operating time.

How many FFUs are needed for a cleanroom SMT?
The number depends on the room area, ceiling height, and required cleanliness (ISO Class 5 or 6). Professional engineers calculate the required airflow (CFM) and design layout to avoid under- or over-installing units.

Does an FFU generate harmful static electricity?
No. FFUs designed for electronics production are made with ESD-safe materials and motors to prevent static charge generation that could damage sensitive components.

What FFU type is suitable for SMT soldering areas?
For soldering zones — where ultrafine dust and heat are generated — use ULPA filters combined with inverter motors. This ensures higher filtration efficiency (up to 99.9995%), stable airflow, and energy savings suitable for high-speed soldering lines.

Need a reliable FFU solution for your SMT line? Need cleanroom filter equipment compliant with ISO Class 5–6 and absolute anti-static performance? VCR offers consultation, supply, installation, and support for electronics factories across Vietnam, backed by many project deployments.

Contact us:

Hotline: 090.123.9008

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://ffu.com.vn/

Dat VCR