How to Read Cleanroom Wiper Specifications | 3002 / 3008 / 4009, Edge Sealing, LPC and NVR

Reading cleanroom wiper specifications: models, edge sealing, LPC and NVR

Cleanroom wiper purchasing often only asks “what size, how many per pack, how much”. What actually decides whether a wiper suits your plant are three numbers: LPC (particle count), NVR (non-volatile residue) and absorbency, which correspond to “does it shed”, “does it leave residue” and “does it wipe clean”.

This page is the full specification of JIAHON cleanroom wiper 3008 (the “this product” values below are all for 3008), how the 3002 microfiber version differs, and how to read these three numbers.

1. Full 3008 specification

3002 is the microfiber version. Its fibers are finer than 3008, with higher cleanliness and stronger particle pickup, 100 sheets per pack (3008 has 150 per pack), for scratch-sensitive surfaces such as mirrors and coated surfaces.

For any model, shedding also depends on the edge treatment (cut edge, heat-sealed, ultrasonic-sealed or laser-sealed). Ask about edge sealing when you request a quote, not just the model number.

2. LPC: will it bring particles into the cleanroom?

LPC is Liquid Particle Count. The wiper is placed in pure water or a specified solvent and agitated in a defined way, then the particles released into the liquid are counted.

This product: particles ≥ 0.5 μm < 5,000 counts/cm²

• Why measure it: wipers are fiber products and release particles when wiping. In Class 100 or stricter environments, if wiping brings in more particles than it removes, it is counterproductive.
• How to use the number: evaluate it together with the particle limit for your cleanroom class. The stricter the class, the lower the acceptable LPC. The number alone means little; what matters is its ratio to the environmental requirement.
• Match the particle size: this product is stated at ≥ 0.5 μm. If your control size is 0.3 μm or 0.1 μm, this number does not apply directly; ask for data at the matching size.

3. NVR: will it leave something on the work surface?

NVR is Non-Volatile Residue. The wiper is extracted with IPA (isopropyl alcohol), the extract is evaporated, and the residue is weighed.

This product: < 1.2 mg/g (IPA extraction)

• Why measure it: wipers may carry textile auxiliaries, lubricants and surfactants from manufacturing. When wiping with solvent, these transfer to the work surface as an invisible film. For later coating, wire bonding or lamination, this film is a source of defects.
• Match the extraction solvent: this product uses IPA. If your actual cleaning solvent is not IPA (for example acetone, n-hexane or water-based cleaners), the extracted residue will differ. NVR values with different solvents cannot be compared directly.
• Relation to process: strict NVR requirements usually come from optical coating, semiconductor front-end and medical devices. General SMT assembly and mechanical cleaning are more tolerant.

4. Absorbency: how much one wipe removes

This product: > 280 mL/m²

• Meaning: the amount of liquid absorbed per unit area. The higher the number, the more liquid the same area removes, and the less often you change wipers.
• Relation to basis weight: this product is 110 ± 12 g/m² and 0.43 ± 0.04 mm thick. Absorbency depends on basis weight, weave and fiber fineness; thicker is not always more absorbent, and microfiber’s larger specific surface area usually absorbs better at the same basis weight.
• In practice: for wiping large areas of solvent or water-based processes, choose high absorbency; for dry dusting only, absorbency is not key and LPC is.

5. Edge sealing: edges are the main source of shedding

Particle and fiber shedding from wipers comes mainly from the cut edges, not the wiper face. However clean the face is made, an untreated edge is a continuous source of lint, and it touches the surface on every wipe.

Specify the edge sealing when purchasing, not just the material. The same fabric can shed very differently cold-cut or laser-sealed, and if the specification only says “cleanroom wiper, microfiber”, either one technically complies.

Note that a higher edge grade is not always better. Laser- and ultrasonic-sealed edges are a little stiffer than the face; for mirrors, coated or soft surfaces, test-wipe a non-critical area first to make sure no marks are left before adopting it.

6. Acceptance basis: test reports to IEST-RP-CC004

There is a dedicated method document for evaluating wipers: IEST-RP-CC004, Evaluating Wiping Materials Used in Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments, currently revision 004.4 (November 2019). It covers test methods for cleanliness and functional properties, and Appendix A provides a selection table by application.

In practice: asking the supplier for reports tested to this RP is more reliable than catalog adjectives. Phrases like “lint-free” or “highly absorbent” cannot be compared; measured LPC, NVR and absorbency values can.

7. Differences between the three models

Suggested order of selection: first the surface being wiped (mirrors and coated surfaces need microfiber and a test wipe), then what is being wiped (water-based or solvent determines absorbency needs), and only then unit cost. Pack counts differ, so compare per sheet, not per pack.

General guidance by application (confirm with test wipes and LPC / NVR data):

The higher the cleanliness class, the stricter the material and edge requirements: for ISO Class 5 and cleaner areas, microfiber with ultrasonic sealing is recommended, with a test wipe in a non-critical area first.

8. Storage and shelf life

• Store at room temperature, flat, away from direct sunlight. Flat storage avoids fiber breakage at fold lines that generates particles; UV degrades polyester fibers.
• Shelf life 2 years. Expiry does not mean immediately unusable, but fiber strength and cleanliness may have drifted from specification; reconfirm before use in high-end processes.
• After opening: use the opened PE bag quickly or reseal it. Once exposed to a normal environment, the surface collects particles again and the factory LPC data no longer reflects the actual condition.

9. Four things to ask when requesting a quote

• Edge sealing: cut, heat-sealed, ultrasonic or laser? This decides shedding and is not covered by this specification.
• Cut size and sheets per pack: the specification gives the 1.65 m wide roll; confirm the actual cut size supplied.
• LPC particle size: confirm it matches your control size.
• NVR extraction solvent: confirm it matches the cleaning solvent you actually use.

FAQ

What is the real difference between 3002 and 3008? Fiber fineness: 3002 is microfiber, finer and cleaner, 100 per pack; 3008 is standard polyester (DTY 75D36F), 150 per pack. Shedding for both also depends on edge sealing; ask about edge sealing and cut size when requesting a quote.

Is LPC < 5,000 counts/cm² good? It depends on your cleanroom class. The number has no absolute good or bad; evaluate it against your environment’s particle limit. Also confirm the particle size: this product is stated at ≥ 0.5 μm, so if you control smaller particles, ask for separate data.

Why is NVR extracted with IPA? IPA is a common cleaning solvent in electronics, so it reflects actual use. If you use another solvent, the residue extracted will differ; solvents dissolve different residues differently, so the numbers cannot be converted.

Can wipers be used after the shelf life? Not recommended directly for high-end processes. Expiry does not mean immediate failure, but fiber strength and cleanliness may have drifted. If you have a large expired stock, consider downgrading its use (for example general mechanical cleaning rather than cleanroom work).

Why store flat? Fibers at fold lines are under constant bending stress and break easily, generating particles. Storing flat avoids this. Likewise, avoid repeatedly folding and squeezing the stack after opening.

Is the specification available in English? Yes, in Chinese and English. If a customer or auditor needs the English version, ask us for it.

Standards referenced

Please refer to the current versions published by each organization.

• ISO 14644-1:2015, Cleanrooms – Part 1, Ed. 2 — International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• IEST-RP-CC004, Evaluating Wiping Materials Used in Cleanrooms and Other Controlled Environments (current revision 004.4, November 2019; Appendix A includes a selection table) — Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST)
• Overview of ESD standards (including ANSI/ESD STM11.11 surface resistance of planar materials and ANSI/ESD S541 packaging materials) — EOS/ESD Association, Inc.
• ISO 9001:2026, Quality management systems – Requirements, Ed. 6

We supply the items mentioned on this page.

Related: JIAHON cleanroom swabs · HUBY-340 cleanroom swab BB-001 · JIAHON industrial wipes (low-lint rolls) · SMT stencil wiping paper (PP plain weave)

From: JIAHON Engineering

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