+86 18186671616
Jason@cleanroomequips.com
MENU
Hey there, project planner. If you're searching for a single, magic number for cleanroom panel cost, you've probably found quotes ranging from shockingly low to "are-they-kidding?" high. Let's cut through the noise. This guide won't give you a cheap sales pitch. Instead, we'll give you the engineer's perspective on what drives price, how to compare quotes fairly, and how to budget your specific project—whether it's for pharma, Electronics, or food grade. Think of it as a chat over coffee with your project manager.
Special Note:
The prices listed below are based on material costs in China. Additional international shipping costs will apply depending on the destination region.
Cleanroom Panel Cost: Why One Number is a Myth
Let's be real: typing "cleanroom panel cost per sq ft" into Google is frustrating. You see numbers from $10 to over $50 per square meter. Which one is right? All of them, and none of them. The core issue is that A CleanRoom panel isn't a commodity like plywood. It's a performance-engineered system. The price you pay is essentially the sum of: Performance × Materials × System Design × Engineering Requirements.
For example, a panel for a low-grade warehouse enclosure (maybe ISO 8) has a completely different cleanroom panel cost structure than one destined for a sterile ISO 5 fill line. The first might use a basic EPS core, the second a non-shedding, fire-rated mineral wool core with specialized seals. So, comparing them on price alone is like comparing a bicycle to a truck because they both have wheels.
Why Cleanroom Panel Prices Vary So Much
$8-15/m²
$12-20/m²
$15-30/m²
$20-50+/m²
Visual breakdown: The base material sets the floor, but performance specs can double or triple the final cleanroom panel cost.
Cleanroom Panel Price Ranges (The Ballpark Figures)
Alright, let's get to some numbers. But remember, these are indicative ranges for the panels themselves (ex-works, before installation, shipping, etc.). The final cleanroom panel cost for your project will layer on system components, engineering, and logistics.
- Basic EPS Panel: $9 – $15 / m² ($0.83 – $0.3 / sq ft)
- PU / PIR Foam Panel: $12 – $20 / m² ($1.12 – $1.85 / sq ft)
- Rockwool / Mineral Wool Panel: $15 – $30 / m² ($1.39 – $2.788 / sq ft)
- High-end GMP System (e.g., Silica, MGO): $20 – $50+ / m² ($1.86 – $4.65+ / sq ft)
Where do these apply? EPS is for very basic, non-critical enclosures (maybe ISO 8 or lower). PU/PIR offers great insulation for temperature-controlled rooms (common in electronics, some ISO 7-8 applications). Rockwool is the workhorse for pharma ISO 7-5, offering good fire resistance. The high-end systems like Deiiang™ Silica Cleanroom Panels are for stringent GMP, FDA-regulated, or ultra-low particulate environments (ISO 5 and above).
The "Looks Low, Actually High" Trap: A cheap EPS panel might quote $20/m². But if your project needs fire rating A2 or better, you'll be forced to upgrade. The low quote just got you in the door; the real cleanroom panel cost is elsewhere. Always compare equivalent performance specs.
Material Type vs Typical Application & Cost
| Material | Price/m² (Range) | Typical cleanroom class | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS | $9 - $15 | ISO 8 & below | Warehousing, basic enclosure |
| PU/PIR | $12 - $20 | ISO 7-8 | Electronics, general manufacturing |
| Rockwool | $15 - $30 | ISO 5-7 | Pharmaceutical, healthcare |
| Silica/MGO | $20 - $50+ | ISO 3-5 (GMP) | Sterile processing, advanced tech |
Per Square Foot vs Per Square Meter: The Unit Gotcha
This is a classic source of confusion and sometimes, misleading quotes. The US market traditionally uses square feet (sq ft), while Europe, Asia, and most engineering standards use square meters (m² or sqm). The conversion is simple but critical:
- 1 square meter (m²) = 10.76 square feet (sq ft)
- Therefore: $10 / sq ft ≈ $107.6 / m²
- And: $100 / m² ≈ $9.29 / sq ft
The "Looks Cheap" Trap: A supplier might quote you $12 per square foot. Sounds okay. Another quotes $110 per square meter. Seems expensive, right? Wrong. They're virtually the same price! ($12/sq ft * 10.76 = ~$129/m²). Always, always confirm the unit when discussing cleanroom panel cost. At Deiiang™, we provide quotes in both units to avoid this confusion.
Unit Conversion Visual
The 7 Key Factors Driving Your Cleanroom Panel Cost
This is the meat of it. To accurately estimate or compare, you need to dissect these factors. Ignoring any one can blow your budget or compromise your cleanroom.
Let's say you're budgeting for an ISO 7 Cleanroom. The base cleanroom panel cost for a suitable rockwool panel might be $60/m². But by the time you add all necessary specs, you might be at $90/m². Here's why:
1. Panel Core Material
This is the biggest cost driver. Deiiang™ offers everything from cost-effective PU to premium non-combustible Silica. Choice depends on insulation (R-value), fire code, and particulate shedding. Pharma? You likely need mineral-based (Rockwool, Silica). Electronics with strict thermal control? PU/PIR might be perfect.
2. Thickness & Density
Thickness isn't just about insulation; it's about structural rigidity and sometimes cleanroom class requirements. A 50mm panel vs a 100mm panel from the same material can have a 40-60% price difference. Density (kg/m³) of the core also affects performance and cost. For instance, a higher density rockwool core offers better sound attenuation and fire resistance.
3. Surface Finish & Steel Quality
The steel skin isn't just a cover. Thickness (like Deiiang's standard 0.376mm vs premium 0.476mm), coating (standard polyester, PVDF, antimicrobial coating), and color all add up. A specialty color or a coating that withstands frequent chemical wipe-downs will increase the cleanroom panel cost.
4. Fire Rating & Certifications
A2 (non-combustible) vs B1 (flammable) cores have a significant price gap. Additionally, certifications like CE, SGS, or specific national standards involve testing and documentation, the cost of which is baked into the panel.
5. Airtightness & Sealing System
A cleanroom is defined by its controlled air. The panel joint design (tongue-and-groove, double seal) and the quality of gaskets are crucial. A basic cam-lock system is cheaper than a pressured gasket system designed for ISO 5, but won't perform the same.
6. Installation System (Modular vs. Stick-Built)
Are you buying just panels, or a complete system with posts, connectors, windows, and pass-throughs? A "stick-built" cleanroom using individual panels and separate structural members can have a different material cleanroom panel cost versus a true modular system where the panel is part of the structure.
7. Project Scale & Customization
Ordering 500 m²? You'll get a better rate than ordering 50 m². Need non-standard sizes, custom-cut openings for equipment, or special radius corners? That's custom fabrication, which increases cost per panel but saves on-site labor.
The 5-Point Cost Summary:
- ✅ Material: Core type, steel finish.
- ✅ Performance: Thickness, fire rating, airtightness.
- ✅ System: Modular vs components, seal type.
- ✅ Compliance: Certifications, audit trail.
- ✅ Quantity: Volume discounts, custom vs standard.
Typical Cost Breakdown for a Mid-Range Pharma Panel (e.g., 100mm Rockwool)
Cost Reference: Different Applications, Different Budgets
Now let's tie it all together with some realistic project scenarios. Remember, these are for the envelope system (walls & ceiling panels) only, excluding HVAC, flooring, and equipment. The final cleanroom panel cost is highly sensitive to your specific choices within these categories.
- ISO 8 Cleanroom (e.g., Packaging, Bulk Storage): $9 – $20 / m² ($0.83 – $1.85 / sq ft). Often uses PU/PIR or basic rockwool panels, simpler sealing.
- ISO 7-6 Cleanroom (e.g., Secondary Pharma, Medical Devices): $15 – $30 / m² ($1.39 – $2.78 / sq ft). Typically mineral wool (Rockwool, Glass Magnesium), better fire rating, more robust sealing system.
- GMP Pharmaceutical (ISO 5 & above, Aseptic Fill): $25 – $50+ / m² ($2.32 – $4.65+ / sq ft). Here you're looking at top-tier panels like Deiiang™ Silica or MGO panels, with A2 fire rating, ultra-smooth, non-shedding surfaces, and pharma-grade sealing. Every component is traceable.
Ceiling vs. Wall Panel Cost: Ceiling panels often cost 10-25% more than wall panels. Why? They need to be structurally stronger to support lights, HEPA filters, and sometimes catwalks. They might also have different reinforcement or attachment points.
Industry Nuances: An iso 6 electronics cleanroom might get away with a high-quality PU panel (focus on temperature control and static dissipation). An ISO 6 pharma room would almost certainly require mineral wool (focus on fire and contamination). The cleanroom panel cost reflects this.
Application Snapshot: Cost Drivers
| Application | Typical Class | Likely Panel Choice | Cost Driver Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Packaging | ISO 8 | PU, Coated EPS | Cleanability, moisture resistance |
| Electronics Assembly | ISO 7-6 | PU, Static-Dissipative | ESD control, thermal insulation |
| Medical Device Mfg. | ISO 7-5 | Rockwool, Silica | Non-shedding, biocompatibility |
| Sterile Pharma Fill | ISO 5 (GMP) | Silica, MGO, High-end Rockwool | A2 fire, validation support, seamless finish |
How to Estimate Your Project Budget (Engineer's Quick Logic)
Let's play project manager. You have a room size and a target class. Here's a simplified, conservative way to ballpark your envelope cost before you even talk to a supplier. This focuses on the cleanroom panel cost as part of the total.
The 5-Step Estimation Flow:
This logic gives you a defendable starting point. When you talk to Jason.peng and the Deiiang™ team, we can refine this based on your precise specs.
The Real Cost of "Cheap" Cleanroom Panels
It's tempting to go for the lowest quote. But in cleanrooms, initial price is a tiny slice of the lifetime cost. Here's what a low cleanroom panel cost might hide, and why it can cost you 3x more in the long run.
1. Seal Failure & Air Leakage: Cheap gaskets degrade. Poor joint design leaks. Your cleanroom can't hold pressure or class. Fixing it post-installation means dismantling – costs far exceed the initial panel savings.
2. Short Lifespan & Degradation: Thin steel rusts. Low-density core sags. Non-fire-rated materials risk your entire facility. Replacing panels in 5 years instead of 15+ is a massive capital hit.
3. Impossible Reconfiguration: A true modular system from Deiiang™ is designed for disassembly and reassembly. Cheap "modular" panels often get damaged during takedown, forcing you to buy new ones for a layout change.
4. The Audit & Compliance Risk (The Big One): For GMP/FDA projects, every material needs traceability and validation data. A cheap panel might lack proper certificates or have inconsistent quality. An inspector rejects your room, and your production schedule – worth millions – is on hold. This risk alone justifies investing in a reputable supplier.
Total Cost of Ownership: Low-Cost vs. Proper System
"Low-Cost" Panel Scenario
Initial Cost: $10/m²
- Year 3: Seal replacement + energy loss = $5/m²
- Year 7: Partial panel replacement = $20/m²
- Year 10: Major retrofit/rebuild = $50/m²
- Potential Audit failure: Priceless (Business risk)
Proper System (e.g., Deiiang™ Spec)
Initial Cost: $20/m²
- Year 3: Minimal maintenance = $2/m²
- Year 7: Reconfiguration possible at low cost
- Year 10: Still in spec, no major issues
- Audit ready: Full documentation support
Cheaper upfront often means more expensive over the life of the cleanroom. The true cleanroom panel cost is measured in performance-years, not just purchase price.
FAQ: Your Cleanroom Panel Cost Questions, Answered
These are the real questions we get from engineers and project managers like you.
Why is cleanroom panel cost so different between suppliers?
See Section 1! It boils down to material quality, performance specs included (or hidden), and system design. A quote for "a 50mm panel" is meaningless without defining the core, steel, fire rating, and seal. Some suppliers quote bare minimum; others include standard performance features that others charge extra for.
Is installation included in the price per square foot/meter?
Rarely. Most Manufacturers quote ex-works (FOB) – the cost of the materials leaving their factory. Installation is a separate cost, highly dependent on location, labor rates, and project complexity. Some turnkey contractors bundle it, but always clarify what "price" includes.
What is the cheapest panel suitable for cleanroom use?
For a true cleanroom (controlling contamination), we don't recommend going below a quality PU/PIR panel (~$35-60/m²). EPS panels are too fragile and have poor fire performance. The "cheapest" option that won't compromise your project is often a mid-range PU or standard rockwool panel from a reliable supplier like Deiiang™.
Can I reduce cleanroom panel cost without lowering the cleanroom class?
Yes, through smart value engineering. This is where we (Deiiang™) add real value. Examples: Optimizing panel thickness only where needed (maybe use 75mm on walls, 100mm on ceiling). Choosing the right steel finish (standard polyester instead of PVDF for indoor areas). Using standard sizes to minimize waste. Our designer Jason.peng specializes in this – giving you the required performance at the most efficient cleanroom panel cost.
Ready to Get a Real Quote for Your Project?
If you're planning a cleanroom project and need a cost-optimized, performance-guaranteed panel solution, let's move from ballpark figures to project-specific numbers. We can help you:
- ✅ Optimize material selection – no over-spec, no under-spec.
- ✅ Reduce unnecessary specifications – save where it doesn't matter.
- ✅ Provide project-based pricing – transparent and comprehensive.
- ✅ Support with technical drawings & documentation for validation.
Stop guessing. Start planning with precision.
Get Your Project-Based Cleanroom Panel Cost EstimateSimply click to email our engineering team. Attach your layout or specs if available.
