1. What is a Pass Box? Why Is It Essential in Electronics Manufacturing?

A Pass Box is a transfer chamber used to move materials between two areas with different cleanroom classifications - for example, between a cleanroom and a non-controlled area, or between two cleanrooms within a facility. Its primary role is to minimize cross-contamination of dust and particulates during material transfer.

Key Functions of a Pass Box:

  • Dust & Microbial Control: Prevents contaminants from entering the cleanroom during the transfer of components or tools.
  • Maintains Pressure & Cleanliness: Helps preserve the differential pressure and airflow integrity between separate clean zones.
  • Reduces Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Risks: Some models include grounding systems to protect sensitive electronic components from static damage.

pass-box-nha-may-dien-tu-1

Why is it essential in electronics factories?

In electronics manufacturing (SMT, PCB, AOI, chip labs...), fine dust and ESD can cause product failure and reduce the yield rate. Therefore, Pass Boxes are mandatory in critical areas such as:

  • Material entry points into production lines
  • Testing and inspection areas
  • Analytical labs or high-grade cleanrooms

Choosing the right Pass Box helps ensure compliance with ISO 14644 standards and international ESD requirements, while protecting the performance of your entire production line.

2. Common Types of Pass Boxes in the Electronics Industry

Each electronics factory has different requirements based on cleanliness levels, ESD control, and the sensitivity of components. Below are four commonly used Pass Box types in cleanroom environments:

Manual Pass Box

  • Mechanism: Manual door operation, mechanical interlock
  • Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to install, low maintenance
  • Applications: Auxiliary areas, low-traffic zones, or where strict control isn’t required
    Ideal for small facilities or non-critical transfer points

pass-box-nha-may-dien-tu-2

Semi-Automatic Pass Box

  • Mechanism: Equipped with sensors and electromechanical interlock
  • Advantages: Improves operation speed, reduces handling errors, enhances safety
  • Applications: SMT lines, AOI stations, quality control checkpoints
    A balanced option between cost and operational efficiency

Electronic Pass Box

  • Mechanism: Fully controlled by microcontroller, programmable timing, compatible with access control systems
  • Advantages: Meets strict environmental and access requirements
  • Applications: Component testing zones, validation areas, export-grade production lines
    Preferred in ISO/GMP-certified manufacturing facilities

UV/HEPA Integrated Pass Box

  • Mechanism: Equipped with UV sterilization and/or HEPA filtration system
  • Advantages: Offers maximum protection against microbial and ultra-fine particulate contamination
  • Applications: Analytical labs, microchip assembly, MEMS, or camera module areas
    Premium-grade solution for ultra-clean or validation-critical zones

See more: Pass Box Maintenance in Hospital Cleanrooms: Ensuring Sterility and Longevity

3. Latest Pass Box Pricing (Updated August 2025)

Depending on the level of cleanliness and operational needs in each area of an electronics factory, Pass Box pricing varies based on model and configuration. Below is the latest reference price list:

Type of Pass Box

Starting Price

Recommended Applications

Manual Pass Box

From 5,500,000 VND

Material storage rooms, hallways, low-risk zones

Semi-Automatic Pass Box

From 9,800,000 VND

SMT lines, AOI areas, primary assembly zones

Electronic Pass Box

From 13,500,000 VND

Testing labs, high-security controlled environments

UV/HEPA Pass Box

Contact for pricing

Analytical labs, ultra-clean areas, micro-processing zones

Notes:

  • Prices include VAT
  • Shipping and installation costs are not included
  • Material options: Hairline stainless steel (SUS 304), mirror-polished SUS, or powder-coated steel in gray
  • Final pricing may vary depending on dimensions, number of doors, ESD, UV, or HEPA requirements

4. How to Choose the Right Pass Box for Your Electronics Factory

Selecting the appropriate Pass Box ensures not only optimal investment but also compliance with cleanroom standards and protection for sensitive electronic components. Here are the key selection criteria:

Based on Cleanroom Classification

  • ISO 7-8: Use interlocked Pass Boxes (semi-automatic or electronic) to prevent both doors from being opened simultaneously, which may disturb airflow and cleanliness.
  • ISO 6 and above (microchip, clean test zones): Prefer Pass Boxes with HEPA filters or UV lamps to eliminate microparticles and enhance contamination control.

pass-box-nha-may-dien-tu-3

Based on Installation Location

Factory Zone

Recommended Pass Box Type

Near material storage / auxiliary areas

Manual Pass Box - affordable, easy to replace

Entry to production line

Semi-Automatic Pass Box - fast, stable operation

Testing lab / AOI / clean zones

Electronic Pass Box with UV and/or ESD features

The closer to critical environments like test labs or camera module areas, the stricter the Pass Box requirements should be.

Based on Frequency of Use

  • Less than 20 transfers/day: Manual or semi-automatic Pass Box is sufficient.
  • More than 50 transfers/day: Opt for semi-automatic or electronic models for higher durability and error-free operation.

See more: Optimizing Pass Box Requirements in Negative Pressure Environments

5. Common Mistakes When Choosing a Pass Box

Investing in a Pass Box may seem simple, but in reality, there are many hidden risks if your factory doesn't properly assess its needs and technical requirements. Below are three common mistakes found in electronics manufacturing facilities:

1. Choosing the wrong type - violating ISO/GMP standards

Many factories select manual Pass Boxes even for high-grade clean areas (ISO 7-8) or skip the interlocking mechanism. This leads to:

  • Cross-contamination when both doors are opened at once
  • Failing GMP or ISO 14644 audits
  • Rejection from clients during production line certifications

Solution: Always match the Pass Box type with your cleanroom classification and installation zone.

pass-box-nha-may-dien-tu

2. Ignoring Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection

Electrostatic discharge is a silent killer in electronics manufacturing. Some companies opt for low-cost Pass Boxes without grounding, which risks damaging sensitive microcircuits.

Solution: Ask suppliers to provide proof of ESD protection, such as grounding terminals or anti-static materials.

3. Purchasing non-certified or low-quality equipment

Low-grade Pass Boxes typically:

  • Use fake stainless steel (e.g., 201) prone to rust
  • Lack material certification (CO, CQ)
  • Feature poor assembly and do not meet cleanroom standards

Solution: Work with a reputable manufacturer like VCR, which provides full documentation, material certifications (SUS 304), and detailed engineering drawings.

See more: Expert Guide to Dynamic Pass Box Maintenance and Repair

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pass Boxes in Electronics Manufacturing

Do Pass Boxes require ESD grounding?

Yes. Electronic components are highly sensitive to static discharge. Pass Boxes used in SMT, AOI, or testing areas should be equipped with ESD grounding systems or constructed using anti-static materials to ensure product safety and meet ISO/GMP compliance.

pass-box-nha-may-dien-tu-4

Can I order a custom-size Pass Box based on my factory layout?

Absolutely. VCR offers custom-built Pass Boxes according to your specific dimensions (width, height, depth) and site conditions-whether you're working with wall panels, steel frames, or airlock corridors.

Does VCR provide on-site installation?

Yes. VCR offers nationwide delivery and installation, especially for large-scale electronics projects or factories located in industrial zones. Our technical team supports on-site measurement, grounding checks, and operational training.

See more: Pass box installation procedure

7. Contact & Request a Quote

Looking for the right Pass Box for your electronics facility?
VCR provides full support-from model selection and custom layout design to installation and documentation (CO, CQ, drawings, catalogs).

Request now:

  • Detailed pricing by Pass Box type
  • Configuration consulting that meets ISO/GMP standards
  • Material samples and engineering drawings upon request

Contact us:

Hotline: 090.123.9008

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://Pass Box.vn

Diep VCR