In a semiconductor fab, the features on a wafer are far smaller than a speck of dust. A single particle in the wrong place can ruin a die, so everything that comes near the wafer is controlled, and the operator’s gloves are closer to it than almost anything else.

Three ways a glove can cause defects

• Particles – loose particles on the glove surface can transfer to the wafer or to the tools that touch it.
• Residues – traces left from glove manufacturing can transfer on contact. This is why cleanroom gloves are washed and processed after they are made.
• Static – a charged glove attracts particles from the air and can discharge into a device.

What to look for in a fab glove

• A stated particle count. Our Class 100 glove is below 1,200 particles per cm² (0.5 µm and larger) and is made and packed in a Class 100 or cleaner environment.
• Powder-free. Powder is a particle source and has no place in a cleanroom.
• Controlled static. Our cleanroom grades have a surface resistance of 10⁵–10¹⁰ Ω/sq and a triboelectric charge of 20 V or less.
• Enough length. A 12 inch glove overlaps the sleeve of the cleanroom garment, so no skin is exposed at the wrist.
• Clean packaging. Gloves should arrive sealed in bags that can be opened inside the gowning area.

Which BestSky glove

For wafer handling and other particle-critical steps, use the Class 100 glove. It is ESD safe as standard, so it also suits static-sensitive devices. For support areas classified as Class 1000, the Class 1000 glove is the economical choice.

Our Technical Data Sheet lists extractable ion limits for each grade, including sodium, potassium, chloride and sulphate. If your process has limits for specific residues, compare them with the data sheet before you order.

Not sure which glove fits your process? Tell us your cleanroom class and we will recommend one, or see the full specification on the Products page.