The Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) contracted McD BERL, an India-based sustainable built solutions expert, to build its new Nano Manufacturing Technology Centre in Bangalore, India.
McD BERL has handed over the centre and it is now open.
Based in Bengaluru, India, CMTI is an advanced research and development institution that is a key player in developing and advancing manufacturing technologies for various sectors in India.
The centre is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to micro and nanomanufacturing
CMTI operates under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, part of the Government of India, and specialises in ultra-precision engineering, tribology, sensors, and rapid prototyping
The centre is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to micro and nanomanufacturing.
Built 10 metres underground, it offers “precision, stability, and control,” and is described as a "game-changer” for advanced research and development" by McD BERL on LinkedIn.
Placing the facility underground helps achieve ultra-low vibration levels and consistent temperature control
Further, placing the facility underground helps achieve ultra-low vibration levels and consistent temperature control, crucial for the high precision required in micro and nanofabrication.
The facility also houses over 50 advanced tools for nanofabrication and characterisation, enabling pioneering research and innovation.
Key features of the Nano Manufacturing Technology Centre include:
- Cleanroom Classes: 100, 1000, and 10,000
- Ultra-precise temperature control: 20 ± 0.1°C
- Optimised humidity levels: 50 ± 2%
- Floor vibrations minimized to below 100 Nm
- Controlled room pressure: 0.03 to 0.05 inch
- 3-stage filtration system with HEPA and ULPA filters (99.997% efficiency, capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns)
- Consistent unidirectional airflow for particle control
- Air velocity capped at 50 FPM to maintain purity
The team
For this project, McD BERL contracted CnT Architects, a longstanding India-based architectural firm, dating back to 1963.
CnT Architects were responsible for the architectural design and overall implementation of this facility.
The project involved creating an environment suitable for the highly precise requirements of micro and nanofabrication, including maintaining strict control over temperature, humidity, and vibration levels.
The facility also houses over 50 advanced tools for nanofabrication and characterisation, enabling pioneering research and innovation
CnT Architects’ design integrated cleanroom laboratories with advanced filtration and airflow systems, ensuring optimal performance for nano-scale research and manufacturing processes.
Going underground
Also, by building the facility 10 meters underground, the design minimises external environmental interference, such as vibrations, making it ideal for high-precision applications.
Through this project, CnT Architects’ showcased its ability to combine functional practicality with architectural precision in advanced manufacturing environments.
Top image: McD BERL's Nano Manufacturing Technology Centre