From food processing lines to pharmaceutical labs and cannabis cultivation rooms, cleanrooms are built on precision, consistency, and absolute control. These environments don’t tolerate shortcuts—especially when it comes to hygiene and compliance.

Yet, one detail often overlooked is video monitoring. Not just any camera will do. 

In environments where microbial contamination needs to be avoided and harsh washdowns are daily concerns, the wrong camera can quickly become a liability.

That’s where corrosion-resistant, bacteria-resistant stainless steel cameras come into play—not as accessories, but as a core cleanroom technology.

Why Traditional Cameras Don’t Cut It In Cleanrooms

Video monitoring systems in sterile and sanitary settings have to do more than just capture footage. Cameras need to withstand frequent exposure to chemical cleaning agents, pressurized washdowns, and varying temperature conditions. 

Standard housing materials, often made from plastic or standard aluminum alloys, degrade quickly in these environments. They corrode, crack, and, worst of all, collect bacteria in microscopic crevices.

In industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cannabis, that’s a compliance violation waiting to happen.

Stainless steel—specifically, AISI 316 stainless steel—is the material of choice in these applications for a reason.

Why You Should Choose AISI 316 Stainless Steel

Not all stainless steel is created equal. AISI 316 stainless steel, used in Opticom’s corrosion-resistant camera housings, is ratee to enhance corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and other industrial solvents.

This makes AISI 316 a no-compromise solution for:

• Washdown environments, where caustic cleaners are routinely used
• High humidity conditions, where lesser metals rust or oxidize
• Hygienic design, because of the smooth surface finish that resists bacterial growth

This level of durability ensures long-term camera performance and integrity, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for frequent equipment replacement. In turn, this means that your video monitoring system has a much better ROI.

Hygienic By Design: Why Bacteria Resistance Matters

In any cleanroom or sterile environment, bacteria is the enemy. Video monitoring equipment, if poorly designed, can act as a breeding ground for microorganisms. 

That’s why the stainless steel cameras from Opticom are engineered with smooth, crevice-free housings that discourage microbial adhesion.

These cameras are also:

• Non-porous, eliminating hidden zones where bacteria could thrive
• Easy to sanitize, allowing for fast and thorough cleaning during routine operations
• IP-rated, meaning they’re sealed against dust and high-pressure water jets

As a result, your facility is compliant with FDA, GMP, and other regulatory standards. 

Cleanroom Monitoring Is More Than Just Security

Too often, video monitoring in cleanrooms is only associated with theft prevention or employee oversight. But in sectors like pharmaceuticals and cannabis, cameras play a much broader role.

In pharmaceuticals:

• Cameras help ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed during formulation, packaging, and QA processes.
• They support traceability and documentation, especially during FDA audits.
• High-resolution footage can be used for root cause analysis if a batch is compromised.

In food processing:

• Video monitoring can help spot cross-contamination risks and packaging issues in real time.
• Footage can confirm sanitation protocols were followed correctly.
• Operators can review processes to improve workflow and reduce waste.

In cannabis production:

• Cameras are essential for meeting state-mandated compliance tracking requirements.
• Video monitoring supports environmental controls in grow rooms and extraction labs.
• Operators can remotely monitor critical stages of production without entering sensitive areas.

In each of these industries, the ability to install and rely on cameras that won’t degrade or harbor bacteria is essential—not optional.

Why Washdown-Ready Cameras Are a Necessity

Harsh cleaning chemicals. Pressure washing. High-temperature steam. These are part of the daily routine in cleanroom environments.

A camera that can’t stand up to these cleaning procedures not only compromises safety but becomes a vector for contamination. That’s why Opticom’s stainless steel cameras are:

• Engineered to meet IP66/IP67/IP68 standards, offering full protection against water ingress
• Built for longevity, with corrosion-resistant materials that don’t degrade with repeated exposure to disinfectants
• Able to operate in extreme temperature ranges, maintaining reliability in refrigerated or hot processing areas

These features extend the life of your video monitoring system while supporting regulatory compliance and peace of mind.

Cleanroom-Specific Applications for Stainless Steel Cameras

Stainless steel cameras come with many benefits, especially for cleanrooms. Some examples:

• Environmental Monitoring: Cameras can provide visual verification of environmental controls (e.g., positive air pressure or personnel gowning procedures), ensuring that cleanroom integrity is preserved.
• Access Control: Stainless steel cameras combined with access control systems help document who enters and exits critical areas, improving both security and traceability.
• Remote Inspection: In high-risk environments—such as pharmaceutical compounding labs — cameras enable supervisors to remotely observe and verify procedures without risking contamination from unnecessary foot traffic.
• Employee Training: Footage from cleanroom cameras can be used to onboard new employees, helping them understand procedures in real-time, without exposing them to high-risk environments during early training.

Built for Sterile Spaces, Backed by Industrial Strength

At Opticom, our stainless steel cameras aren’t retrofitted for cleanroom use—they’re built for it from day one. With models designed specifically for the food, pharma, and cannabis industries, we understand the balance between rugged durability and hygienic integrity.

Our customers choose Opticom because:

• We use AISI 316 stainless steel, the industry gold standard for corrosion resistance.
• Our designs are easy to clean, resisting bacterial buildup and standing up to repeated washdowns.
• Our cameras integrate seamlessly, whether you’re using IP systems, legacy analog systems, or transitioning to a hybrid video monitoring setup.

Not sure in which areas you need stainless steel cameras and how many to install? You don’t have to make these choices alone.

At Opticom Tech, we don’t just sell cameras; we sell systems that improve your operations and your bottom line. Book a call with one of our experts—we can talk through the best choice for cleanrooms in your business.