For all manufacturing involving semiconductors and micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMs), one of the most important requirements is to maintain a precise cleaning process of silicon. This reduces yield problems that occur from both the organic and inorganic residues. As the size geometry and size of semiconductors continue to become smaller, there are higher risks associated with contamination of wafers especially by particle contaminators. For increased efficiency in your manufacturing processes you will need to purchase high quality and reliable silicon wafer cleaning equipment for your manufacturing facility.
Here are 5 factors to consider when shopping for silicon wafer cleaning equipment:
- Buy from a company with experience and expertise
Silicon wafer cleaners are different from other products you will buy on the market and fit into manufacturing environment. When you are purchasing this equipment you will need to look for a company that has a proven track record with in-house expertise and support. You also need to confirm that the equipment they provide will meet all of your manufacturing requirements. Upcoming companies with little experience are likely to sell you substandard products or products that are not fully qualified to meet your requirements. Companies that have been in the field for a long time will offer various equipment options based on their experience working with various customers.
- Buy equipment manufactured using the latest technology
As the quality and geometry of the MEMs and semiconductors advance, the technology used to make wafer cleaners have also advanced. Finer geometries require finely washed and cleaned silicon unlike in previous years which involved just simple immersions in hot alkaline. The modern cleaning equipment uses megasonic cleaning, centrifugal spraying, and ultrasonic cleaning technologies. The enclosed systems effectively clean all particles and contaminant films. You’re better off buying from a company that implements such advanced technology.
Photoresists require sophisticated cleaning methods like the piranha cleaning process which uses a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide to clean organic residues off substrates. This process requires that the equipment and procedure used be carefully followed to insure safety.
- Confirm that the equipment supports user manufacturing requirements
Cleaning equipment will always feature different cleaning aspects. You should check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that they match your requirements to ensure optimization of the resource. Wafer cleaners with additional features may be unnecessarily expensive if you never use some of the features.
- High quality and reliable tools
Money will always be a factor when it comes to purchasing wafer cleaning equipment, but quality and reliability must never be compromised. High quality and reliable equipment will last longer, work better and will not compromise the reputation of the manufacturer.
- Buy from a company that offers technical support and onsite repair
Many companies will sell you a product, but will not always offer good technical support and onsite repair if there is a problem. If a manufacturer does not offer good technical support or if the system does not work reliably, your manufacturing yields will be compromised. It is advisable to buy from a company that will offer technical support and repair of their wafer cleaning equipment in case of breakdown or malfunction.
Summary
With these factors in mind, work with a manufacturing supplier that provides reasonably priced yet effective silicon wafer cleaning equipment that is both efficient and durable. At Modutek Corporation, we strive to do this for all our customers and have been providing the high quality of equipment, service and support for over 30 years. Call us for a free quote at 866-803-1533 or visit our site at www.modutek.com.