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Q. I just
want to run a few wafers and don't need all the "bells & whistles",
just an inexpensive, low-tech, reliable spinner will do...
A.
We believe our NPP-Lite series
Spin Processor is exactly what you need. The construction material used is
impervious to nearly all solvents and acids. Our controller is programmable but
you do not need to set anything more than the speed to run it. Writing a program
sequence, if needed, is so simple that most people don't even have to read the
instructions. Our Process
Controller can be factory upgraded for automatic chemical feed
requirements. A vacuum sensor constantly monitors wafer hold-down force and
stops rotation if the user-selected value is not maintained. A built in
RS-232 communication interface allows the use of optional Spin2000
software to be used to store, upload, download, and monitor programs on your
Windows 95/98/NT/2000® personal computer. The controller will never lose your
program because it is stored in non-volatile memory. We typically have these
units in stock...our most popular models!
Q.
My work dictates that I purchase the best system possible. I demand, and am
willing to pay for, the cleanest, most highly chemical resistant advanced
materials available. A precise controller with communication capability and
software is also necessary to keep track of my process development. Do you
make such a system?
A.
Our T series is made from solid
zero-porosity Semiconductor Grade PTFE which is the best possible material for
wet processing available. The WS-500
system, with its millisecond accuracy, allows programmed speed,
acceleration rate, and actuation of up to 8 valves. Fluid/gas dispensing is
accomplished through an array of Teflon® single head adjustable injectors
and only the best Teflon® valves are supplied. We typically stock or
can quickly construct these very popular models.
Q.
How do you measure flow on your automatic chemical feed system configuration?
A.
Because the fluid pressure can be easily adjusted by way of a simple regulator
and our timing is so precise, only a fixed-orifice spray head and a flow chart
are needed to accurately determine flow volume. Various ranges of flow can
easily and quickly be achieved by using a variety of different size spray heads
or a single point injector. Of course, we can supply any other dispensing
technology you desire.
Q.
My present spinner has an open top and is mounted into my wet-bench. Will I have
to adjust my chemical use or technique to use a closed process chamber? Do you
have a model which I can permanently install in the wet deck in place of my
obsolete spinner?
A.
Laurell Spin Processors not only produce better process results than older
open-type designs, they are much safer to operate. Some slight adjustment in
process technique is usually required; for example, chemical usage is typically
less. The closed design creates a natural solvent atmosphere allowing coating
materials to dry more slowly, and thus more uniformly. The lid is an important part
of our safety system, protecting
the operator from splashes and chemical exposure by channeling processed fluids
directly to the drain. The Nitrogen purge port and combined drain/vent allows
constant safe ventilation of the system during and after use. A vacuum sensor
constantly monitors wafer hold-down force and stops rotation if the
user-selected value is not maintained. All Laurell systems are available indeck
mounted with remote controls.
Q.
What chucks do I need to order?
A.
Normally the vacuum chuck — and in some models a fragment adapter — is supplied at
no additional charge. We offer hundreds of different chuck designs which have
been already engineered and tested. A custom chuck or experimental chuck can be
quickly manufactured to fit nearly every requirement. See our standard
vacuum chucks.
Q.
Do you have chucks which automatically center my wafer?
A.
We have vacuum and "edge hold" non-vacuum mechanical chucks for nearly
every application. We also have a combination vacuum/non-vacuum chuck.
Q.
How do I know which material is best for my present application as well as
future applications?
A.
Normally Natural Polypropylene provides adequate performance for most
applications, but PTFE is available.
Q.
Can I mix and match chuck materials and other components between models?
A.
Most of our equipment is universal, therefore switching such items as chucks is
easily accomplished both before and after delivery.
Q.
Why are all of your spinners so expensive?
A.
We have held our prices steady since 1996 and believe we provide the finest
equipment of this kind sold anywhere in the world. Laurell Technologies has
focused on value as our customers have demanded, and as a result our sales
continue to increase each year. Our view is that it would be irresponsible to
give less quality and performance than is necessary or required. We will
continue to listen to our customers — an idea our competitors haven't quite
picked up on as yet.
Q.
Why are all of your spinners so inexpensive?
A.
Laurell is a small, privately-held, efficient company specializing only in spin
processing systems. All of our efforts are expended toward improvement of our
products, based on the needs of our customers!
Q.
How do I know the spinner will work for my application?
A.
We don't know that — we don't presume to know exactly what you are doing — but
we do know many previously-thought-to-be-impossible processes have been
successfully developed and run in our systems. We attribute our success to the
use of non-contaminating materials as well as the closed (more controllable)
configuration of our equipment. We are always available to provide assistance
and design changes when necessary to optimize the equipment's use and
performance. We endeavor to satisfy our customers to the best of our ability!
Many of our customers have rewarded us over and over with repeated business and kind referrals.
Q.
After a few years will I still be able to keep upgrading my present spinner or
will I have to buy a new unit at full price?
A.
You will always be able to keep up with our latest developments by upgrading
older designs; however, trade-ins are also available when purchasing new
equipment. Most of our present customers are not giving up their older processors, instead they're
choosing to pass them along to someone else in the company or
institution. There is a constant demand for our used equipment worldwide —
so much so that we keep a list of those inquiries, and try to satisfy at least
some of them.
Q.
I have never heard of Laurell Technologies. Why should I buy your "Spin
Processor"?
A.
The company is now in its 1 7th year of continuous operation.
Thirteen years ago we
built our first spinner to assist one of our Megasonic cleaner customers with
the cleaning and drying of GaAs and InP wafers. We announced our results in
several magazines with a tremendous response. Our product development has never
stopped and our equipment still increases in popularity each year. We maintain
personal relationships, where possible, with many of our customers. A qualified
human being will always answer the phone (during business hours) because doing
less, we feel, is irresponsible. More
details about us.
Q.
How reliable are Laurell spin processors and what happens if it breaks down?
A.
We consider all non-operating systems an emergency and do everything possible to
remedy the problem immediately! Because this is not a common occurrence, one day
turnaround is normal.
Q.
Can I brush my substrate while it is spinning?
A.
This is considered, by us, to be a serious operational and safety issue!
We do not support any mechanical intervention while a substrate is rotating.
Q.
What do customers say about Laurell Technologies?
A.
See for yourself!
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
Teflon is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours
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