Requesting Information
For more information about replacement parts for Laurell products in the field, or to request an operator's manual or request general support, please visit the Support page.
Any other questions or requests can be addressed directly to
customer support.
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 650 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!
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 TFM models are manufactured 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
I have never heard of Laurell Technologies. Why should I buy your "Spin Processor"?
A. The company is now celebrating 40 of continuous operation. Decades ago we built our first spinner to assist one of our Megasonic cleaner customers with the cleaning and drying of GaAs and 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. Learn more about us.
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.
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.