Tech Notes

Requesting Information

For more information about replacement parts for Laurell products in the field, 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

NEW SOFTWARE RELEASE - Laurell Touch Version 1.07.02 and Spin 3000 Version 1.07.04 04/27/21

This new version of Laurell Touch:

  • Adds an increment button on top of roll bars
  • When a configuration change is made by a privileged user (e.g., administrator) the number of valves, outputs, or sensors in use are left unchanged
  • When setting the spin processor’s clock, fixes the year being set incorrectly


This new version of Spin 3000:

  • When a configuration change is made by a privileged user (e.g., administrator) the number of valves, outputs, or sensors in use are left unchanged
  • When setting the spin processor’s clock, fixes the year being set incorrectly


Firmware for 650 series controller ver. 47002025b 04/07/21

This new firmware:

  • Adds - LCD Brightness (contrast) Control See below


To access 47002025b’s brightness control

On the 650 Controller:
1. Press the Info button
2. Select Configuration using the down arrow
3. Press F1
4. Press Pg Dn twice
5. Then use the up/down arrows to adjust setting

The setting will be remembered across power on/off cycles.

If enabled, please be careful to not accidently toggle “Tune Motor”. If you do, please power cycle the spin processor

Firmware for 650 series controller ver. 47002025 11/28/17

This new firmware:

Expands the number of valves and sensors that can be addressed by the controller up to a combination of 32 valves and 24 sensors, or 24 valves and 32 sensors

Software Updates:

Spin 3000 ver. 1.07.02 - Allows the software to use the extra valves and sensors in the firmware update above
Laurell Touch ver. 1.07.01 - Allows the software to use the extra valves and sensors in the firmware update above

Attention Glovebox Users — Air Supply Required 08/10/16

A continuous CDA/N2 supply is required, even when the processor is not in use. Certain chemicals such as DSMO, DMF, and Chlorobenzene can, in the absence of the seal purge, cause motor damage.

Learn more about why purge is required.

NEW RELEASE — Spin 3000 software ver. 1.06.02 06/09/16

This version adds two new features:

Unless forced to do so, Spin 3000 waits for status messages from a spin processor before soliciting spin processor configuration information.
This Should eliminate "hang" when attempting to get configuration information from an unconnected Bluetooth® capable spin processor.

Program sheets are no longer tightly coupled horizontally to their containing notebook.
This means the notebook can be horizontally resized to a size significantly larger than the program sheet. It is bound only by the size of the Spin 3000 window. The resizing is not stored for future runs
This is particularly useful for displaying a large number of program tabs for a spin processor with no valves or sensors.

NEW RELEASE — Spin 3000 software ver. 1.06.01 05/18/16

Added features:

Administrator level users now have a “Tune Motor” option



This version fixes several issues including the following:

Fixes Sending configuration when refreshing programs on spin processor, now sends just the Program Count
Fixes Failure to get Spin Processor configuration at startup or reconnections
Fixes Comparison of notebook and spin processor to include the Model Number, and Serial Number
Fixes Stops receiving when switching back to Spin Processor operational mode

NEW RELEASE — Firmware for Spin 3000/650 ver. 47000022y/47000024m 03/15/16

This new firmware:

Improves communication between Spin 3000 and Laurell Touch software by disabling periodic status messages when remote commands are being received

NEW RELEASE — Spin 3000 software ver. 1.05.09 10/31/13

This version allows foreign language users to administratively login, handling multiple Spin Processors connected simultaneously, and limits the maximum number of permissible processes on a sheet to the associated maximum number of spin processor programs. It is compatible with Bluetooth and legacy 650 systems.

NEW RELEASE — Spin 3000 software ver. 1.05.07 09/23/13

This version allows Spin 3000 to use COM ports 10 and higher, and is compatible with legacy 650 systems.

Other software revisions addressed:

This version fixes crashing issues on some Windows 7 systems when Spin 3000 starts and a RS-232 USB adapter is not installed
Improves uploading of programs from the controller to a PC
Revision addresses a software failure when 3 or more programs are entered with identical 10-character names

Improved software capabilities such as:
Remote running from PC
Run record function
Copy notebook (useful for copying programs from one spin processor to another)
Queries OS for available COM ports
Import record file capability with auto-loop detection (requires WS-650 firmware 47000020d/47000022d or higher)
Prevent crashing when right-clicking on table headings
Mousewheel sheet movements
Data entry issues on "Configure Spin Processor" Dialog
Resetting range issue for speed & acceleration

Note to Porous Chuck Users 02/08/13

Cleaning the High Porosity Insert
The insert can be cleaned by wiping with an acetone wetted wipe, or in severe cases, the insert can be removed and soaked in acetone (we recommend no longer than 1-2 hours). If any other solvent is used, we recommend the same guidelines. Soak the insert, then rinse in an appropriate rinsing solution and blow dry with high pressure N2.

Lid Tension Adjustment for all WS-650-23, 8, 15 and EDC models 06/25/12

Information, instructions and adjustment kit, P/N 10090166, is available for any user who wishes to adjust the lid tension. Adjustments can be made to loosen or tighten lid opening/closing tension.

Newest firmware version for Spin 3000/650 10/05/11

Version 47000022o is available.

This new firmware:

  • Allows for easier valve identification when running in the EDIT mode.

Other firmware revisions address:

  • Reconfigures the foot switch to be able to directly start the processor.
  • Addresses low speed error.
  • Fixes time stamp to show correct decade.
  • Adds I2C error immunity, which should fix infrequent system freezes and improve readings from remote devices (e.g., temperature probe).
  • Adds support for sharing the I2C bus with the Light Tree card.
  • Fixes intermittent motor slow-to-rotate (several minutes) when lid is opened after a single-step program runs its course.
  • An unexpected activation of the CDA interlock with "Loss CDA" error.
  • An unexpected turn off of the vacuum and the inability to actuate vacuum when using the vacuum switch.
  • A very slow deceleration rate for 650(H)(z)(High performance drive motors) if the default program step is used as the last step (00.01.00 time; 00000rpm: 00002 acceleration) or when the programmed time completes with a very slow acceleration rate on the last step.
  • A motor acceleration condition when transitioning from maximum spin speed (12,000 RPM capable systems only) to a very slow spin speed when using the 650SZ model with the standard drive motor. A workaround without using the new firmware version is to transition from the max spin speed to an intermediate one before going to very slow spin speed. For example, when transitioning from 12,000 RPM to 200 RPM, first transition from 12,000 RPM to 6,000 RPM, and then to 200 RPM.
  • 650 — Intermittent or Continuous Scrolling Display 08/29/11

    If your 650's screen on occasion, or just constantly, scrolls, there may be a simple solution. Just contact Laurell Support and report the serial number and "650 scrolling problem" and we'll tell you how to quickly rectify it.

    ADVISORY — Installing Spin 3000 software 01/18/11

    Users having issues installing Spin 3000 are advised to follow best practices when installing this (or any) software.

    • 1. Close all currently running applications
    • 2. Verify computer's color setting is set to 32 bit. Use medium to maximum resolution.
    • 3. Disable any running anti-virus software
    • 4. Right-click the installer and Run As Administrator (especially on Windows 7/Vista)
    • 5. Complete software installation
    • 6. Re-enable anti-virus software
    • 7. Restart the system & run application on subsequent startup

    Note to UD-1 Users: 01/18/11

    If experiencing suck back control problems, add a small 006 o-ring between the speed control valve and the UD's body. Tighten the spin control valve firmly.

    Note to customers regarding uniformity tolerance 01/04/10

     

    Question: Does Laurell quote a uniformity tolerance for its spin processors?

     

    Answer: We do not quote a uniformity tolerance for our Spin Coaters. We have many customers, in academia and industry, who are spin coating many different materials using our spin processors. Uniformity is not just a function of the processor itself. Uniformity is the result of understanding and controlling all the variables that occur during and after the coating process. As the process engineer or researcher, you need to develop a coat recipe that works well with your material.

     

    The viscosity of your material will dictate the structure of your program. e.g. If it is thin material, dispense spin speed may be faster than it would be for thick material. Dispense technique will also impact uniformity.

    Are you using static dispense or dynamic dispense? If dynamic dispense is being used, how is the material being applied to the substrate? What is the distance between the nozzle and the substrate? What is the size of the nozzle? Is the nozzle clean? Is the chuck level? Is the room environment controlled (i.e., temperature, humidity, air flow, exhaust, etc.)? What is the temperature uniformity of your hot plate or oven? This is just a small sample of the many variables that affect coating uniformity.

     

    As an example of what you can achieve with proper programming, control, and set-up, a professor at a major U.S. university was able to achieve 80Å uniformity across a 100mm Si wafer with 1-2µm of photoresist.

     

    Our tool can achieve excellent uniformity with the proper understanding and execution of spin coating.

    Redesigned diffuser valve stem, P/N 11010548 Rev. B 01/07/09

    This redesign addresses:

    • Improved dome rinsing and clearing
    Bio

    With tens of thousands of systems installed worldwide since 1985, Laurell Technologies is the world's leading manufacturer of spin coaters and spin processors for the Semiconductor, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology industries.
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