How to Handle Varying Wafer Sizes in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing
Manufacturers usually pick direct wafer handling during thin film deposition in silicon semiconductor mass production. This makes ideal sense for the mass production of 300 mm wafer size. However, numerous wafer sizes are standard in the compound semiconductor industry. Having individual production lines for different wafer sizes is not economically feasible. Therefore, wafers of various sizes have to go through the same production line. And if you need a wafer handling end effector to handle these wafers, Kensington Laboratories is the one-stop solution.
DEMANDS IN COMPOUND SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTION
Silicon semiconductor processing is well-produced, and the wafers are all made at particular sizes. Wafer size modifications are periodic, which drives the handling options to a highly standardized and stable medium. However, the materials utilized in compound semiconductors are not well developed. Mass production of the device has been ramping up while substrate size increases continue to grow. This means more aging products tend to be created on smaller substrates, and more latest products tend to be made on larger substrates. Due to this, it is pretty common in the compound semiconductor sector to utilize distinct wafer sizes for different applications.
ADVANTAGES OF A WAFER CARRIER
To address these challenges and boost uptime, you can take advantage of a wafer carrier rather than direct handling to operate wafers of distinct sizes via one system. When using a wafer carrier, you don't need to break the vacuum for different wafer sizes. You can operate them through the system to perform various processes without hardware modifications, precisely as you use for the same wafer size. This evolves as even more critical if you utilize a cluster tool and high-volume producing software for process automation.
THIS HAS NUMEROUS VITAL ADVANTAGES:
HIGHER FLEXIBILITY FOR PROCESS CONTROL
In mass production of compound semiconductor production, you already need to be able to effective handling of complex coating processes. Using a wafer carrier gives you greater flexibility for your production site. Pausing production for multiple runs based on different wafer sizes will eventually complicate the system in the long run. However, using a wafer carrier compatibility with automation tools streamlines those operations.
EXCELLENT THROUGHPUT & PRODUCTIVITY
If you are utilizing any type of front-end opportunity, it is because you must get very high throughput. Breaking the vacuum and deploying tooling modifications to adjust different wafer sizes enhances system downtime and sacrifices productivity. With wafer carrier handling, you can manage the throughput required to fulfil tight production schedules. And for managing the precision in your manufacturing unit, there are numerous tools to handle precision motion control. Buy according to your need.
HIGHER ROI
In the mass-producing system, you will need a system already providing a higher ROI. When you meet the throughput demand, offer higher flexibility, and deliver increased productivity, it will ultimately raise your return on investment. A wafer carrier, completely compatible with your system, will help ensure that your production unit offers the highest ROI.
BOTTOM UP
If you are looking for the best semiconductor equipment, such as wafer carriers, and wafer handling end effectors, Kensington Laboratories is the leader in the production & manufacturing industry.
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