FT Archives

Coating Reduces Spin/Dip Equipment Maintenance - Posted 6/10/08

When King Polytechnic Engineering Co. Ltd. (KPEC), a major optoelectronics and semiconductor equipment manufacturer, wanted to replace the PTFE coating on its medium- to large-sized spin/dip coating equipment, it switched to VICOTE® Coating based on VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer. The new coatings substantially reduced maintenance requirements.

When King Polytechnic Engineering Co. Ltd. (KPEC), a major optoelectronics and semiconductor equipment manufacturer, wanted to replace the PTFE coating on its medium- to large-sized spin/dip coating equipment, it switched to VICOTE® Coating based on VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer.

According to Frank Huang, plant manager of KPEC Clean Room Division, “When the PTFE coating was placed in an extreme environment with highly acidic/basic chemicals and high temperatures, it stripped off easily after the thermocycle of developing, etching, and stripping. This resulted in frequent maintenance of the spin coating part. However, since we switched to the VICOTE Coating, we have not received any maintenance requests,” said Huang.

The most crucial and difficult step in the manufacturing process of semiconductors and LCDs is photolithography. Only through the SPIN/DIP process can the stripper, etching and developing solution be completely fabricated on the wafer and the glass substrate. This is done in the most extreme environment involving highly acidic/basic chemicals and high temperature where the equipment’s stability and uniformity can directly affect the yield of wafers and LCD panels.

According to Gary Li, Country Manager of Victrex Taiwan, “The VICOTE Coating helps reduce the particle generation of spin coater during the developing, etching, and stripping processes. This not only extends the equipment lifespan and reduces the need for maintenance, it also significantly enhances the production efficiency and yield of wafers and LCD panels.”

“Because the VICOTE coating has exceptional abrasion resistance, bonding strength on substrate and chemical resistance,” explained Li, “It can significantly lower the particle generation and withstand most chemical substances. Applying it on the key components of processing equipment can help extend the equipment’s lifespan and reduce the need for maintenance, thus enhancing the production efficiency and yield of wafer and LCD panels for end users. KPEC currently uses the VICOTE Coating on its medium- to large-sized SPIN/DIP equipment series for wafers and LCD panels that are 8 in or larger.”

Commenting on the increasing demands of the semiconductor industry, Li said “With the advances toward larger wafer size and higher precision, and an environment involving stronger chemicals and higher temperatures, the introduction of advanced materials and processing techniques becomes key to the industry’s development.”

For more information, visit www.vicote.com.
You must register or login in order to post comments.

Multimedia

Videos

Image Galleries

American Coating Show 2012

The American Coatings Show and Conference, held every two years, took place May 7-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, in the heart of the Manufacturing Belt, the oldest and largest concentration of industrial companies in the Midwest.

Podcasts

PCI Top 5 - January 12, 2012
PCI's Podcast series on the five most e-mailed/shared articles and stories for the week.

More Podcasts

THE MAGAZINE

PCI Magazine

PCI may 2012 cover

2012 May

Check out PCI's May issue!!

TABLE OF CONTENTS SUBSCRIBE

iPad

Do you own/use an iPad?
If yes, do you use your iPad for business or personal reasons?
Have you purchased a business app within the last 6 months?
See Poll Results Poll Archive

THE PCI STORE

PCI-June-2011-Coversmall.gif
PCI Additives Handbook

Encyclopedia of information on the properties and uses of coatings additives.

More Products

Clear Seas Research

Clear Seas ResearchWith access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications,Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

Virtual Brochures

PageCollageClick on the Virtual Brochures page to view multiple categories that list downloadable product literature from leading industry suppliers.

STAY CONNECTED

Facebook Twitter  LinkedIn YouTube